2001 Silverado Vineyards Cabernet, Napa Valley
I’m usually suspicious of wineries that have massive, Tuscan inspired architectural tasting rooms perched on the brink of prime real
1999 Haut Beausejour St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France
Further evidence that name and terrior are not everything, and you have to be careful when buying Bordeaux, lest you
2002 The Prisoner, Red Table Wine, Orin Swift Cellars, Napa
I have a thing for funky wine labels, and I enjoy various winemakers attempts to break out of the boring
2001 Pahlmeyer “Jayson” Chardonnay
If Chardonnays lifted weights, this one would be able to bench press way over its body weight. It’s a massive,
Restaurant Review: The Best Pastry Shops (Patisseries) in Paris*
The last time I went to Paris (over 10 years ago), I had a particularly non memorable time, mostly because
2002 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre, Loire, France
There’s nothing like Sancerre (known anywhere else it grows as Sauvignon Blanc) to go with oysters and other shellfish. I
1999 Chateau Les Ormes-Sorbet, Medoc, France
I just got back from a long weekend in Paris, with much to write about here (some restaurant, hotel, and
Restaurant Review: SF Ferry Plaza, San Francisco’s New Gourmet Center
I was reluctantly persuaded to head down to the San Francisco Ferry Terminal today for lunch with some colleagues, and
2000 Iron Horse Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Green Valley
Iron Horse embodies everything I like about Sonoma county. Leaving aside the Sonoma vs. Napa debate for future flogging, suffice
Restaurant Review: Watercress, San Francisco
It’s pretty easy for me to find something wrong about a restaurant — I can be an overly critical guy,
2001 Scott Harvey Syrah
If I had to pick one wine that has consistently blown away everyone I have served it to in the
2003 Mionetto Novello Marca Trevigiana, Italy
I bought this wine on a whim, after reading a review of it in one of my favorite wine newsletters
2001 Martella “Hammer” Syrah
If I was going to name a wine “Hammer” I would damn well make sure that it had the oomph
2001 Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel
Further proof that Mr. Robert Parker is not all he’s cracked up to be. I’ve mentioned elsewhere that his palate
1997 Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant
I was first introduced to Le Cigare Volant by the 1995 vintage, and while I enjoyed the wine, it became
2001 Ramey Claret, Napa Valley
I first encountered Ramey wines at the Family Winemakers Tasting event at Fort Mason in San Francisco. I wandered over
Restaurant Review: Limon, San Francisco
I enjoy being able to see into the kitchen when I’m dining out, because sometimes I learn things, and also
Ruby Wine: A friendly wine shop
On the way to get some won-ton soup tonight, Ruth and I were strolling in Portrero Hill and decided to
BYOW Night at Tablespoon
Last minute alert from ZagatWire: Tonight, February 3: Tablespoon hosts “B.Y.O.W.” Night (Bring Your Own Wine), a monthly wine and
