The Legend of Neil Roberts and The Temptress of Templeton There is a story the old-timers in Paso Robles sometimes tell, when they are on their third or fourth bottle of zinfandel. With a little prodding, you might get to hear the story of how, back in the 1880s, Neil Roberts rescued a young lady…
For several weeks now I have been hearing rumors about our newest wine bar in town: Roman Holiday Wine Lounge (RH). I myself was guilty of repeating the original quip, “bath house or wine bar”? So, armed with pen and pad, and the nerve to request an interview, I met with Jen Baker, their manager/sommelier,…
In my own Wine 101 blog I routinely dedicate an entire column to a review of one bottle of wine. I find it only fair as one winemaker, one winery and one nod from Mother Nature did as well. So today I give you my reflections on: 2000 Chateau Moulin de Sales AOC Lalande de…
For a long time, BYOB in Las Vegas was pretty hit-or-miss. Some restaurants welcomed BYOB diners with open arms, some charged outrageous corkage fees, some said they didn’t allow BYOB, while others said it was illegal [I believe it actually was in some parts of LV, maybe still is]. Some of these inconsistencies occurred at…
Talk about a gorgeous winery! The iconic grounds alone should make you gasp and we took lots of photos and selfies before even starting the tour. (Facebook album link here.) Once our guide met us we learned that the winery started in 1694 with 73 hectares when the Baron de Longeville married the daughter of…
An hour’s drive from Bordeaux’s center is St. Julien – where you will see Châteaux, some directly across the street or next door to one another with vines as far as the naked eye can see. We hit the mother load. We took photos where we could (see Facebook album here.) and even found a…
HALL St. Helena has announced the date for its annual Kathryn Hall Release Party releasing the 2012 vintage of its flagship Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12 and will include a unique Vertical Tasting prior to the event hosted by award winning winemaker, Steve Leveque. 2012 is one…
What a treat it has been for me to find an old acquaintance of mine had written what I think is the essential bar book, “The 12 Bottle Bar” with her husband, still lives in my neighborhood, and graciously gave me a copy of my own to devour! Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, who some may remember…
A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE A film by David Kennard82 minutes, documentary, color, 2014 In English & French w/ English subtitles (optional English SDH)DVD Extras: Four Shorts (Harvest; Vineyard Cabin; Blending at Gosset; Opening a Bottle) • The Champagne Bureau’s “From Terroir to Wine” • About the Winemakers • About the FilmmakersThe exploding cork. Endless tiny…
When I first compiled this list one of the restaurants I contacted asked me what a corkage fee is. I also had a reader ask me once. So, just to make sure we are all on the same page the fee, established by the restaurant, is a charge for opening and serving a bottle that…