Each March we make a concerted effort to head to Austin, Texas for the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival (2011). This four day festival (nearly 20 events to choose from) goes from Thursday to Sunday, usually during the last weekend of the month. Unfortunately this year, we did not arrive until late Thursday night forcing us to miss the Stars Across Texas Gala. This event is a walk around Bacchanalia with world renowned chefs and wines from around the world. Though Texas wines are featured, there are plenty of delicious offerings from California, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere. Though, as I said we were unable to attend, the consensus was it was a great event and “better than last year,” which we thought was pretty darn good. Continue reading »
In the immortal words of Carol Ann Freeling in Poltergeist II “They’re Back.” Yes they are back and just as scary as before. The House of Representatives Bill H.R. 5034 or as my fellow blogger Tom Wark has titled it, The Wholesaler Protection Act, has been resurrected just last week as H.R. 1161.
Your Wine Rights Are Under Attack!!! Stop H.R. 1161.
MacPhail Family Pratt Vineyard Pinot Noir
2007 Pratt Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA $49 (s) – Rating 95
James MacPhail of MacPhail Family Wines is a master of Pinot Noir and it shows in this wonderful wine. As it opens this Pinot offers something more with each sip. A silky and complex wine with supple tannins, it will hold your attention. Dark flavors of black cherry, cola and smoky saddle leather make this an utterly delicious wine. Other scores on this wine range from 90-96.
Folie à Deux Chardonnay
2009 Folie à Deux Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA $18 (S) Rating 92
Paired with a piece of rare grilled tuna and a grilled salad (asiago cheese/peppercorn dressing, bacon & diced tomatoes), the Folie à Deux Chardonnay really hit the spot and held it’s own. Well developed flavors of red apple, peach, butter, oak and vanilla. This is no overblown CA Chardonnay but has a great blend of those oak, vanilla and buttery flavors we love. At $20 or less, it is a great buy.
Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay
2008 Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 87
A very pleasant crisp Chardonnay. Delicate notes of white peach, pear, apple and melon. Clean finish with a touch of minerality.