For those who read loyally, last week you may have noted that for the first time since the inception of the web site (nearly one year ago), there was not a new weekly article.   Fear not, it was not a “slip” nor was it for lack of ideas.   Rest assured there is not a run [...]

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Generally I reserve warmer temperatures or seasons for drinking most white wines.   For me, I personally prefer a mid-70 degree day, the sunshine on my shoulders and a comfortable lounge chair as I sit back and sip a tropical-nosed white wine.   Sometimes, however, when a white wine has that certain proper kick of acidity, it [...]

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If there is a grape which is followed with fervor and passion in Napa Valley, it is Petite Sirah.   Despite its name’s diminutive reference, the grape is capable of creating a big, bold tannic red wine loaded with complexity.  Primarily grown today in California (despite initially being grown in France), this grape is adored by [...]

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‘Tis the Season . . . for Dungeness Crab and Sparkling Wine!    While December can bring colder temperatures and often inclement weather, it makes up for it by delivering fresh Dungeness Crab to the Bay Area.   In the Bay Area, Dungeness Crab season typically begins in December and thus the delicious seafood finds its way [...]

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Thanksgiving has come and gone, but its wake has left most refrigerators loaded with leftovers and a waning interest in them.    If culinary doldrums were not enough to wrestle with, hectic holiday schedules kick off this week with events, office parties, shopping, and parties with friends and neighbors on the nearby horizon.    Despite these constraints, [...]

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Napa’s warm days are growing shorter and its evening cool coastal breezes are arriving earlier and gracing the late afternoon.   The hint of cool marine breeze combined with warm late summer afternoon sun reminds Napa Valley’s residents that autumn is just around the corner.   With thoughts of autumn in mind, wine connoisseurs affectionately dream of red [...]

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Whether it is hot weather or spicy food, some people just like it “hot”.   If you are looking for a wine that will hold up well in either situation, Gewürztraminer is a superb choice.
Gewürztraminer is a white wine grape which is made into either a dry or “off-dry” wine and is known for its sweet [...]

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Ah, Bubbles…  tiny, floating and rising to the top with grace and speed as if to greet or announce impending celebration.    This may sound like a description of Champagne, and it would be if I were sitting in France and drinking one of its vintages.   But instead, since I am located in Napa Valley, what [...]

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Twenty years ago I spent my first summer studying in Mexico.   I found the people warm, enlightening, generous in spirit and gifted at taking time to enjoy that which matters most:   family, daily life, that which they have and that which surrounds them.    It was an easy lifestyle to embrace:  so I returned the two [...]

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