Domaine Pallus 2009 Chinon Les Pensées de Pallus

Back in the wonderful Loire Valley!  And this time we're going red with a Biodynamic Chinon.

Bargain Basement Bonus: Jeriko Estates 2009 Syrah

Here's a bonus episode for ya:  A nice organic bargain Mendocino Syrah ($9.99) for everyday drinking.

Happy Valentines!

Here's something sweet, sparkling, red and yummy...the perfect wine to cap off your Valentine's celebration.  Raspberry, Strawberry and Rose petals in a glass. Killer with dark chocolate!

2009 Giacomo Bologna Braida Brachetto d'Acqui

Quiz & Quote #23

"I like all varietals.  I just don't generally like the way they manipulate Chardonnay in California.  Too much oak and secondary malolactic fermentation."                                               

- Miles Raymond (Sideways) 

Movie Wine Trivia

1. In 'Silence of the Lambs' Hannibal Lecter claims to have eaten a human liver with what wine?
Barolo Chianti Bordeaux Dolcetto
2. In 'Notorious' Devlin breaks a bottle of this Burgundy to find it filled with uranium?
1937 Volnay 1935 Romanee-Conti 1940 Gevrey-Chambertin 1934 Pommard
3. In 'Sideways' Maya opens a bottle of which wine and proclaims it too high in alcohol?
Sassicaia Whitcraft Prinot Noir Andrew Murray M Syrah Fiddlehead Sauvignon Blanc
4. In the 'Bottle Shock' barroom blind tasting scene Gustavo identifies this Cabernet.
1974 Stag's Leap 1970 Heitz 1971 Ridge 1972 Robert Mondavi
5. In 'Dr. No' Bond picks up a bottle of which '55 Champagne to use as a weapon?
Dom Perignon Veuve Clicquot Pol Roger Bollinger
6. In 'The Muppet Movie' Kermit orders a bottle of bubbly. What is it?
Cava Champagne Prosecco Sparkling Muscatel from Idaho
7. In 'French Kiss' Luc teaches Kate about terroir using
Burgundian soil samples A drive through the French countryside A bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape A homemade aroma kit

Alma Rosa 2009 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County

A fabulous little Chardonnay from one of my favorite producers on the Central Coast.  This is what California Chardonnay should be all about.

Alma Rosa's Santa Rita Hills tasting room taken on my Summer 2010 Central Coast trip.

Remember this guy from Sideways?  That's Chris Burroughs, and he is indeed the tasting room manager at Alma Rosa.