The First of the Whites
Ferrari-CaranoFumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)2007 On this late March afternoon, it's sunny and 43º outside, sunny and 72º inside. As an aperitif, we open a…
Fettucini (Almost) Alfredo
Sometimes I make the best food when I'm not paying attention. I started cooking last night in the midst of an animated discussion with…
Easy Corn Chowder
Peering into my larder last night, tired after a long day skiing, I realized I had all the ingredients for the perfect comfort food,…
Early Bloomer
Casa PortaWinemaker Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère2007 This Chilean wine is bright purplish-red and foams a little when it's swirled. Both signs indicate youth, so we…
Gattinara: Interesting, Once in a While
TravagliniGattinara2003 The town of Gattinara is in the north of Piedmont, almost in Switzerland, and its wine is made from nebbiolo grapes and packaged…
DishAspen
We're just back from a much-needed vacation in Aspen, Colorado. My uber-experienced skier husband Steve spent the week in Telemark gear, skinning up 12,000…
Acorn Zin on a Friday Night
Acorn Alegría Vineyards Zinfandel "Heritage Vines"2005 This wine is deep ruby, with a very interesting nose. It starts light, like blueberry, or maybe just…
Chateau Beauchene Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Chateau BeaucheneChâteauneuf-du-Pape "Grande Réserve"2005 This wine has a soft, earthy nose with smoke and chocolate. It's herbaceous on the palate, with anise and pine,…
Beef Stew with Zinfandel
On New Year’s Eve I served my guests beef stew with Zinfandel. It’s a homely dish, but always spectacular, and it seemed just right…
Bogleman
BoglePhantom2005 In Phantom, Bogle creates a monster. A blend of Petite Sirah, old vine Zinfandel, and old vine Mourvedre, this inky red packs a…
Giving Thanks, and the Best Apple Pie Ever
This year we hosted the family for Thanksgiving dinner. Although there were only six of us—too few, really, for a big turkey—I decided to…
A Dark Wine for a November Night
Clay StationPetite Sirah Lodi2005 This inky, full-bodied Sirah has a surprisingly cedary, herbal nose, while the palate offers lots of chocolate and dark fruits,…