2008 King Andrews Muscat Blanc – Suisun Valley

The King Andrews Muscat Blanc is, well, muscat. Nothing problematic about it, but nothing particularly attention-grabbing about it, either. If you like the sweet version, however, be forewarned that this is made in a somewhat drier style. The winery describes it as citric with hints of grapefruit and recommends pairing it with thin-sliced pan-grilled turkey breasts.

2006 Sparks Sunset Cellars Petite Sirah – Suisun Valley

This was rich with dark blue and black fruit and a floral hint. Smooth, suede-like tannins were paired with a slight sweetness, a hint of astringency and appropriate acidity.

2007 Shale Peak Barbera – Suisun Valley

This was packed with caramel and pepper but its vague fruit and soft structure made it seem a bit syrupy and possibly heat damaged. The green notes made it very awkward.

A Glimpse of Suisun Valley’s Diversity

For my 40th birthday I took a much-needed get away to Napa. We visited my friend Jeff Miller and his wife Beryl. Jeff lives in Napa and grows and makes wines in the Suisun Valley AVA under several labels: Seven Artisans, Sly Dog Cellars, and Red Côte.

What Wine Goes with Red Herring?

The more one delves into the subject of wine and food pairing, the more frequently one finds conflicting recommendations. Optimal (and yes, even ideal) wine and food pairings are not just a matter of culinary heritage. There is real science behind certain foods and wines going together beautifully.

Arthur Z. Przebinda

Arthur Z. Przebinda is a Palate Press Contributing Editor. Arthur founded redwinebuzz.com in 2006 to focus on California’s Central Coast wine country and to offer general wine information. Since then, redwinebuzz.com has grown to be the foremost authority on Central Coast wine. His first spark of interest in wine came at an early age when [...]

It’s not about you: Lessons for Wine Critics

Iconic news anchor Walter Cronkite passed away this summer. Amongst the many praises and remembrances of his character and career, one thing stuck out — he never made himself the story. Cronkite was a trusted conveyor of information, always heralded for his objectivity.