Derek Brown was once mixing drinks at a White House holiday function, where he was introduced to the President of the United States as “the mixologist.” President Obama said, “Isn’t that just a bartender?” Brown wears the label of bartender proudly, saying that “bartenders are kind of the special
If you’re ever making the culinary pilgrimage to the Inn at Little Washington in the Virginia countryside (which will leave you, as one should be on a pilgrimage, on your knees in reverence and awe) there are plenty of local wineries in the Rappahannock County area worth checking out. Many
With temps out here on the East Coast tipping routinely into three digits, this Greek wine is a really nice summery quaff. Quite citrusy nose of lemon and grapefruit from this indigenous Greek varietal. The grapefruit follows thru on the palate, with additional flavors of peach and apple, even a
The nose shows sweet elderly over fresh-ground espresso. Big dark fruits are on the palate, mulberry, with fresh-ground coffee and unsweetened chocolate. Tannins are big. Drink, with a well-marbled steak. Highly Recommended. DH WHO: William Gordon Winery WHAT: Petite Sirah WHERE: Alexander Valley, California WHEN: 2009 HOW MUCH: $29
Dubuoef shows why it is such a dominating presence in Beaujolais. Medium purple color and nose of violets,anise, and blackberry with oak accents in the background. Tastes of dark cherry and toast on the palate with good tannic structure holding it up. Finishes well, but is not terribly lingering. A
A nice vin de pays from a somewhat overlooked area of Languedoc. (If there was a vintage on this either it was invisible or the vintage sticker fell off.) This cab franc exhibits dark purple color, and is somewhat jammy on the nose, with elements of earth and pepper. Solid
A very nice, approachable cabernet blend. Attractive nose of ligonberries and anise, even a hint of sugar cookies, of all things. It has the advantage of being 13.5% alcohol, so it does not have the nose burn that so many high-alcohol cabs seem to have these days. Light tannins and
That lovely cigar box and cedar nose so typical of many Spanish reds is immediately forthcoming on the nose, along with some herbal elements. Black cherry fruit is forward, and the wine is a bit clumsy in that regard. Tannins are still sharp, giving a somewhat dusty finish, but still