The dish [ March 12th, 2010 ] Posted in » Helen Austyn

Call me old fashioned.

There is something about the tradition and ritual of wine that I find oddly comforting.

I almost never come across a robust dry sherry by the glass in a restaurant ­ unless, of course, it’s a Spanish restaurant ­ but when I do I can hardly resist. This is a superb aperitif, but one that is hardly appreciated any more in this chardonnay-laden world.

The Domecq dry Manzanilla sherry recently crossed my desk, which reminded me of my passion for the dry sherries. Both the Domecq Manzanilla and “La Ina” (a dry fino) retail for about $15 a bottle. Try them with roasted almonds or Sevilla olives.
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Find a Reason to Try These NOW

find-a-reason-to-try-these-nowWell you’re feeling pretty lucky when you get a chance to try some of California’s benchmark Cab and Cab blends from a vintage that stands out in its decade. 1997 was definitely one of the best vintages in California from the ‘90’s and wineries like Opus One, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Caymus Vineyards can find themselves in the mix when it comes to sifting through wineries, and coming up with some of the “Best of the Best” in Northern Cali.

But when you’re dropping some serious cake, like you will be, and purchasing some of these time proven winners, you have extremely high expectations. And a $175+ bottle can have a hard time living up to the hype. These are some bottles that can, and make you feel pretty good while doing it. This writing however, is less about the reviews and more about just drinking the wines.
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February 6th, 2010 | 1 Comment

At the Winery: Caymus Vineyards

caymus-vineyardsCaymus Vineyards
Rutherford, Napa Valley CA
Phone 707-967-3010

As you cruise up Route 29 through Rutherford and possibly pass all 500 or so residents you will see many well-known wineries and vineyards. If you are lucky enough to know about Caymus Vineyards then you will know to turn off the main drag and find the winery. Whether you cross the Pope Bridge built in the late 1800’s and take a right as we did or if you take a more direct route, once you get there, you will enjoy.

However, make sure you made your tasting reservations in advance. They recommend up to ten days prior, although we made ours one day in advance and they happen to have a couple spots open. The tasting is free and it will be memorable. It’s not the typical pile up of people at a counter waiting for others to finish.
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February 4th, 2010 | Leave a Comment

CALIFORNIA: Napa Valley

california-napa-valley1Caymus Vineyards
Phone: 707.967.3010
8700 Conn Creek Road
Rutherford, CA 94573

Make a reservation for the tasting, it’s free. Excellent Cabernet. The Special Selection Cab from a dry harvested 15-acre parcel is outstanding. The tasting is limited in size so it’s comfortable, relaxing, and you might even learn a thing or two. Purchases of the Special Selection were limited to 3 bottles at our visit – and of course we bought the limit. See detailed review.

PlumpJack Winery
Phone: 707.945.1220
620 Oakville Cross Rd.
Oakville, CA 94562

Well what can I say – the first winery to offer a metal screw off top in their top end $145 per bottle cab. Should last forever… This winery is neat, comfortable, and fun. Interesting Sangiovese too. Enjoy a sandwich outside while drinking wine (your bring the sandwich).
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February 3rd, 2010 | Leave a Comment

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