A Day Late…But Not a Bit Short

December 13, 2012.Reading time 2 minutes.

Last night was the Texas Wine Twitter chat featuring three lovely wines and Chef Josh Watkins of The Carillon Restaurant here in Austin (see pairings below). I will be making that Celery root and apple soup with Duchman Viognier soon. Because we have been in full combat mode, fighting a nasty respiratory virus, I had […]

Fond Memories-Robert Mondavi

November 5, 2012.Reading time 3 minutes.

There are some wines that invite an immediate image. One sip and you are transplanted, to a memory or an ideal. Robert Mondavi’s 2010 Napa Valley Pinot Noir conjures images of fallen leaves and cashmere sweaters, blackberry brambles and tartan blankets. It is just what I want from a Pinot Noir. Many years ago, I […]

My Favorite Kind of Evening

October 19, 2012.Reading time 3 minutes.

If you have littles, you know how hard it can be to make plans ahead of time. The best laid plans are easily derailed by a runny nose or a meltdown brought on by a missed nap. My good friends understand this, so we are all fans of the last-minute plans. One example, that is quickly […]

I Heart NY, Even More

October 3, 2012.Reading time 6 minutes.

In February, I was first introduced to the fabulous Rieslings in the Finger Lakes region when I visited Lamoreaux Landing. In July, the quality was confirmed with a sampling of eight Rieslings which were sent to me by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. Last week, I had the opportunity to, once again, participate in a virtual tasting with eight […]

An Icon on, and in, a Bottle

September 14, 2012.Reading time 5 minutes.

Earlier in the summer I received two lovely bottles of wine. And I am not just referring to what was in the bottle. Biltmore Wines have created a simple, subtle bottle with an etching of an American icon, the Biltmore House. The appearance is sleek, the blends irresistible. Biltmore Century White is a beautifully balanced […]

A Friend Indeed

September 4, 2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

On our way to Colorado, we stopped at McPherson Winery in Lubbock, Texas and loaded up. Truly. Our truck was p-a-c-k-e-d and yet I still found room for over a case of wine. Priorities, right? Before visiting, I had tried the Tre Colore and the Viognier, both of which I really enjoyed. I knew I would like his wine, I […]

Tour de Fabuleux

August 27, 2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

In a town where foodies and festivals abound, there are several occasions to wander from sample to sample. I have attended and enjoyed several, but none as much as The Tour de Vin this past Friday at the W Hotel. The Wine and Food Foundation has created an elegant, festive event which features Austin’s best […]

An Elegant Surprise- Gary Farrell Sauvignon Blanc

July 15, 2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

I have to admit. I was very excited when I received this 2010 Gary Farrell Sauvignon Blanc from Redwood Ranch in Sonoma County($25)*. I have heard great things about their wine, in general, and I am a sucker for a good Sauvignon Blanc. I have been looking forward to opening it and this is the first weekend […]

Cheers to “Fewer Tensions”

June 20, 2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance. ~Benjamin Franklin Things have been a crazy here lately, so posts have taken a back seat. They are always a little crazy… okay… a lot crazy, but this month has been a rough one. I spent May with sick children, house guests, […]