Mar 30, 2009
In the comment section of the previous post, a commenter inquired why I insist my Manhattan be stirred, rather than shaken. It's a good question and deserves a good answer. I prefer my Manhattan clear, not overly chilled and void of ice chips. This is what results from stirring, rather than shaking. The debate over what is a "proper" Manhattan is one that is usually had between folks who tend to like to measure appendages, the distances fluids can be…
Mar 7, 2009
I admire those grapegrowers and winemakers who employ organic and biodynamic methods of grapegrowing with the goal of making better wines and being better stewards of the land. I admire them the same way I admire the bagger at the check out line who makes the extra effort to double bag my groceries if my purchases are hefty enough to cause an accident on the way back to my car under single-bagged conditions. And I admire them the way I…
Mar 4, 2009
You can usually see her coming a mile away, leaving a wake of gawkers behind her. All gussied up in that sleekly cut black dress. Strutting and strolling like she knows her name and embraces it with delight. She's the one that knocks you off your feet; stops you in your tracks with her dimensions, attitude, grace and come-hither look that seems to be tattooed across her brow and body. There are certain wines that embody the nature of The…
Feb 26, 2009
Word that the San Francisco Chronicle may close down if it can't find a buyer or lower its expenses considerably hit me like a ton of bricks. The news is emblematic of the general trend for daily newspapers in the face of increased competition from on-line information sources and the failing economy. Still, being an avid consumer of media, the notion of the daily paper, pulp and all, going away strikes me as having considerable consequences for how we imbibers…
Feb 20, 2009
In honor of the 46th anniversary of my birth, I present 46 things I want: 1. A time machine2. A full vertical collection of all Stony Hill Chardonnays3. A wine cellar with a couch in it4. A doubling in Fermentation's readership5. A national policy on wine direct shipment laws6. A fig tree7. A 1963 Warres port8. A marching band playing happy birthday using wine glasses and spoons.9. A new collection of heavy bottomed tumbler glasses10. One week in Burgundy11. One…