Al Spoler

Entwine Merlot, California 2009 *1/2
(Everyday Merlot with a touch of class)

Entwine Pinot Grigio, California 2010 *
(Smooth, creamy and versatile)

Murietta's Well, The Spur Red Wine, Livermore 2010 * 
(Big, brawny, tannic, informal)

Murietta's Well, The Whip, White Blend2011 * 1/2
(Tasty and complex, good value)

March 12, 2013   #1125   Shallots
   
Years ago, I was taking a cooking class down at the Tilghman Island Inn, and Chef David McCallum said one of his favorite secret ingredients was a jar of minced shallots.   He would throw them into nearly every savory dish he made to give it that little "professional" touch as he put it.   Chef Jerry Pellegrino of The Waterfront Kitchen agrees, he may have been onto something there.

Wente Chardonnay "Morning Fog", Livermore 2010
(Great Chard value)

Wente "Sandstone" Merlot, Livermore 2009 *
(Easy drinking, everyday merlot)

Wente "Southern Hills" Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore 2010 *1/2 
(Straightforward, casual cab)

Wente "Riverside" Riesling, Arroyo Secco, Monterey 2011 **
(Based on a Rhinegau Spatlese style Riesling)

Wente "Louis Mel" Sauvignon Blanc, Livermore 2010 *
(Crisp, light, Meyer Lemons)

March 5, 2013   #1124   Hot Potato

For my money, there are few things as wonderfully indulgent as a big old baked potato, generously dressed with butter.   I know there are some health implications here, and actually I have been using low fat butter substitutes lately.   But you get the point.   Jerry prefers that you cover that potato with sour cream and garnish with chopped scallions, which is a true classic.   But any way you slice it, the baked potato is delicious.

Soter Vineyards Pinot Noir, Soter Vineyards, Willamette Valley 2009 **
(a pretty, lighter pinot noir made by a master)

Ken Wright Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2010 **
(entry level pinot assembled by the great Ken Wright)

Artisinal Wine Cellars Viognier, Oregon 2010 **1/2
(A very pleasing viognier with depth and balance)

St. Innocent Chardonnay, Dijon Clone, Freedom Hill, Willamette Valley '10 **
(taut yet fleshy chardonnay with good minerality and acidity)

February 26, 2013   #1123   French Onion Soup

When I was a kid, I saw a movie called Irma La Douce, a romantic comedy set in turn of the century Paris.   One early scene depicted hordes of formally attired folks sitting around the tables of a greasy spoon cafe sipping hot bowls of French Onion Soup in the early morning.   At the age of 14, I couldn't figure it out the allure, but now I know. 

(Note:  these may be a little hard to find, so do not hesitate to ask your wine merchant to contact L'Amore di Vino at 410-285-1040 and place an order for you.)

Clara C. Prosecco "Fiori di Prosecco"  Extra Dry, NV ***
(a hand-made Prosecco with class and detail)

February 19, 2013   #1122   Feeling Chili?

When we had the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, I renewed an annual tradition by making my own recipe for Super Bowl Chili, and it was a hit.   I don't think I've ever made it the same way twice, but it always seems to work out just fine.   I think that's because I have a secret trick...and Jerry Pellegrino of Waterfront Kitchen agrees that everyone who is serious about chili has a secret trick...or two.  

February 12, 2013   #1121   Fondue for Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day coming up on Thursday, there's just enough time to get the fixings for a delightful dinner with your honey.   Now instead of proposing the usual two or three course meal, we thought we would suggest something a little off the beaten path, and that would be fondue.   We think everybody knows what fondue is, but we'd bet not a whole lot of people try it.

Landmark Chardonnay, Overlook, Sonoma County 2010 ** 1/2
(One of the most reliable chards on the market)

Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa, 2009 **1/2
(A dense, powerful cab with surprising finesse)

Centenaire Cote Du Rhone Villages, Cuvee Centenaire 2009 **
(great example of one of the best value regions in the world)

Conundrum White Blend, California 2010 **
(Year in, year out, a great white, easy to enjoy, reliable)

Comb Vodka and Gin
(made from honey!)