Al Spoler

Chat. De Valois, Pomerol  '09 **
Chat. Leydet-Valentin, St. Emilion '09 **1/2
Chat. Canon-Guilhem, Canon Fronsac '09 ** 1/2
Chat. Puy Guilhem, Fronsac '09 **

September 11, 2012   #1101   Okra, Kale, and Crowder Peas
   
Every week when I go to the market I enjoy just walking up and down the aisles checking out everything that's available.   At this time of year, it's wonderful to see how many choices we have.   Now, some of those choices are pretty obvious:  corn, tomatoes, melons and peaches.   But if you look closely you can spot some less likely items that still deserve your attention.   And we're thinking of okra, kale and crowder peas.

September 4, 2012  #1100  Tasted in Normandy

Earlier this summer, Al made yet another trip to Normandy in France, and as usual he kept his eyes open and his taste buds ready for adventure.   Several of the dishes he orders every time have become gastronomic souvenirs for him, and he tries them at home.  One of the signature dishes of Normandy is something that gave Jerry a bit of confusion.

Domaine Galevan Cotes de Rhone Villages '09 ** 1/2
Chat. de Marjolet Cotes de Rhone Vilages "Laudun" Cuvee Tradition '09 ***
Chat. Galevan Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc '10 ***
Chat. Galevan Chateauneuf du Pape '09 ** 1/2
Chat. St. Jean Chateauneuf du Pape '09 ** 1/2

August 28,2012  #1053  Artisan Cheese in Maryland

Since I am a diehard fan of our local farmers markets, and since I am often traveling to Europe where I go to their farmers markets, I like to make comparisons.   By and large we are doing extremely well.   Our best markets would get full marks in Italy or France...except for a couple things.   We don't do a lot with cured meats and we don't do a lot with cheese.   But things are changing, especially for Maryland Artisanal Cheese. 

Arnaldo-Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2009 * 1/2
Arnaldo-Caprai "Collepiano" Sargantino, Montefalco 2005 ** 1/2
Pallazzone  Orvieto, "Terra Vineate" 2011 **
Pallazzone Pinot Grigio "Tixe" 2011 **

August 21, 2012  #1052  The Humble Cabbage       
   
Among all the wonderful fruits and vegetables flooding our markets these days, there is one so humble that it is easy to overlook, and that is the cabbage.   Since summer time is perfect for enjoying a cold, creamy bowl of cole slaw, we thought it would be fun to talk about the humble cabbage, one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in human history.   

Walter Hanzell Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Cuvee Alyce '09 ***
Walter Hanzell Chadronnay, Russian River Valley '09 ***
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma/Alexander Valley '09 ** 1/2
Landmark Chardonnay "Overlook", Sonoma County '09 ** 1/2
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Sonoma County '10 **

August 14,2012  #1051  Seven Things To Do With Melon