Red Wine and Chocolate Cupcakes

Aug 03, 2007 - Red Wine and Chocolate Cupcakes Also known as Kelly cakes, since my friend Kelly inspired them… Or you can call them Sin in a Wrapper… ‘cause they are uber decadent. When it comes to using chocolate, I highly recommend using good ones like Ghiradelli or Guittard. Good ones make all the difference. - 11 Comments

Happy Hour: 2005 Bad Boy Bordeaux

Nov 11, 2009 - When I first received this bottle of Bordeaux in the mail, its Bad Boy name and whimsical label, which features a black sheep and an arrow labeled "garage," meant little to me. But after doing some research, I discovered the whole thing makes quite a bit of sense. The inky red wine, which is 95 percent Merlot and 5 percent Cabernet Franc, hails from the famous French region of Bordeaux, which is known for its style of highly tannic, collectible wines. - 2 Comments

Red Wine Vinaigrette

Oct 23, 2007 - Once giving up Ranch dressing, I needed to find an alternative and I really enjoy this one. 2 Tbs red wine vinegar 1 Tbs finely chopped shallot 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 Tbs olive oil 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper In a small bowl combine vinegar and shallot. Let stand for 5 mins. - 4 Comments

No more wine rings on your table or serving surface!

Dec 07, 2008 - Found this on Chow.com listed as one of their picks. The best deal I found is on the website http:// www.customcurling.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DropStop2pack which was also posted on the chow.com review. They offer free shipping for $50+, 5% off for the holidays (no code necessary) and an additional $5 off if you use google checkout! - 6 Comments

Flichman Vineyards

Nov 12, 2009 - I recently had a chance to attend a wine tasting for Flichman from Argentina.  I especially enjoyed the experience because I had a chance to chat with the winemaker, Luis Cabral de Almeida.  From my standpoint, it didn't hurt that he was pretty hot also. We began with a bottle of their Chardonnay for $8.  Frankly I didn't want to taste a bottle of $8 Chardonnay as I hate that overly oaked buttery flavor of vanilla predominating, but I was pleasantly surprised.  It was delightful and easily equal to wines I have enjoyed at twice the price.  In fact every one of the wines' price points was spectacular.  Although there were some I preferred more than others, I enjoyed all of them. All the others, with the exception of an interesting and delightful champagne (for about $8!!) all the rest were red.  In fact, even the champagne was made in part from Malbec also! - 0 Comments

2004 I Favati Aglianico "Cretarossa"

Apr 09, 2007 - 2004 I Favati Aglianico "Cretarossa" The return of the Sopranos required a nice Italian wine. From K&L Wines: The I Favati winery is located today in Cesinale, a town and surrounding hilly area in the heart of Irpinia (east of Naples, in the region of Campania), a land with a profound calling to the creation of quality wines. Irpinia's unique, indigenous grape varieties make up all of I Favati's vineyards, which benefit from a perfect exposition to the sun. - 0 Comments

2005 Ridge Geyserville

Sep 04, 2007 - I've got a soft spot for Ridge Geyserville. A bottle about a decade ago was the start of my wine collecting habit. I had this with Heidi and her good friend Rachel tonight with chicken Parmesan, spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce and a fresh red leaf salad. - 2 Comments

Pinots are Boring?

Nov 14, 2008 - http://www.chow.com/stories/11408 Down with Boring Pinots Genetic diversity makes for better wine By Jordan Mackay I‘m a sucker for fall foliage, but San Francisco, where I live, doesn’t get much of a show. So, taking Amtrak from Seattle down to Portland the other day, I was transfixed by the swaths of red, gold, yellow, and orange streaking by the window. As we sped down the line, I wondered why the leaves of one maple turn red while the oak right next to it is a lovely bronze. - 11 Comments

Domaine Drouhin, Willamette Valley, '04

Nov 12, 2008 - I just wanted to jot down this highly recommended wine. It is one of the finest I've had the pleasure to enjoy for a very long time. I chose this wine without much thought, and was surprised to find out it was actually one of the reserves. - 9 Comments