Winophilia

The Wine:  Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1998

Somewhat earthy, with moderate acidity and soft, smooth tannins that frame the flavors of leather and spice complicated by hints of dried cranberry, blackcurrant and herbs. Long and lush at the end.

The Dish: Fresh Pasta with Truffle Oil, Garlic and Herbs

Wide linguini noodles provided a perfect launch pad for fragrant truffle oil enhanced with thyme and tangy garlic. Gruyere cheese added an earthy component that seemed to blend well with the truffle oil; we used it instead of grated Parmesan. Cooking doesn’t get much easier. READ MORE »

Many sommeliers enjoy unwinding with a beer after a full workday spent talking about wine with clients, matching wines to dishes, tasting wine, drinking wine….wine, wine, wine. Can you tell us your favorite beer these days, and what you like about it? Don’t feel that it needs to be a high-falutin’ beer either; if your favorite place serves cold Schlitz on tap and that’s what you gravitate toward, then say so.  And don’t hesitate to provide some very brief background info on your selection or a short tasting note. 

Belinda Chang, Wine Director, The Modern (New York City). Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, my two favorite books were from Jay McInerney’s pre-wine writer days: Bright Lights, Big City and Story of My Life. I dreamed of living the fast life in New York City and demanding that all potential boyfriends stock their refrigerators with Amstel Light and Cristal for me like the character in the later book. READ MORE »

Many sommeliers enjoy unwinding with a beer after a full workday spent talking about wine with clients, matching wines to dishes, tasting wine, drinking wine….wine, wine, wine. Can you tell us your favorite beer these days, and what you like about it? Don’t feel that it needs to be a high-falutin’ beer either; if your favorite place serves cold Schlitz on tap and that’s what you gravitate toward, then say so.  And don’t hesitate to provide some very brief background info on your selection or a short tasting note. 

Daniel Johnnes, Wine Director, Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group (New York City). Nothing fancy from me: I like to support my neighborhood, Brooklyn, and a nice cold Brooklyn Brewery Pennant Ale hits the spot. As for draft, the best I’ve had all year is, believe it or not, a drawn pint of Pilsner Urquell at Milan Czech restaurant in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The owner has a method by which he draws the beer and lets the head settle down a minimum of three times or until it can hold a toothpick upright on the surface for at least three seconds. READ MORE »

The Wine:

2008 Paul Lato Chardonnay “Le Souvenir”  Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley($50). A beautifully balanced, medium-bodied wine, with a creamy-rich texture and layers of flavors ranging from stone fruits to vanilla, spice and butterscotch. On the finish, a mineral component reminiscent of Chablis adds complexity and elegance.

The Dish:

Grilled Halibut with Peach/Cilantro Salsa and Saffron Rice. This flaky, meaty, whitefleshed fish was subtly flavored with hints of smoke from the grill and lay on a bed of fragrant saffron rice. Topping the fish was a mildly sweet, fruity salsa that also had a moderate measure of heat from cayenne pepper punctuated with herbal cilantro. READ MORE »