Scottish Beef Stew Topped with a Phyllo Dough Crust
My take on classic Scottish Beef Stew—the butteriness Phyllo dough crust adds a delicious dimension of flavor and texture. I’ve also substituted leeks for yellow onions and flat iron steak for beef chuck. The flat iron, while more expensive is ultimately more tender. And for me, this is the perfect sort of dish to serve […]
Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse 2000
A splendid Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse. Opens with floral aromatics that descend to deeper notes of steeped blackberry, black cherry, charcoal, camphor and dried sage. Structured, powerful fore-to-mid palate tannin with acidity to match, this feels too young at this point, as though it’s not yet fully knit together. Medium-plus finish with herbal notes, and subtle minerality. […]
Lucien le Moine Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2002
As the 2002 Lucien le Moine Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru develops in the glass it starts off with more classic notes of forest brambles, freshly turned tilth, dried rose petals and red fruit. The impression evolves, however, to darker black cherries and even a whiff of dark chocolate powder. On the palate, tart, high-toned red forest […]
Domaine Courtois La Grange Vinsobres Cru Des Cotes Du Rhône 2012
Lots of violets on the nose, brambly red fruit and a touch of garrigue. The 2012 Domaine Courtois La Grange Vinsobres is medium-bodied, good-natured and easy to drink with moderate tannins, a touch of earthiness, bay leaf, and white pepper on the finish. Imminently quaffable at $15.00. Sample 8.8 Points
Codorníu Cava Brut Reserva Anna de Codorníu NV
A winsome blend of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Parellada, 7.5% Xarello, and 7.5% Macabeo. The brand commemorates Anna de Cordorníeu and her marriage to Miquel Raventós in 1659, notably Anna was the first to incorporate the addition of Chardonnay into a Cava blend. And the nose is quite Chardonnay-esque with subtle notes of yellow apples and […]
Ferrari Brut NV
Crafted from 100% Chardonnay that is sustainably grown at high altitude, this sophisticated Trentodoc sparkler gives off delicate aromas of yellow apple, d’Anjou pear and smoke. It’s clean and focused, with brisk bubbles and lively citrus undertones—white grapefruit pith lends tension to fuller, yeastier notes of wet dough that gradually subsides into a persistent and […]
Dourthe Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux La Grande Cuvée 2013
Often overlooked in the US, Bordeaux blanc can be a fantastic value, as is the case with this wine from Dourthe. Lean and wiry, perhaps in part, owing to vintage, Id love to taste a compare the 2013 to a warmer year. The primary expression is herbal, with a nose of gooseberry and boxwood and […]
Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône 2012
The 2012 Les Abeilles from Jean-Luc Colombo is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre and sports a nimble, savory nose tinged with bouquet garni, fennel, anise, and lilting purple flowers. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with low tannins and firm, bright acidity. Crunchy red berries and a moderate finish. Not a […]
Willm Crémant d’Alsace Blanc de Noirs NV
Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, this charming Crémant d’Alsace is the color of wheat fields at the height of summer. Pert bubbles and aromas of apple galette, quince and clementine. While not overly complex on the palate, it is clean and crisp, with bright acidity and lilting bubbles. A cheerful disposition and an excellent value […]
Château d’Yquem 1998
What can be said about d’Yquem can only be expressed in poetry, even in a modest vintage like 1998. It is an inner sanctum, a fragrant garden, a poignant release that is both profound and glorious. Descriptors cannot do it justice, sensual and honey-drenched layers of apricots, vanilla bean, creme brûlée and almond pastry. Viscous […]