Silver Oak Release Party

Saturday, August 4 !!!! This is the wine release event that all other are measured by. I plan on being among the first to taste the new vintage. Typically they also a have very eclectic mix of delicious and wine friendly food. Price: $20 per tasting, includes a complimentary Silver Oak wine glass. Wine is $60 per 750 ml bottle and the allocation is 12 bottles per person. My spies tell me there will be a limited amount of Bonnys Vineyard Cabernet (1982 thru 1991) in magnum and 3.0L bottles.

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., sales will continue until 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please call: 800.273.8809

http://www.silveroak.com/

Ahi Poke

This is one of those dishes that I have been wanting to try to make for some time. I was introduced to Ahi Poke on vacation in Hawaii a couple of years ago. So after searching the web for recipes and a little trial and error and some tuning here we go.

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 sashimi-quality 'ahi, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
6 cups mixed baby greens

Whisk oil, vinegar, shallots, tarragon, and mustard in small bowl to blend. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper. Place fish in a dish. Pour half of vinaigrette over and turn to coat. Marinate 30 minutes at room temperature. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the tuna for about a minute turning quickly. You want it cooked on the outside and slightly warm but uncooked on the inside. Takes about 1 minute per batch. Meanwhile, toss baby greens with remaining tarragon vinaigrette. Divide salad among 4 plates. Place fish on top of the greens and serve immediately.

Loring Wine Company, 2005 Durrel Vineyard Pinot Noir

This is one those wines I stumbled on by letting the sommelier (the wine guy at a restaurant) pick for me. Loring has grown to be one of my favorites. All of the wines from Loring have a lush nose, big fruit flavor, and well balanced acidity. The other thing I like is that Brian Loring is a software engineer by day and wine maker by night. That's right a geek wine maker. His wines have developed a cult following and are getting more difficult to find. Also don't be put off by screw cap on the bottle.

Silver Oak, 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

To start off, this wine is exceptional. We had a bottle with our friends Bob and Terry over the 4th of July holiday. This wine has mellowed since its release but maintained its depth. It has a very dark color, pleasing nose. Lots of fruit, with well balanced tannins. The winery says it will age well thru 2023, but I think it is at the peak now. The last six go this year.

I'm Back

Hi Folks,

It has been a while. First I what to thank everyone who has emailed me over the last few months asking about the monthly email. I did not have any idea it was popular enough for anyone to miss. The reason I took a break is simple, I had a few other projects that I started working on and simply did have the mental energy to write. Some of the projects will be finding their way into the site. In other news Lisa has decided that she wants to try a new career, so she is heading off to law school. So, I would like to request that you send me any good lawyer jokes you know. I am running out.