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.

My tips for enjoying your Tuscan vacation

To bring everyone up to speed, Lisa and I recently went on vacation in Italy, that is why no FWF last month. Many thanks to Mom and Dad for taking care of Alexa. We spent most of our time in a little town in Tuscany (which I can't spell or say properly). Anyway, I am not one of those people that love everything about Italy, I like it, I had a great time, and I will go back, but there are things that can make one nuts while in Italy. So here are my tips for enjoying your Tuscan vacation (a.k.a. how to survive the quest for the ultimate olive oil).

1. In Italy driving is a contact sport, so drive until you hear glass and smell boar sauce. The only driving laws that seem to be enforced are the parking ones, park were you are not supposed to, and you will get a ticket. Drive 150 in a 50, its cool, just don't hit anything. Also get the damage waver for the rental car.
2. Don't look at maps, they lie. Follow the signs, most roads are very well marked. And most signs are intelligible even if you don't speak the language. (see next tip)
3. Road means one of many things, nicely paved super highway, 1.5 lane paved road, one lane paved road, unpaved gravel road, and wild pig trail with no guard rails and a 500 foot drop off.
4. Public toilets are everywhere. Only use them in extreme emergencies. Find a Cafe', buy a coffee, and use theirs. Lisa and I came up with a rating system (seat or no seat).
5. Lunch is from 12:00-2:30, most places close at 2:30 sharp. That places that are open after that you don't want to eat at. Stay away from places that have English menu's, the places that have no menu and give you little or no choice are my favorites (be brave, you will be rewarded).
6. Wine, like in America can be cheap or expensive. This is a change from our last trip, I couldn't find any expensive wine on that trip. The good news is that the cheap wine is very good. My opinion (wine snob that I am) order the house wine, you'll like it.
7. Insect repellent, bring it! Trying to communicate this at the pharmacy is hopeless (unless you speak Italian). Going to the pharmacy is very different from America. Most of the products are behind the counter, so be prepared to use hand signals, and point to body parts.
8. Everything is old, even the new stuff is old. They make it that way on purpose. If you want new and shiny go somewhere else.
9. Take your sense of humor, and leave your sense of urgency at home (they don't get it).
10. Talk to people, drink wine, exchange email addresses. We have been lucky enough to meet some very cool people, you will too.

Thanks to the people of Tuscany (and a few Americans, Brits, and Aussies) for providing us we a great vacation, hope we'll see you again.

Lucia Vineyards: 2004 Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir

From the wine makers tasting notes, "The Garys Vineyard Pinot is very aromatic. It has a round nose of red fruits, crushed violets, and cinnamon spice. On the palate, the wine is full bodied with very fine tannins. The finish is long, and as is typical of the Garys, displays a nice acid profile." For once I think one of these tasting notes is right on. The only problem is that it is a little too full bodied (meaning a bit much on the alcohol). From a pricing/value standpoint it is as good as the Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir (the other wine this family makes) and it is easier to get.