As we put a cork on this year, we celebrate bubbles. I celebrate Madame Bollinger for her wonderfully wise words: "I drink champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if...
Santa Cruz
Naumann
Forgot to post a quick note about this luscious Merlot from the Santa Cruz Mountains that has me jumping up and down and clapping. I know the coast is best for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But you know how you go through wine trends? I happen to be on a Merlot kick....
Goodbye, Santa Cruz
You're quite seductive with your big beautiful B40, Pleasure Point, and totally gnarly curls. But I'm leaving you for Boonville! "I got demons riding shotgun, telling me not to go. But what they don't know is I'm already gone." If you are ever in search of a clean...
Hunter Hill
I know I know I’m in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay country! But that’s what makes it that much more refreshing to find THE best Cabernet Sauvignon in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Hunter Hill. The 2007 from Raines Vineyard spent 2 years in French oak so I presume that gave...
Windy Oaks
Exquisitely hand crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay come from Windy Oaks, a family winery just south of Santa Cruz. How they get such brilliant fruit flavor and body probably has to do with the climate and soil. I’m no scientist but the winemaker says the climate...
Big Basin
A visit to the Big Basin tasting room in Saratoga is not like any other. Because everyone on the team is passionate about what they do and wears lots of hats, you get quite an education, not just about the wines but the viticulture area, history of the land, and...
O’Mei
Finally good Chinese food! They even have a gluten free menu, which illustrates how wheat heavy our food is. Is it really necessary in Mongolian Beef? Mu Shu Pork? Great wine list too! One might expect that in such a great viticulture area. But too many restaurants...
Loma Prieta
You've probably heard this name although for other tragic reasons. A trip to the Loma Prieta Winery literally makes you feel like you are on the top of the world. Treetop views and rolling hills in every direction, the Santa Cruz Mountains can really take your breath...
Santa Cruz Vibe
Out for a run in a tank top in SF, you might get a few looks but that’s it. The only comments ever heard are “Go Giants!”. In Santa Cruz there’s a different wave; you get cat calls, whistles, and even air smoochies. Also, a homeless man said “Man, you're one good...
Silver Mountain
Silver Mountain has the kind of Chardonnay that may make you think again about Chardonnay. Great fruit structure with body and integrity yet no overwhelming butter even though there is a hint of oak. I guess it's just the right kind of oak. They've also got the best...