Friday, August 19, 2005

'02 Cloverdale Ranch Cab VS '01 Silver Oak Alexander Valley


I'm keeping this one short and to the point.

10 out of 10 Sommeliers and Wine Buyers chose the Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon in quality and flavor over Silver Oak in a recent blind tasting conducted in North Texas. Cloverdale Ranch $24.99 - Silver Oak $65

Need I say more? Cheers - Ali

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Just say no to Kraft cheese slices...

Anytime you are visiting the Sonoma Wine Country - please stop by the Cheese Shop of Healdsburg and say hello to my dear friend Doralice! Girl Power at it's finest, she just bought the legendary shop and has joined the ranks of running her own business.

Also, for all you in need of incredible cheese and other culinary delights - check out www.doraliceimports.com Both Dorlalice and I are getting along fabulously with the boss these days!!! HA!

By the way - her Pepper Jack from Equador goes incredibly well with the Luca Malbec!!!
YUM! Ali

Monday, August 08, 2005

Summer 2005 Texas Travel

I know I know – “no new blog updates, why?”. One hint, I-35. I’ve covered the state over the last few weeks. From Frisco to Galveston and everywhere in between, is where TexaCali Wine Company has been leaving a mark. While most folks are off vacationing and visiting their summer homes in paradise I’ve been making sure there is great wine to sip upon their return.

Here’s a break-down of what is HOT but chillin’ in the Texas summer heat:

Ft. Worth: Loica Sauvignon Blanc, Loica Carmenère, Olivet Lane Chardonnay, Susana Balbo Malbec, Luca Chardonnay, Susana Balbo Crios Rose of Malbec, Cloverdale Ranch Cab and Merlot.

Dallas: Susana Balbo Crios, Dominique Portet Sauvignon Blanc, Tikal Patriota, Luca Chardonnay, Pellegrini Unoaked Chardonnay, Tierra Zinfandel and Encierra (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenère and Merlot.) which is making it on wine lists all over town.

Plano: Susana Balbo Crios, Dominigue Portet Shiraz and Cabernet, Nandu Malbec Susana Balbo Malbec, La Posta Malbec and Pellegrini Sauvingon Blanc.

Southlake: La Posta Malbec, Mapema Tempranillo

Waco: Susana Balbo Budini, Crios Rose of Malbec, La Posta Bonarda, Pellegrini Unoaked Chardonnay and Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet.

Austin: Mukune - Root of Innocence Sake (a big shot out to Deepak & Rohit!), Pellegrini Cloverdale Ranch Merlot, Pellegrini Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Susana Balbo Crios (Central Market Westgate has the motherload!)and a new Sake flight of Hawk in the Heavens and Southern Beauty at Trulucks!

Houston: Sake SAKE SAKE!! Luca Chardonnay, Luca Syrah, Susana Balbo Crios – Torrontes, Rose of Malbec and Cabernet, Dominique Portet Sauvignon Blanc, Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Nandu Malbec, Budini Cabernet and Chardonnay! Cheers! Ali