My fridge is mighty happy today, had to chill down our white wines for the Master Sommelier dinner tonight at Wink. These cool bottles are...
Those who know me well, know that I'm working like a mad woman to have a nice sparkling infinity pool in my own backyard - one day. Silly little thing I have about a pool, I guess it brings back memories of life as a teenager in the backyard without a worry in the world. 
Funny - I am searching for bottle images on the web tonight and ran across the tasting notes of my friend Keith, who was very instrumental in teaching me the basics of Burgundy during my days at K&L Wine Merchants. Ch. de Puligny Montrachet is featured this weekend at the TexSom Conference at the Austin, Four Seasons hotel. The wines are also available to buy from Sigel's in Dallas and the Austin Wine Merchant.The rebirth of the Château de Puligny Montrachet since my visit there in 2002 is astounding. Since Etienne de Montille took over, the yields are down, farming is organic or biodynamic and attention to detail shows from top to bottom. The result has been extremely fine wines, all estate grown.
A particularly good bargain is the 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet Bourgogne Blanc, Clos du Château Made from 100% estate-grown fruit from the walled vineyard around the Château, this is a Puligny Montrachet in all but name, with bright fruit and lovely focus.
The 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet Monthelie Blanc has lovely mid-palate balance, with bright creamy notes and good weight. The pretty floral notes on the nose add to its charm.
The 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet St. Aubin 1er Cru, “En Remilly” is a rich wine with elegant minerality and a lemon-cream note. The finish is long, persistent and balanced.
The 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet Puligny Montrachet shows very pretty pine and mineral notes, with fresh, bright fruit. The wine has a precise focus to it, and is lovely, fine and lingering on the finish.
There are also small quantities of the 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet Meursault 1er Cru, “Poruzots” , the 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet Meursault 1er Cru, “Perrieres” and the 2004 Château de Puligny Montrachet Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru, “Folatieres”, as well as tiny quantities of their spectacular Grands Crus, Chevalier, Bâtard and Montrachet Á Santé. —Keith Wollenberg
2006 Domaine Tempier Rose – Bandol: The REAL DEAL folks! I recently bought a few bottles of this for my house based on a solid recommendation, so I was glad to see it on a wine list in 
s of indecision, I went for it. Very pleasing flavors of soft, ripe red fruit on the nose with delicious smoky overtones. The red fruit characteristics are mirrored on the palate with fine balancing acidity and a very pretty finish. I saved enough to try a glass the following night – OH YEAH I’m glad I did!
and off to lead a Malbec Tasting at Whole Foods - Downtown Austin now. 
Yep, the last time I took a vacation it was a good one, back-to-back weddings in Italy and Hawaii - but that was in 2003.Wine and Spirits Magazine | |
| 2006 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris There's coastal freshness to this wine's luscious fruit, and that freshness lasts. Plump and delicious when first poured, the citrus and nectarine flavors deepen and feel more structured the next day. It has the mouthwatering effect of a bite of crisp cucumber, with the textural roundness for fleshy fish, like roast halibut. (2,800 cases) (W&S 8/07) Handley Cellars, Philo, CA | |
...Cool off with a drink
3 No doubt, the happening nightspot this summer is the Belmont, with an interior conjuring vintage Las Vegas lounges and patios channeling 1960s Palm Springs. Margarita specials come on Monday, Wednesdays are about wine, Sunday nights mean summer films, and there's live music nightly. (305 W. Sixth St., 512-457-0300, www.thebelmontaustin.com). At the serene Cork & Co. wine bar, you'll sip vintages you won't find everywhere else, and you can play funny little wine games if the spirit moves you. Do taste the Pelligrini 2005 Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County and the Crios 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina, and be sure to check out the excellent retail prices on bottles to take away. (308 Congress Ave., 512-474-3675, www.corkandco.com.)
FULL ARTICLE HERE
| BenMarco: | 91 Points, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 90 Points, 2004 Expresivo, Wine Spectator, June 2007 |
| Mendel: | 91 Points, 2004 Malbec, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 91 Points, 2004 Unus, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 |
| mapema: | 91 Points, 2004 Malbec, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 |
| Tikal: | 91 Points, 2005 Patriota, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 89 Points, 2005 Amorio, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 |
| La Posta: | 90 Points, 2005 Malbec Paulucci Vineyard, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 |
| Susana Balbo: | 90 Points, 2005 Malbec, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 90 Points, 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine & Spirits, June 2007 |
| Davis Family Vineyards: | 94 Points, 2004 Bar D'Or, Sonoma County, California State Fair 2007 Gold Medal, 2005 Syrah, Russian River Valley, Guyzer Block, San Francisco International Wine Competition 2007 Gold Medal, 2005 Syrah, Russian River Valley, Guyzer Block, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2007 |
Please pass this along to all your fellow "Cowtown Wine Lovers!" Put a Cork In It - A wonderful neighborhood wine shop located near TCU is having a nice summer sale...
This just in...the August Issue of Food & Wine highlights two TexaCali Wine Co. chardonnay producers for a feature article on Killer California Chardonnays!!" These 18 standout California Chardonnays complement a wide range of dishes— everything from delicate fish like sole to a classic roasted chicken." Read the article...
Cheers - Ali
here's a little recap on the most recent Davis Family Vineyard awards - Guy Davis has been working his magic for us all to enjoy.
2005 Syrah - Silver 90 Points
2004 Barn D'or - Gold 94 Points
Beverage Tasting Institute
2004 Zinfandel -89 Points Highly Recommended
2005 Chardonnay - 88 Points Silver Medal, Highly Recommended
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon -90 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional
2007 Affairs of the Vine - Pinot Shootout
2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley - 94 Points, Tied for Second Place
2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2005 Chardonnay - Silver
2005 Rose - Silver
2005 Zinfandel - Gold
2005 Syrah - Gold
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon - Silver
2007 Dallas Morning News
2005 Gusto Sauvignon Blanc - Bronze
2005 Chardonnay - Bronze
2004 Pinot Noir - Bronze
2005 Syrah - Bronze
2007 Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2005 Chardonnay - Silver
2004 Barn D'or - Bronze
2005 Zinfandel - Silver
2005 Syrah - Bronze
2007 Orange County Fair
2005 Chardonnay - Silver
2004 Barn D'or - Silver
2005 Syrah - Silver
2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition
2004 Barn D'or - Silver
2005 Syrah - Gold
The photos on the TexaCali Wine Co. website were all just updated into a SUPER COOL SLIDE presentation.
Over the weekend I made a Frittata from Ida Pellegrini's Family Recipe to go along with the Pellegrini 2005 Sauvignon Blanc - DELICIOUS. I totally encourage you all to do the same soon!! Cheers - Ali
nd Jeanne, Ida has been responsible for entertaining the guests and clients of Pellegrini for more than 60 years. Her acclaimed culinary abilities are in evidence throughout the tasting room and Wine Club recipe cards. She is also an avid traveler who can sometimes be found leading Pellegrini wine trips. Ida has eight grandchildren.1 onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
parsley, chopped
6 eggs
6 to 8 zucchini (medium-sized)
Olive oil
3 handfuls of grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
10”x2” pan
2 Italian sausages, browned and crumbled (optional)
Wash and cut zucchini (quarter lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch ovals). Sauté chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent. Add zucchini, parsley, salt and pepper and cook until tender.
Beat eggs well. Add grated Parmesan cheese to mixture and pour over zucchini, stirring gently to get eggs down to the bottom of the pan and around the edges. Form into a round pie shape. As soon as the bottom is solid and browned, put it under the broiler until the top is set and browned.
Ida’s Tip: Put a flat dish over the pan and flip the frittata over to check if the bottom is well browned. If not, put it under the broiler to brown. If the sausage is used, crumble and brown and add to the zucchini mixture while it is cooking.
Each morning I check the stats on my website. Here's a little peek inside...Happy Monday! Cheers - Ali
Keyphrases used on search engines
| 40 different keyphrases | Percent |
| texacali wine | 16.3 % |
| texacali | 11.4 % |
| wight vineyard management | 4.9 % |
| texacaliwine.com | 3.2 % |
| luis reginato | 3.2 % |
| crios wine | 3.2 % |
| luca malbec | 3.2 % |
| amazing texas wines | 1.6 % |
| | 1.6 % |
| crios wine 2003 cabernet sauvignon pair with food | 1.6 % |
| mapema malbec | 1.6 % |
| crios rose of malbec | 1.6 % |
| pellegrini unoaked | 1.6 % |
| chateau la croix martelle | 1.6 % |
| argentinians in the woodlands | 1.6 % |
| luca pinot noir | 1.6 % |
| texacaliwines | 1.6 % |
| chilled ginjo sake | 1.6 % |
| | 1.6 % |
| alison smith wine | 1.6 % |
| www.texacaliwine.com | 1.6 % |
| rate sake | 1.6 % |
| | 1.6 % |
| cloverdale ranch cabernet | 1.6 % |
| groove char | 1.6 % |
| handal vineyards | 1.6 % |
| crios rose wine | 1.6 % |
| handley rose of pinot noir | 1.6 % |
| susanna balbo & | 1.6 % |
| wine marketing texas | 1.6 % |
| unique wine company | 1.6 % |
| texacali wines | 1.6 % |
| 2005 lange estate pinot noir | 1.6 % |
| sancerre 2003 roc de l abbaye | 1.6 % |
| vrignaud chablis | 1.6 % |
| domaine de vrignaud wine | 1.6 % |
| | 1.6 % |
| | 1.6 % |
| susanna balbo malbec 05 | 1.6 % |
| pellegrini cuvee 107 wine | 1.6 % |
Might I suggest a silky smooth bottle of Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Syrah while listening to porterdavis next time you're chillin'...Cheers - AliLive at Eddie's Attic
Austin voters missed the boat this year when Porterdavis didn't even make the Best New Band Top 10 at the AMAs, but this CD ensures they'll place high in the roots-rock category next year. They're a bit novel in format – three vocalists backed only by acoustic guitar, harp, and hand percussion – but Live at Eddie's Attic mixes solid originals and well-chosen covers with excellent vocals. - Margaret Moser July 6, 2007
Back in Pre-Revolutionary America when the song "Yankee Doodle" was first popular, the singer was not referring to the pasta "macaroni" in the line that reads "stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni".In celebration of July 4th here’s a quick shopping list of American Wines…
Big Cheers to the American Wineries of TexaCali Wine Co., truly living an American Dream!
My sweet Mom sent me this little factoid this morning...she's a retired elementary school teacher who's never had a sip of wine in her life. She did however drag me all over the East Coast each summer as a kid to see all the historical landmarks.
vineyard, we know he had a well-stocked wine cellar at the Hermitage mansion.
Griffin welcomes home Baby Brady! Click the picture to get a good look at the welcome waggin'!
When will it stop????
| (Best viewed from a Firefox Browser NOT Microsoft Explorer) For those in the know or just reading this now, Mike Meadows is my main man and I'm crazy proud of him and his band mates...This article was in the Houston Chronicle yesterday...just got a call, standing room only tonight in Houston to see porterdavis rock the HOUSE! Cheers - Ali Entertainment |
Porterdavis offers blues-infused roots, rhythm and rock
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
• Where: Anderson Fair, 2007 Grant
• Tickets: $10 at the door or online at www.andersonfair.com
"We finished the album in Texas and redid a few tunes here, and ... the post-Texas songs were so laid-back, slower and groovier. And the Boston version still sounded like we were looking for a parking spot — frantically looking for a parking spot."
The band got its start and its name in Boston.
Although Barrett has often been the target of shouts of "Hey, Porter!" there's no guy in the band named Porter Davis. After studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Barrett and percussionist and vocalist Mike Meadows began performing in two Boston subway stops — Porter Square Station and Davis Station.
Voilà! The band had a name.
Even in the subway days, they never doubted they'd stick with the music.
"We were both clear in our own right that we were going to do this, so when we met someone else who was as unwavering and had a similar musical sensibility, there was no going back. It was almost odd," Barrett said.
Since then, they've pursued a musical career relentlessly. They were selling out shows at one of Boston's premier listening rooms, the Lizard Lounge, before they decided to move to Austin for quality-of-life reasons.
"Austin fits our values and what we like to do, the type of music we appreciate. Even down to the food and Barton Springs. It was a holistic decision. There was no one thing, but it all made sense."
Simon Wallace, a vocalist and blues harmonica champion from the United Kingdom, joined them in Austin in 2004. Three-part harmony and down-and-dirty swamp blues ensued. In 2005 porterdavis released 15 Hours Unraveling, its debut full-length album. It reached No. 10 on Waterloo Records' national sales chart and No. 2 in Texas. The latest release, porterdavis live at eddie's attic, recorded at Atlanta venue Eddie's Attic, is highly addictive.
This year, the band was also a finalist for the Kerrville Folk Festival's New Folk award.
The band plays its mix of originals and classics at listening rooms, house concerts and college campuses. In many cases, it's the first blues-infused music the young audiences have encountered.
"Not too long ago we were in Charlotte, N.C., and this dad came up and said, 'My daughter said she liked blues. I never thought I'd hear those words come out of her mouth.'
"I think if you were in college when Led Zeppelin or (Eric) Clapton were coming up, some of the blues traditions would be a little more in your ears," Barrett said. "But not so many bands today are rooted in it — or they are rooted in it but they don't seem to know they are."
Educating fans about musical traditions is one of their goals.
"What would really be a hoot would be to know that we turn some people on to blues music," he said. "And not just blues. Roots music has a very literal and a more figurative meaning to me. When I started listening to (Bob) Dylan, then I wanted to check out the Carter Family and Johnny Cash. When I listened to Eric Clapton, I wanted to check out Buddy Guy and B.B. King and Robert Johnson. I would love to instill that kind of curiosity."
Barrett and Meadows also studied music in Ghana in West Africa. Meadows' choice of percussion instruments and techniques — drawn from Africa and Brazil and filtered through U.S. traditions — can seem exotic and familiar at the same time.
Since drums weren't allowed in Boston subway stations, Meadows had to be creative from the beginning, using anything that sounded like a drum — a tambourine, for example — but didn't really look like one.
"Watching him play is a lot like watching a magician," says John Wilson of YourTexasMusic.com. "You keep thinking that the harder you stare at him the easier it will be to understand how he makes all of those sounds. Dream on. I finally just gave up and concentrated on the sound. It was still magic."
In Africa, porterdavis' founders also adopted the ritual of paying tribute to their musical heroes — Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, Townes Van Zandt, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and others — before every show, by toasting to the show and pouring a bit of their beverages on the floor.
It's called a libation ceremony.
"Before you were allowed to study with any particular tribe you had to do a little ceremony where you honored the spirits in the drums and the past teachers. People have thought we are being silly, but we're very earnest about that. If there was a thesis statement to our band, it would be to honor the roots of the musicians who came before you."
In Africa, music is both more and less mystical, he said. "You just live in music there. Everybody's a musician or a dancer. It's not projected onto a few people, it's shared communally. It's really pretty inspiring."
Finally I posted a few pictures from the Malbec Masters Tour on June 7 & 8 on www.texacaliwine.com - just click on TCWC Photos. 
for all the pics from last week, no time to upload - I actually sat out by the hotel pool yesterday instead of working all afternoon. Needed THAT!
