Clinton Stark
Clinton shoots videos for Stark Insider. San Francisco Bay Area arts, Ingmar Bergman and French New Wave, and chasing the perfect home espresso shot 25 seconds at a time (and failing). Peloton: ClintTheMint. Camera: Video Gear
Artesa Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley 2005 Limited Release $40 (87 pts.)
87 Artesa Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley 2005 Limited Release. A satisfying $40 Cabernet Franc that demonstrates many of the characteristics I enjoy in a good Artesa wine: the bold aromatic nose of pepper, vanilla and oak, and a decent finish with some fruit and nice tannins for structure. One...
Parducci True Grit Petite Sirah, Mendocino 2005 $29.99 (90 pts.)
90 Parducci True Grit Petite Sirah, Mendocino 2005. Yes! Just what I expect in a bold Sirah. What Petite Sirah is all about: a gun slinging, brash example with lots of intense pepper and big and bold. Highly recommended. $29.99 — C.S. Read the full review.
Napa’s lofty and mysterious cult cabs: Scarecrow vs. Screaming Eagle… and action!
The California cult cab is a recent wine phenomenon, or perhaps trend, that appears to defy gravity, and even more startling, this down economy.
Valley of the Moon Cuvée de la Luna, Sonoma 1998 $17.50 (84 pts.)
It's one of the most difficult wines to pin down that I've tasted in years.
Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année 1997 $100 (94 pts.)
94 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année 1997. Citrus. Smooth and refreshing, with a light finish. Everything I could hope for in a Champagne, and with special sushi prepared by a special person. 2009 starts in style $100 — C.S. Read the full review and food pairing.
‘Windows on the World Complete Wine Course’: A must-have book for wine beginners and pros alike
Finding a wine book that is 'just right' is not easy. Some writers are too flowery, often evoking unnecessary sensuality and generally "phoofy" language to describe wine and the industry. Others are too technical in explaining the wine making process and sap the joy right out of the whole...
Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2006 $13.49 (87 pts.)
87 Clos du Bois Reserve Chardonnay 2006. What I like about this wine is the balance. Although you have some citrus and melon scents on the nose, I detected slight complexity with hints of vanilla and spice on the finish. And yet the whole time I never felt there was...
Mouton Cadet Blanc Bordeaux 2007 $7.99 (82 pts.)
82 Mouton Cadet Blanc Bordeaux 2007. A dry blend, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle. Some minerals evident along with a slight sour tinge. Lemon and tart fruit. Not bad, especially at this price, if you enjoy a simple grassy style white Bordeaux blend. $7.99 — C.S.
Napa River Merlot 2005 $4.99 (78 pts.)
The flavor itself is unbalanced, with a mix of unpleasant tannins, with occasional hints of blackberry trying to break through. I also found it slightly sour.
