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

Loreto Baja updates: Press trips, extended promotion and La Mision Hotel

Some news bits from Loreto for those interested in following the recent promotional efforts: The Loreto Visitors Bureau is working with the Baja Tourism Board on a press trip scheduled for Jan 30 - Feb 1 There will be another "huge" press trip also sponsored by the Bureau with...

Livermore wine country: Photo of the day

Sometimes a photo says it all. More to come from our recent Livermore and Napa wine tastings including Cakebreak, Artesa, Sequoia Grove, Turnbull, Ruby Hill, Tenuta, Fenestra and La Rochelle.

The rise of Malbec

Recall your last few conversations about wine, and I'd wager someone mentioned Malbec at some point. Probably followed by superlatives related to flavor and price. So what exactly is this Malbec grape all about? No doubt there is a mini-boom in progress. Just take a look at your local wine shop...

Anthony Bourdain: Smoking, drinking and cursing his way to the top of the food chain

There's something real about a person who tells it like it is. No pretense. No apparent accountability and not beholden to authority. And when you mix in a sordid past and fondness for all things vice, you end up with Anthony Bourdain — kind of like the Bronx colliding with Paris. The...

Fuzion Shiraz-Malbec, Familia Zuccardi, Argentina 2008 $7.45 (81 pts.)

81 Fuzion  Shiraz-Malbec, Familia Zuccardu, Argentina 2008 This wine recently caused a sensation in Canada, although it was an earlier vintage. Hopefully it fared better than this young '08 which lacks character and comes across flat. It was smooth with some soft pepper and blackberries, but far from a great wine. Just...

SouPerBowl or SuperBowl? Outtake from Livermore wine country

Things go wrong when I interrupt the talent. This is the abbreviated PG version. (yes, Loni, you were and are right!)

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2006 $13.49 (87 pts.)

For pairing, try seafood dishes like lobster or fish with simple sauces.

Follow us on Twitter on today’s Livermore wine country tour

It's another weekend wine country tour! This time to Livermore in Northern California's East Bay (Google map) region near towns like Pleasanton, Danville, San Ramon and Dublin. We will be visiting Fenestra for their 'SouperBowl', soup and wine tasting. Meeting up with some friends, including friend of SSC and Loreto...

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, buy it while you can

A while back I reviewed the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. I scored it 86 points, and enjoy it every week, especially with Loni's famously spicy curry. Yesterday Wine Spectator released their tasting note on the same wine, and scored it 88 points. Impressive for a $14 wine that can...

‘WineTales’ podcast: Inside the world of winemaking with Massimo Di Costanzo of Ehlers Estate, Napa Valley

Our journey into the world of all things wine continues with 'Wine Tales' recorded live from Napa Valley. Ehlers Estate is a gem, and we talk with the winemaker, formerly of Screaming Eagle, in a revealing interview!