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.
Clinton Stark
Filmmaker and editor at Stark Insider, covering arts, AI & tech, and indie film. Inspired by Bergman, slow cinema and Chipotle. Often found behind the camera or in the edit bay. Peloton: ClintTheMint.
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…
‘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…
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…
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.…
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…
Video: Santana Row and Blowfish Sushi in San Jose
Video from Santana Row, San Jose.
Week in review: The calm before the storm?
Somehow, some way, I managed to survive a week here surrounded by two Kao women, with Loni’s sister in town from Toronto for a visit.…
Weekend wine recommendations (value picks)
There are plenty of great wines out there. Recently I read that it’s now less about choosing a bad wine then a boring wine —…