Clinton Stark

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

Clos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2006: A creamy, toasty wine

Perhaps I'm inspired by the unseasonably warm weather here in California. Despite a long list of reds awaiting tasting, I found myself gravitating towards this Chardonnay. The creamy and rich flavors of a nice Chardonnay at just the right temperature is a rewarding experience indeed.  Add some crackers and cheese, and...

Artesa Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Napa Valley 2005 $23.99 (90 pts.)

90 Artesa Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Napa Valley 2005. We were fortunate to enjoy this wine on Thanksgiving in the company of friends and family. Unlike most Sauvignon Blancs, it is aged in barrels for 14 months. I suspect that is one of the reasons why there are wonderful flavors here, and certainly above...

‘WineTales’ podcast premiere: A Napa interview with Peju winemaker Sara Fowler

Welcome to the premiere episode of WineTales, a new podcast series produced by StarkSilverCreek! Come along with us as we discover the stories, the people and places of wine country, from a relaxed, insider perspective. Peju Province is a special winery located off highway 29 in Rutherford, in the heart of...

Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Barossa Valley, Australia 2004 $7.99 (83 pts.)

83 Jacob's Creek Shiraz Barossa Valley, Australia 2004. An average wine, with no special qualities despite it’s apparently strong heritage and Barossa roots. Not jammy. That’s good. More blackberry and pepper. They say ’subtle oak’. I didn't detect any. $7.99. Read the full review.

Bogle Petite Sirah, Clarksburg, California 2005 $9.99 (87 pts.)

87 Bogle Petite Sirah,  Clarksburg, California 2005. This is an easy-going, friendly wine. Fruit-forward with vanilla accents and agreeable on finish. Nice pop of cherry. Let breathe to calm tannins. The aroma from the nose is wonderful, perhaps promising more than delivered, but still great value. $9.99. Read the...

Silver Oak Cellars release day February 7 just announced: Big Napa Cab lovers rejoice!

If you're a big Napa Cab lover, mark your calendar for February 7. One of the most respected producers of classic, bold Napa Cabs is releasing its 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. As an added bonus, the date marks the Grand Opening of its new Oakville Estate. Last time Loni and I visited,...

‘The Stark Naked Report’ Podcast #5: Visiting Napa wineries, Mamma Mia! review, ’97 Bollinger and sushi

The Stark Naked Report #5: January 13, 2009 Visiting Napa wineries along highway 29 in wine country including Artesa, Turnbull, Cakebread and Sequoia Grove Oh boy, yes, Abba is here, the review of 'Mamma Mia The Movie' he said/she said Celebrating a special occasion with 1997 Bollinger champagne and...

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2007 $11.99 (87 pts.)

Perfect on its own, I see this less about food pairing than just pure, easy, quality drinkability.

Merryvale Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 $17.99 (89 pts.)

The black current and vanilla were wonderful with seared lamb.