J Reilly

Bobal de San Juan 2012

Bobal is relatively obscure but, surprisingly, is Spain’s third most-planted grape.

We’re not hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, so I’m subjected to the whims of relatives for holiday meals. I’m not ungrateful for the trade-off. Washing a few dishes is certainly easier than shopping and cooking for 15 people. But I long to control the destiny of my own turkey dinner, for better or forContinueContinue reading “Turkey Breast with Fennel”

Napa Wine Tasting Holiday

Visiting family for the Thanksgiving holiday who live just north of San Francisco provided the perfect opportunity for a wine tasting excursion in Napa Valley. Remembering our recent experience with a 1998 vintage of Merlot (see blog “Rombauer Rescue”), we decided to start with Rombauer Vineyards in St Helena. When we told the staff memberContinueContinue reading “Napa Wine Tasting Holiday”

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

There aren’t many $10 wines that deliver as well as McManis Cabernet Sauvignon. I guess that’s why several vintages have recently made the Wine Enthusiast Best Buy List. The McManis Vineyard is a family owned and operated winery located near the town of Ripon, California. Ron McManis joined the family business in 1979, becoming theContinueContinue reading “McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2014”

Apple Cider Cocktail Lab (Part 2)

What says autumn better than pumpkin and apples?

Apple Cider Cocktail Lab

A few years ago, on a whim, I spiked my Saturday afternoon tea with a splash of Irish Mist and found it quite tasty. I’ve also experimented with adding bourbon or whisky, including cinnamon-flavored Fireball, to apple cider. So this drink recipe with tea and bourbon is a natural.

“Sophie’s Choice” of Food and Wine

Having to choose between salad and Cabernet is my “Sophie’s Choice” of food and wine.

Two California Cabs: Valley of the Moon and Beaulieu Vineyard Napa

One from Sonoma and one from Napa. Since we can’t decide which to open, we’ll taste them both for a side by side comparison.

Easy Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Pasta

We really don’t look forward to winter but one thing we can enjoy about the seasonal change is that our menu changes with it. While barbecue and garden veggies get put on hold, soups, pasta, oven-roasted vegetables and baked dishes come into play. A few years ago, I became the reluctant owner of a riceContinueContinue reading “Easy Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Pasta”

PAMA Drink Lab

PAMA is a pomegranate flavored liqueur made with natural pomegranate juice, vodka, and a small amount of tequila. On its own, the assertive tartness of pomegranate is supported by juicy sweetness and light alcohol expression at 17%. It’s one of those sippers where you don’t notice the alcohol. The PAMA website offers pages of cocktailContinueContinue reading “PAMA Drink Lab”