“My father was a classic gentleman.” This is what Bernard Portet said about his dad, who was the technical director at Château Lafite in Bordeaux back int he day, while we tasted his wines. Well, the grape doesn’t fall far from the vine. Bernard is French, charming (obviously), and a Napa legend who has made amazing … Continue reading
Tag Archives: pinot noir
brad pitt be stealing some wine names
Apparently it’s wedding week on grapefriend. Not really, but it’s the second wedding-related post in a row. Anyway, last night Brad Pitt said that his wedding to Angelina Jolie might happen soon. “The time is nigh…it’s soon,” was his exact quote to People. “I got a good feeling about it.” He also said that his … Continue reading
getting your turkey grape on!
The gluttony is over. And when you’re a grapefriend, that means gluttony of grapes! Looks like everyone drank very well on Thanksgiving – nicely done, grapefriends! We did our Fiacre grower champagne, Breggo Pinot Gris and this Wolffer Meritage (2007, decanted but still felt young). Abby and Lauren in New York rocked some Sauvignon Blanc … Continue reading
happy post sandy happy hour!
Back in action with some MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir. Like a grapefriend at happy hour, the city will always bounce back. Continue reading
spooky juice for hallowine!
The scariest wine is probably barfy flavorless Pinot Grigio, but in the spirit of Halloween let’s get a little spookier. Here are great wines to serve at or bring to any Halloween party, or just to drink at home alone Sandy-style (i.e. if you’re still without power). talbott pinot noir, sleepy hollow vineyard It’s rare … Continue reading
these amused my bouche
If I’m getting serious about my wine tasting, I usually don’t like to eat while drinking. But once I’m done with taking notes, I love a good food and wine pairing that brings out different things in the wine. In Napa and Sonoma, we had a few brilliant couplings. Take note for your next party… … Continue reading
sonoma: best wine of the day
Most Sonoma Pinot’s I have at this point are so full of cherry I almost don’t like them. Not the Kutch ones. It’s much more elegant and layered, great acid to balance. When people say it’s a California Pinot done in the Burgundian style, they should use this as a touchstone. Jamie Kutch, the guy … Continue reading
oh, just a little bubbly this morning
This is how we kicked off the morning. My dad with his eyes closed, me with a shadow on my teeth, and the awesomest huge bottle of bub at Domaine Carneros. Welcome to grapefriend land… The guys go, “Oh, this is your Michael Strahan picture.” I’ll sacrifice my beauty shot to be compared to a … Continue reading
Napa: best wine of the day
You drink a lot when you’re in Napa. You go to wineries, you drink at lunch and dinner, and basically you just taste everything put in your hand, which happens often. So we tasted a lot on our first day. A bunch of Cabernets, sure (it’s Napa), but my favorite was surprisingly Cakebread’s 2010 Anderson … Continue reading
napa 50th anniversary kickoff
Happy first night in Napa with one of my favorite Pinot Noir producers, even if they’re in Sonoma… My absolute fave is the Manchester Ridge Vineyard one, but this was very tangy and cranberry, and had great acid for food pairing. Plus, it was my parents’ 50th anniversary! Was great to celebrate with some good … Continue reading
