Tuesday, May 20, 2008

herb alpert - rise 1979

So I'm riding home from work, scanning the dial, slowly tiring of the ubiquitous rancheros on the radio. I come across what must be the local easy listening/smooth jazz station and this jam is playing. Instant relaxation! I know, I know, it's corny, but I too am corny. And this song was just what I needed after a Tuesday at the liquor store. Rock on, Mr. Alpert and your Tijuana Brass, rock on.

From the US - and highly recommended!

A few of you have asked me to suggest a few wines that are not too difficult to find and are good values. Well, I've added the qualifier that they be American, just to prove that this country does make some wine that I will happily drink, despite the european slant of my taste in wine. Here's a handful of wines to seek out. While these are all good for the price, I find it really tough to find good, honest, tasty American values that give you as much bang for the buck as the best of France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany even Argentina (and very occasionally, Chile). Hence these are all in the $15-low $20s price range. Enjoy - I don't think I will do this again for a long time.

2007 Elk Cove Pinot Gris
2006 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir
2005 Au Bon Climat Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc
2006 Husch Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
2007 Preston Estate Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Edmonds St John Bone Jolly El Dorado County Gamay

Feel free to contribute anything you think I'm leaving out.