Flora Springs wines came back on my radar last week, when I had the pleasantly fruity 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with Suky’s meatloaf when we were staying at Suky & Tom’s amazing and tranquil Stonover Farm B+B in the Berkshires Unfortunately, I had poured something else for Tom, not realizing that as a Pinot Noir fan he would probably like this wine with its mouthfilling, fruit-forward dark fruit and a medium body, not too tannic – sorry, Tom. If you’re looking for it, this vintage of Flora Springs Cabernet carries their new label and logo and it retails for around $36; Stonover Farm is in Lenox MA.
Watching the engaging national debut of the new movie BEER WARS on Thursday, you get to know the major players in craft beer — the small to XXL companies — as well as the international megalopolis of Miller and A-B, neither of which are US companies any more. Immediately following, the broadcast live discussion with the producer and several craft bewers and experts, nicely moderated by cult favorite Ben Stein, was a cool addition.
It IS fun to watch, with personal stories and lively editing
It ISN”T full of great surprises (though informative).
MISSING: Comparative beer tasting at the end Guess we’ll have to conduct our own as this is illegal in theaters.
For one weekend in May (16&17): mark your calendars for next year if you can’t get there now.
Bordeaux chateaux that are usually off-limits to the public are now opening their doors to visitors.
Some are scheduling dinners in their chateaux, and a few even offer wine dinners in their vineyards.
There are all types of tours, and even a golf tournament. The UGC (Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux) promises “preferential rates” when you register through them at http://www.wga-ugcb.com/?lang=en
It kind of doesn’t matter what it is, but after those words, I want to try it. So when the folks at Loft Organic liqueurs offered me some tasting samples I was eager. A day or two later, a scented box arrives. Scented because it’s wet – at least one of the samples leaked. So now my hands smell nice, like lavender – or likeLoft lavender liqueur. Lavender, lemongrass and spicy ginger are the flavors. I taste them room temp, but they improve with the addition of ice – probably the way they’re meant to be served. The lemongrass is pretty subtle.
The ginger is the best – nice and tangy. A lot like the new Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur (made with cognac) that I got from Canton spokesperson Ming Tsai a few months ago. The lemongrass is subtle. The lavender I actually liked best the way I first experienced it: on my hands. It seems more like a product you’d want to wear than something to drink. Though I suppose a very few drops floated on the top of a cocktail just before serving could be nice…
