The Iron Chevsky Wine Blog

On California Avenue, right next to another old-time French bistro, now we have Pastis bistro , with menu full of delicious French comfort classics. Finally a reliable French foodie place in Palo Alto. Very enjoyable with a bottle of an earthy 2010 Bourgueil (Cab Franc from Loire) on a sunny Saturday.

I have been excited about the 2006 vintage in Montalcino. The Riservas are now coming out and are impressive. The 2007 vintage is also showing well albeit a bit warmer - not as great as 2006, but still quite good with decent structure and acid. I thought that Cannalicchio di Sopra and Uccelliera did well in 2007. The much acclaimed Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova seemed too sweet and over-the-top, almost like a California Zin. Will look to re-taste it at the upcoming Dalla Terra tasting in May. Personally, I loved Casanova di Neri's basic 2006. I also got a glimpse of the 2010 Rosso di Montalcino (from Uccelliera). I often find their Rosso on par with other producers' Brunello. And the 2010 was no exception - boding very well for the 2010 vintage in Italy, and confirming the across-the-board excitement over the 2010 vintage all over Europe! Update (Oct 2012) : I re-tasted the 2007 Casanova di Neri "Tenuta Nuova", and now, 6 months later, it is showing better - ripe

My friend Kevin recently hosted a supreme gourmet dinner. The sweet carrot reduction sauce with caramel overtones - no sugar added - just carrots, ginger and butter! - was insane with the lobster blintzes. Pairing beautifully with a Spatlese level 2003 Riesling from JJ Prum. The lobster tail and claw with white Burgundy were absolutely positively to-die-for! The incredibly generous serving of Chateau Leoville Las Cases "super-second growth" Bordeaux was perfect with the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and cheese-crusted polenta slices. The 2000 Las Cases was very young. Working at Google and having a 1-year old, he doesn't always have time to exercise his culinary muscles, but when he does, he takes Friday off!... Stay thirsty, my friends!