Month: September 2012

General Wine

Fourteen reds for holiday parties, dining

The Wine Novice asked Andrea DiFiore, store manager at Andover Liquors, for a list of red wines (with her own descriptions) for the following functions: an informal dinner-party, a formal dinner party at your boss’s house (or someone else you might want to impress); and that special memorable event. These 14 wines, ranging in price […]

General Wine

A wine match made in Andover

“Tis the season for the big bold brash and vibrant red wines that inspire fall parties and grace holiday tables the toasty tannins of Italian Barolos and Brunellos and the rich complex blue black and red fruits of California Cabernet Sauvignon and French Bordeaux. Like shortsleeve shirts and Bermuda shorts that are packed away for […]

General Wine

These red wines were summer hits

Two weeks ago, I evaluated the best of the white wines sampled this summer, from May to September’s Labor Day. Here’s the best of the reds that made their way into the pergola with the Wine Goddess, Wine Butler and others. Pinot Noir and red blends dominated the scene. All these wines were purchased either […]

General Wine

Drew Bledsoe goes deep with 'Doubleback' cabernet

I’m calling an audible this week. Instead of writing about the best red wines I tasted during “summer school”(I’ll do that next week), I’m going to tell you about my meeting with former NFL star quarterback turned winemaker Drew Bledsoe, who is producing an outstanding Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon called “Doubleback.” The name is derived […]

General Wine

Summer school: These white wines made the grade

The 1960s who so wickedly said of her favorite cocktail: “I love Martinis Two are the most – Three I’m on the table Four I’m under the host.”; Actually, we didn’t drink all that wine alone. We had plenty of help from the Wine Butler (Michael Pigeon), his wife (Judy) and some splendid neighbors and […]