Drew Bledsoe’s been out of pro football for six years but he’s still reading defenses.In his visit to the Statehouse on Thursday, the former New England Patriots quarterback sized up the status quo among legislators who’ve blocked efforts to open up Massachusetts to shipping out-of-state wines directly to the homes of consumers here. Bledsoe, who […]
Month: March 2013
Wine world loses a good friend
I considered Jim Barrett somewhat of a friend even though I never got to meet him. Barrett, the owner of Chateau Montelena Winery in Napa Valley, died last week at the age of 86. Fifteen months ago I made a pilgrimage to Chateau Montelena, located at the base of Mt. Saint Helena in Calistoga, with […]
Recent tastings: Seven wines to explore
RECENT TASTINGS: Chateau du Pin Bordeaux 2009 ($12.99) — Here’s a good place to start learning about French value wines. I was impressed with the long, dry finish on this medium-bodied red. It went well with beef tacos … Kiona Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2011 ($10.99) — The clean, citrusy taste of this varietal is getting […]
Three cheers to mom and the Ides of March
I’ve never feared the Ides of March, even if my first and last name carried the same initials as Julius Caesar. Shakespeare immortalized the words “Beware the Ides of March” in his play about the Roman emperor who was assassinated by 60 Roman senators in 44 B.C. The famous English bard wrote the play in […]
A near-perfect balance of wine and soul
When the Roman Catholic season of Lent began more than three weeks ago, I told the Rev. Nick Sannella of the Immaculate Conception Church that I would be buckling down hard this year. His inspirational homily had convinced me to give up something that would be an optimal (not ultimate) sacrifice for 40 days. I […]
Review: Bocelli's 'Love in Portofino' his best ever
Don’t miss Bocelli’s upcoming Great Performance concert on PBS television stations in March. It’s his best ever. Get your best bottle of red wine from the cellar, or buy one, and sit back in total enjoyment. I’d just a nice 2005 Copertino Riserva or Sangiovese. Portofino, a resort village on the Italian Riviera where the […]
