Sonoma

It was difficult to make a bad Pinot in California in 2002, a standout vintage year with supple, juicy, and harmonious wines abounding everywhere, in particular on the Sonoma Coast. Guess what you get from a winery like Williams-Selyem, one of California’s elite standard bearers for handcrafted Pinot Noir? If you guessed a great [...]

I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a fan of dessert wines. I find the majority of them far too sweet and cloying – small syrup bombs that are the last thing I need after, let alone during, a nicely prepared dessert. However, after the recent discovery of dessert wines made from Jurancon, I’m holding a [...]

The art of conversation seem to absorb me at the moment:- Hello.- Hi, how's it going?- It's going. That's what. It's going, and it's pretty good. How about yourself?- I'm hanging in there, I guess. I'm hanging in, and getting stuff done, and taking it easy.- Taking it easy? That's nice. Good for you.- Thank you. Have a great day.- You too. I appreciate it. - Me too.And just like that, two stranger

  I have to share why I titled my post “90 Laps At Sonoma” because I am under the realization that it wasn’t 90 laps long. 90 laps was about how much of the race I watched before my power went out for the rest of the night. As I complained last night, I missed the [...]

The swagger had vanished, and the cocky confidence went with it. A two-week slump sent Kyle Busch spiraling into crankiness despite his hold atop the points standings. With a win Sunday at Infineon Raceway, his mood instantly lifted. Busch snapped his mini-slump by racing to his first Sprint Cup Series win on a road course with [...]

I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a fan of dessert wines. I find the majority of them far too sweet and cloying – small syrup bombs that are the last thing I need after, let alone during, a nicely prepared dessert. However, after the recent discovery of dessert wines made from Jurancon, I’m holding a [...]

I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a fan of dessert wines. I find the majority of them far too sweet and cloying – small syrup bombs that are the last thing I need after, let alone during, a nicely prepared dessert. However, after the recent discovery of dessert wines made from Jurancon, I’m holding a [...]

The Marimar Estate 2005 Dona Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir just got rave reviews from Wine Enthusiast, 96 point, and seeing it in my local wine store for "only" $35.99 I had to bring it with me home. Said and done, excited about this "gem" we tasted it that very evening.It has a dark, clear, intense, garnet color in the glass.On the nose it shows black cherry, dark raspberry, currant,

Rating: 0 Posted By: closimoto Views: 31 Replies: 0 From SD- use link below to access free shipping at Williams Sonoma- with no minimum purchase required! tier baking rack- $8.99 Online Coupons from Fatwallet.com.

In contrast with the many thin and harsh sauvignon blancs on the market, this well-made dry white wine is full-bodied and creamy in texture while retaining a certain herbal edginess. Its fascinating array of flavors includes chalk and other minerals, pear, lime and dill. Very fresh and youthful, it’s an excellent choice for outdoor summer [...]

Visiting Selland's Market earlier this week, to bring home some of their fabulous carnitas for dinner, I could not resist taking a look at their wines and of course "accidentally" one of them ended up coming home with me...Tonight it was time to try the "errant bottle", a Bohan-Dillon 2006 Hirsch Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Made by Hirsch Vineyards from 97% estate fruit for the cost of $29.99 (at Selland's), compared to the Hirsch Vineyards 2006 Sonoma Coast for $55 (made from the same fruit), I hoped for it to be a high quality wine for a bargain price.It has a clear ruby red color in the glass.The nose displays cherry, raspberry, red currant, tobacco leaves, tea, and vanilla notes.The palate showcasing light plum, cherry, sweet tobacco, and heat from the alcohol (14.6%), backed u

Napa Valley, famous around the world as the Wine Country, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California. More than five million visitors come each year, often overcrowding the roadways on summer weekends. Peak times are the summer months and the harvest "crush" during September and October. Napa Valley is home to more than two hundred wineries. With wine as a focus, great dining naturally emerged to compliment it, making it a food-and-drink lover's paradise!Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summers tend to be hot and dusty, as well as decidedly crowded. Fall (September-November) combines fine weather with the grape harvest, and the wine-making season is on in full swing! The gloroious vineyards of the beautiful Sonoma county are a visual and gratifying treat,irres

Most of the new visitors are from Europe, she said. "They're all staying at very high-end properties," Buffo said.Visitors from other countries are finding their money is buying more U.S. goods and services than it did a year ago.After slipping for months, the dollar fell to record lows against six major currencies this month, reflecting the nation's weak economy.The county's hotel tax receipts for the third quarter of 2007 were 9 percent above 2006. The exchange rate might not be the entire reason, but it's a factor, said Michelle Heston, who handles public relations for Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

Most recently Perez spent time at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, a premier property in Sacramento, CA. Under his direction, the resort hosted in excess of 400 weddings a year among many other on-site events. Like Scheller, Perez has excelled in the Marriot Corporation, having held the Director of Food & Beverage position at both the Oakland Marriott Convention Center and at the Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco, overseeing all convention services.

The hills up and down California are greening: March, the emerald month, is around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about short hops to Sonoma—before the tourists arrive. Though current room rates are a steal, you don’t have to stay overnight. It’s only 45 minutes from the city. Go for the day. (But not this weekend: plan San Francisco rainy-day activities instead.)Build your afternoon road trip around a good meal. You can leave at noon, drive through sublime electric-green landscapes, maybe hit a winery, then kick back over an early dinner and be home in time to catch a movie. Trust me: you’ll feel like you’ve had a mini-vacation. Here’s my short list of favorite dining rooms, along with some good cheap eats for budgeteers.

It is not very often that I buy a Merlot but when I saw the Trecini 2005 Vicini Vineyard Russian River Valley Merlot as a half bottle I had to give it a try.Trecini Cellars was founded in 1999 by John and Cathy Vicini and their son David. Originally from Tuscany, Italy, John comes from a long tradition of wine, actually around 150 years. In 1994 the family started growing grapes in Russian River Valley and after that it was only a natural step for them to start their own winery. They are offering five varietals at this point, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Merlot Rose, Zinfandel, and Syrah.This Merlot shows an intense ruby red color in the glass.The nose offers ripe red fruit, herbal notes and rather heavy vanilla with creme brulee character.On the palate, bright fruit with slight tartness, blac

For many of us, it was a surprise to see a new ring girl at UFC 78 Validation. Working along side Arianny Celeste was new UFC Ring Girl Edith Larente. For those of you who are wondering, will Edith stick around?  There’s a good possibility.  According to Ali Sonoma’s myspace page, Ali is “moving up to bigger and better things”.  She feels that she’s lost sight of her ultimate goal to be a actress and has decided to make some changes in her life to be where she desires. What she says in her blog is a very intelligent comment and applies to many of us.  However, she has the guts to walk away from something great with only the hope of something better. “I am no longer a ring girl for UFC…I am proud to say I am moving up to bigger and better things. There is always a time when you get comfortable at a job…you seem to lose focus on what your main goal is…I guess I got a little comfortable myself, of course, I loved the fights, lo

To Download the readable PDF version, Click Here To Sign-up and keep updated to our Market Reports, Click Here Related PostsSonoma County Real Estate Market Report (Q1 2007)Contra Costa County Real Estate Market Report (Q2 2007)Santa Clara County Real Estate Market Report (Q2 2007)Marin County Real Estate Market Report (Q2 2007)Sacramento County Real Estate Market Report (Q2 2007)

Today I am doing a quick review of a wine we had a couple of nights ago with good friends. We bought this bottle at the winery as a library wine, I would guess about 5 years ago. This was our only bottle, and this is the first time we have tasted this wine (they did not pour it at the winery when we purchased it). 400 cases was made.Chateau St Jean 1996 Sonoma County Reserve Merlot has a dark ruby red/brick color in the glass. The nose displays surprisingly concentrated fruit with dark cherry, plum, slight notes of raisin, and soft vanilla. On the palate, plum, cherry, and dark raspberry with an earthy note. The tannins are moderate and silky, but still with an edge, in this medium to fullbodied wine.My impression of this wine is close to what I had expected. With a little bit more fruit/berries then I thought would still remain (which is a good thing), this was certainly a very good, but not a great wine.For the price you can find better wine but I would not rule this one out if you

I try to get back to the roots of the site as often as possible, providing the latest wallpapers and octagon girl pictures. Following that theme, here are some new pictures of UFC Octagon Girl Ali Sonoma.  The pictures are from Ali Sonoma’s Official website and more can be found there, or here.    

There is no question - Halloween, is the tackiest, most kitschy Holiday ever. Ugh. Thank goodness, Williams-Sonoma came to the rescue, these Mini Halloween Cookies ($19.50 USD) are so charming, we may even consider answering the door this year. Each gingerbread cookie are bewitchingly shaped, and iced with skulls, pumpkins, moons, spiders, ghosts and cats. Those little trick-or-treaters will gobble them up.

Show off your bathroom's wild side with these Animal Print Towels from William Sonoma Home. Choose from either a stylish zebra or leopard print. Not only super cute, these towels are made with long, ultrasoft loops giving them a luxurious feel, while the yarn-dyed colors ensure lasting good looks. $9-$28. Shop here.

Want to lose weight without avoiding any foods?  Looking for a simple diet plan, but with more constitution than some low carb diet plans? Here is a secret behind Sonoma diet to lose weight forever and to maintain a healthier body. This may be the diet plan what you are looking [...]

This is Pahlmeyer's second label Jayson's first vintage of Pinot Noir. They also made a first vintage of Pinot Noir that is to be released in October this year under the Pahlmeyer label.The Jayson Wayfarer Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2005 Pinot Noir has a dark, ruby red color in the glass and is slightly cloudy. On the nose it shows cherry, dark raspberry, blackberry and notes of fresh cut hay. This Pinot is huge on the palate with ripe dark raspberry, notes of cherry, tobacco and coffee. Big and chewy, this medium to full bodied Pinot has good acidity and rather big tannins, with a slightly elegant note to them. 14.9% alcohol. This was a pricey Pinot Noir at $64.95 per bottle. Loving their Proprietary Red I just had to try their Pinot to see if it had the same high quality. I would definitely not hesitate to have this wine again but I would definitely put it away for a couple of years as it is very young at this point and will drink even better in the years to come with the big fruit give

Get ready for Easter dinner with this wonderful leg of lamb recipe straight from Williams-Sonoma. Roasted Leg of Lamb Ask your butcher to bone and butterfly the lamb, which involves cutting the meat almost all the way through so it can be opened up to lie relatively flat, like a book. 3 garlic cloves, finely minced3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint3 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano2 Tbs. olive oil, plus more as needed1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more, to tasteFreshly ground pepper, to taste1 boneless leg of lamb, about 4 lb., butterflied2 Tbs. wild game demi-glace or white wine1/2 cup chicken stock2 Tbs. unsalted butter Preheat an oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, mint, oregano, the 2 Tbs. olive oil, the 1 tsp. salt and pepper. Place the lamb on a work surface and spread the herb paste evenly on the meat. Roll up the lamb and tie with kitchen string at 2- to 3-inch intervals. In a roasting pan over medium-high heat, warm enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the lamb and brown

Check out another video from last night’s fight weigh ins.  Joe Rogan is doing the announcing, Arianny Celeste and Ali Sonoma are hanging in the background, while all of the fighters weigh in.  Frank Mir looked pretty ripped for Frank these days, I wonder how this will affect his game. Roger Huertra looked cut as can be, Kendall Grove and Patrick Cote looked the same.  Koscheck ripped as always sized up with Georges St. Pierre they talked a little bit, but were very gentlemanly like.  Couture and Gonzaga showed basic respect for each out, Gonzaga seemed much bigger than Couture, but so did Sylvia and he got whooped! Check out the video in better quality and without the commericals: Google Direktvideo link

Sonoma y Napa Valley. Viaje Costa Oeste, California, Estados Unidos Estos son dos valles de viñedos próximos a San Francisco. Se encuentra a 45 millas de San Francisco (72 Km) y el acceso es fácil desde allí. Nosotros visitamos Sonoma Valley, que es muy similar pero está menos masificado. Estos valles son mundialmente conocidos por sus vinos de gran calidad, y están en el recuerdo de muchos de nosotros por la famosa serie de los 80, Falcon Crest Como llegar. Existen diversas empresas que organizan tours desde San Francisco, aunque la mejor forma… para llegar es alquilar un coche. Aquí tienes un mapa de Google Maps de como se llega desde San Francisco a Sonoma: Es una visita interesante, y en los viñedos se pueden realizar catas de vinos y otras degustaciones gastronómicas de gran calidad. El pueblo de Sonoma también es un lugar muy agradable para visitar y pasear, con hoteles de muy buena calidad. Si hay que poner un pero es el elevado precio de los hoteles de Sono

Ali recently posted some new pictures to her myspace account, many of them posted below. In addition to posting some new pics to her site, she has additionally provided a summary of how she started modeling. For anyone interested in modeling - you can never get enough information before starting - the modeling business can be shady, so you need to know what you’re doing. Here’s what Ali has to say:       “How I started Modeling (Ali Sonoma) I am posting this for all you girls out there who email and ask me how I did it…Hope this helps and best wishes to all of you! You know, it’s so tough to tell who is legit and who is full of it… I started modeling when I was 16…I got some pics from a local photographer, I had a lot of fun and knew I enjoyed it. It was like a hobby at first but then I kind of took a gamble and just went with it…if you look on these sites: onemodelplace.com, modelmayhem.com, babewarehouse.com

By Brodie Heinrichsen The Sonoma Diet was a book written by Connie Gutterson. It is one of the most balanced and moderate diets to appear in a long time. There are no dramatic restrictions on food groups, no calorie counting, and has all of the flair of a gourmet Mediterranean diet.What is the Sonoma?The Sonoma diet is a uniquely flavorful weight loss plan that brings together the art and science of food. Sonoma is a region in California, USA that is well regarded for its quality vineyards. The author and registered dietitian Connie Gutterson has been consulting with the Olive industry for a number of years. The nutritional credentials she has have enabled her to write a book that provides some of the most balanced and sensible weight loss advice. The Sonoma diet was not born in a lab much like other weight loss programs; in fact, it was born from two of the most agriculturally abundant and vital regions of the world: The coast of the Mediterranean Sea and of course Sonoma Valley Calif

The Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2004 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is composed of grapes from seven vineyards, Abbott, Baranoff, Clay, Koos, Leepin, Nunes and Zephyr Vineyards. It spent 20 months in oak barrels, 50% being new French Oak.This was my first time having a wine from this winery and it was thanks to my husband who brought it home after finding it at BevMo and thought it looked like it was worth a try. BevMo's price was $54 for this bottle and the only other place I can find it online to purchase is at the winery's website for $60.On to the actual tasting. A big, dark ruby red color greats me in the glass just before discovering dark cherry, dark raspberry, blueberry and an earthy quality with some grass/herb nuances, on the nose. I am very excited at this point can't wait to take a sip. Again the black cherry is there with some involvement of red cherry as well. Dark berries makes an impact as well with some oak notes at the end. The acidity is definitley there in the right amounts

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we try a new whiskey release that combines some of the best that Kentucky and California have to offer.The good folks at Brown-Forman are trying some interesting things with their Bourbon brands. I have previously written about their Old Forester Birthday Bourbon efforts and they have just released the second in the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection line up.Last year it was Woodford Reserve Four Grain, a highly accalaimed product that was one of my favorite spirits products of 2006. This year they have rolled out Woodford Reserve Sonoma-Cutrer Finish. Happily, I was able to obtain a tasting sample of this limited bottling. Only 900 cases of this $89.99 a bottle whiskey were made and, like the Four Grain, it should sell out fairly quickly. The distillery is shipping the product to just 17 states and Washington, D.C.Bottled at 86.4 proof the Bourbon is f

Ali Sonoma was featured on Maxim’s Hometown Hotties in 2006. Maxim has been shooting some good MMA related models / ring girls.  We posted the Rachelle Leah Maxim Photo Shoot, as well as the Gina Carano Maxim Photo Shoot and Ali Sonoma’s 2007 Hometown Hotties shoot. Now here’ s an older shoot of Ali Sonoma, she goes under the name Ali Stewart instead of Ali Sonoma… Who knows.. Check them out. Source: Maxim Online

Wine Education: We'll help you sort through the myriad of after-dinner options and explain the various production techniques that bring them to life. From liquid golden Sauternes, to deep dark ports and sherries, there's a whole world of sweet wines waiting to be discovered. Wine Spectrum Shop & Bar, 123 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, Ca

The Prepac Sonoma Bed is a very practical design. It combines a wood slat support system intended to distribute body weight evenly and minimize the amount of motion transfer, with 6 large extra deep drawers for plenty of storage space. The drawers run smoothly on metal roller glides so that it can be opened easily. BED Frame, BED Furniture, drawers, motion transfer, prepac, sonoma bed

Wine connoisseurs should visit the Taste of Sonoma County at MacMurray Ranch in Sonoma County, Calif., she says. The festival, featuring two days of wine-tasting and gourmet food, runs from July 14-15.

RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 alltel Dodge Avenger) “It was unfortunate. We got beat by fuel mileage. We did what we had to do to get to the end and that was... Please visit my site for the complete story with links to data and sources. Go #12!

I did not see much of the race, but Ryan Nemwan and his #12 Alltel Dodge Team finished 20th at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoman, CA. Ryan Newman... Please visit my site for the complete story with links to data and sources. Go #12!

Ryan Newman this week didn't completely close the door on speculation he's part of the Nextel Cup Series' "Silly Season" mix, but he hinted a driver... Please visit my site for the complete story with links to data and sources. Go #12!

Food & Wine Education, Family Fun: Delight in food, wine and entertainment at Sonoma County Bites, a unique culinary sampler in an apple orchard setting in Sebastopol. Over 20 renowned Sonoma County restaurants and wineries will offer tastes. Bring the children and enjoy live music and entertainment from an exciting lineup of performers. The event will be held at 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, on the green at O'Reilly & Associates (corner of Hwy 116 and Mill Station Road). Sonoma County Bites is a low-waste, green event. A benefit for the Twin Hills Apple Blossom Educational Foundation.

We picked up this bottle today at our local wine merchant after the owner recommending it to us.I have never heard of this pinot before and trying to do some research online I found...nothing... The website given on the label is not active, I could not find any reviews or prices anywhere...I did not get the story behind the wine when purchasing it so I am not quite sure if it is a new winery or what is going on...Oh well, on to the wine. It has a very clear, not very dense, ruby red color in the glass. The nose offers red cherry, red raspberry, cranberry and a touch of oak. The cherry and cranberry follows through to the palate with medium acidity and sleek tannins. That is, tannins are definitely there, but are not to obtrusive, and on the other hand, not overly smooth either. A little thin on the fruit on the mid palate and finish for my taste, but never the less a very nice wine.This, I would say, is a really good pinot to pair with food. Very good on it's own indeed, but it will m

None other than our favorite specialty retailer Williams-Sonoma, has brought us this absolutely adorable and must have Beehive Cake Pan. ($32 USD) Just fill both sides with batter, then bake, and voila the two halves are ready to be pressed together with icing, and be decorated. The cast-aluminum pan’s nonstick finish ensures an easy release, and a perfect mold. This decorative cake pan is perfect for that first Spring party or a sunday afternoon lunch with your family.

Rudd is renowned for their outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, but did you know the make a great Syrah as well?The Rudd Crossroads 2003 Sonoma Valley Syrah has a dark, dense reddish/purple color in the glass, with tons on ripe, dark fruit and berries on the nose. Beautiful ripe berries on the palate again with some spice and sufficient acidity and firm tannins. We enjoyed this wine with baked spaghetti topped with flavorful tomato sauce and Italian meatballs. Thanks for a great dinner Robyn!I got it at the winery for $30 last summer, and could not find it online when looking for it tonight. If you can find it it is definitely worth a try.Prior to the Rudd Syrah we had a bottle of Vigneti Villafranca 2003 Castelli Romani Red Wine. Made from Sangiovese, Merlot and Montepulciano grapes, this wine has a bright ruby red color in the glass. Soft dark fruit and berries on the nose and very velvety fruit and smooth tannins on the palate. This wine is a very easy-to-drink wine and a crowd pleaser.

Today I have a short review, and I have no idea as to it's accuracy. I've got a cold... I opened this wine yesterday and realized that I could not really asses the wine, nor enjoy it. Hoping to feel better today I vacuum pumped to continue the tasting. Unfortunately today is worse and I am not even attempting to try... This is what I what I got out of my notes from yesterday, take it with a grain of salt...The Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Sonoma County Fume Blanc is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to be able to really showcase the grape without any interference from oak.On the nose crisp apple and tropical fruit with some pineapple. Medium bodied on the palate with tropical fruit, citrus, a hint of minerals, and high acidity. Overall a very crisp, clean and refreshing wine.You can find it at Wine-Searcher.com and Winezap.com from $9.99 and that is a good price for a good wine. I can see myself revisiting this wine this summer when I am craving so

After many years experience in the wine making business at several prominent wineries all over the world, Sean Capiaux founded Capiaux Cellars in 1994. Producing exclusively Pinot Noirs he mixes traditional Burgundy wine making methods with more modern techniques to produce the ultimate wines. His wines are naturally fermented, aged in mostly 1-2 year old French Oak (only about 1/3 are new barrels), unfined, and unfiltered, the goal being for the wine to show it's terrior. Later in 2001 he also started O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery, which produce Cabernet Sauvignon.The Capiaux 2005 Chimera Sonoma County Pinot Noir shows a beautiful dark red ruby color in the glass. On the nose dark plum, cherries and an earthy quality. Tastes of restrained cherries and raspberry on the palate, with firm tannins and enough acidity for this wine to age well for several years to come.I payed $28 for this wine, but you can find it at Wine-Searcher.com from $23.95.I really enjoyed this Pinot and think the p