Tmoney

June wine musings

Here is just a smattering of wines I have had over the past several weeks worthy of another purchase.

Tarius Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard 2001 - Pisoni says it all.  Big, big, big, but nice balance.   Paired it with a steak at Lincoln.   You can't miss with any of the fruit from Pisoni.  Not a bad deal either at $35.99 from The Winehouse.

Rock Rabbitt Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast 2004 - You just can't beat this quaffable white for $7.99.  Fruit forward for a sauvignon blanc, but nice and clean on the finish.  My favorite white of the season. Easily findable at Costco or most of the larger wine shops.

Hitching Post Syrah Santa Barbara County 2002 - I am a rhone grape fanatic and I have always held a romantic place in my heart for The Hitching Post restaurant in Solvang.  Now that Sideways has made the outpost famous, I picked up the latest syrah.  Just what you would expect, big clean fruit with enough stamina to keep you interested. 

Pagor Tempranillo 2002 - Ed Pagor makes one of california's only wines from Tempranillo from his Rolling Hills home.  He has been hand-delivering it around SoCal since 1997 in his beat-up station wagon. It is a timeless red wine value around town.  I was actually surprised just how forward the medium-bodied 2002 showed.  One of my all-time favorites at $7.99.

Broadley Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2003 - First of all, it is pronounced WIL-LAMB-ET. If you like big style pinot, as I obviously do, I think Broadley is one of the best values out of Oregon.  The non-vineyard designated wine highlighted here can be had for $19.99.  If you can find the Estate for a few bucks more, you will be very, very happy.

Other ready to drinks in the stainless steel cellar - Cellier des Dauphins Cote du Phone (cool bottle), Kris Pinot Grigio, Longoria Santa Rita Pinot, Greenock Creek Cab, and lots of un-oaked Chablis style chardonnay.

Cheers!

Where's the Mr. Beef?

Just got back from a wedding in Chicago. I have not been to the Midway for almost ten years.  I really enjoy the blue collar immigrant food in Chicago, it reminds me of my own hometown, Pittsburgh. 

One of the most enjoyable visits of the trip - the venerable Mr. Beef. 

Mr. Beef serves one of the best examples of the italian beef sandwich - a cross between a french dip and cheesesteak - thin sliced beef piled high on soft, dipped roll, topped with sweet or hot peppers.  mmmmmmmmm!

Make sure you try when in Chitown.

Steelers on 'roids?

With several Pittsburgh Steelers from the 70's and 80's - Mike Webster, David Little, Justin Strzelczyk, and now Terry Long - recently passing away, the media is quick to jump on the steroids story.  Former lineman Steve Courson didn't help the accusations with his testimony.    However, the truth should be highlighted.

First, Terry Long was in financial problems and likely died of suicide.  David Little died of heart problems.    Justin Strzelczyk just melted down.

Mike Webster indeed crumbled under his steroid history, a truly tragic story.

However, steroids were not just part of the Steelers, but part of the entire NFL during the 70's and 80's...and maybe the 90's and today.  Unfortunately, and sadly, the recent Steeler deaths are coincedental.  But when Sports are slow in June, the media want to create a thread of connection, when there is none at all.