Clinton Stark

Somehow, some way, I managed to survive a week here surrounded by two Kao women, with Loni's sister in town from Toronto for a visit. Thank goodness I spend part of my evenings and weekends reviewing wine! Well, okay, it was actually a lot of fun. I'm not sure...

There are plenty of great wines out there. Recently I read that it's now less about choosing a bad wine then a boring wine — suggesting wine-making has progressed to the point where a respectable label should give you at least an acceptable showing. Of course, in practice this...

Last December we ran our "All Things Canadian" series as we enjoyed a snowy week with family and friends up in my hometown of Ottawa, Canada. It seems like Obama made quite a positive impression on this government town as he completed his first official trip outside of U.S. borders...

Today, the Napa Valley Marriott asked on Twitter if a list of wineries that use Twitter existed. I'm guessing plenty of responses came in, as is usually the case when a challenge or contest is posted on Twitter. Shortly after, napamarriott posted a response that indeed included a link to...

82 Beringer Founder's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2005. A little boring, but not entirely bad. Light traces of fruit including blackberry and cassis. Some tannins thankfully provide some structure. Beringer produces much better than this value label. $7.99 — C.S.

88 Kathryn Kennedy Lateral, Saratoga 2004. An elegant Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (54%), Cab Franc (21%), Cab Sauvignon (20%) and Petit Verdot (5%). Nose is wonderfully balanced with berries, slight chocolate with hints of vanilla. Complex in the mouth with lots to discover, long finish. Pair with grilled meats, paella. $36...

Everyone knows Napa, but it's larger, and arguably prettier, neighbor to the West is a wine adventure not to be missed. On many weekends, Loni and I have enjoyed a leisurely drive up highway 101, through San Francisco, and up to Bodega Bay for some coastal touring, spa hunting...

Inside word has it that Alaska is going to replace the...