Clinton Stark

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...

Founded in 2004 by Michael Mondavi, Folio Fine Wine Partners of Napa is part agency, part importer and part winery. At last count, they represent over 30 different brands, including this 2006 Hangtime Pinot from Carneros. The casual tasting room, or as they call it the "Folio Winemakers' Studio",...

I've been hearing all about a reduced yield in the 2008 growing season for California vineyards for quite some time now. Up in Napa we heard it many times, and also in places like Livermore. The refrain was typical: excellent year, smaller quantity. The officially released numbers appear to substantiate...

After Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, our feisty new world grape, Zinfandel, is the third most planted red grape in California. It has a polarizing personality. Some people love it's bold, fruit forward, zingy character, while others find it all a bit much. Me? I'm a fan. Especially since it...

I've been following the new Kindle announcement by Amazon with skeptical interest. The device, a digital reader for 'e-books', has met with some moderate success, and is often sold-out on the Amazon Web site. The new version is slimmer, better and cheaper — all par for the course in...