Blanc de Franc (100% Cabernet Franc), Couly-Dutheil, NV (but really 2008), Loire Valley The magicians at Couly-Dutheil have performed a trick that baffles the eye. They pulled back their cloak, placed a bunch of red Cabernet Franc grapes behind it, said an incantation to the spirits of the Loire, and, walla kazaam, a le vini, […]

Read Full Post »

It was the shot heard round the world.  Yesterday, Eric Asimov of the NY Times wrote an article that sent shock waves through Bordeaux.  The message:  you’re soon to be on life support. I feel inclined to write as Paul Grieco, our fearless leader, was pictured in the piece and our wine programs at Hearth […]

Read Full Post »

Fizzle my schnizzle!  Flip my Rick!  Sling my ding!  The Manhattan Cocktail Classic comes to town, kids! Thats right, fans of the coupe glass.  New York’s first ever multi-day event celebrating the lore, the craft and the rich history of the cocktail kicks off tonight.   Five wondrous days of booze exploration, appreciation and fascination is […]

Read Full Post »

On Monday, Lincoln Center was descended upon by the food & beverage community who harbored an insatiable hunger and thirst.     Between the number of kegs cashed, martinis housed, Champagne guzzled and bites of food gobbled up, if one were to convert the ounces of alcohol and butter consumed to kilowatts, you could have lit the […]

Read Full Post »