Excellent wine value

A new find: Santa Julia 05 Tempranillo Reserva from Mendoza Argentina. Another bargain from Dallas Fine Wines on Oaklawn near Lemmon in Dallas, TX

Excellent Bluegrass and Then Some in Dallas

Last night, I went to see the Greencards at Poor David's Pub in Dallas, TX and was treated to a night of killer instrumental work along with wonderful vocal harmonies. If you haven't heard or seen this group, you are really missing some spectacular music! They consist of a couple from Australia who are the primary vocalists while playing various stringed instruments and a fiddle player from Britain; they just added a guitar player from Atlanta, GA.

During the second set, we were treated to two unbelievable instrumental pieces which included the fiddle player and banjo player from Cadillac Sky, a group my son's uncle is very excited about. All in all, it was a fabulous concert played before a very enthusiastic crowd. They have a new album out-check it out: http://www.thegreencards.com/

Great California Cabernet

I recently had the opportunity to taste the '99 Wattle
Creek Cabernet from the Alexander Valley. At that age, most of the tannins are gone leaving a glorious wine to my taste. I was able to buy a couple of bottles at a very reasonable price, but it is my understanding that the supply is dwindling also due to its age. I'm hoping to get at least one more bottle!

Great Country Music from Baltimore!

On Friday 11/20, I attended a fundraiser for KNON's Texas Renegade Radio format in Dallas, TX to hear Arty Hill from Baltimore, MD. I had heard him over a year ago in a backyard concert which was very good, but this concert was excellent due to the smaller venue. Arty's lyrics are smart and his vocals are top notch. His new EP is a Hank Williams tribute (Montgomery On My Mind; the Hank EP) that has a couple of original tunes. He played one during this evening. You can get information at: http://www.artyhill.com/v3/

redbox

I have been a fan of this new, high tech video rental company, and have rented from them several times. However, I just had an unsatisfactory experience with their online reservation system.
Here is copy from the confirming email I received:

"Thank you for using redbox! You successfully reserved your rentals(s):

"Up"

Your disc(s) will be waiting for you until 9:00 PM tomorrow night at the redbox you selected:

7-Eleven (see available movies)
4438 Lemmon Ave
Dallas, TX 75219-2142

Please remember to bring the credit card you used to make your reservation when you pick up your disc(s)! "

After 9:00 PM tomorrow night, all disc(s) will be made available for other customers to rent, and your account with be charged $1 + tax for each disc.

That would indicate that I could pick up the disc before 9PM on the following day. I picked it up about 4PM the following day, returning it the next day about 4PM. I was charged for two days even though I only had the disc for one day. I was able to get a credit for one day "as a one time courtesy" after a considerable hassle as well as no acknowledgment of a mistake This, in my experience (especially with banks), tends to be an excuse to cover deceptive practices to increase income. I still like the price and convenience of the redbox kiosks and will probably continue to rent from them from time to time. I just want to make others aware of a potential problem.

Failla wine tasting at Veritas

I went to Veritas Wine Bar in Dallas last night to taste several of California winemaker Ehren Jordan's new releases under the Failla label. His "day job", as he referred to it, is the winemaker for Turley.

We tasted a chardonnay (Keefer Ranch 07-Parker 92 pts.) selling for $39.99 at retail was an excellent wine. There were two Pinot Noirs, the Sonoma Coast 07-a Wine Spectator 91 pts selling for $44.99 and the Keefer Ranch 07, also a Wine Spectator 91 pts. selling for $53.99. I personally liked the Keefer Ranch Pinot the best, but not at that price. Finally, there was the Phoenix Ranch Syrah-a Wine Enthusiast 94 pts. selling for $49.99. This was my least favorite of the tasting. I look for wines at a much lower price point with a great deal of success such as the Hahn Estates 06 Pinot Noir-a double gold medal winner at the San Francisco International Wine Festival that sells for $19.

As I was told early on when I began to drink wine, pricing is a perceived value only. I continue to find excellent wines under $20 with more and more under $15 and some under $10. World Market and Dallas Fine Wines on Oaklawn in Dallas continue to be my primary sources of these wines.

Eliza Gilkyson

I failed to talk about the wonderful concert I attended at the Belmont Hotel in Dallas, TX on 10/15/09. It was the first cold snap, so the show was a little uncomfortable. However, the music and the venue were spectacular (see picture). These concerts are held at the pool with the Dallas skyline as the backdrop-unbelievable!
Eliza is one of the best singer/songwriters around with a great stage presence. I have been following her for over 30 years, and she never gets old!

New Wine Finds and the Best Burger in Texas

I have been remiss in my postings! My apologies! Two new wines I tasted this summer first by the glass are Hahn Estates 06 Pinot Noir, a double gold medal winner at the San Francisco Wine Festival, and Cline 07 Ancient Vines Zinfandel. Both are excellent wines and good values at $19 and $16 respectively at retail.

I tried the Zinfandel at the Grape with Texas Monthly's designated "Best Burger in Texas". I have since bought numerous bottles of both and recommend you do the same. 'Til next time...

Chappy Hardy RIP 6/21/09

I was devastated to learn yesterday of the passing my good friend and cohort in the pursuit of wine women & song. Chappy was literally and figuratively larger than life with a quick wit. I spent many days and nights with him in past years "doin' " Jazz Fest, lunching at Galatoires , prowling the streets of New York and other venues too numerous to mention.
I was notified by his brother, Tommy, an attorney in the Big Easy. He is survived by his son, Zepher, who I understand works with ESPN and is London covering Wimbledon. My condolences go out to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him over the years. We have lost a good one who will truly be missed!
His service will be held at the Lakelawn Funeral Home, 5100 Ponchartrain Blvd., New Orleans at 10am Saturday June 27 with a memorial service at One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse at noon. I can't make it in person, but I will be there in spirit. God speed Chappy!

More bargin wines at World Market

If you are a wine drinker and don't shop at World Market, you're missing inexpensive, highly rated (by good sources) red and white wines. They seem to come in spurts, this being one. Check it out!

Eilen Jewell

My favorite new singer/songwriter will have her first live performance in Texas outside of SXSW this Tuesday night at the Keys Lounge in Ft. Worth. This is a rescheduling from the Fairmount which has shut down. A number of the KNON Texas Renegade Radio staff will be in attendence.
I know it's a school night, but it will be worth the trip!

David Byrne & Brian Eno's new album

For all you Talking Head fans as well as Brian Eno and David Byrne fans, their new album "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" is a great one. It's been far too long since their last collaboration. They are touring behind it now. See them if you can and/or buy this album!

500X Community Show, "Delineation"

A very good art exhibition opened this past weekend and continues through May 31st at the 500X Gallery at 500 Exposition St in Dallas, TX www.500x.org.

Great sparkling wine back

Schramsberg's Mirabelle, a non vintage brut rose sparkling wine, a combination of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, rated 93 by Wine Spectator is back in stock at Dallas area World Markets for less than $20! In my opinion, it is the best sparkling wine in quality and value by far!

Not SXSW

I went for one day to see my new favorite female vocalist, Eilen (rhymes with feelin') Jewell. Saw her at Opal Divine's in South Austin and G&S Lounge also in South Austin. She played several cuts from her new album to be released April 21st. Can't wait! She is special! Also has a gospel project, the Sacred Shakers. She did two of their songs as well. Great trip! Catch her when you can!

New album

Eilen Jewell, my favorite new female vocalist, will have a new album, Sea of Tears out on April 21st and will perform at SXSW in March. Her first two albums were wonderful-great voice and song styling. It is, as far as I know, her first trip to Texas-can't wait!

Great New Sparkling Wine

Once again, Cost Plus/World Market has offered another great wine and my new favorite sparkling wine. It is Schramsberg Mirabelle non vintage Brut Rose, rated a 93 by Wine Spectator and no wonder. This dry Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend is the best I've tasted since Domaine Chandon's Riche which I haven't seen in a while. The best part is it is ONLY $20!

Good Wine Bar

I attended an event at Veritas, a relatively new wine bar on Henderson this past Saturday. The chef/owner from the Grape, Brian Luscher, prepared some excellent finger food to go with four very interesting wines. Two of the three reds were pricey, but very good. The third was one of the best of the bunch and very affordable. Interesting art in the strip mall, shotgun space. All in all, an enjoyable experience.