Routas Syrah 2001

Wow. I'm sitting here quaffing this lovely full-bodied bold syrah. It is so smooth. It's big, but it's goes down easy. This wine is great with food or by itself. I had it with a little italian food. It would be wonderful with a steak or a good cheese. The fruit is forward and fills the mouth with red and black berry. It has all the great qualities of Syrah and none of the bad qualities. In fact, I didn't have to let it breath but a minute on the table before downing it like a thief who thinks he'll never have good wine again. I highly recommend this wine for people who love young red wine.

blues harp

Sonny Boy Williamson, Junior Wells, James Cotton, these men are the masters of the blues harp. Listening to what they can do with an average harmonica is mind-blowing if you'll pardon the unintended pun. Blues is the essential American music. I wish I could explain its beauty, its joy, its catharsis. You can't help but feel better after playing the blues. Playing blues harp hard and loud takes the stress out of me. I feel like my weekly struggles melt out of my shoulders. I can't play as well as the masters, but I play with feeling and people seem to like it.

We just played this gig at a party with swing and blues dancing. It was such a rush to see people dance to our music. They really seemed to dig it. We had a great stage and a big crowd. I was playing and dancing and having a ball. It really doesn't get much better than that.

Montecillo Reserva 1998

If you like big, fruity robust wine. Spainish is the way to go. This is one of my favorites. Granted big wines need age. Montecillo is great with a steak or perfectly drinkable by itself. I found it for under $20. You'll find most of the wines on this site are inexpective. Best advice when serving would be to let it breath for a while, a good half hour. I usually have a glass or two the first day and then let it sit out corked for a night. The next day it's usually even better than the first.

Meursault Santenots 1998

This is a wonderful wine. Highly recommendable. If you can find a bottle, definitely buy it. It's a marvelous white Burgundy perfectly balanced and incredibly tastey. Even if you only drink red, this is a must try.