I was recently invited by good friend Denise to collaborate on “Everyday Vs. Sommelier,” a new article in TUSK Magazine.  Each month a group of her friends will choose two wines under $20, and will write their reviews.  Then, I’ll give my professional review of the same wines.  Check out the May 2010 issue to see how the reviews match...

UPDATE: The Den Deli has now reopened as Ototo Den.  I have yet to try it out, but stay tuned. If you ask any Denver foodie where they go for sushi, the answer is usually “The Sushi Den.”  I would have to agree.  Owners Toshi and Yasu also own two other restaurants, The Izakaya Den, and Den Deli.  Den Deli is their newest creation, a more casual eatery than their other trendy spots.  This noodle house has incredible Udon,...

I’m a big fan of whiskey.  Maker’s Mark is my go-to when I’m out at a bar.  But luckily I live in Denver, and many of my favorite watering holes carry Stranahan’s.  For those unfamiliar, Stranahan’s is the first Colorado whiskey distillery.  They produce in very small batches, and it’s damn good. A little history (quote from Stranahan’s): “Full-bodied as the fire that bore it, this whiskey...

Some may know Lompoc, California for its federal prison, or its air force base.  But real wino’s know Lompoc as California’s “wine ghetto.”  The concept all started in Santa Barbara back in 1998 when Rick and Diana Longoria decided to make wine full time.  They rented a 5,400 square foot building at Sobhani Industrial Park in Lompoc, which was previously used as a carpet warehouse.  This is how the Wine Ghetto...

We’re getting close to spring, and warmer weather means time for more white wine again.  I’ve always been a fan of Las Brisas, a Spanish white wine produced by Bodegas Naia.  The current 2008 vintage continues to please.  This blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a fine balance of fruit, minerality and acidity.  The peachy, grapefruit nose follows through on the palate, with a nice herbaceous, citrusy...

Ben Glaetzer has come up with a wonderful wine from Australia called Stickleback Red.  It’s an eclectic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Lagrein (the latter two grapes are native to Italy, and aren’t planted widely in Australia).  Stickleback is named after the small Australian fish. The grapes are from Southern Australia; 90% Langhorn Creek and 10% Limestone Coast.  This tasty blend is full bodied, showing...

Sparkling Shiraz, you say?  Yes.  They’ve been around for years, but have yet to gain widespread popularity.  Usually the good ones are too expensive to appeal to the curious customer.  No way in hell I would gamble my money on an expensive sparkling Shiraz.  But luckily, working in the wine industry has it’s perks . The 2006 MollyDooker “GooseBumps” sparkling Shiraz is one unique wine!  It’s a full...