On our last trip to Cambria, Rachel and I had a little wine tasting at the Cambria Wine Shop—and we found some gems. One of our favorites was a 2004 Brochelle Estate Zinfandel. Not usually a fan of Zin’s I was hesitant at first, but another customer at the wine tasting started gushing about it as soon as it was mentioned. “It won’t change your mind, it will change your life.” We were intrigued, “Start to pour!”

Wow, this one rocks! We went on to learn that Brochelle Vineyards in Paso Robles makes their wine in extremely limited qualities and don’t operate a tasting room. The bottles are numbered (less than 14,000 of this one) and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

98.5% Zinfandel, 1.5% Syrah and aged for 17 months in French oak barrels. It’s big, bold, and deep. Dark berries and maybe a hint of chocolate? Let it breathe a bit before drinking. It has a long smooth finish and steals the show every time we serve it. It’s around $32 a bottle. Go grab some while you can.

Had dinner last night with the girls at Grace Restaurant and with the extensive wine lists choices, we tried 3 wines with the help of their wine sommelier… and the winner of all?? Its Vistalba Corte B 2003 from Finca and Bodega Carlos Pulenta Winery.

This Argentine Red is aged for 12 months in French medium toasted oak barrels and bottled and kept in storages for another 10 more months, to achieve the perfect harmony and balance of all its components. It is very ripe and lush, with lots of plum, boysenberry and fig fruit layered with cocoa, loam and spice notes. Powerful with a really long finish. Mixture of 42% Malbec, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Bonarda and 10% Merlot, this wine is hard to find.

Tried to call all surrounding wine stores in the area today to get a bottle for myself and Rich, the only one who carries it is Beltramo Wine and Spirits in South of San Francisco. Something to cheer about soon!

Just read this article about a $225,000 bottle of tequila by Tequila Ley. Turns out they’re trying to make the Guinness Book of Records—not the best tequila. The catch? The “Aztec Passion Limited Edition” is cased in 4.4 pounds of gold and platinum. I am curious how the tequila tastes though (sans the goofy bottles.) Anybody ever tried it?

Rachel came back from Mexico and brought a gift, a nice one! Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia tequila—one I’ve read about in a few of my tequila books but never tried.

I know what you’re thinking about Jose Cuervo, but this isn’t any ordinary Cuervo! It’s 100% blue agave; aged a minimum of three years in new French limousin and American oak barrels. Not unlike a cognac or burbon, but not as strong as another favorite of mine, Paradiso. Comes in a custom wooden box by Oaxacan artist Sergio Hernandez. 5 stars.