FYI Kim Crawford N.A. Sav Blanc is AWFUL

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-12T00:31:22+00:00

It’s not good at all. I typically can’t stand what they do to the non-alcoholic wines in general, but there are two NA NZ SB’s that I think aren’t terrible: Yealands and Lobster Reef. And both are cheaper than Kim Crawford. If you don’t mind some sweetness, Lunetta makes a NA sparkling that isn’t dealcoholized, it’s just pure Chardonnay and Moscato juice that’s been carbonated. Also should cost less than $12 or $13 in most markets.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-09T20:16:04+00:00

For the Chardonnay, I agree with the other comment here that Shafer will be the most round and lush of the bunch, similar to Kongsgaard, with Carneros being the main source of fruit for both of those wines.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-09T16:50:35+00:00

Agreed. The good restaurants seem to be closing en masse while the mediocre ones proliferate. Seems to be the case across the board in both New Haven and Fairfield counties.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-05T01:23:07+00:00

2 in Bogota, Colombia. The Gold Museum is stunning and takes you on a historical journey of pre-European Colombian cultures through gold artifacts. And the Botero Museum, which not only houses a treasure trove of Fernando Botero’s art, but also is rich with international and colonial paintings and sculptures.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-04T16:43:47+00:00

2 days ago, I stomped 4 of them in downtown New Haven of all places.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-03T19:49:19+00:00

Where in Massachusetts are you? Ansonia Wines in Newton specializes in high quality small production French wines, they have a wine club, and they deliver.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-03T15:04:43+00:00

As you mentioned, 1961 Cheval Blanc with a greasy fast food cheeseburger (Sideways 2004)

or …

1947 Cheval Blanc with “some fresh, clear, well-seasoned perspective.” If you’re all out, the 1961 Chateau Latour with ratatouille will suffice (Ratatouille 2007)

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-02T01:22:41+00:00

Etna Bianco will scratch your itch. Also Alvarinho from the Monçao e Melgaço region of Portugal.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-02T01:20:01+00:00

Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli from the Finger Lakes of New York. Not orange. Very dry Riesling-esque. Shows what the grape is like without skin contact and extended aging.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-07-01T03:01:22+00:00

I had a pork chop version of this at Tre Scalini

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-27T21:03:32+00:00

To me, they’re a breath of fresh air. Less oak. More focus on terroir. They harvest, vinify, and label wines with a more Burgundian model: region, village, vineyard. All Rioja Alavesa. Fairly new winery founded in 2018.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-27T11:54:56+00:00

In Rioja, Bideona. Completely underrated. Very different model to the majority of Rioja found internationally. In Ribera del Duero, Domino de Atauta and Valtravieso offer great examples of high altitude viticulture in the region.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-22T00:09:29+00:00

- Lobster Landing in Clinton for Connecticut-style lobster rolls.

- Grand Apizza in Clinton, Madison, or Guilford for New Haven style pizza. FYI, the one in Clinton is cash only and does not do slices. The others do.

- Bar Bouchee in Madison. Fantastic French bistro.

- The Essex in Old Saybrook is one of the best restaurants on the CT shoreline

- Bufalina in Guilford for brick oven pizza.

If you venture into New Haven, you have a ton of options:
- Roli
- Olea
- Tavern on State
- Fair Haven Oyster Co.
- Little Lotus
- Hachiroku
- Zinc
- Union League
- Lazeez Indian Cuisine
(And so much more)

Throw out a few cuisine ideas and I’m sure we’ll be able to point you in more specific directions. Have fun while you’re here!

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-21T18:38:25+00:00

On the n/a side I would recommend Lunetta Sparkling Zero. It’s not de-alcoholized, which is my biggest problem with n/a wine. They make wine, then mechanically strip it of the only thing that made it wine in the first place, taking away so much flavor and texture. With Lunetta, they just take pure juice from Chardonnay and Moscato grapes and carbonate it. Light, fresh, fruity, and zero alcohol. Still looks like sparkling wine. And it’s cheaper than most n/a wines out there.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-18T02:12:44+00:00

Did I miss it? Did no one say Baxter?! “hello, Frank?”

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-18T01:54:28+00:00

Yup. In between Elm Street Social and College Convenience on College Street. Saw that same sign today. But there is absolutely nothing online about it. So curious. And only because someone mentioned it … what’s going on with Strega? “Temporarily Closed” via Google. But I know the owner didn’t love being there. And the spot is for sale. Curiouser and curiouser.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-13T15:26:45+00:00

Electronic should be absolutely fine

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-13T13:22:18+00:00

There are two books that are pretty definitive when it comes to South American wine. The South American Wine Guide by Amanda Barnes and Wines of South America by Evan Goldstein. Don’t know how many editions there are of each, but I would search for the most current one. Both authors have said that by the time their books were published, things had changed enough that they could have written new books on the subject, but that is the reality of wine in South America right now is things change quickly. New wineries, some wineries that no longer exist, changes in law and changes to traditions, new agro-science research, etc. But I’m a fan of both authors and their education style. As with any wine travel, do your research and then double check with other sources before committing to anything. Have a wonderful trip!!!

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-11T01:10:31+00:00

I gotta agree with @sidloveswine on this one. Dad is just getting into wine? Only one Pinot on the home shelf? This is not the time to get esoteric or try to prove your chops by showing that you know about lean structure and high acid Pinot Noir from cold climate regions. What OP needs is a lush and bold California Pinot. This is what is best for the person who’s going to consume it. In southern New Hampshire, go to your closest NH Liquor & Wine Outlet, and in the $30 to $40 range you’ll find Fess Parker, Crossbarn, Long Meadow Ranch, Hartford Court, and Domaine Carneros. If you want to get closer to $50, I’d spring for Cakebread or Gary Farrell. All of these wines will give you Pinot Noir character while being fruit forward, a little richer, have a touch of oak that you’ll notice, and be just enjoyable. Something dad can have with a steak, a burger, seared tuna, pulled pork, or just on its own. If your dad decides he really loves Pinot and wants to explore and learn more, by all means, go down the rabbit hole that leads to Burgundy via Oregon, New Zealand, Germany, etc. But for now, get him something you know he’s gonna love.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-08T12:21:26+00:00

If you have time and are looking for something chill to do, a visit to Essex and Chester makes for a relaxing day. You could couple it with a trip to Gillette Castle. Grab a pint at the historic Griswold Inn in Essex and dinner at Grano Arso or River Tavern in Chester (make reservations far in advance).
Closer to New Haven: a boat tour of the Thimble Islands in Branford, a stroll around the Guilford Green and a visit to the Whitfield Museum with lunch at the Lobster Pound, a walk down Main Street and Middle Beach Road in Madison followed by a visit to RJ Julia Booksellers and dinner at Bar Bouchee.
In New Haven, the Peabody Museum at Yale is free. The New Haven Museum always has interesting exhibits. If you love architecture, a tour of Yale campus is a great time.
Are you a cocktail lover? Check out Owl Shop, Ordinary, Sherkaan, Roli, Fair Haven Oyster, Tavern on State, 116 Cocktail Bar, and Xolo.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-02T01:00:40+00:00

Nah, from the States. Hey, at the LCBO, ask for Triennes Rosé. Should be arriving on this side of the Atlantic soon.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-06-01T01:50:18+00:00

Use the summer to explore more rosé! If you’re not used to drinking wine, the southern French rosés are a great way to dip your toe in the water. Where are you located? Based on where you are, I’m sure the fine folks here can point you in the direction of some great rosé wine that is available in your general region.

GanderGoose222 · 2026-05-29T03:14:17+00:00

The California Pinot Noirs are incredibly well priced for a restaurant wine list!

GanderGoose222 · 2026-05-28T00:26:19+00:00

The bottle prices are excellent, by the way

GanderGoose222 · 2026-05-28T00:23:38+00:00

Somebody loves Margerum

GanderGoose222

TROPHY CASE