The Iron Chevsky Wine Blog

September 11 is my lucky day. It's my birth day. Or is it my un-lucky day? After 2001, I am not sure anymore. At least, everyone thinks it's memorable. I always feel mixed. This year Rona was sick, so mom-in-law flew over to help take care, and I headed for a few hours to my grandma's in San Francisco to have dinner with my folks, whom slowly over the past several years I've been bringing into the world of fine wine. I suppose decades ago they brought me into the world of not-so-fine Ukraine, so it's only fair that I do something for them now. Even my 87 year-old grandma (and doing fine, thank you very much), who treated alcoholics for 30 years as a doctor in Odessa, and has given me many a raised eyebrow when hearing me talk about wine, doesn't mind sipping on some fine Barbaresco herself anymore. What's the world coming to!!! Russian-Jewish meals always have an appetizer course, family-style, with lots of dishes overwhelming the table. Marinated herring is...

I am embarrassed to admit that just like anyone else I have my prejudices, and like many, no amount of convincing can change them, until an eye-opening experience happens. Prejudice #1 - I don't like non-European wine. Speaking of new world red wines, I find them jammy, alcoholic and lacking acidity and complexity - reminding me of fruit pie or yogurt rather than a food drink. When a month ago I was pouring new world Bordeaux varietals (Cab, Merlot, Malbec) at Vineyard Gate , most of the wines were unappealing to me. One in particular - Ghost Pines Merlot 2006 (blend of Merlot grapes from Napa and Sonoma) I actually called a "yogurt". So when yesterday a dear friend brought this wine for lunch at a neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant in San Carlos, I was suspicious. Guess what - the wine matched perfectly with the food - creamy mezzes , slightly sweet ground beef and lamb, eggplant with tomato base - the food was simple, comfortable, and tasty - and so was this Merlot....