It has been a while since the last Doctor’s Corner, and it is entirely my fault. I have been slightly overwhelmed by my medical research work, and I haven’t visited any new wineries, eateries, or other places of interest. It has just been work, work, work. I hope you understand.
So this month I will briefly showcase some interesting cocktails and wines that I enjoyed...but rest assured it is by no means a complete or exhaustive list. Next month I promise to do better. Remember, these are my personal preferences.
Pre Dinner Cocktails
Manhattan - my favorite. A blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Carpano Antica
Formula Vermouth, with brandied cherries. With or without bitters, it always hits
the spot.
Biba’s Boulevardier - A close second. This is basically a Negroni with rye
whiskey replacing the gin. We use Pendleton 1910 Rye Whiskey, Campari, and
Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, and garnish with an orange slice. I love it.
Red Wines
Although I taste many excellent wines each week, I prefer red wines. No offense
to white wine drinkers. And i have a preference for Pinot Noir.
Fiddlehead Cellars Pinot Noir - Our Wine of the Month. An elegant wine with
rich mouthfeel and a nice touch of acidity on the finish. From the Sta. Rita Hills
appellation in Santa Barbara County.
Foxen Pinot Noir - Also from the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, this wine is always
a crowd pleaser.
Crawford Family Wines Pinot Noir - A new wine for me. I found it to be
remarkably delicious. Enough said. Also from Sta. Rita Hills.
Merry Edwards Pinot Noir - A Russian River Valley wine, distinctively
different but very appealing and food friendly.
Foxen 7200 Cabernet Sauvignon - my choice of Cabernet Sauvignon may
strike you as unusual. It is not a Napa Valley or Sonoma Cabernet as you
expect. Rather it is from the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara appellation.
Smooth, satisfying and not overpowering, with distinct Cabernet notes.
Boeger Barbera - Boeger wines from El Dorado are consistently top notch,
reasonably priced, and never disappoints. This Barbera is a winner.
As you may already know, I enjoy a hamburger once a week at lunch. And, a Biba
Burger with a Boeger Barbera is a hard act to beat.
The few wines discussed today are by no means the only wines available at Biba
Restaurant. I do believe they are representative of the wide spectrum of
California wines we carry.
Remember: wine in moderation may be beneficial to your health. Wine in excess
may be harmful to you and others. Drink responsibly