Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers Quadrupel Belgian-style Ale.

A bit of a change tonight: beer, instead of wine. And a pretty good beer it is. This is a wonderful, interesting beer, a mixture of a rich, dark quadrupel ale from Ommegang Brewery and a kriek (cherry) lambic from Lindemans brewery in Belgium. Rich, caramel flavors, balanced with the subtle dark, sour cherry flavor from the lambic. Probably good with a hearty stew; I enjoyed it on this cold winter evening, watching TV.

$6.99, Westpark Wine & Beer, Richmond.

2002 Matariki Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

Nice, crisp sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. Not quite as citrusy as I've come to expect from a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, but still delicious.

Pale straw in color, absolutely clear. Green pepper and feline aromas. Vibrant, sharp acidity. Intense grassy, green pepper, melon flavors.

Good by itself, with salads, seafood. I had it with a a shrimp pasta with a white sauce; great choice.

$12 - 14, I think (misplaced the receipt), Richmond.

Under the weather.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've suffered through a cold since before Christmas, and haven't wanted to drink anything - and couldn't taste much of anything, anyway. I expect I'll be back online with some wine reviews soon.

New Year's Eve? I opened a bottle of Zardetto prosecco. Robert Parker gives it 88 points; I find it to be light, interesting, lemony, and fun. And I drink it often during the summer.

Available most everywhere; around $8 or $9.