Chateau Hautes Ribes Vacqueyras

I was down in Phoenix, AZ for work this past December and had dinner one night with my good friend Al (a sommelier). Al had a Rhone that I thought was amazing. Very reasonably priced ($12-$15) with a deep velvety color and rich flavor that Al said was due to the heat in Southern France where the vineyard is.

One I didn't want to forget about so here's the Cellar Tracker Link:

Chateau Hautes Ribes Vacqueyras

Al said it's kind of hard to come by so good luck to you if you happen to search for any.


Wine Spectator notes: Lovely red. Lots of pure, clean, ripe red and black fruit. Supple and sweet tannins. Medium body. Wonderful finish. Not overly complex, but great pleasure in a glass.

Cupertino, CA - 2009

While traveling in the San Francisco area on business, I had the opportunity to eat at an excellent steakhouse called Alexander's Steakhouse. Alexander's is a classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence laced into the menu.

Alexander's features Certified Angus Beef, corn fed from the midwest. They have their own dry-aging room which you can see immediately upon entering the restaurant. In addition to American beef, they also serve true Japanese imported Kobe beef of the A5 grade (the highest grade possible).

Great atmosphere, excellent wine menu (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence), fantastic presentation, and great flavors made for a very enjoyable evening.

Throughout the evening, we had the following wines:

2001 Chateau Beau-Soleil
2006 Domaine Drouhin
2004 Masi, Amarone Classico, Veneto

*Note: CellarTracker links are approximate to give you a feel for the wine. Specific vintages were not always available.

Here's what I had for dinner:

Pork and Prawns
Braised Pork Belly, Honey Roasted Kabocha Squash, Cocoa, Aioli
*Note: I think this is what this was, can't remember for sure.


Hamachi Shots
Grade 5 Hamachi, Red Chili, Frizzled Ginger,
Avocado, Truffled Ponzu



Smoked Salmon Pastrami
Dill, Gruyere Chips, Sauerkraut,
1000 Island, Rye Toast


Popcorn Crab
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Fritters, Sansho,
White Pepper, Sriracha Mayonnaise



Rasberry Red Zinfandel Port Sorbet
Palate Cleanser Before the Main Event


Bone In Filet
One of the best steaks I've had in my life.


Rise 'N' Shine
Chocolate Souffle with
Creme Anglaise



And lastly, as if we hadn't eaten
enough already, they bring out this
Green Apple Cotton Candy.  Delicious!!




So, if you're in the San Francisco area, I would definitely recommend giving Alexander's Steakhouse a try. Great food, great atmosphere, great fun, and a place where you'll make some memories with friends and family alike.