'Zilla's Weekly Wine and Tunes Pairing

By Ben Heskett

It's getaway day for many in the U.S.,  heading out for a long weekend of grilling and chilling. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, a few quick reminders:

- Be safe on the roads, on the rivers, on the lakes, or where ever this weekend may take you.

- Just because it's hot out, doesn't mean your white wines need to be served at temperatures just above freezing. Let those whites warm up a bit to get the best out of them.

- Nothing, and I mean nothing, tastes better after a long day of wine drinking than an ice cold beer.

I've long thought "America the Beautiful" should be our national anthem. It could be debated until doomsday, with no definitive result, but all it takes is one listen to Ray Charles version of this patriotic standard to realize that it might not be such a bad idea.

To go with your grilling, I will recommend a recent addition to the wine cellar, the Big Basin Vineyards 2008 Fairview Ranch Syrah, sure to stand up to whatever you've got on the grill and whatever you're adding to your meal. A terrific, big, bold wine, it has blackberry and related fruit notes with great spice and a luxurious finish.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July everyone...Cheers!

By Joe Colgan

Oh, say can you see the beautiful weather that is priming SoCal for the long weekend right now? Hopefully everyone has plans that involve relaxation and getting together with friends and loved ones to help celebrate our fine nation.. 

We're going to give you a double music dose this week because I feel no other song is more appropriate for July 4th than "America the Beautiful". It tells the story of our nation - it's land, people, and freedom.  Keb Mo's version conveys a raw and soulful side to the story. The associated vid does a fantastic job of showing the beauty of our country as seen through the portraits of Americans themselves.

This week we have to go with a wine to pair with your patriotic backyard bbq firework shindigs! I'm going to suggest a bomb of a Zin, the 2007 Carlisle Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, from Sonoma County. Very dark in the glass and full bodied. Deep with berries and hint of spice with a great finish. Delicious! Got meat on the grill?

Cheers!