RisqueSommelier.com

Good wine needs no bush.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
As You Like It, Epilogue.

Macphail 2004 Pinot Noir, Toulouse Vineyard, Anderson Valley, California

The biggest piece of meat Risqué has every seen showed up on his dinner plate at a Big Apple staple, Fresco by Scotto Restaurant. The Grilled Dry Aged Prime Rib Steak Fiorentina with fresh grilled rosemary, Maldon sea salt and extra virgin olive oil ($64) was unbelievably succulent and primed Risqué for an equally assertive vino.

The MacPhail 2004 Pinot Noir struts a flashy clear red raspberry color that presents a commanding and stimulating nose dominated totally with white Italian truffle, ultimately surrendering up gushing blackberry. The exhibitionist flavors continue in this 100% French Oaked, hand de-stemmed Pinot Noir built on a virile tannic structure driving in with more white truffle across the tongue and holding out to deliver flavors of tight tart expanding cherry, bright hard core pomegranate and hedonistic ripe plum.

This fetish worthy juice still lingers sweet on Risque’s tongue and mind… days later, still haunted by a painful yearning for… “more please!” Although… Risqué is not usually accustomed to being dominated… in this case… there is a lot to be said about submitting!Alcohol 14.5% ($50)

At Postino Wine Bar in Phoenix, Arizona, Risqué had the pleasure of enjoying two fabulous and inexpensive wines while catching up with favorite LUSHES…an adorable thruple. Postino Wine Bar showcases approximately 26 wines for fairly inexpensive price while the menu boasts a tasty selection of very wine friendly bruschetta such as Brie and Apples with Fig Spread and the Prosciutto with Figs and Mascarpone…delish!

Chateau Bonnet 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France

The liquid sparkled with a very light straw hue. The blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillion and 10% Muscadelle grapes bursts with indicative scents of sweet honeysuckle and stone fruit ending the nosegay with a touch of lime zest. Swirling in the mouth are flavors of steely peach and juicy tangerine and lime. The light to medium body wine completes with a lovely clean dry mineral finish.

Alcohol 12% ($15)

 

A to Z 2006 Riesling, Oregon

This very lightly tinted yellow colored Riesling with a hint of green blooms with floral scents of summer honeysuckle, orange blossom, sweet strawberries and Meyer lemon as a weighty slate minerality complements the lofty florals. The medium bodied liquid slips over the tongue with a plush appearance of sweetness (yet dry), with sweet black fig and tangy lemon meringue and more sweet floral straight through to the lingering mineral finish. As a “…just a little gay!” side note… Besides being loved by Risqué, this is one of fab comedian Ellen DeGeneres’ favorite wineries…

Alcohol 13% ($13)

For some of Risqué’s friends the Postman has obviously rang thrice, however for Risqué this evening, the Postman rang… only twice with these two splendiferous wines.

For those who loved Risque’s wine review of the Thornton 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Risqué wants his LUSHES to know that Thornton Winery will be hosting Super Tuscan Blending Party!  This event will take place on May 17, 2008 at 2 p.m. in the Thornton Winery Champagne Caves.  For more information, peruse the Thornton Winery website or call (951) 699-0099 to make reservations.

Chapoutier 2006 Belleruche, Côtes Du Rhône, France

A happy landing (also known as sexual position) is something most everyone has thought about when flying. Recently, Risqué undoubtedly enjoyed such a happy decent into the wonderful city of New York where he was catered by two cute flirtatious flight attendants, Ryan and Steve who kept Risqué’s wine glass continually full of Chapoutier 2006 Belleruche.

The Belleruche is a nice blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah showing a beautiful red garnet color. The prominent nose releases essences of tart Montmorency cherry, fresh raspberry, rootbeer and a lingering hints of licorice. The gratifying taste summons overwhelming black pepper (not hot), tight red fruit, mocha and ending with pleasing balanced tannins.

 

Risqué enjoyed his vin dans le ciel with a delicious fillet au poivre.With a splendid continuous glass of vin, a satisfied appetite, two handsome wingmen at his beckoning call and sporting a comfortable upgraded position, Risqué thoroughly enjoyed his…Happy Landing.

Alexander-Louis Leloir - Jacob and the Angel, 1865
(oil on canvas) Musee des Beaux-Arts, Clermont-Ferrand, France

Good and bad, heaven and hell, dark and light, heavenly and earthly being and blond and brunette are all antitheses which play into Leloir’s “Jacob and the Angel” where with each stroke of his brush the French artist captures the intense biblical scene illustrating strong luring homoerotic undertones. It is no wonder that the art was used in the gay themed film “Angels in America” (2003).

Artists such as Rembrandt (1659), Gustave Doré (1855), Eugène Delacroix (1861), Paul Gaugin (1888) and Léon Bonnat (1876) have all depicted their interpretation of Jacob and the Angel, but no other artist encapsulates the tremendous beauty, physical strength, determination and grandeur as Leloir. Risqué is taken in by the masculine body features, Jacob’s overpowering grip around the Angel’s waist, the Angel’s impetuous reach for the hollow of Jacob’s thigh and Jacob’s intense deep gaze back onto the angel’s eyes. …Risqué can only gasp and take another sip of wine while continuing to further explore Leloir’s vision of beauty.Such opposites…and opposites do attract!

“A night without sex is like a meal without wine.

A meal without sex is like a night without wine.

A Meal without wine is like a night without sex.

Sex without wine can still be pretty good.”

                                             Anonymous

La Planta 2005 Tempranillo, Ribera Del Duero, Spain

Recently, Risqué had the dubious pleasure of imbibing his way through the beautiful country of Spain where copious amounts of wine and rico Latin men were consumed. Although beautiful Spanish men could be found on every corner, good tasting wine was much harder to find.

The excursion to Spain broughtRisqué to the conclusion that all good Spanish wines are sold and shipped out of Spain. The perfect example is the 2005 La Planta Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo that is shipped here to the U.S.

This rustic 100% Tempranillo sends forth an enjoyable scent of roasted meat and light floral nuances. A further pleasure is revealed by the taste of smoky tobacco, dark ripe red fruit and intensifying oak all ending in a jammy and tart cranberry finish that completes this beautifully balanced medium bodied wine.

When the opportunity prevails to wrap your hands around this “Que Guapo Vino”, do it! It will not disappoint.

Risqué’s thought…”If they would only ship more of the men…Que Guapo!”

Alcohol 13.5% ($17)

Louis Jadot 2004 Meursault, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France

 
Most people think of Red Wine when the word Burgundy is used…but the Whites of Burgundy and especially Meursault are absolutely extraordinary….

The soft golden 100% Chardonnay colored liquid yields aromas of sweet damp straw and wet river stones and shares lush pear, touches of wild honey, crisp apple, toasted hazelnut and caramel with the tongue in mouth coating flavors all ending in delicious rich butter in the empty glass.

Risqué adores anything that coats his mouth in such luscious and desirable flavors. Buy… Buy… Buy… Buy… and Buy!Alcohol 13.5% ($40)

Schramsberg 2002 Blanc de Blanc, Calistoga, CA

Risqué was invited by some of his most delicious sea-worthy LUSHES at Funny Boy Films (you know… Adam and Steve) to set sail for a day out around the Channel Islands for a glorious Easter Sunday voyage where their journey was justly christened with the disgorgement of the cork from a wonderful shared magnum of Schramsberg, Vintage 2002 Blanc de Blanc Brut. As our ship healed along through the invigorating spray of the pacific, every seaman on board found themselves elated with the effervescent tiny bubbles, luscious mousse and the refreshingly crisp aftertaste.

It has seductive crisp aromas of citrus, acidic tropical fruits, earthy warm nuts and aromatic vanilla. The true champagn’esq flavors resemble crisp sweet apples, ripe juicy peach and climaxes in a long floral finish. The quality and taste are expected to hold up for years to come especially in the well endowed magnum.

So, next time you find yourself on deck with several BRUT seamen and looking to make a moment memorable with your Captian, Risqué recommends popping the top off this lovely pearl.

Alcohol 12.8% ($70)