Stags Leap 2007 Viognier and Jacques Stotzem

Jacques Stotzem is a Belgian-born acoustic guitarist with one of the most diversified styles I’ve ever heard. He is expert at adapting pop and rock songs to the acoustic guitar while also playing melodic folk ballads, blues, and country twang. His command of harmonics and melody is that of a virtuoso. You can find a lot of his music on YouTube and below is a selection of some of my favorites. Hope you enjoy him.

Fields of Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mecdFGOqclM

Purple Haze: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7G0CPmAqrY&feature=related

Voodoo Child: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfIX4dw9WXs&feature=related

With or Without You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQagK7mA0Aw&feature=related

Simple Pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LK3hlh0h9s&feature=related

Move Move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuEyFf9WNXQ&feature=related

Rules of the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKmCJGatNCA&feature=related

After the Gold Rush: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgz_bmvjwgw&feature=related  

Straight On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35fZxbC9ib0&feature=related

Taxi through Belfast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVW7EJF-0Q8&feature=related

Come Together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYltGcMDmKM&feature=related

Moonchild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATBrXL0MiSM&feature=related

The Clap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRMtmI-KxL0&feature=related

Improvisation with Eric Roche: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTDH7z12ICg

Tonight I’m featuring a wine that I rarely drink, but with which I could more enamored. Viognier is a difficult grape to grow or so I’m told. I’ve had some very ordinary versions of it, which may be why I don’t seek it out often. However, when it’s done right, it’s a delightful alternative to a Chardonnay with a character similar to a Sauvignon Blanc. So, let me tell you about Stags Leap 2007 Viognier, which is definitely done right. It’s a pale straw color with some legs on the glass. The bouquet is beautiful, hinting of honeysuckle, pear, citrus, and honey. The first sip slides across the tongue with a slight tingle followed by layers of pear, grapefruit, peach, and tropical fruits. As the night went on, the wine opened up becoming even more aromatic and complex. So, Mike, how do you really feel about it? Mikey likes it…a lot. And at $20.00, it’s a great bargin. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it with Jacques Stotzem.

Cheers!