Paco de Lucia & Buena Vista Pinot Noir

Tonight, in honor of Spain’s incredible win in the World Cup soccer Championship, I’m featuring Paco de Lucia, a Spanish composer and one of the finest flamenco guitarists to ever pick up the instrument. His full name is Francisco Sánchez Gómez and he was born in Algeciras, Cádiz on December 21, 1947. He is a leading proponent of the Modern Flamenco style, and is one of the very few flamenco guitarists who has also successfully crossed over into other genres of music. I first heard him with the guitar supertrio where he played with John McLaughlin and al DiMeola. He is truly incredible and his passionate style make you want to get up and stomp the floor in a flamenco dance. Hope you enjoy his music.


Bulerias: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqRjtSp3UzM&feature=related

La Barrosa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9vNSA0WNlw

Colombiana y Fandango: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBKarHlP4KU&feature=related

Cueva del Gato: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wY78lRUQyg&feature=related

Solareas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCtqbTlgmmI&feature=related

Rio Ancho: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxodluTaz4g&feature=related

Tico Tico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To09Km0y8ic&feature=related

Rumba: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3p48EezhOU&feature=related

Entre dos Aguas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oyhlad64-s&feature=related

Concierto de Aranjuez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8LL1x6J2rU&feature=related

Super Trio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cadbYIzhqQ&feature=related

Fantasia with al DiMeola:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq-HwfR7do4&feature=related

Supertrio, Aspen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsMTpW2iFl0&feature=related

Unfortunately, I don’t have a Spanish wine to compliment Paco, but I do have an excellent Pinot Noir from Buena Vista winery. Their 2005 Pinot Noir Carneros ($18.00) has a nose full of bright cherries with a touch of spice. On the palate, there are flavors of blackberry and cherry with hints of chocolate and a bit of toasted oak. The wine has a depth that gives it a long finish complemented by soft tannins and lingering berry fruit. This was one of the smoothest pinots I have had in a long while. Well balanced, and beautiful velvet texture. My wife felt it almost equaled our favorite New Zealand Whitehaven Pinot and that’s saying something. Try a bottle or two…or three. Oh heck, buy a case. Viva le Spain! Enjoy.

Cheers!