Richard Smith and the Wine Find of the Year

Richard Smith was born in Beckenham, Kent, England in 1971. At the age of five, he picked up the guitar and soon surpassed his father in six-stringed prowess. His hero was Chet Atkins and at the age of eleven met and played with Chet. I’ve included a song from that performance here. His repertoire encompasses a diversity of styles including those of Django Reinhardt, Les paul, Lenny Breau, Chet Atkins, and Jerry Reed. In 2001, he won the Winfield Fingerpicking Championship. He’s paired up with one of my favorites, Tommy Emmanuel and keeps pace with the speedster. I think you’re going to like him.


Little bit of blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZTUfYQMhhA&feature=related

Travis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KiJ6OuMlrg&feature=related

Guitar Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2fyfJzhV_I&feature=related

Chet Shuffle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtF0ea8vyro&feature=related

With Tommy Emmanuel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8OMOObvJdY&feature=related

Ragtime Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppALom5tL-8&feature=related

Lullabye for Madeline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glyfGJqLCXk&feature=related

Theme to Masterpiece Theater: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9gbYA2Vk_8&feature=related

With Chet Atkins at age 11: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfzDltcAbFQ&feature=related

The Watkins Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrVLC6NRFFM

Windy and Warm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFm1ojp_KhY&feature=related

The Cascades: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv4U6eQYxQU&feature=related

Beatles Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKw1ZWlNxMM&feature=related

With Tommy emmuel Seranade to Summetime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7bFQSYg1yU&feature=related

With Tommy Emmanuel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e-88q4znyA&feature=related

Before I continue with my Pinot Noir tasting exploits, I thought I’d re-review a wine I would designate my “Wine Find of the Year,” namely the 2008 Klinker Brick Farrah Syrah ($20.00). It bursts onto your nose with tons of fruit and explodes in your mouth with blackberry, plum, dark cherry, and sweet chocolate. It’s got a port-like character but very drinkable with smooth tannins and an incredibly long finish. One bit of warning: it’s 15% alcohol so it’s got a kick, but don’t be put off. The fruit dominates this delectable elixir and it goes great with the guitar of Richard Smith. Enjoy!

Cheers!