Allman Brothers & Saintsbury Pinot Noir

Tonight, I’m going to kick off the week with a bang. One of my all-time favorite groups was the Allman Brothers Band. I’ve seen them in concert three times, once with Duane on lead guitar, once with Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts, and finally with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. They’re southern rock style is timeless and as good today as it was back in their beginnings. I’ve got some rare footage of the band with Duane before his untimely death. I have a soft spot in my heart for Whipping Post. I used to play solo acoustic guitar in coffee houses back in the late sixties and early seventies and one night one of my best friends walked in with my ex-girlfriend who’d jilted me for him. I couldn’t help it but launch into an impromptu acoustic medley of Whipping Post and Feeling All right, by Steve Winwood. The audience apparently picked up on the vibe and cheered as the two stood and made a hasty exit. It was one of the sweetest moments of my musical career. But not as sweet as the music of the Allman Brothers. Two of my favorites are included below: Statesboro Blues and Southbound. Enjoy!

Whipping Post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHhKnc0XZrs

Don’t Keep Me Wondering: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQsAxHk54x4

In Memory of Elizabeth Reed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXrcINvsREU

Midnight Rider http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV7L4suXyAM

Blue Sky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1jpQu6qR1E

Statesborough Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haVGUKoutwU&feature=related

Layla (with Eric Clapton): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bAJoeuiwO0

Dreams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBo_POKv21w

Stormy Monday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gDhR1R3S0s&feature=related

Ain’t Wastin Time No More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpAG_He3mI4&feature=related

Woman Across The River: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpFeIT-u8us&feature=related

You Don’t Love Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMAHQAtUB58&feature=related

End of The Line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FCQwv82FV8&feature=related

Southbound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si759fiEx3c&feature=related

With a sweet band like the Allman Brothers, I suggest a honey of a Pinot Noir, namely Saintsbury Carneros, 2007 ($20.00). The vines that produce this lovely elixir are clones from Pommard giving the wine powerful and elegant notes of sour cherry, blackberry, and spice. The bouquet is loaded with cherry goodness. It’s a drier Pinot that gives it balance and a long, luscious finish. Try a bottle while you do a little southern boogie to the music of the Allman Brothers. Enjoy!

Cheers!