A Sizable undertaking
"Because of what I do for a living, I've developed a taste for big things," muses Samson, "like a Ridge Monte Bello" ($135). A blend composed mostly of cabernet sauvignon, it gets Samson's adjectives flowing. "Beefy, dense andjammy," she suggests. Monte Bello is the wine that introduced Ridge to the world and is perhaps best known among serious oeno-philes for taklftjBop honors at the 30th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris tasting.
Inside information *_______
When the talk turns to girl-on-girl action,jHgBRBIflHft her preferred prelude to a sapphic dalliance is the Italian semisparkling winemoscatoWgsti. A cousin of asti spumante, this light, bubbly treat is the most delicate of dessert wines. Her favorite is a 2006 Michele Chiarlo Nivole moscato d'asti ($10 a half bottle). "Moscato has the aroma of a ripe, white peach and the sweet velvety softness of a woman's outer lips, but the inner flavors are the best part."
An Explosive Pairing >dflfek
The robust Binomio from Fattoria La Valentina ($50) is the result of a cdfl^^RHietween two of Italy's most dynamic winemakers, Stefano Inama and Sabatino di Properzio. Made entirely with montepulciano grapes, the Binomio displays lots of mineral character with strong hints of cassis. "This delicious wine is so earthy you can practically feel the terroiras you're drinking it," Samson says. "Plus I'm all over anything that has bi in its name."
