We are a little late with the San Francisco Chronicle's Wine section - their changing the section from Thursday to Friday is throwing us off! But we plunge ahead with their feature article, which explains the rigorous process of becoming a Master fo Wine. The credential comes after a four day test, years of study, huge sums of money, and repeated failed attempts. For the 20 years that the test has been open to Americans, only 24 have passed!The Wine Selection of the Week is South Central Coast Pinot Noir, just in time for the deep, spicy flavors of fall. Out of 66 wines tested, 2004 Roessler Cellars Sanford & Benedict Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir came close to a perfect rating with three-and-a-half stars (***1/2). The Chronicle serves a Roast Pork Loin with French Plum Sauce.
The Bargain Wines of Week hail from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly the northern regions of Spain and Portugal, which are known for Garnacha, Carinena, Monastrell, Tempranillo and Touriga Franca. For our Indian summer in California, there are some rosés listed.
New York Times Magazine's food issue
Chicken McNuggets frolic at New York City pet store
Eat your broccoli orbs! 
