anniepreise: April 2011

Saturday, April 30, 2011

There are a ton of great wine values out in the market today but I’m always pleased to find wines that considerably outperform their price. And tonight I have such an example. As I’ve blogged recently, Syrah has been a tough sale here in the U.S. I think it’s due to a few factors that’s [...]

Chono, Syrah Reserva 2008 originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/HsVdxhGlz5M/

Margaux Marojallia Marquis de Terme Meaume Meyney

Wine Event Announces Winners

The winners of the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition were announced June 10 at a media roll-out in Los Angeles. Find the winners here.

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=110

Magdelaine Magrez Fombrauge Malartic Lagraviere Malescot St. Exupery Margaux

25% Off and Grand Tasting at Upper Falls and Post Road Liquors

Upper Falls Liquors in Newton and their sister stores Post Road Liquors in Wayland and Auburndale Wine & Spirits in Newton are offering 25% of 6 or more bottles this weekend (Friday through Sunday March 4 - 6 2011).

On Saturday from 1-4pm at each location is their Grand Tasting. Here?s some High End/Interesting wines that will be open:

2007 Darioush Cab
2006 Frescobaldi Mormoretto
2008 ?Expression? Amity Hills Pinot Noir
2009 Bordeaux
2007 Antica Cab
2007 Li Veli ?Masseria? (Negromaro/Cab)
2007 Montes ?Purple Angel? Carmenere
2007 BV Tapestry
2007 Querciabella Mongrana
2007 Rosenblum ?Rockpile? Zin

Along with like 50 other wines, and food.

Check 'em out:
http://thepostscript.com

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/CT6oBbfZlbE/25-off-and-grand-tasting-at-upper-falls.html

Couvent des Jacobins Croix de Labrie Croizet Bages d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Agassac d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Aiguilhe

2007 St. Emilion Grand Cru Class�

In this post you'll find an overview of the ratings of the 2007 St. Emilion Grand Cru Class� wines. We have gathered all ratings from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator.

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/36/2007-st-emilion-grand-cru-classe/

Armagnac Baron de Sigognac Armagnac Baron de Sigognac ans Armagnac Chateau de Laubade NV Armagnac Clos des Saveurs Armagnac Magnol (Cracked Seal)

Blogsy iPad App

Testing the Blogsy iPad App

Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2011/04/27/blogsy-ipad-app/

Guadet Saint Julien Haut Bages Liberal Haut Bailly Haut Batailley Haut Batailley Rare Signed Marie Jeanne

Mas Des Dames, Rose, Coteaux Du Languedoc 2009

Outside here in Minnesota it’s in the mid 20′s Fahrenheit with a thick snowpack. It is far from springtime here but a bit of spring can be had here inside a bottle of dry ros�. Every spring and summer I resolve to drink more ros� but for one reason or another rarely do. So I [...]

Mas Des Dames, Rose, Coteaux Du Languedoc 2009 originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/Sofm980mQUI/

Branaire Ducru Brane Cantenac Brown Calon Segur Cambon la Pelouse

HR 1161--Watching Wine Distributors Eat Their Own

"No legitimate player in the industry feels litigation is an appropriate method for establishing or altering alcohol policy." Craig Wolf, President, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association The above quote comes from a press release issued by WSWA applauding the introduction...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/_14gS-f99CM/hr-1161-watching-wine-distributors-eat-their-own.html

Haut Sarpe Hosanna Kirwan La Clemence La Conseillante

Friday, April 29, 2011

Haydn?s Review of the Hard Row to Hoe Shameless Hussy Sangiovese Dry Rose

Winery: Hard Row to Hoe Appellation: Lake Chelan AVA (just established last year!) Price: $22 Haydn gives this wine: 90pts You can buy this wine: Hard Row to Hoe’s website At least for me, when it comes to summertime, the rose wine jumps right up to the top. Along with those crisp whites (hello New [...]

Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/haydns-review-of-the-hard-row-to-hoe-shameless-hussy-sangiovese-dry-rose/

Bellevue Mondotte Berliquet Beychevelle Branaire Ducru Brane Cantenac

Meals on Wheels: Last year Ben & Jerry's launched...

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/04/26/meals_on_wheels.php

Chauvin Cheval Blanc Cheval Blanc (Bin Soiled) Cheval Blanc (Damaged Label) Cissac

Traditional Rioja, the anti-en primeurs wine

Why pay en primeur prices for young Bordeaux that won’t arrive for two years? A case against en primeur certainly comes in the form of the traditional Riojas from R. Lopez de Heredia. One of the few remaining traditionalists, Lopez de Heredia is known for outrageously long bottle aging in their legendary cellars prior to [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/QGpPcVE0Euo/

Armagnac Baron de Sigognac ans Armagnac Chateau de Laubade NV Armagnac Clos des Saveurs Armagnac Magnol (Cracked Seal) Armagnac Vieil Sempe YO

Zombie legislation: HR 5034 lurches back to life as HR 1161

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2011/03/zombie-legislation-hr-5034-lurches-back-to-life-as-hr-1161.html

Marquis de Terme Meaume Meyney Milens Monbousquet

Alan Kerr?s Vintage?s April 30th Release ? Tasting Notes

Due to a change of date for the Vintages tasting, I was able to scribe a few notes on the next two releases. The focus this month is ?All in the Family?, otherwise known as Aussie dynasties and their notable wines. Interesting to note, all but two of the Australian wines were in screw top [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/NAJUQ-xw5nU/alan-kerr%e2%80%99s-vintage%e2%80%99s-april-30threlease

Batailley Beau Sejour Becot Beau Site Beaumont Beausejour Becot

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-greek-vin-de-pays-de-tegea-2005.html

Haut Sarpe Hosanna Kirwan La Clemence La Conseillante

HR 1161 And A New Chapter on Wine in the Capitalists' Bible

Today the Wall Street Journal took a strong stand against H.R. 1161, calling it a "Bad Bill" and taking notice that if passed it would "reduce choices and raise prices for consumers." What I like most about this important editorial...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/CIXXkY-cbR0/hr-1161-and-a-new-chapter-on-wine-in-the-capitalists-bible.html

Lalande Borie Lanessan Langoa Barton Larcis Ducasse Larmande

Deluxe or Do-it-Yourself:  The Wine Cooler Solution and Giveaway

At some point in a wine enthusiast’s journey, for reasons practical or aesthetic, there comes a time when a refrigerated wine storage solution jumps onto the wish list. If you don’t have a wine cooler (or, even if you do) you’re in luck because I’ll be giving a Kalorik 21-bottle wine cooler away to one lucky commenter to this post, a $300 value.

For me, I lucked into a wine fridge as a way-too-generous wedding gift nearly six years ago. One of my best friends (and a groomsman) gave me a bottle of 1999 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a Danby Silhouette 51-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler. Getting married in your thirties does yield benefits – the gifts are better, certainly.

Since then, much to my wife’s chagrin, I’ve also managed to overtake the garage refrigerator in addition to using a dedicated full-size 1950’s-era vintage refrigerator (set to cool, but not cold setting) in my basement that I use for reds and whites that are in the drinking queue. Aside from general cellaring in my basement (no furnace heating so it stays 58 degrees year-round), I have my refrigeration needs well-covered and it all follows a circuitous path to my palate in a system that only makes sense to me.

When looking for a refrigeration solution, the options are clearer. There are two paths: The do-it-yourself (DIY) practical path or the aesthetic (read: cool and more expensive) path.

If you’re on a budget and not concerned with looks, you should take a look at a nifty gadget called the Wine-Stat II that works with any refrigerator, including the 1970s avocado green model that is probably in your grandparent’s garage.

Hardly a new development, the original Wine-Stat was developed in 1984 before later being replaced by the next generation Wine-Stat II. Invented and sold by Bill Happersett, the Wine-Stat II is about the size of a television cable box and acts approximately in the way a light dimmer does.

In the same manner that a light dimmer controls lighting to degree of brightness, the Wine-Stat II controls temperature on any refrigerator allowing a wine enthusiast to take the guesswork out of temperature control.

Would you like a perfect 55 degrees for your special reds? For $149 the Wine-Stat II lets any wine enthusiast turn an old refrigerator into something useful.

On the aesthetic side of the equation, the options are more plentiful.

Search for “wine cooler” or “wine refrigerator” at Air & Water or Amazon.com and you’ll find more brand names and size options than you’ll probably care to research and all of them are reasonably expensive, at least as compared to a regular dorm size or standard refrigerator. Yet, they all have the very important aesthetic aspect of having a glass door, temperature control and some level of stainless steel for the modern kitchen look giving them an appearance of a lifestyle tool that can reside where it must combining form with function.

For my part, I’ve been happy with the Danby, but if I were going to supplement with a smaller size unit for my kitchen (countertop or built-in), I’d look at a couple of other brand names including Kalorik, an appliance manufacturer who seems to hit all of the consumer review factors (no Freon, low energy usage, quiet, no vibration) at very competitive prices.

And, kudos to Kalorik and their online retail partner Air & Water for graciously offering to give one Good Grape reader the opportunity to win an absolutely free, shipping paid 21-bottle cooler (link here for details on the wine cooler).

The contest will be open from Sunday, March 27th at 9:00 pm EST to Tuesday, March 29th at midnight EST. Here’s what you need to do to win: Leave a comment on this post and answer this question: Which of the wines that you own would you want to put into your wine cooler first? That’s all. Did I say the wine cooler is a $300 value?

If you want to want to earn a second entry into the random drawing, simply tweet this: 21-bottle wine fridge giveaway from @goodgrape at Goodgrape.com. Comment at GG to win! Provided by the folks @teamkalorik

Good luck and thanks for reading Good Grape: A Wine Manifesto.

Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/deluxe_or_do-it-yourself_the_wine_cooler_solution_and_giveaway/

La Tour Martillac Labegorce Zede Lafite Rothschild Lafleur Lafleur Gazin Pomerol

Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, ?Los Arcos? NV

Like a lot of American wine lovers, Sherry is a personal blind spot. It’s not that I haven’t had good or great Sherry ? in fact the only wine I have ever rated 100-points is a Sherry ? it’s just the style is hard to get your head around. �For starters, many Sherries are intentionally [...]

Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, “Los Arcos” NV originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/nOPwDNjwl78/

Batailley Beau Sejour Becot Beau Site Beaumont Beausejour Becot

LTHForum's Great Neighborhood Restaurant list

Source: http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2011/03/lthforums-great-neighborhood-restaurant-list.html

Le Moulin Le Moulin Pomerol Le Petit Cheval Le Pin Le Tertre Roteboeuf

Cochon 555: Pork and Pinot Noir in Boston

Cochon 555 - a national culinary competition promoting heritage breed pigs - came to Boston January 30th, 2011. The event challenges five local chefs to prepare a three course meal for attendees who then vote to determine which will advance to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen to compete against winners from the other ten cities where Cochon 555 is held.

If you're a fan of Top Chef the format felt very similar to the challenges contestants go through each week where they need to prepare food for a large audience within a challenging set of constraints.

The event is all about pork, but for me it was all about the wine. I enjoyed the mix of top-flight wines from family owned wineries pouring mostly domestic Pinot Noir. Because the primary focus was on food, the lines at the wine tables were relatively short which provided an excellent opportunity to get to know the winery reps present at the event.

The 2011 Boston event was held at the Fairmont Copley Hotel. A VIP hour kicked off the event with something for everyone. Beer, sustainable oysters, artisan cheeses, bacon-themed appetizers, and an impressive selection of wines from West Sonoma Coast Vintners Peay, Freeman, Red Car, Ramey, Boheme, Martinelli, Freestone, and Littorai.

In Boston the chefs competing were:

Matt Jennings from Farmstead
Barry Maiden from Hungry Mother
Lydia Shire from Scampo & Locke-Ober
Mary Dumont from Harvest
Will Gilson Garden at the Cellar

As the chefs were preparing, plating, and serving their dishes I made my way around to the wine tables. I've been having a hard time finding value from the highly-regarded 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir vintage. The event provides an opportunity to taste higher end bottlings from well regarded producers so I was excited to see what was in store. First stop: Elk Cove.

I enjoyed talking with Elk Cove's Sales Manager Craig Hedstrom as he described each of their wines. We started off with a couple whites - a Pinot Blanc and a Pinot Gris. The 2009 Elk Cove Pinot Gris really caught my attention. I've had this wine in prior vintages and it felt a little lean but this 09 was impressive. More luscious and generous but balanced nicely with acidity. Crisp and clean yet round and delicious.

Craig Hedstrom
Sales Manager, Elk Cove

Then we tasted through their 2008 Pinot Noirs. The 2008 Willamette Valley, the Mount Richmond, and the Five Mountains. The Willamette Valley sells for around $25 here in Massachusetts and the single vineyards sell for $40 and up.

For immediate consumption, I think the 2008 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is the value play. It's one of the few entry-level 2008 Oregon Pinot Noirs I'd call outstanding and it's been reliably delicious across multiple bottles. It's one of those wines that no matter how many bottles I buy I know I'll run out of them in a year or two. The single vineyard wines are great, but they're expensive and I think they need bottle age to show their stuff.

Next stop was Sokol Blosser.

They were pouring their 2007 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir which sells for around $38. 2007 wasn't a well-regarded vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir but this wine was one of my favorites of the entire evening.

I thought it was vibrant with elegant, focused flavors. Nice acidity and no green/stemmy aromas or flavors to distract from the fruit. Wow.

Hard to find in Massachusetts but I'll keep my eye out for this wine for sure.

I took a little break from the wine tasting and checked out the food. The Harvest table was serving one of the more unique things I've ever tasted: Bacon cotton candy. Just as I was wondering how they injected bacon flavor into cotton candy I realized - the cotton candy was wrapped around a stick of bacon! It was actually a pretty pleasing combination of sweet and savory.

Chefs were working hard to get things prepared and plated in time for guests:

Here's Tiffani from Top Chef talking with an attendee. She was working with the folks at Harvest:

Here's Lydia Shire from Scampo & Locke-Ober:

The day after the event I had lunch at Scampo with Paul Sequeria from Red Car Wine Co. I learned of the event from the Red Car Facebook Page and the 2007 Red Car Heaven & Earth La Boheme Pinot Noir was one of the best Pinot Noirs I've ever tasted.

At the event Paul was pouring the 2007 Red Car Tomorrowland Syrah and the 2009 Trolley Pinot Noir. Both were showing nicely.

More on Red Car in a future blog post for sure. Subscribe to the WWP so we can keep in touch.

Domaine Serene was pouring their plush 2006 Evenstad. I've heard good things about Domaine Serene and this was my first chance to try it. I wasn't disappointed - very round and satisfying. No green notes. I like their labels too. The 06 Evenstad retails for $58.

I've heard good things about Peay's Pinot Noirs. They were at the event but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to taste their wines:

Conclusions and recommendations:

Cochon 555 is a pork-focused event that offers something for almost everyone. Beer, wine, oysters, cheese, and even some vegetarian options. As a wine enthusiast, especially one who enjoys domestic Pinot Noir, this event was very enjoyable.

The tour is just getting started. Check out these links for an upcoming Cochon555 event near you:

I attended the event on a press pass.

Question of the Day: Have you been to Cochon555? If so what did you think?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/QmTWi9Dt5S4/cochon-555-pork-and-pinot-noir-in.html

La Lagune La Mission Haut Brion La Reserve du Generale La Tour Figeac La Tour Haut Brion

Thursday, April 28, 2011

50 best county restaurants, nos. 30-21

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/04/50_best_county_restaurants_nos_1.html

La Fleur de Bouard La Fleur de Gay La Gaffeliere La Garde La Gomerie

Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, ?Los Arcos? NV

Emilio Lustau, Sherry Dry Amontillado, “Los Arcos” NV originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/nOPwDNjwl78/

Marquis de Terme Meaume Meyney Milens Monbousquet

Cochon 555: Pork and Pinot Noir in Boston

Matt Jennings from Farmstead
Barry Maiden from Hungry Mother
Lydia Shire from Scampo & Locke-Ober
Mary Dumont from Harvest
Will Gilson Garden at the Cellar

Craig Hedstrom
Sales Manager, Elk Cove

Here's Tiffani from Top Chef talking with an attendee. She was working with the folks at Harvest:

Here's Lydia Shire from Scampo & Locke-Ober:

I've heard good things about Peay's Pinot Noirs. They were at the event but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to taste their wines:

I attended the event on a press pass.

Question of the Day: Have you been to Cochon555? If so what did you think?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/QmTWi9Dt5S4/cochon-555-pork-and-pinot-noir-in.html

Lalande Borie Lanessan Langoa Barton Larcis Ducasse Larmande

?Kitchen Nightmares? on the Restaurant Prowl in the Napa Valley

Gordon Ramsay is the very fiery-tempered chef featured on the reality television show Kitchen Nightmares. This FOX TV show is presently searching for restaurants for its upcoming 5th season and hoping to find one or more in the prestigious Napa Valley. Continue reading →

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napablog/kitchen-nightmares%e2%80%9d-on-the-restaurant-prowl-in-the-napa-valley/

Carillon d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Angelus Caronne Ste Gemme Carruades de Lafite Certan de May Charmail

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/02/two-faced-venice-soave-2007-classico.html

Marquis de Terme Meaume Meyney Milens Monbousquet

Women of Washington Wine: Ali Boyle of Alexandria Nicole Cellars

Today?s post is part of a series featuring the Women of Washington Wine. In an industry once dominated by men, more and more women are joining the ranks as winery owners, vineyard owners, and winemakers. Being a woman myself, I am fascinated by these women and what they have done and continue to do. Through [...]

Women of Washington Wine: Ali Boyle of Alexandria Nicole Cellars was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/eL4TbTYXBjI/

Haut Sarpe Hosanna Kirwan La Clemence La Conseillante

Errors in Modernist Cuisine: Looks like $625 won't buy you...

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/04/22/errors_in_modernist_cuisine.php

Clerc Milon Climens Clinet Clos Cantenac Clos de l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Oratoire

Ten @ 10: Food so good they have to dance

Source: http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2011/03/dancing-people-lovin-food-commercials.html

De l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Eglise De Pez De Sales d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Issan Du Tertre

Party all night at the Chairman Suite, Palazzo Resort, Las Vegas

The Chairman Suite at the Palazzo Resort, Las Vegas qualifies as one of the most costly suites of the US, costing almost $20,000 a night. This suite is a new addition to the range of beautiful havens that existed in Las Vegas and has quickly become the favorite of the elites. The suite has so [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/MCuyx-n68Bo/

Grand Puy Ducasse Grand Puy Lacoste Gruaud Larose Guadet Guadet Saint Julien

Crazy April Weather: Ice, Thunder, Hail and Snow in Paso Robles

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2011/04/crazy-april-ice-thunder-hail-and-snow-in-paso-robles.html

Les Tourelles de Longueville l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Evangile l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Interdit de Valandraud Lucia Lynch Bages

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/duck-duck-moose-i-attended-tasting.html

Clinet Clos Cantenac Clos de l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Oratoire Clos de Sarpe Clos des Jacobins

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/madiran-2002-vieilles-vignes-chateau.html

Clos Cantenac Clos de l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Oratoire Clos de Sarpe Clos des Jacobins Clos du Marquis

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Would you like a Gold or Silver with that Red or White?

Guest blogger�and wine judge �Stacie Hunt offers some insight into being a judge at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.�Stacie is a�commentator on wine for National Public Radio, a Certified Sommelier (AIS), an international wine judge, educator, journalist and blogger. Everyone has his or her own idea of spring.� In the city, the [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=51

La Tour Haut Brion La Tour Martillac Labegorce Zede Lafite Rothschild Lafleur

Berlin Tasting in Copenhagen

Berlin Tasting in Copenhagen" might sound a little confusing? However the Berlin Tasting is a reference to a famous tasting held in Berlin the January 23. 2004. It was held by the Chilean wine producer Eduardo Chadwick from Errazuriz and he had invited 66 wine journalists from all over Europe to taste the best Chadwick wines from Chile against the supernames from Bordeaux and Tuscany. 16 wines were tasted from the vintages 2000 and 2001, among them 2000 Chateau Latour, 2000 Chateau Lafite and 2000 Chateau Margaux.

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/37/berlin-tasting-in-copenhagen/

d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Aiguilhe Dame de Montrose d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Angludet d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Armailhac De Chevalier

Combo Plate: Jamie Oliver delivers, sea salt myths and more

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2011/04/combo-plate-sea-salt-myths-bye-bye-chocolate-milk-and-more-.html

Baronat Mouton Baron Philippe Batailley Beau Sejour Becot Beau Site Beaumont

Your weekend dining PLUS with the sleeping pets of the week

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/04/your_weekend_dining_plus_with_3.html

Gruaud Larose Guadet Guadet Saint Julien Haut Bages Liberal Haut Bailly

Meals on Wheels : Heirloom LA Launches a Food Truck, Too

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/04/25/heirloom_la_launches_a_food_truck_too.php

Wine Rack French Wine Wine Making Wine Tasting Yellow Tail

Mondavi Winemaker Dinner at Morton's The Steakhouse Back Bay

Morton's The Steakhouse is hosting Peter Mondavi Jr. of Charles Krug Winery for a winemaker dinner this coming Tuesday March 22nd, 2011. Check it out:

What

Morton?s The Steakhouse Back Bay invites wine enthusiasts to dine and drink with one of the country?s foremost winemakers, Peter Mondavi Jr. of Charles Krug Winery. Known for its extensive, award-winning wine list, Morton?s has cultivated relationships with some of the leading domestic wineries. The Winemaker Dinners offer guests a glimpse into the inner-workings of these vineyards, as well as an interactive experience with the winemakers themselves.

Hailing from Napa Valley?s first family of winemaking, Peter Mondavi Jr. was introduced to the process at a young age and quickly became versed in the world of wines. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Charles Krug Winery, third generation proprietor Peter explores some of the estate?s finest vintages, including the 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the famed Charles Krug is home to super-premium and reserve wines made with estate-grown, sustainably farmed fruit representing the region?s most prized sub-appellations.

In addition to several courses of Morton?s signature cuisine, guests sample Peter?s hand-selected Charles Krug wine pairings. The menu and wines include:

Reception
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Belgian Endive with Blue Cheese
Tuna Tartare, Diced Tomato and Avocado
Charles Krug, St. Helena - Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010

First Course
Mixed Field Greens topped with Grilled Colossal Shrimp
Charles Krug, Carneros Chardonnay, 2009

Second Course
Filet Mignon served with Chive Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Tomato stuffed with Saut�ed Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection - 125th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1980
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection - 150th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

Cheese Course
Green Hill (Jersey Cow Milk Cheese)
Roasted Wild Rice (Gouda)
GoreDawnZola (Gorgonzola)
Snow Drop (Goat Cheese)
Charles Krug, Zinfandel Port, Lot XIV

Dessert
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Details
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
6:30 PM - Reception; 7:00 PM - Dinner
$150 per guest, inclusive of tax and gratuity
Call 617-266-5108 for reservations

699 Boylston Street
Boston, MA

Parking
Valet parking available.

More Info
http://www.mortons.com/bostonbackbay/specialevents/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/XHgd4wkX87A/mondavi-winemaker-dinner-at-mortons.html

Lafleur Gazin Pomerol Lafon Rochet Lagrange Lalande Borie Lanessan

Chicago chefs pair with farmers at Localicious festival tonight

Source: http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2011/03/chicago-chefs-pair-with-farmers-at-localicious-festival-tonight.html

De Fieuzal De l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Eglise De Pez De Sales d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Issan

Challenging Wine Pairing: Fried Chicken

A few weeks ago, Kori and Colby went out to dinner with some friends at a popular Seattle restaurant known for its southern cuisine. Several in the group ordered the fried chicken, one of the restaurant?s specialties, and then began discussing what wine they should order to go with it. As they talked, one person [...]

Challenging Wine Pairing: Fried Chicken was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/7BZd1yKtffg/

Larrivet Haut Brion Lascombes Latour Latour a Pomerol Laville Haut Brion

A big party coming up? Don?t worry - You can now rent the entire country of Liechtenstein for just $70,000 a night!

If you have a really huge party coming up and you want to take the best care of your guests, then you can consider renting an entire principality. Yes, it is true! You can rent the beautiful principality of Liechtenstein at a price of just $70,000 per night! Not only Liechtenstein, but many more European [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/K5Ww-NKCz30/

Giscours Giscours Rare Signed Marie Jeanne Gloria Gomerie Grand Puy Ducasse

Jess Jackson, royal wedding, corks, riot police ? sipped and spit

RIP: Jess Stonestreet Jackson The founder of Kendall-Jackson died last week bringing to a close a remarkable life that included making one of the best-selling wines in America. [NYT, SF Chronicle] SIPPED: the unknown Which bubbly will the esteemed quests raise in honor of the Royal Couple? The official wine has not yet been unveiled, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/Qq9aa6F0cJk/

l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Eglise Clinet l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Enclos Leoville Barton Leoville Las Cases Leoville Poyferre

Burgers & Booze: In honor of Burger Week 2011,...

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/04/26/burgers_booze.php

Calon Segur Cambon la Pelouse Canon Canon la Gaffeliere Cantemerle

Garbage, scrap metal, and riesling? Terroir de South Side

Bill Lavicka doesn’t lack ambition. The Chicago resident has made wine in his basement laundry room for 35 years, after all, dubbing it Chateau Chicago. But now he wants to make an estate wine. Lavicka seeks to turn an 1860s building on Chicago’s south side into a winery. And he wants to plant 5,000 vines [...]

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Food and Wine Leisure Food Armagnac Baron de Lustrac Armagnac Baron de Sigognac Armagnac Baron de Sigognac ans

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Authority, Influence and Popularity in Wine Writing

Last week one of America's senior wine writers made the point that experience lends more credibility to opinion where wine writing is concerned. Steve Heimoff, long time West Coast editor of Wine Enthusiast who also writes about wine on his...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/dz3O-r56jZ8/authority-influence-and-popularity-in-wine-writing.html

Napa Valley California Vinyard Wine Bottle Types of Wine Food and Wine

From the Culinary SOS archive: Black bean hummus

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2011/04/from-the-culinary-sos-archive-black-bean-hummus.html

Kirwan La Clemence La Conseillante La Couspaude La Croix de Beaucaillou

Massive Plywood Report & Update : Planet Dailies, Pita Jungle, Taco Fiesta, Iota Coffee, More!

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/04/21/planet_dailies_pita_jungle_taco_fiesta_iota_coffee_more.php

d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Aiguilhe Dame de Montrose d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Angludet d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Armailhac De Chevalier

50 best county restaurants, nos. 50-41

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/04/50_best_county_restaurants_nos.html

Meaume Meyney Milens Monbousquet Montrose

2007 Medoc 5. Grand Cru Class�

Here you'll find an overview of the ratings of the 2007 Medoc 4. Grand Cru Class�. We have gathered all ratings from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator.

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/33/2007-medoc-5-grand-cru-classe/

Alter Ego de Palmer Angelus Ausone Ausone (Cut Capsule) Ausone (Soiled Label)

HR 1161--Watching Wine Distributors Eat Their Own

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Gazin Giscours Giscours Rare Signed Marie Jeanne Gloria Gomerie

Wine Word of the Week: Rhone

This week?s Wine Word of the Week is Rhone. Official definition from Jancis Robinson?s The Oxford Companion to Wine: Rhone is one of the most important wine rivers, linking a range of vineyards as dissimilar as those of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in southern France, sparkling Seyssel, and Fendant du Valais in Switzerland. In wine circles, however, the [...]

Wine Word of the Week: Rhone was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/mx_1aY_PwPM/

Kirwan La Clemence La Conseillante La Couspaude La Croix de Beaucaillou

Valentines Special at Cross Roads Winery

Wine and Chocolate – February 13 Sunday February 13 from 1-6 for a pairing of wonderful chocolates with CrossRoads wines. Treat your Valentine to this special day of decadence! Tickets are $20

Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2011/01/17/valentines-special-at-cross-roads-winery/

Alter Ego de Palmer Angelus Ausone Ausone (Cut Capsule) Ausone (Soiled Label)

New Napa Valley Welcome Center ? Action Packed

The Napa Valley Welcome Center just opened up shop in the Riverfront Properties in downtown Napa. Somebody did it right at the Legendary Napa Valley, the organization that sponsors this center. It truly is a welcoming center and once you take a peek inside you just want to explore. Continue reading →

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/napablog/new-napa-valley-welcome-center-%e2%80%93-action-packed/

Clinet Clos Cantenac Clos de l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Oratoire Clos de Sarpe Clos des Jacobins

The Importance and Influence of Editors in the Wine Industry

If you have never had the benefit of working with an editor, it might not be perfectly clear that they do far more than check for spelling and grammar errors. The fact is, editing is a creative process that requires...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/XG_PiQ9iqQY/the-importance-and-influence-of-editors-in-the-wine-industry.html

Leoville Barton Leoville Las Cases Leoville Poyferre Les Forts de Latour Les Tourelles de Longueville

Weekend Boston-area Wine Tastings

Lots of notable tastings in the Boston area this weekend (March 19th and 20th, 2011):

Plumpjack/Cade tasting at Newton Lower Falls
From noon - 4 pm Saturday they'll be pouring wines from Plumpjack along with their newer label Cade. I had an '06 Cade Howell Mountain recently and thought it was an incredible wine. I stopped in their yesterday and noticed they had some well-priced bottles of Seghesio (Sangiovese, Barbera) kicking around after their tasting earlier this week.
Spanish Festival
Wine ConneXtion in North Andover on Saturday from noon - 5 pm.
Shawsheen Village Liquors Spring Tasting
From 3 pm - 6pm on Saturday they're holding their Spring Grand Tasting.
Spring Tasting Extravaganza at Fifth Ave. Liquors in Framingham
From 2 pm - 5 pm on Sunday they're pouring 50+ wines at special event pricing. Visit their site to see a listing of the wines. Thanks to reader KC for the tip on this one.

For more events in your area check out LocalWineEvents.com

Any other wine related stuff going on in the Boston area you'd like to mention? Leave a comment to share a tip.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/6RiVw6CiBao/weekend-boston-area-wine-tastings.html

Lafleur Lafleur Gazin Pomerol Lafon Rochet Lagrange Lalande Borie

HR 1161--Watching Wine Distributors Eat Their Own

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/_14gS-f99CM/hr-1161-watching-wine-distributors-eat-their-own.html

De l\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Eglise De Pez De Sales d\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Issan Du Tertre

Monday, April 25, 2011

Jess Jackson, royal wedding, corks, riot police ? sipped and spit

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/Qq9aa6F0cJk/

La Croix de Beaucaillou La Croix du Casse La Fleur Cardinale La Fleur de Bouard La Fleur de Gay

50 best county restaurants, nos. 50-41

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/04/50_best_county_restaurants_nos.html

Milens Monbousquet Montrose Mouton Rothschild Nenin

Switcheroos: Manhattan Beach's American Farmhouse Cafe &...

Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/04/22/switcheroos.php

Charmail Chasse Spleen Chateau Hermitage St Emilion Chauvin Cheval Blanc

Book Review: Summer in a Glass by Evan Dawson

You know a book is good when you're bummed to be deplaning a cross-country flight before you've finished reading. But that's what happened to me with Evan Dawson's Summer in a Glass: The Coming of Age of Winemaking in the Finger Lakes recently.

The book tells the stories of 13 winemakers in the New York State wine region, each extensively researched and told in a narrative non-fiction format. I found the approach particularly effective in conveying each winemaker's story and raising their wines to a higher level of understanding and potential enjoyment. On several occasions I found myself wanting to seek out specific wines described in the book.

If the idea of reading winemaker stories leaves you uninspired I think I might know how you feel. For me, most winery stories sound similar: Guy makes boatloads of money in a non-related industry, dumps it into the sexier wine trade and is now producing wine made with unparalleled standards at unbelievably high prices. That said Summer in a Glass succeeds by relating stories in a way the winemakers themselves might have trouble conveying with a similar level of intrigue.

Perhaps that's because the author is a storyteller by trade anchoring the news desk at Rochester's ABC affiliate. He's also a wine writer who contributes regularly to online wine publications - primarily the highly regarded New York Cork Report. Dawson is the kind of writer I find interesting regardless of the subject he's writing about -- whether it's migraines, Barbaresco or Finger Lakes Riesling.

Impressive On a Number of Levels

First and foremost there's the undeniable charm of being transported to a region like the Finger Lakes. Given its duration and intensity, winter in the Finger Lakes makes summer all the more appreciated and Dawson captures the essence of each season beautifully. It's never in your face with metaphors but the notion of how special warm summer nights are comes through brilliantly.

At its best Summer in a Glass weaves chapters together in near-cliff hanger style showing the interconnectedness of winemakers in the region leaving the reader wondering how each winery will fare.

The work Dawson put into researching the stories relayed is evident and pays dividends. Dawson's wide-open, inclusive personality comes through brilliantly as he embeds just enough of himself in the story to draw the reader in.

One of the most difficult things to do as a narrative story teller, I think, is convey a story about the less-likeable character. It's relatively easy to tell the story of a gregarious German like Anthony Road's Johannes Reinhardt but revealing the essence of a highly regarded but not-so-collaborative winemaker like Hermann Wiemer is a different challenge. As an author you know the subject will read what you've written - and might not be happy with it - but Dawson finds a way to find the best lighting for each personality while painting an accurate picture.

Conclusion and Recommendations

After reading Summer in a Glass in some ways I regret not visiting the region already. But at the same time I feel I now have a reliable guide pointing me some of the best producers in the region and an interest in tasting the wines to compare notes with what's described in the book.

If you're a content creator you might find yourself wondering as you read the book: Could I write something on par with this about another wine region? Regardless of the answer the fact the book has you asking that question is, I think, an inspiring achievement in itself.

I highly recommend Summer in a Glass for anyone interested in good stories about wine, especially in the Finger Lakes, and especially if you're headed there for a visit any time soon.

More info here: http://evandawsonwrites.com

4.5/5 Stars WWP: Highly Recommended

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Berliquet Beychevelle Branaire Ducru Brane Cantenac Brown