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Home > Blogs > Uncorked > Archives > 2006 > August
August 2006
A wine for all of life’s milestones
What wine goes best with taking one’s first-born off to college?
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Hey Arnold, look who’s the girly-man now
Do you suppose The Governator uttered “Hasta la vista, baby” as he blasted zinfandel right between the eyes?
Yep, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have declared zinfandel to be the “historic wineâ€? of California. For the best “lede” on the story, link to this New York Times story, or check out the Sacramento Bee’s version.
Never mind that legislators had worked out a perfectly acceptable compromise — the bill’s sponsor originally wanted to name zin the state’s “official” wine, but settled on “historic” instead when producers of other varietals got their hackles up.
The governor said he didn’t want to single out any one wine-grape variety over others. Does that mean he’ll work to repeal the law that named the golden poppy the state flower and the valley quail as the state bird?
The vice president of the board of Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP), Bruce Walker of Starry Night Winery, said in a ZAP news release that he was surprised by the governor’s veto,.
“It was simply wrong because this bill was not about choosing one variety over another. It was recognizing Zinfandel in its historical role in laying the foundation for the California wine industry,� Walker said.
Arnold just found an easy target, ignored the bipartisan support the bill enjoyed (it passed both houses of the California general assembly easily), and pulled the trigger.
Who’s the girly-man now?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Winemakers band together to promote California wines
It must be so, if Arnold Schwarzenegger says it’s so, right?
The governator has “officially” proclaimed September as California Wine Month, and now California wineries are promoting themselves with tastings and other events that include wines from not just the usual high-profile wine-producing regions, but from every nook and cranny of California.
My last two trips to California avoided the Napas and Sonomas and focused instead on the central coast, where areas such as Santa Barbara and Paso Robles are really starting to emerge as world-class wine producers.
What are your thoughts on California wines? Do you think these kinds of marketing blitzes make a difference?
Thanks for reading, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Wines and doggie bags
Last week we started fermenting an idea about what could become a “Wine lovers night out” on Sept. 21, the first day Ohioans will legally be able to bring home leftover wine from restaurants.
But as some readers mentioned, restaurants weren’t given a whole lot of guidance by the state on how to comply with all of the legal requirements of sending their patrons home with wine doggie bags.
Now, it’s Uncorked readers to the rescue. Dennis Hall emailed me the following tip:
www.BeerAndWineSpecialists.com is providing free to any wine-sales permit holder self-adhesive labels that are tamper-resistant to comply with the law’s requirement to reseal the bottle. A lot of the restaurants may not be aware of this offer. To order the labels call 800-320-4331 or email info@beerandwinespecialists.com.
But wait — there’s more. Another reader, this one involved in a company that specializes in wine-to-go containers, sent this comment to the previous Uncorked entry over the weekend, too late for many readers to see it, so … here’s what Robert Beck from WineDoggyBag.com had to say on this topic:
Your comments hit it right on the nose. The key is to get restaurants to know about the law and consumers to ask for their wine. It is also to get the restaurants over the comment that “I never had a patron ask to take home a bottle” That will change with the new law. As the largest provider of such take home bags to restaurants in states with wine doggy bag laws, we would be happy to send samples to anyone who requests them. They sell more bottled wine, allow patrons more choice in choosing a wine and provide a means for patrons to drink more responsibly. Just call us at 800 401-9014 or visit www.winedoggybag.com for more information or to get some samples.
Ultimately, of course, we wine drinkers will benefit from this shared knowledge, so thanks for the tips, get ready to take home your first wine doggy bag (lucky dog …) and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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A daring heist — and what Hollywood could do with it
A story today on Decanter.com details an incredible heist of a Bordeaux collection valued at more than half a million dollars. The effort was elaborate, the stuff movies are — and probably will — be made of.
How about “Oceans of Wine 11?”
Can you see Paul Giamatti as the lead? Or maybe Giamatti can replace Brad Pitt (since he’s busy changing diapers and all) as George Clooney’s sidekick. It could serve as the sequel to both Sideways AND Oceans 12.
Or perhaps Bruce Willis could make it into “Drink Hard VI” …
Does this trigger any movie ideas in YOUR head?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Go! forth and taste
Can you believe how gracious these local wine shops and restaurants are? They organized all of these special wine tastings just to commemorate my first restaurant review for the newspaper’s Go! section (and no, I didn’t ask for the wine list).
Wait, what’s that you say? There’s nothing special about these tastings? This sort of thing happens every weekend around the Miami Valley? This isn’t all about me?
Oh.
Nevermind.
As always, the following listing of wine events is compiled by a local listserv — and for that, we are quite thankful — and it is only a click of the “continue reading” button away. Cheers!
Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, August 25, 2006 4-8 pm NV Nicolas Feuillatte Rose 2004 Francois Raquillet Mercurey les Veleys 2004 Xavier Besson Givry 1er Cru le Petit Pretan 2000 Gorelli La Potazzine Brunello 2003 Chateau Cantenac Brown
Saturday, August 26, 2006 1-6 pm NV Tattinger La Francaise 2003 Christom Pinot Noir 2002 Pride Merlot 2003 Calon Segur
Jay’s LobsterFest is September 9th with Fess Parker wines. Call 222-2892 for reservations. Menu: Tropical Lobster-Avocado Salad with Champagne-Citrus Vinaigrette, House made Lobster Raviolis in a Lobster Consommé with Fresh Poached Seafood and Vegetables, Broiled Lobster with Asparagus Risotto and Saffron Beurre Blanc and Basil-Tomato Oil, Caramel Custard with Carrot Cake Soufflé with Fresh Berries
Arrow – Kettering Saturday, August 26, 2006 11-4 pm 2004 Verget Vaucluse 2002 Marquis de Vauban Bordeaux 2004 Mclean’s Farm Shiraz Cabernet 2005 Bastgen Brauneberger Juffer Spatlese for starters!
Arrow Far Hills will be having Super Saturday on September 2
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood
Friday, August 25, 2006 5-8pm Don Alegario Albarino 2005 Patz Hall Chardonnay 2005 Vega Sindoa El Chaparral 2005 Merryvale Merlot 2000 Collosrbo Brunello 2001 Brown Bag!
Saturday, August 26, 2006 1-6pm Thibert Parisse Pouillu-Fusse 2004 Walter Hanzel Russian River Pinot Noir 2003 Promessa Rosso Salento 2003 Peter Franus Zinfandel 2002 Atto Moncoyo Verator 2003 La Spinetta Pin 2001 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Grotten Brown Ale Southern Tier Imperial Red Ale
DLM Washington Square Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 5-8pm DLM adding three of the new Mollydooker wines! The much anticipated new wines from Sara and Sparky Marquis. ’05 Domaine Thibert-Parisse Macon-Prisse Little James Basket Press ’05 Cavalchina Bardolina ’05 Ludovicus Terra Alta ’04 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Mystery Wine!
Saturday, August 26, 2006 12-5pm Denise’s Spanish Fiesta 2005 Ipsum 2005 don Olegan Albarino 2005 El Chapparel 2003 Alto Moncayo Veraton 2000 Ribas de Cabrera 2002 Finca Sandoval Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, August 25, 2006 3-7pm 05 BonAnno Sauvignon Blanc 04 Consentino Chardonnay 02 Rutherford Hill Merlot 01 Clos du Bois Marlstone
Saturday, August 26, 2006 12-5pm 04 Hess Napa Chardonnay 02 Blackjack Pinot Noir 04 Pride Merlot 03 Philip Togni Cabernet
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 – 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 – 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Dog Days of Summer Tasting Saturday, August 26th all day Bring your dogs to Cuvee! And donations for SICSA. Money or supplies are accepted. SICSA needs paper towels, soft dog treats, new leashes and collars, antibacterial hand soap, Clorox, moist cat food, scoopable cat litter. Wines beginning Friday, August 25, 2006 Folonari Pink Poodle Pinot Grigio Dog House Charlie’s Chardonnay MAK 2003 Chardonnay Rabid Red BITCH 2004 Grenache Fred’s Red Beer: Flying Dog Dogtoberfest The only food will be dog biscuits for your friend.
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday 10-3 PM 2005 Folonari Pin k Pinot Grigio 2005 5 River Pinot Grigio 2004 Toasted Head Red (Great Blend) 2005 Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo-Granacha
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:30 pm Scotese’s will tasting 2005 Spanish wines! The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays! Bennett Family Chardonnay RSV InZinerator Lapis Luna Shoup Zinfandel Rosenblum Petite Sirah Gundlach-Bundschu Mountain Cuvee, BLOCK 13 Cabernet Sauvignon,
DiSalvo’s Deli and Italian Store Wine Tasting – every third Wednesday of the month in conjunction with their Meal of the Month! www.disalvosdeli.com. The Deli’s Feature Wines: Ecco Domani Merlot, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, August 26, 2006 11am-5pm Arrow Centerville is having their Super Saturday! 2004 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay… 2004 Sebastiani Chardonnay… 2003 Spellbound Petite Sirah… 2005 Red Guitar Navarra (Spanish Red)… 2003 Merryvale Starmont Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon… 2004 Greg Norman Cabernet/Merlot… 2003 Toasted Head Shiraz… 2005 Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc… 2004 Toasted Head Chardonnay… Cipriani Bellini with Ca’Tullio Prosecco… 2004 Red Dot Shiraz… 2004 Red Dot Chardonnay/Viognier… 2004 Max Ferd Richter Estate Riesling… 2001 Prieuré La Solitude Red Graves… 2004 Tobin James “Ballistic� Zinfandel… 2003 Tobin James “Notorius� Cabernet Sauvignon… 2004 Mollard Viognier… 2003 Niersteiner Kirchplatte Kerner Auslese…
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday, August 25th at 7 pm, A Tuscan Tasting. Six wonderful wines from Tuscany will be presented. Call for reservations.
Saturday, August 26th, 4-6 pm ~ Sonoma Summer Favorites
Trader Joe’s - Town & Country Shopping Center, Kettering Villa Borghetti “Grigio Luna” Pinot Grigio (2004): IGT Delle Venezie, Italy La Loggia (2003): DOC Barbera, Italy Gaetano d’Aquino Sangiovese (2004): IGT di Toscana, Italy
L’Auberge
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 7pm
Pikes Dry Riesling, 2005
Hill of Content Pinot Noir, 2004
Rutherglen Estates (Mour/Sh/Gren), 2004
Tir na N’og “Old Vines� Grenache, 2004
These are organized seated tastings costing $20. There is a 20% discount
if you choose to stay for dinner.
Grapes of Ruth SATURDAY, AUGUST, 26, 3-7 P.M. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
The annual fund raising event for the Dayton Humane Society. The Humane Society will bring pets that are up for adoption. Bring in your favorite furry friend for a dog biscuit.
Coco is having a 30 for $30.00 event on September 9th. Reservations must be prepaid
Kinkead Ridge Winery Open on Saturdays to Labor Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ripley at 904 Hamburg Street, (937) 392-6077. July 4th hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m Labor Day weekend (September 1 and 3) the 2004 red wines will be released. No restrooms at the vineyard.
Fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation(LAF)/LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE and the Southwestern Ohio Music Association
Wine Tasting Fundraiser tentatively set for August 27, 2006 from 2pm to 7pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Downtown Dayton tickets are $60.00. The Fundraiser will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)/LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE and the Southwestern Ohio Music Association. The LIVE STRONG Challenge raises funds for the Foundation to provide Information Resources to People living with Cancer. SWOMA raises funds for kids to attend Music Camps and provides Grants for Music Lesson and Instruments to Underprivileged Area Kids in Montgomery County.
They will also be signing up area Walkers, Runners and Bike Riders at Crowne Plaza, for the LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE in Philadelphia,Pa,September 10,2006.
The Taste of the Miami Valley will be held at Riverscape Metropark in downtown Dayton Sept 15th and 16th. The evening of Friday the 15th is a special happening. A “Take A Sip for Scholarship” wine tasting will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Proceeds go toward scholarships for students studying the culinary arts. Tables for 10 are for sale for $250. That’s only $25 per person. Participants get unlimited wine tasting from 5-8 and each table gets $75 in food tickets. Get a table and find 9 friends to split it with you. Tables must be paid for in advance with either check or credit card. Call Amy Zahora at the Miami Valley Restaurant Association to buy your table (937) 461-6872. www.themvra.org
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‘Uncorked’ author lands a new job
Fellow wine enthusiasts — and by extension, food lovers:
After 23 years working as a city-desk reporter for the Dayton Daily News — the last 20 covering education full time — I’ve got a new job.
I’m now the food and dining reporter for the DDN. I’ll be writing about food for the newspaper’s Life section, reviewing local restaurants for the Go! section, and who knows what else. And I’ll continue to write about wine, because, well, it’s food too.
I know this: after spending so many years focusing my full-time reporting efforts on covering the Miami Valley’s colleges and universities and writing about Ohio’s K-12 proficiency testing and accountability system, I have an incredibly steep learning curve ahead of me. So I could use your help.
If you know of a great new restaurant, found a fantastic recipe, discovered a handy new kitchen gadget, or just want to share a scoop — drop me a line at mfisher@daytondailynews.com.
I’ll set a place — and pour a glass — for you.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Fermenting an idea
The day Ohioans will be able to take home leftover wine from restaurants legally is fast approaching. The effective date of the law that was dubbed the “merlot to go” bill is Thursday, Sept. 21 — about a month away.
This is a topic Uncorked readers had plenty to say about back in March, and I suspect many of you find it a little hard to believe that a tiny little ray of common sense has found its way into Ohio’s wine laws.
We should take full advantage.
What if Uncorked — and perhaps the Taste of Wine column that is published twice a month in the “hard-copy” Dayton Daily News — were to encourage Dayton-area wine enthusiasts to head out to restaurants en masse on that first day, Sept. 21, to celebrate the change in law, order a bottle of wine with the idea of bringing home what you don’t consume, and measure restaurants’ awareness and handling of leftover wine?
Any potential downsides to such an effort? Any unintended consequences I might be missing? Restaurant owners and employees, what do you think of this idea? Fellow wine lovers, is this something you’d want to do? Is the effective date, a Thursday night, a good time to do this?
Please let us know your thoughts by clicking on the “post your comment” link below, and let’s ferment this idea together.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Just saying the word makes me happy: Nebuchadnezzar
I have no idea how to pronounce the word, but hey, I’m open to your suggestions. But ANY word that translates loosely into “big-ass bottle of wine that holds the equivalent of 20 standard-sized bottles (15 liters)” is A-OK with me. In fact, it’s a party waiting to happen. And if you’ve got a hankerin’ for a Nebuchadnezzar of 1989 Château Cantenac-Brown, you’ll be interested in this Decanter.com story on the Bordeaux chateau preparing to sell some of its precious stocks from 1986-2000 vintages. Including the aforementioned Nebi — er, Nebbo — er, big-ass bottle.
But wait — there’s more. Wine news, that is.
— The early indications — and it still is a bit early — suggest 2006 will be a strong vintage in Napa and elsewhere in California, according to WineBusiness.com and the Napa Valley Grapegrowers who attended an Aug. 18 get-together.
— In yet another blow to cork producers, California’s Domaine Chandon is replacing the corks on its luxury sparkler with crown caps, according to Wines & Vines magazine. And not to be outdone, the German wine producer Schmitt Sohne announced it will put Riesling and a red blend into unbreakable 375 ml aluminum bottles with a screw-on re-sealable caps.
— We mentioned this in an earlier post, but for another take on the dilemma of air travelers trying to bring wine back from wine country, check out the Modesto Bee’s piece with the fine headeline Passengers boarding planes face dilemma: Check it or chuck it?
Some travelers are, of course, doing neither. They’re sitting down and drinking their bottles before boarding.
Probably not the recommended method — especially if you’re transporting a Nebuchadnezzar.
Cheers, and thanks for reading!
Mark Fisher
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But what will we use to christen ships?
My schoolteacher dad worked a few summers in the old State Liquor Stores around town (boy, we sure miss those, eh?) and came back with an occasional tale about the inventory loss that would occur because of “breakage” of liquor bottles.
And once in a while, a bottle really did break.
The cement floor in my basement has claimed its share of my wine bottles over the years — legitimately — but that may change someday.
At least that’s what this London Free Press story entitled “Plastic Not Just for Plonk” suggests. Apparently the Australian company that owns Wolf-Blass is putting some of its wines into “lightweight, shatterproof and environmentally friendly” plastic bottles. The story comes almost eight months after one of the producers of such plastic wine containers touted their “Starshield” bottles back in January.
The bottles are described as offering “the exceptional protection against oxidation that is required by wine” with technology that “can enable a shelf life of a year or more.”
So maybe these new plastic bottles are not for every wine. And Lord knows, they sure won’t christen ships.
But they might have cut down on some of that “inventory loss” of years ago …
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Buying directly from wineries, via one web site
Appellation America has unveiled an online wine store that offers wines for sale from more than 50 wine regions in North America, according to this WineBusiness.com piece.
No, not 50 states … 50 wine regions. But still ….
The site essentially links folks up directly to participating wineries, most of which are in California, with a few from Oregon and Long Island and other appellations thrown in for good measure. And, it appears, many more wineries are on the way.
Not every winery will ship to Ohio, but it looks like most will, and in any event, the “states we’ll ship to” list is prominently displayed for each winery, preventing any unpleasant surprises at checkout.
The AA folks — um, the Appellation America folks — tout their site thusly: “… with more than 10,000 pages, it is the most comprehensive site on the Internet for articles, information, and wine recommendations about North America’s wine regions and wineries.” The site promotes the idea that place matters in winemaking, and that not all the great sites are in one state.
You gotta love the motto of one of the wine store’s participating wineries, Nalle Winery: Vinum Sapieintium Tibi Dat — “Wine Makes You Smart.”
Thanks for reading Uncorked, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Shhh! Let’s keep this wine-tastings list our little secret…
… Otherwise, if the list gets out, wine enthusiasts from around the world will want to come here to live. Downtown Dayton would explode with activity; empty offices would fill up; the Arcade would reopen. School district enrollments would skyrocket. Restaurants would be packed every week of the year, and not just during Restaurant Week. The Dayton Mall and Mall at Fairfield Commons would thrive, right alongside The Greene. Our housing values would soar.
And you know what that would mean.
That’s right — higher property taxes.
So … let’s keep this list our little secret, okay?
YOU can click on the “continue reading” link, but don’t let anyone else, okay?
Because this is our little secret ….
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, August 18, 2006 4-8 pm Closing promptly at 8:00 pm 2004 Le Dieux Don jon Chateauneuf du Pape 2004 Ambra Carmignano 2001 Ruffino Gold Chianti 2004 Ridge Litton Springs Zinfandel 2000 Ciacci Ti Ccolomini Brunello
Saturday, August 19, 2006 1-6 pm Closing at 5:30 pm promptly 2003 Drouhin Puligny Montrachet 2001 Domaine Les Pallilues Gigondas 2002 Telegram Chateauneuf du Pape 2001 Chateau Haut/Bergey
Call 222-2892 for Jay’s LobsterFest is September 9th with Fess Parker wines. Menu: Tropical Lobster-Avocado Salad with Champagne-Citrus Vinaigrette, House made Lobster Raviolis in a Lobster Consommé with Fresh Poached Seafood and Vegetables, Broiled Lobster with Asparagus Risotto and Saffron Beurre Blanc and Basil-Tomato Oil, Caramel Custard with Carrot Cake Soufflé with Fresh Berries
Arrow Wine & Spirits – Far Hills/Kettering Saturday, August 19, 2006 11-4 pm 2001 Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Bortolotti Prosecco 2004 Wolf Blass Yellow Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Hangtime Pinot Blanc 2003 Kios Tierra De Castilla 2003 Numanthia Tinto De Toro
Arrow Far Hills will be having Super Saturday on September 2
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, August 19, 2006 11am-5pm
2004 Baroncini Orvietto Classico… 2003 Niebaum-Coppola Blancaneaux… 2001 Di Bruno Sangiovese… 2003 Dry Creek Merlot… 2001 Guenoc California Claret… 2003 Cerbaie Rosso Di Montalcino
Arrow Centerville will be having Super Saturday, August 26
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood
Friday, August 18, 2006 5-8pm Domaine Christian Moreau ‘04 Chablis Noah ‘00 Merlot Omrah ’03 Shiraz Cht. Teyssier ’02 St. Emilion Toscolo ‘04 Chianti La Macioche ‘04 Rosso di Montalcino Brown Bag!
Saturday, August 19, 2006 1-6pm Laurent Perrier Champagne Noah ’02 Zinfandel Merryvale ’02 Pinot Noir Cafaro ’02 Merlot Truchard ’99 Merlot Collosorbo ’01 Brunello Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Grotten Flemish Ale Weyerbacher Eleven Triple IPA
DLM Washington Square
Thursday, Aug 17, 2006 5-8pm 05 Nora Albarino (SP) ’05 Gini Soave Classico (IT) ’03 Jaboulet Cotes du Ventoux Rouge (FR) ’04 Mauro Molino Nebbiolo (IT) ’01 Cyan Seleccionado Personal Toro (SP)
Saturday, August 19, 2006 12-5pm Denise’s “Down Under� Favorites ’05 Seifired Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) ’05 Omrah Chardonay (AUS) ’02 Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir (TAS) ’04 Yarraman “Hell Raiser� Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot (AUS) ’03 Dutschke “Willowbend� Shiraz (AUS) ’04 Torbreck “Descendant� (AUS)
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, August 18, 2006 3-7pm 05 Cloudline Pinot Gris 03 Pessagno Pinot Noir 01 Pessagno Pinot Noir 00 La Grace Dieu Bordeaux
Saturday, August 19, 2006 12-5pm 03 Latour Corton-Charlemagne 03 Chapoutier Petite Ruche 01 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou Bordeaux 02 Opus One
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 – 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 – 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wines beginning Friday, August 18, 2006 Cuvee will be doing a potluck tasting this weekend, opening bottles of wine and beer too. They will also be tasting a new line of olive oils.
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday 10-3 PM 2002 Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon Reverse 2003 Finca Flichman Merlot 2004 Argentine Beef Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Chile Sea Bass Chardonnay
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:30 pm Scotese’s will tasting 2005 Spanish wines! The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays!
DiSalvo’s Deli and Italian Store Wine Tasting – every third Wednesday of the month in conjunction with their Meal of the Month! www.disalvosdeli.com. The Deli’s Feature Wines: Ecco Domani Merlot, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Beautifully Blended Wines Friday, August 18, 2006 7 pm, light appetizers to be served, reservations are recommended. The Wines to be tasted include: 2004 KitFox Vineyards Foxy White~ California 2005 Ceja Vino de Casa White~ California 2003 Kitfox Foxy Red~ California 2003 Ceja Vino de Casa Red~ California
Saturday, August 19 ~ Washington State Favorites ~ 4-6 pm Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, Chateau St. Michelle Pinot Gris, Columbia-Crest Grand Estate Merlot and Columbia-Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Trader Joe’s - Town & Country Shopping Center, Kettering Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio (2005): California Black Mountain “Fat Cat” Cabernet Sauvignon (2002): California San Andres Merlot (2005): Lontue Valley, Chile
l’Auberge Tuesday, August 22, 2006 7pm Vintner Select will be presenting the tasting.
These are organized seated tastings costing $20. There is a 20% discount if you choose to stay for dinner.
Grapes of Ruth SATURDAY, AUGUST, 26, 3-7 P.M. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
The annual fund raising event for the Dayton Humane Society. The Humane Society will bring pets that are up for adoption. Bring in your favorite furry friend for a dog biscuit.
Kinkead Ridge Winery Open on Saturdays to Labor Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ripley at 904 Hamburg Street, (937) 392-6077. July 4th hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m Labor Day weekend (September 1 and 3) the 2004 red wines will be released. No restrooms at the vineyard.
Fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation(LAF)/LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE and the Southwestern Ohio Music Association
Wine Tasting Fundraiser tentatively set for August 27, 2006 from 2pm to 7pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Downtown Dayton tickets are $60.00. The Fundraiser will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)/LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE and the Southwestern Ohio Music Association. The LIVE STRONG Challenge raises funds for the Foundation to provide Information Resources to People living with Cancer. SWOMA raises funds for kids to attend Music Camps and provides Grants for Music Lesson and Instruments to Underprivileged Area Kids in Montgomery County.
They will also be signing up area Walkers, Runners and Bike Riders at Crowne Plaza, for the LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE in Philadelphia,Pa,September 10,2006.
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Wineries and travelers find ways around airline ban on liquids
When the news broke last week about the thwarted terrorist plot in Great Britain and the ban on liquids in carry-on luggage, my very first thought was NOT, “Oh gosh, no one will be able to bring wine back from wine country on an airplane.”
But it might have been my second or third thought.
Well, already, good ol’ American ingenuuity is coming into play, according to this story from Decanter.com.
Kinda makes you proud you’re an American, doesn’t it?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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If California has zin, what should be Ohio’s ‘historic wine?’
Zinfandel has taken one step closer to becoming California’s “historic wine” with approval by that state’s General Assembly.
Should Ohio make a similar designation?
Is there already an “official wine grape” in Ohio? If not, what should it be?
Actually, California legislators apparently balked at naming zin its “official state wine,” and instead went with a watered down “historic wine” designation as a compromise.
Ohio’s “historic wine” couldn’t possibly be one of the vinifera grapes we know from local shelves — the cabernet, merlot, chardonnay, riesling. It would have to be one of the native American varieties such as Concord or Pink Catawba or Niagara, right?
What if we could choose both a “historic” state wine and an “official” state wine? Pink Catawba and Riesling? Concord and Vidal Blanc?
I’ll pose this question via email to folks involved in the Ohio wine industry and see if we can’t get some input from folks closer to the source. In the meantime, drink your Welch’s and check back.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Is it time to scuttle the 100-point wine rating system? And where would Uncorked rate?
This great piece written by New York Times writer Gary Rivlin has fanned the flames of the Great Debate.
A few random questions….
— What does the 100-point rating scale mean to you?
— Why do we even call it a 100-point scale when it’s really something more like a 50-point scale, since no wine scores below 50? When I was in school, a 100-point scale MEANT a one-hundred point scale, and 23s were entirely possible ….
— What runs through your mind when you see an 88 or 89 rating? What about a 90 rating? A 99?
— Why do so many wines — especially in Parker’s Wine Advocate and the Spectator — end up in the 85-89 range?
— Would a 20-point scale have any meaning?
— Who was the first person to ever EVER assign a numerical score to a wine’s quality, when and where did it happen, and Lord help us, why? Because we should bring that person up on charges of crimes against humanity, even posthumously if necessary ….
— Whar score would you give Uncorked? A 75? 85? (shudder) 55?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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The myth of online sales to minors rears its silly, ugly little head again
I’ve weighed in on the issue — make that the non-issue — of online sales of wine to minors before, in entries entitled Indiana trots out the tired old ‘underage drinking’ bogeyman” and Feds Acknowledge Myth of Underage Drinking in Direct-Shipping Debate”.
But alas, the alcohol wholesalers who make their money (and a handsome sum at that) through markups of beer, wine and liquor that passes through “traditional” channels and end up in the corner store just can’t let go of the non-issue, since online sales bypass the middleman and threaten to deduct a few pennies from their profits. So they cooked up a survey that purports to show that “Millions” of kids buy internet alcohol. Notice first off how the wholesaler spinmeisters base that “millions” hyperbole on such dependable and reliable data as asking teens whether they “know someone” who bought alcohol online. That’s because when they asked the more direct “Have YOU ever bought alcohol online” question, they couldn’t muster any more than 2 percent — one in 50 — teens to say yes, and that may well have been within the survey’s margin of error
Even the one tiny little branch of the federal government you’d expect to be apoplectic about this survey — the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy — can only muster a tepid response, as evidenced by this USA Today story headlined “Teens not rushing online to buy wine, survey shows” from a reporter who saw through the spin.
The best and most outspoken analysis of this manipulative, misleading survey comes … (please click on “continue reading”)
… from my fellow blogger Tom Wark on Fermentation, in entries entitled Wine Distributors Responsible for 98% of Minors Drinking, and Juanita Duggan’s and the Wine Wholesalers’ “Hail Mary” Pass.
But let’s close with an excerpt from a March 2006 Federal Trade Commission letter to State Sen. Eric Fingerhut of Ohio regarding his bill that would allow direct shipment of wine to Ohio consumers. The FTC’s Office of Policy Planning, Bureau of Competition, Bureau of Consumer Protection, and Bureau of Economics have this to say about underage drinking as it relates to the direct-shipping issue:
“…the evidence shows that states that permit such shipping generally report few or no problems with shipments to minors.
FTC staff contacted officials from several states that allow interstate direct shipping and asked them whether they had experienced problems with shipping to minors. These states generally reported few, if any, problems with direct shipping to minors. Most of them did not believe that interstate direct shipment of wine to minors was a serious problem, although several of them believed that it is possible for minors to buy wine online. None of the states reported more than isolated instances of minors buying or even attempting to buy wine online. State regulators uniformly expressed greater concern about underage access to alcohol through traditional avenues.
The state officials offered many possible explanations for their experiences. New Hampshire concluded that minors are less likely to purchase wine online because of the extra expense of ordering over the Internet.46 This conclusion is consistent with the 2002 McLean Study, which found that when transportation costs are included, lower-end wines – those most likely to be purchased by minors, to the extent that they seek to purchase wine – are more expensive when purchased over the Internet than through offline stores.
Similarly, several state officials also commented that, based on their experience, minors were much more likely to buy alcohol through offline sources than over the Internet. Further, in Granholm, the Supreme Court rejected the arguments of New York and Michigan that their interstate direct shipping bans were justified by their concerns over underage drinking.
Citing the FTC Wine Report, the Court found it unsurprising that “[s]tates currently allowing direct shipments report no problems with minors’ increased access to wine,â€? reasoning that (1) minors are less likely to consume wine, as opposed to other forms of alcohol; (2) minors who decide to disobey the law have more direct means of doing so; and (3) direct shipping is an imperfect avenue of obtaining alcohol for minors, who generally want instant gratification.”
Gee, the feds said it best themselves.
Thanks for reading, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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A Mid-August Night’s wine dream
This weekend’s tastings, for your gustatory pleasure, await you with a click of the “Continue Reading” link below. See you there, and cheers! Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, August 11, 2006 4-8 pm Franciscan Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay 2001 Mount Veeder Cabernet 2000 Simi Reserve Cabernet 2002 Franciscan Magnificant 2001 E Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape
Saturday, August 12, 2006 1-6 pm 2005 Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Columbia Winery Riesling 2002 Simi Reserve Chardonnay Franciscan Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay 2003 Estancia Meritage
Call 222-2892 for reservations today! August 12 Crab Luncheon with Rick Cole of Icon Estates (Franciscan, Simi, Estancia and Ruffino Wineries!) Menu: Trio of Crab Asian Style – Crab Rangoon, Crab Spring Roll, and Asian Crab Cake with Creamy Ginger-Lemon Grass Sauce, Crab and Roasted Bell Pepper Bisque Garnished with Crab Puff, Crispy Soft Shell Crabs with Roasted Vegetable Cous Cous and Lemon-Crab Butter Sauce, Lemon Pudding Cake with Blackberry Sauce
Jay’s LobsterFest is September 9th with Fess Parker wines. Menu: Tropical Lobster-Avocado Salad with Champagne-Citrus Vinaigrette, House made Lobster Raviolis in a Lobster Consommé with Fresh Poached Seafood and Vegetables, Broiled Lobster with Asparagus Risotto and Saffron Beurre Blanc and Basil-Tomato Oil, Caramel Custard with Carrot Cake Soufflé with Fresh Berries
Arrow – Kettering Saturday, August 12, 2006 11-4 pm 2005 Bastgen Brauneberger Jeffee – Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2004 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay “Indian Wells� 2004 Besson Givry, Le Haut Colombier 2003 Domaine de Perilliere Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2004 Mitolo Shiraz, Jester 2004 Boeger Zinfandel “walker Vineyard�
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, August 12, 2006 11am-5pm 2005 Hardy’s Shiraz/Grenache Rosé… 2005 Crocker Starr Sauvignon Blanc… 2004 Razon Tinto… 2001 Ventana Merlot… 2004 Archetype Old Vine Reserve Shiraz… 2003 Castello di Corbara Cabernet Sauvignon
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, August 11, 2006 5-8pm Plozaner Tocai Grave 2004 Tortise Creek Chardonnay/Viognier 2005 Tanguero Malbec 2005 Domaine de Rancy Cotes du Roussillon 2002 Conti Costanti Brunello 2001 Brown Bag!
Saturday, August 12, 2006 1-6pm Yarraman Semillon/Verdelho 2004 Omrah Chardonnay 2005 Tortise Creek Pinot Noir 2005 Weinert Cavas de Weinert 2000 Taurasi Macehiadei Goti Super T 2001 Caravan Cabernet (Darioush) 2002 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: He’ Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s RIDA Rogue Uberfest Pilsner
DLM Washington Square Thursday, Aug 10, 2006 5-8pm 2004 Koehler Ruprecht Riesling halbtrocken Kabinett 2002 Weinert Carrascal Red 2002 Domaine de Rancy Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2004 Collosorbo Rosso di Montalcino 2000 Abel Mendoza Rioja Seleccion Personal
Saturday, August 12, 2006 12-5pm 2004 L’ecole No.41 Chardonnay 2004 Gala Rouge Pinot Noir 2003 InZinerator 2005 The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2004 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, August 11, 2006 3-7pm 05 Omrah Chardonnay 02 Benziger Pinot Noir 03 Omrah Shiraz 02 St. Francis Cabernet
Saturday, August 12, 2006 12-5pm 04 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 05 Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 02 Barnett Napa Merlot 02 Delectus “Sacrashe Vineyard” Cabern
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 – 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 – 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wines beginning Friday, August 11, 2006 Bastgen 2005 Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr La Cadalora Traminer Aromatico Domaine AZO Chablis 2004 Torremoron 2005 Ribera del Duero Tobin James 2004 Cacheflo Weinert Merlot Beer: Shiner Bock Food: Fresh Mozzarella & Tomatoes, Pasta Salad
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday 10-3 PM 2004 Picnique Rhone Blend 2005 Picnique Chardonnay 2004 Mellow Max Merlot 2005 Mello Max Chardonnay
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, August 16, 2006 4:30 pm Scotese’s will have a variety of Italian wines to taste! The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays!
DiSalvo’s Deli and Italian Store Wine Tasting – every third Wednesday of the month in conjunction with their Meal of the Month! www.disalvosdeli.com. The Deli’s Feature Wines: Ecco Domani Merlot, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com The Sideways Wines of Santa Barbara ~ Friday, August 11th August 12th, 4-6 pm ~ Sonoma Favorites
Trader Joe’s - Town & Country Shopping Center, Kettering Il Valore Orvieto Classico (2005): DOC Orvieto Classico, Italy Bonello Pinot Grigio-Chardonnay: Italy Bonello Cabernet-Primitivo: Italy
l’Auberge Tuesday, August 15, 2006 7pm 2004 Sinskey Pinot Blanc 2001 Sinskey Aires Merlot, Carneros 2002 Sinskey Merlot 2001 Sinskey Cabernet Franc These are organized seated tastings costing $20. There is a 20% discount if you choose to stay for dinner.
Grapes of Ruth SATURDAY, AUGUST, 26, 3-7 P.M. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
The annual fund raising event for the Dayton Humane Society. The Humane Society will bring pets that are up for adoption. Bring in your favorite furry friend for a dog biscuit.
Kinkead Ridge Winery Open on Saturdays to Labor Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ripley at 904 Hamburg Street, (937) 392-6077. July 4th hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m Labor Day weekend (September 1 and 3) the 2004 red wines will be released. No restrooms at the vineyard.
Fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation(LAF)/LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE and the Southwestern Ohio Music Association
Wine Tasting Fundraiser tentatively set for August 27, 2006 from 2pm to 7pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Downtown Dayton tickets are $60.00. The Fundraiser will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)/LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE and the Southwestern Ohio Music Association. The LIVE STRONG Challenge raises funds for the Foundation to provide Information Resources to People living with Cancer. SWOMA raises funds for kids to attend Music Camps and provides Grants for Music Lesson and Instruments to Underprivileged Area Kids in Montgomery County.
They will also be signing up area Walkers, Runners and Bike Riders at Crowne Plaza, for the LIVE STRONG CHALLENGE in Philadelphia,Pa,September 10,2006.
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BevWizard inventor vigorously defends magnet’s effect on wine
Patrick Farrell pours wine through a BevWizard. Associated Press photo.
In case you missed this comment that came in late to Monday’s post entitled Blue smoke, Ouija boards and wine magnets, it’s worth your time. It comes from the maker of the BevWizard, Patrick Farrell, who takes exception to portions of the Uncorked entry and the resulting comments, and also to portions of the this Associated Press story on his device. Here’s Mr. Farrell:
(Please click on the “continue reading” link below)
It seems as if mis-information flows. I am one of the inventors of the BevWizard, a device proven to work and documented in articles in the LA Times and Associated Press, as well as on the Graperadio.com and Grapenutz.com websites. I too was skeptical when approached with the concept though was curious enough to try some magnets on a bottle of wine. For those with a modicum of wine knowledge (and this excludes the chemistry instructor whose field is neither wine chemistry nor tannin chemistry)egg white fining, an essential procedure in many wineries, is based upon negatively charged tannins binding to positively charged proteins. That tannins polymerize in the bottle to soften a wine is well accepted. That oxygen, via decanting can accelerate this process is also accepted. Why is it so difficult to accept that a strong magnetic field in the presence of oxygen may also accelerate this process whereby negatively charged tannins polymerize? We are currently running studies at UCLA to document these changes. By the way, one of the responders referred to the Clef du Vin, a non-magnetic product, though with copper to stimulate oxidative reactions. It is not a magnetic device, contrary to the writer’s assertion. Let’s keep in mind that we’re not talking rocket science here. Many winemakers have embraced our product and are increasingly selling it in their tasting rooms. We are simply offering the consumer a way to better enjoy oaked, tannic wines in their youth. By the way, the spirits pourer even works better, markedly decreasing the bite of wooded spirits. Cheers and keep an open mind.
So now you know Mr. Farrell’s side of the story.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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A potpourri of wine news to arouse your interest
A “cuvee” of wine news to tantalize ….
— Restaurant Week a success: The organizers of Restaurant Week say more than 5,000 dinners were sold, with some restaurants yet to report. If you haven’t kept up with the previous post on Restaurant Week to read the 14 comments from readers about their experiences, just click the underlined link and scroll down. Sounds like most of you had a fine time!
— Home, home on the Grange: An Australian auction house offers up pretty much everything in the history of Penfolds Grange — just in time for my birthday. How convenient!
— How are CA grapes faring in the record heat? Just fine, some say. Maybe not so good, others worry.
— California forecasts smaller grape crop: The California Farm Bureau Federation predicts that this year’s grape crop will be 16 percent smaller than last year’s bumper crop, and explains why that’s good news.
— Wine growers vs. environmentalists: In Sonoma, wine grape growers are facing off against environmentalists over planting near the Russian River.
— Want to buy a winery? Now’s your chance.
— Are you a home winemaker itching to compete? Well, now’s YOUR chance. I quote from an email I received from the Winery at Versailles, which is having “its FIRST EVER Amateur Wine Making competition. Just bring in those wines between now and August 26th to enter. We will be giving medals and a Grand Prize BEST IN SHOW Trophy that will be awarded at the Wine and Jazz Festival to be held here on Sept 23rd. We are accepting wines in all classes and fruit.” For more information, call (937) 526-3232.
And that’s all the tripe I can offer up in one day ….
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Ohio wineries make the most of their moment
Vintage Ohio — the annual event held this year in northeast Ohio that showcases Ohio wines and wineries — was a resounding success, drawing record crowds and generating record sales.
The event held at FarmPark in Lake County attracted 34,500 people — about 2,000 more than last year’s record crowd (Sheesh, and we thought the Fleurs de Fete, with its crowd of nearly 2,000, was well-attended!)
The event includes a wine shop that sells Ohio wines to go, and those sales eclipsed the 2005 record, according to Donniella Winchell, executive director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association.
“It was a fun event this year,” Winchell said. The addition of several arts programs drew large crowds and “worked wonderfully,” she said.
Dates for Vintage Ohio 2007 are Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4. For more information, call Winchell at 800-227-6972.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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What kind of wine goes with crow?
So the San Francisco Chronicle reports that this year’s Gallup Poll of Americans’ drinking habits shows a reversal from last year’s results, and that beer has regained the top spot in popularity after wine’s brief one-year reign.
Well, so much for my obnoxious gloating of a year ago, when I wrote that, “It was the Gallup Poll that shocked the drinking world — and it has beermakers crying in their suds. For the first time in more than a decade of Gallup polling, just as many Americans identified wine as their drink of choice as beer. Actually, wine beat beer 39 percent to 36 percent, but the difference is within the Gallup Consumption Habits poll’s margin of error, so the survey’s authors are calling it a tie.”
This year, the results were different: 41 percent of American drinkers surveyed said they drink beer most often, 33 percent said they drink wine most often, and 23 percent said they drink liquor most often, according to the Chronicle. And, even though the percentage of drinkers has remained constant over the years, those who do drink alcohol are drinking more, according to WebMD and Gallup.
Why the change, however slight, back to beer? The Gallup folks speculate that beer regained its footing as the low-carb diet craze waned. Could be, could be. I have another theory: I think the numbers were skewed last year in part by the hubbub over the movie Sideways. Either way, it looks like beer is back.
Still, the survey results represent a huge change from what Gallup found in 1992, when 47 percent of Americans said beer was their favorite alcoholic drink, and only 27 percent chose wine.
But it looks like after all that trash-talking I did last year, I’ve got a healthy portion of roast crow to eat.
Whaddaya think? Syrah or grenache? Or … (shudder) … Bud Lite?
By the way, for all you legions of beer fans out there — many of whom think beer goes better with many foods than wine does (and when it comes to cheese, I might just agree) — there will be a craft beer and artisan cheese event at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (that’s tomorrow night, Aug. 9) at Dorothy Lane Market Oakwood’s upstairs cafe. The $25 cost includes samples of 20 craft beers and 10 cheeses. The event is hosted by Joe Waizmann, founder and manager of the Dayton AleFest, and DLM Cheesemonger Randy Arnold. Seating is limited, and reservations are required; sign up at DLM’s customer-service booth.
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Blue smoke, Ouija boards and wine magnets
Give me some help on this.
I am intrigued but skeptical of these new devices that are touted as changing the taste of wine — the most recent example laid out in this Associated Press story by Michelle Locke, and others referenced in this Wine Sediments entry by my blogging colleague Jeff at Good Grape.
The Bev Wizard profiled in the AP story is purported to use magnets to make tannic, astringent wines softer and fruitier. Its maker — a physician by training who also has passed a Master of Wine exam — claims his device “works by creating a magnetic field that changes the shape of a wine’s tannins, making them larger and softer,” according to the AP story. The Bev Wizard can provide a shortcut to hours of decanting, its maker says.
Bunk, says one Cleveland State University chemistry professor, who sums up his opinion of the device with, “All that magnetic field is doing is separating you from your money.”
About a year ago, Arrow’s south store was selling a device that was touted to do roughly the same thing as the Bev Wizard, though at a higher cost, I seem to recall. It involved dropping a metallic key of sorts into the wine for a brief time, which softened it. Arrow’s Denny Freyvogel demonstrated it for me, and it did seem to change the wine somewhat — but I wasn’t sure the end result was an improvement. And I recognize that the power of suggestion in these types of demonstrations is very strong. Our Cleveland State prof dismisses such anecdotal evidence: “”Testimonials are irrelevant. Tastings are not proof.”
Has anyone tried any of these products? What did you think?
And what do you think would happen if we subjected these devices to a full, rigorous, double-blind test?
And perhaps the most perplexing question of all: With the current “international-style” selection of wines from around the world, why the heck would I want to make my wines softer and fruitier anyway? But I suppose that’s another debate …
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Still interested in YOUR thoughts on restaurant week…
Restaurant Week 2006 is now history, but I’m still looking for additional comments, suggestions and feedback, especially since I was able to hit only one of the special three-course meals that sold for a scant $20.06 and helped out Children’s Medical Center.
For a bit of instant nostalgia, you can check out what you missed (or jog your memory of what you ate) by checking out the menus.
Where’d you go, wha’d you have, and how was it? Any suggestions for how this promotion can be improved next year?
Thank to those who have already commented, and … Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Celebrate heat wave’s break with a glass of wine
If you’re looking for the entry entitled “YOUR thoughts on Restaurant Week?” click here. But if you’d like to see the mouth-watering selection of wines available for tasting this weekened at local wines shops, restaurants and wineries, click on “continue reading” below. But beware: temptation lies ahead.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, August 4, 2006 4-8 pm 2005 Chateau Guiot Rose 2003 Chehalam Pinot Noir 1999 Villa Mt. Eden Syrah 2001 Mauro Molino Barolo 2002 Leoville Barton
Saturday, August 5, 2006 1-6 pm 2005 Chateau Ferry Lacombe Rose 1998 Clerc Milon 2002 Duhart Milon 1999 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
Call 222-2892 for reservation for the August 12 Crab Luncheon with Rick Cole of Icon Estates (Franciscan, Simi, Estancia and Ruffino Wineries!) Menu: Trio of Crab Asian Style – Crab Rangoon, Crab Spring Roll, and Asian Crab Cake with Creamy Ginger-Lemon Grass Sauce, Crab and Roasted Bell Pepper Bisque Garnished with Crab Puff, Crispy Soft Shell Crabs with Roasted Vegetable Cous Cous and Lemon-Crab Butter Sauce, Lemon Pudding Cake with Blackberry Sauce
Jay’s LobsterFest is September 9th with Fess Parker wines. Menu: Tropical Lobster-Avocado Salad with Champagne-Citrus Vinaigrette, House made Lobster Raviolis in a Lobster Consommé with Fresh Poached Seafood and Vegetables, Broiled Lobster with Asparagus Risotto and Saffron Beurre Blanc and Basil-Tomato Oil, Caramel Custard with Carrot Cake Soufflé with Fresh Berries
Arrow Wine & Spirits, Far Hills/Kettering Saturday, August 5, 2006 11-4 pm 2005 Protocola White (Spain) 2005 Vega Sindoa Chardonnay (Spain) 2002 Trentadue Zinfandel (Dry Creek California) 2003 D Cubed Zinfandel (Napa California) 2004 Altos de Luzon (Napa California) 2003 Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape (France)
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, August 5, 2006 11am-5pm 2004 Houghton Chardonnay/Verdelho… 2004 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc… 2004 Pinot Evil Santa Barbara Pinot Noir… 2004 Sexto Spanish Red… 2002 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, August 4, 2006 5-8pm Nikolaihof Gruner Veltliner 2005 Frogs Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Artazuris Garnacha 2005 Rivers Edge Pinot Noir 2004 Vina Salceda Rioja 2001 Brown Bag!
Saturday, August 5, 2006 1-6pm Duval Leroy 1996 Brut Champagne Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Kabinet 2002 Recolte Pouilly Fusse 2004 Archery Summit Pinot Noir 2004 Duckhorn Merlot 2003 Silver Oak Cabernet Napa 2001 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Lindeman’s Pomme and He’Brew Genesis 10:10 Wednesday, August 9, 2006 5:30–8:30 p.m. DLM Oakwood Upstairs Café $25.00 Reservations Required
Grains & Grasses - A Craft Beer and Artisan Cheese Extravaganza! 10 artisan cheeses and 20 craft beers. Hosted by Joe Waizmann, of AleFest, Great American Beer Festival and Randy Arnold, DLM Cheesemonger Seating is limited. Sign-up at the customer service booth.
DLM Washington Square Thursday, Aug 3, 2006 5-8pm Nancy Bentley, managing partner, from Kinkead Ridge Winery will host a tasting at DLM Washington Square on Thursday August 3, 2006 featuring the current releases of Kinkead Ridge Revelation White and Kinkead Ridge Riesling as well as River Village Cellars Traminette and River Village Cellars White Wine. The 2003 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon will be opened as well. What a success story this little winery from the Ohio River Valley has become. The 2005 whites have been very exciting and the new release of red varietals is just around the corner. Taste the current releases and find out the skinny about the reds being released in September.
Saturday, August 5, 2006 12-5pm ’04 Bollini Pinot Grigio ’03 La Grand Maison Condrieu ’03 Styring Vineyard “Wit� Reserve Pinot Noir ’05 Bodegas Altun Albiker Rioja ’01 Rodano Chianti Classico
DLM Springboro Friday, August 4, 2006 3-7pm 03 Columbia Pinot Gris 05 Domaine de Pouy 01 Delectus Merlot 01 Silver Oak Alexander Cabernet
Saturday, August 5, 2006 12-5pm 05 Gran Feudo Rose 03 Covey Run Chardonnay 00 Franus Zinfandel 02 Duckhorn Cabernet
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 – 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 – 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wines beginning Friday, August 4, 2006 Tablas Creek Cotes du Tablas Blanc Chalone Pinot Blanc Paraiso Chardonnay Vinos Sin Ley Garnacha Justin Syrah Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee
Beer: Harpoon UFO
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday 10-3 PM 2005 GOLD (Very Limited) 2005 Martin Weyrich Pinot Grigio 2005 Canaletto Pinot Grigio 2004 Taft Street Pinot Noir 2004 Veranda Pinot Noir 2004 Pinot Evil Pinot Noir
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, August 9, 2006 4:30 pm 2004 Thorne and Clark Sorisso Rose 2004 Radford Dale Riesling 2002 Tin Shed MSG 2002 Tin Shed Melting Pot Shiraz 2001 Beresfort Shiraz MacLaren Vale 2001 Connor “The Honor Reserve” Shiraz The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays!
DiSalvo’s Deli and Italian Store Wine Tasting – every third Wednesday of the month in conjunction with their Meal of the Month! www.disalvosdeli.com. The Deli’s Feature Wines: Ecco Domani Merlot, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday Tasting, August 4th, 7 pm ~ The Wine Guy’s PQR Picks $15 per person, reservations are strongly recommended Price-to-Quality Ratio (PQR), stuff that “tastes better than it costs�.
Saturday Tasting, August 5th, 4-6 pm ~ Great Value Wines
Next Wednesday is the first wine Class of the year, “Seeing the World Through Rosé-colored Glasses�. Cost is $20 per person, reservations are required.
Trader Joe’s - Town & Country Shopping Center, Kettering Terra Australis Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (2004): South Eastern Australia Trader Joe’s Chilean Merlot-Carmenere (2003): Central Valley, Chile Trader Joe’s French Market Cabernet (2004): VdP Pays d’Oc, France
l’Auberge No tastings for next Tuesday due to Restaurant Week!
Grapes of Ruth WINES AVAILABLE FOR TASTING FRIDAY AUGUST 4 Cloudline pinot gris Morgan Chardonnay Vinum Rose Lava Cap Merlot St Supery Cabernet Sauvignon Dark Horse Zinfandel Plantagenet Shiraz
Kinkead Ridge Winery Open on Saturdays to Labor Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ripley at 904 Hamburg Street, (937) 392-6077. July 4th hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m Labor Day weekend (September 1 and 3) the 2004 red wines will be released. No restrooms at the vineyard.
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Couple of special midweek tastings
Courtesy of the folks who compile the local wine tastings and events at a Dayton-based wine listserve:
DLM Washington Square Thursday, Aug 3, 2006 5-8pm Nancy Bentley, managing partner, from Kinkead Ridge Winery will host a tasting at DLM Washington Square on Thursday August 3, 2006 featuring the current releases of Kinkead Ridge Revelation White and Kinkead Ridge Riesling as well as River Village Cellars Traminette and River Village Cellars White Wine. The 2003 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon will be opened as well. What a success story this little winery from the Ohio River Valley has become. The 2005 whites have been very exciting and the new release of red varietals is just around the corner. Taste the current releases and find out the skinny about the reds being released in September.
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, August 2, 2006 4:30 pm Wines of Edna Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris Chardonnay Pinot Noir Syrah The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays!
Grapes of Ruth Everyone is invited to their fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Thursday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm. No reservations are required.
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Randall Grahm and Mogen David?? Now THERE’S a Cardinal Zin
Sometimes, I think I’m hallucinating. LIke, when I read news like this:
Randall Grahm, the iconoclastic owner of Bonny Doon Vineyard, announced today that he has sold two of his leading wine brands, The Big House and Cardinal Zin, to The Wine Group LLC, the giant wine corporation that owns Franzia and Mogen David, among a few gazillion other brands.
The Big House and Cardinal Zin brands will be under the stewardship of The Wine Group’s newly formed Underdog Wine Merchants division, which I had some fun with a couple of weeks ago on Wine Sediments. The two former Bonny Doon brands will join labels such as Pinot Evil, Killer Juice, Herding Cats, Tempra Tantrum and Devil’s Marbles. So it seems the new brands will fit right in.
But Randall Grahm selling brands to the third-largest wine producer by volume in the by-God world?
Did the sun rise in the west this morning? Did someone spike last night’s riesling with LSD?
Yowzah.
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Wine and Dine Radio throws the spotlight on Uncorked
Lynn Krielow Chamberlain began immersing herself in all things wine three decades ago, and obtained a degree from Ohio State University the same year as I did, 1981 (Go Bucks!). Only my degree was in boring ol’ journalism, and hers was in enology, the study of wine (I studied wine too, but in a less laboratory-like setting). Oh, and another difference: hers was a master’s degree.
A quarter-century later, wine and journalism brought us together — over the airwaves, anyway. Chamberlain now serves as host of Wine & Dine Radio, heard worldwide on iTunes Internet Radio and other internet radio networks such as Live 365, World Talk Radio and Mobile Broadcast Network. Uncorked popped up on her radar in the spring when I was writing about the Paris tasting re-enactment — my, how the web has shrunk the world — and we taped a radio interview late last week that is now up on Lynn’s Wine & Dine Web site (Click on “current playlist” or “current download,” follow the prompts, and you should — should — be able to listen to it.)
Fittingly for a tripe-monger, I bring up the rear. The first half of the show features Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery CEO Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo. Lout that I am, I skipped over her segment to listen to mine. But I’ll go back …) Among the many wine folks Lynn has interviewed are wine bloggers extraordinaire Tom Wark and Alder Yarrow, whose Fermentation and Vingography blogs are linked to on the right-hand side of the main index page of Uncorked.
Lynn and I spent most of the time chatting about the brouhaha over the Uncorked entry of last week entitled Wine Spectator restaurant ‘awards’ have little meaning; Marvin Shanken begs to differ. But we also delve into issues such as the “pay-for-ratings” perceptions that swirl around wine publications.
So listen in, laugh and see why I chose a career in print — not broadcast — journalism.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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