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November 2006
It really IS a small wine world, after all
Lest y’all think I was making up the whole thing about Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wine-tasting competition a couple weeks back, check out this Houston Chronicle story on the event headlined “The life of a wine judge is all in good taste.”
My stint as a wine judge in Houston produced a “Whoa — small world” moment that still boggles my half-fermented brain. First, y’all should remember the blog posting from back in June entitled “What was the best wine purchase YOU ever made — of a mispriced bottle?” In it, I describe how I practically stole two bottles of 1983 Ch. Guiraud from a long-defunct wine shop in the Crosse Point Shopping Center, paying the clearly mistakenly marked price of $7.99 for a wine that should have cost three or four times as much, or more.
Fast forward, then, two decades, to this Houston wine-judging gig, where I find myself chatting with one of my fellow out-of-town judges who had traveled the farthest to join the tasting panels: Wendy Narby, a British-born wine and food consultant who has spent the last two-decades plus in France leading wine tours for various entities and teaching English to Bordeaux winemakers.
I asked Wendy an innocent question along the lines of, “Why did you leave England for France?” (We print journalists ask those hard-hitting questions, don’tchaknow). Well, because she married a man whose family owned a chateau in Bordeaux, she explained, but the familiy just sold it recently after owning it for 25 years.
Really, I said. Which one? Now keep in mind, there are many, many hundreds, maybe thousands, of winemaking properties small and large scattered throughout the countryside in Bordeaux, making the robust reds, delicate whites, and delicious dessert wines that flow from the region. And I haven’t heard of 90 percent of them. Or maybe 99 percent.
But of course, Wendy replied, “”Chateau Guiraud.” Catching a glimpse of my look of astonishment, she asked: “Have you heard of it?”
Um, why yes, I stammer, as a matter of fact I have.
My friends, I am here to testify: It’s a small, small world.
Now lean in close, because this is just between you and me: Later, back in my hotel room, I imagined for a moment what my reaction would have been if — back in 1987 or thereabouts when I bought those two mispriced bottles of Sauternes, before I had kids, before I began writing a wine column for the Dayton Daily News, before I had even THOUGHT about writing on wine — you had walked up to me and told me, “Dude, someday you’ll fly to Texas to judge a wine competition and meet a member of the family that made the wine you’re holding in your hand, and you’ll tell her the story of the misprices bottles, and you’ll have one of those ‘Whoa, small world’ moments deep in the heart of Texas” — well, I don’t know what I would have thought. Probably that you were hallucinating.
Life’s funny that way, I guess. Kinda calls for further rumination — over a glass of old Sauternes.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Surrounding states give Ohio wineries a run for their money
Lest we think, after Monday’s post about Ohio’s dominance in a recent international wine competition, that it’s ALL about the Buckeye state … take a look at what’s happening only a stone’s throw from our borders.
First, a brand-spanking new, $2.5 million, 150,000-bottles-a-year winery opens up in Northern Kentucky. The winery’s web site is apparently still under construction, but there’s a map here, courtesy of the folks at Appellation America. It’s apparently about an hour south of Cincinnati.
Then comes news that a small gaggle of Indiana wineries are banding together to form their own “wine trail.” Michigan wineries aren’t exactly standing still either.
Looks like Buckeye vintners shouldn’t sit around resting on their laurels, eh? Little chance of that happening, apparently: 16 wineries in Lake, Ashtabula, and Geauga counties in the northeast Ohio have a special Wines & Vines tour going on this weekend.
I guess the message these folks are trying to get through our thick skulls is: Wines don’t come from just California, or France, or Australia.
More and more, they’re coming from our own back yards.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Baseball hall-of-fame pitcher Tom Seaver describes his new life as Napa grape grower
Wine Spectator Online offers up a fascinating video interview today of hall of fame pitcher Tom Seaver describing his new career as a grower of cabernet sauvignon grapes on Napa’s Diamond Mountain. It’s a hoot to hear Seaver talk about the near-postpartum depression he felt the day after his first grape crop was picked.
Most stories about Seaver focus on his role with the 1969 Miracle Mets, but we Ohioans remember his long and impressive career with the Cincinnati Reds following his Mets stint.
Who’da thunk then we’d someday be drinking Seaver’s wines?
I love the wine world, don’t you?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Ohio wines sweep prestigious international competition
Wow, if you need any more convincing that Ohio wines are making a name for themselves on the national and even international stage, look no further than the American Wine Society’s 2006 wine competition, which was held Nov. 8-9 in Baltimore. The competition attracted more than 1,000 entries from throughout the U.S. and abroad, and about 700 of those wines received bronze, silver or gold medals — but only three earned coveted “double gold” medals.
And guess which state won two of those three double golds? Oh-Aitch … Eye-Oh.
And in fact both came from our backyards of southern Ohio: Kinkead Ridge winery in Ripley was honored for its 2004 Cabernet Franc, and Valley Vineyards basked in acclaim for its Honey Mead. (The other double-gold medal went to a California wine, the 2004 Domenico Amador County Barbera.)
Several other Ohio wineries excelled as well; Click here for a full list of the 2006 AWS medal-winners. Does anybody else see any double-golds that I missed? And look at some of the wines that Ohio beat out!
I cracked open a bottle of that very same award-winning Kinkead Ridge cab franc ‘04 a few weeks ago, and had several of my fellow wine geek — um, enthusiast — friends try it. They were impressed. And so was I.
And so, apparently, were some American Wine Society judges.
This is an extraordinary accomplishment for Ohio wines and for the two Ohio wineries to our south. Congratulations, Valley Vineyards and Kinkead Ridge, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Blue Moon restaurant in Oregon District closes
The Blue Moon, a mainstay restaurant in the Oregon Historical District for a decade, has closed.
A sign posted on the restaurant door alerted potential customers to the closure and said, “To everyone who supported us through the years, we are grateful. We will be keeping out Centerville location open and encourage you to make reservations. Our Centeville number is 436-3925.”
The Blue Moon’s owners, Greg and Beth Fitzgerald, said earlier this month that the restaurant and its sister restaurant — formerly named Eclipse, now the Blue Moon, at 79 S. Main St. in Centerville — were for sale and in danger of closing.
Greg Fitzgerald said Saturday that he and his wife are “going to put our heart and soul” into the Centerville location. They live in Centerville, and their children attend Centerville schools. They’re planning to expand the hours to include lunch serving, Fitzgerald said. Currently, the restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday.
Prior to the closing, Beth Fitzgerald said she and her husband preferred to sell one or both restaurants, but if business didn’t improve quickly, “We’ll have to lock our doors forever, and everyone loses.”
Greg Fitzgerald said Saturday there “has been a lot of interest” in the restaurants, but no sale as of yet.
Increased competition, particularly from chain restaurants that have opened in recent months in The Greene and near the Dayton Mall, cut into the Blue Moon’s business, Fitzgerald said. Miami Valley Restaurant Association officials say that new restaurants containing about 3,000 seats have opened in the Dayton area in the past few months, with several more new restaurants slated to open within the next few months at The Greene and around the Dayton Mall.
I’ve had the pleasure over the years of leading a handful of wine dinners at the Blue Moon at Greg’s invitation and enjoyed his deft touch in the kitchen, even as I occasionally accused him of pushing my wine-pairing challenge to the limits (“ostrich scaloppine with bing cherry balsamic sauce and roasted beets?” Are you kidding me??). We had fun, and it’s sad to see the Oregon District location shut down.
But to the future — cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Wall-to-wall wines: now THAT’s a reason to give thanks
New wine-tasting destinations, a five-year vertical tasting, offerings from some of the world’s most highly regarded winemakers such as Chave and Humbrecht, ambitious and scrumptious-sounding wine dinners — jeez, this list of upcoming wine events has it all. Take special note of the “Super Saturdays” at both Arrow Wine locations. Quite an opportunity to pick and choose from a wider-than-usual selection of wines (20 or so) to sample. Yet more reasons to be thankful!
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
(please click on “continue reading” to access the full list of wine tastings, dinners and other events, which comes to Uncorked courtesy of a local wine listserv)
Jay’s Kitchen Door Due to holiday parties, the Kitchen Door will close promptly at 6 pm on Saturdays!
Friday, November 24, 2006 4-8 pm 2004 Domaine Chapuis Corton 2001 J.L. Chave St. Joseph 2003 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape 2003 Chateau Lascombes
Saturday, November 25, 2006 1-6 pm 2002 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris 2004 Paloma Merlot 2003 Miner Cabernet 2003 Whitehall Lane Reserve Cabernet
Saturday, December 2, 2006 12:30 pm, $55 (inclusive) - Banfi Wine Luncheon Seared sea scallops with turnip puree and tomato truffle oil Assorted roasted beet salad w/ candied walnuts and manchego cheese Herb roasted beef tenderloin w/ au gratin potatoes and vegetable with veal-truffle sauce Chocolate molten cakes with fresh berries and cream
Arrow Wine & Spirits – Kettering, Far Hills Saturday, November 25, 2006 11-5 pm, wines priced per taste SUPER Saturday tasting! 2005 cimicky shiraz reserve 2003 clio 2005 tait ballbuster 2005 aman ra nv beaumont des crayeres champagne, grand reserve 2005 las rocas reserve 2003 trentadue merlot, geyserville estate 2002 ladera cabernet sauvignon, napa 2003 chateau beaulieu, cuvee berengere, coteaux d’aix-en-provence 22 year old dutschke, ‘the tawny’ and AT LEAST ten additional wines
Doug Simon’s playing schedule: Blue Moon Bistro – 7:30-11:30 17 Nov. 24 Nov
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM)
DLM OakwoodFriday, November 24, 2006 5-8pm No Tasting
Saturday, November 25, 2006 1-6pm Duval Leroy Brut NV Carl Loewen Lelvener Klstergarten Riesling Kabinett 2005 A Five Year Vertical Vinoce Red A Mt Veeder Napa Valley Blend 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Bonus Bottle
DLM Washington Square Thursday November 23, 2006 5-8 pm No Tasting!
Saturday, November 25, 2006 12-5pm Jean Lallement et Fils Verzenay Grand Cru Brut 2005 Hexamer Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Riesling “Quarzit” 2005 Barossa Jack Shiraz 2003 Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Chateau Le Boscq Saint-Estephe Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, November 24, 2006 3-7pm No Tasting
Saturday, November 25, 2006 12-5pm 03 Three Saints Chardonnay 05 Dessert Eagle Shiraz 05 Clos de los Siete 04 Caymus 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 being tasted beginning Friday, Nov 124 – Nov 30, 2006 Last weeks wines (below) will be poured and when they are gone, it’s Cynthia’s choice! Stop in and help her decide. Cantine Aurora Dolce Stilnovo Rosso Alfred Merkelbach 2005 Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese #3 Handley 2005 Rose of Pinot Noir Calot 2005 Morgon Beaujolais Gianfranco Alessandria 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba Chateau Montelena 2003 Zinfandel Warre’s Otima 20 Year Tawny Port Beer: St Feuillien Cuvee de NOEL - Belgian Special Ale Food: It’s would be hard to surpass last week’s Chicago Style Hot Dog and Cioppino but Chris will be making snacks!
Saturday, December 2nd Cuvee Bubble Bash (Champagne Tasting) 7:30 PM Reservations required. Sparkling wine, Champagne and Chris’s delicious food.
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday, November 25
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, November 22, 2006 4:30 pm The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays! Turkey Wines! Wine appropriate for Thanksgiving dinner.
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, November 25, 2006 Taste over 20 wines, including: Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Champagne… 2005 Clos de Los Siete Argentine Red Blend… 2004 Twenty Rows “Grappler”… 2003 Sebastiani “Cherryblock” Cabernet Sauvignon… 2001 Bighorn Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon… 2005 Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country Kettering Tastings Sunday 4-7 and Tuesday 6-8 Du Peloux Ugni Blanc-Viognier (2005), VdP de Vaucluse, France; Manina Carmenere (2004), Maipo Valley, Chile; Nerello del Bastardo Nebbiolo (2000), Italy; Also this week - new Mahon cheese from Spain.
L’Auberge No tastings until January 9, 2007
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, November 24rd ~ Holiday Gift Wines ~ 4-7 pm ‘Cocktails by Jen’ and ‘Goose Island Christmas Ale’.
Saturday, November 25th ~ Affordable 90 point Party Wines! ~ 3-7 pm
TomKatz Wine Tasting for Wednesday, November 29th. Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Phone: 937-743-8111 Address: S.R. 73 just East of I75
Villa di Giovanni, Monday 27 Nov, 6pm - 8pm; Drop-in wine tasting; 2003 Luianico Rosso Toscano 1999 Luiano Chianti Classico Res 2003Luiano Chianti Classico Don Gia Nero D’Avola/Nerello Mascalese Val Serena Vin Santo
The Wine Gallery & Cafe 424 East Third Street Dayton, Ohio 45402 937-224-WINE
La Petite France
December 7th at 6:30 pm, will be the annual sparkling wine and champagne tasting dinner.
Kinkead Ridge Holiday Schedule Last chances to visit the winery until May 2007! 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, November 25: Annual Barrel Tasting Saturday, December 16: Last chance to pick up Kinkead Ridge wines for the holidays. 904 Hamburg Street, Ripley, Ohio (937) 392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com
Harmony Hill (www.HHWines.com) will open its doors one last time for 2006 for their Thanksgiving Barrel Tasting
The winery will be open from noon — 5pm on Saturday, November 25th and provide visitors the chance to sample our 2005 & 2006 wines straight from the barrel. 2005 Rhapsody (Cabernet Blend) 2005 Nocturne (New Release Dry Red Cynthiana for 2007) 2006 Woodwind (Dry White Seyval)
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A day to give thanks for the miracle that is fermentation
Today I’m headed to sun-kissed Licking County, Ohio (and for you non-Ohioans: no, I’m not making that up) for my Thanksgiving Day celebration, where I expect to consume mostly German riesling (as Jerry Seinfeld used to say, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”)
But I have a hunch — a sneakin’ hunch — that some of you might be popping the cork on some interesting wines today that might not fall into the German riesling category.
Am I right? Tell us about your holiday meal, and the wines you washed it down with, by posting a comment ….
Thanks, cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
Mark Fisher
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Will Dayton’s new wine bar go the way of the doomed Bin 130?
Yesterday’s entry about the new wine bar in downtown Dayton triggered the following comment from an Uncorked reader:
While I love the idea….they did this awhile back at The Citizen Federal Bldg. and it did not do well. I did go to that one as well. Maybe the second time is a charm.
Ahh, does anybody else remember Bin 130? It closed in July 2004 after a relatively short but memorable run in the Fifth Third Center in downtown’s central business district.
There are some parallels. Like Bin 130 owner Stan Finley, Wine Gallery proprietor Brian Linnean first opened a retail wine shop downtown (in fact, both with the “Market Wine” moniker) before launching a wine bar. Both were novices at running a restaurant/wine bar.
But there are differences. The location of The Wine Gallery and Café in the Cannery at East Third Street and Wayne Avenue has a bit more nighttime traffic, since it’s close to the well-established Therapy Café. The 150 or so residents of the loft apartments that are part of The Cannery apparently can walk into the Wine Gallery without stepping outside. In short, although Bin 130 sure had plenty of foot traffic during the day, the Wine Gallery may be in a better spot for nighttime revelers.
And here may be the key: Bin 130 was one of the most cigarette-smoke-filled bars of ANY kind — let alone a wine bar — that I’ve ever experienced. There’s no doubt the smoke cost Bin 130 business.
Of course, Bin 130’s Finley didn’t see things that way. He blamed the moribund nature of downtown for his wine bar’s failure, sayinig at the time that, “There’s nothing happening down here, just nothing … If I were in the Oregon District or in the south suburbs, it’d be different.” He went on to say, “Great idea, wrong area.”
That story — which I wrote in 2004 — triggered several emails from folks who suggested it wasn’t just the downtown location that doomed Bin 130. But c’est la vie.
So now along comes The Wine Gallery, which, by the way, chose to open as a non-smoking establishment, as did the nearby Therapy long before it. That would have been a moot point anyway, with the passage of Issue 5 forcing all bars and restaurants to go smoke-free as of Dec. 7.
So we know one thing for sure: if The Wine Gallery doesn’t make it, it won’t be the clouds of cigarette smoke that did it in.
Your thoughts?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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New wine bar opens downtown
Downtown Dayton — well, let’s call it the edge of downtown — has a brand new spot where folks can enjoy a glass or two of wine. And a little something to eat, too.
It’s The Wine Gallery and Café, and it’s located at 424 E. Third St., where Wayne Avenue dead-ends into Third Street. And it’s the brainchild of proprietor Brian Linnean, who also owns Market Wine Imports, the wine shop in the nearby Second Street Market.
Why a wine bar?
“We heard from a lot of customers at the market who wanted to go someplace relaxing, someplace where they didn’t feel rushed, where they could drink some nice wine at wine prices, and have a bite to eat at decent prices,” Linnean said. “We wanted to create a place where people could come three or four times a week, not once a month.”
The wine bar offers several dozen wines by the glass with your choice of 3-oz. or 6-oz. pours, with 15 or so art-themed flights of three wines each. So the “Picasso” flight ($7) consists of the Rancho Zabaco SHV Select Zinfandel, the Hugo Shiraz and the Paraiso Springs Syrah, while the “Dry Brush” ($7) offers an Elena Walch pinot grigio, Laurenz gruner veltliner and Robert Mondavi fumé blanc.
One of the more intriguing (and expensive, because of the rarity) wine flights focuses on aged tawny ports from Feist and offers the opportunity to taste 10-year, 20-year, 30-year and 40-year tawnies, for $57 for the flight. The 40-year is $25 per taste by itself.
The café is also a retail wine shop, selling wine at state minimum prices — and it allows customers to pick out a wine from the retail shelves and open it at the bar for a $5 corkage fee, Linnean said. A number of craft beers are also available, by the bottle.
The food menu includes pizzas, soups and appetizers. Linnean is planning to bring in live music and host wine tastings hosted by winemakers and distributors.
“This is still a work in progress,” Linnean said of the spacious 4,000-square-foot café. “”We’ve never been restaurateurs, so we’re learning … but we think we have some cool wines on the menu.”
The Wine Gallery and Café’s hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The phone number is (937) 224-9463.
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The Buckeyes must have had more red wine to drink
That MUST be the explanation, right, for the Ohio State victory over the Wolverines Saturday, in light of the newly released research findings (yes, even more!) concerning the health benefits of red wine.
This time, the research has shown that resveratrol — the substance found in red wine that was shown last week to help obese mice live longer — also enhances their endurance. Like, by a lot. Here’s an excerpt from the New York Times story linked to above:
An ordinary laboratory mouse will run one kilometer on a treadmill before collapsing from exhaustion. But mice given resveratrol, a minor component of red wine and other foods, run twice as far. They also have energy-charged muscles and a reduced heart rate, just as trained athletes do, according to an article published online in Cell by Johan Auwerx and colleagues at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in Illkirch, France. “Resveratrol makes you look like a trained athlete without the training,” Dr. Auwerx (pronounced OH-wer-ix) said in an interview.
Can’t you see it now? Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel serving red wine to his players (the ones of legal age, anyway) as part of Friday night’s pregame meal? And Lloyd Carr — who is quickly becoming the John Cooper of Michigan football coaches with his 1-and-5 futility — wondering why the Buckeyes are one step faster than his Wolverines.
It’s the red wine, stupid.
P.S. Why yes, I WAS at the Big Game yesterday, and yes, I DID savor every moment, thankyouverymuch. Now, which red wine did we decide goes best with grilled Wolverine meat? ‘Cuz I’m feeling like I could use a shot of endurance this morning … kinda like Lloyd Carr.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
P.S. My youngest son’s in this melee, somewhere around the 50-year-line. His father enjoyed the view from the upper deck.
Photos by Julie Fisher
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Surprise! Nouveaus exceed expectations — but this weekend’s about game, not gamay
After the nasty comments about Nouveau Beaujolais of earlier this week, I approached Thursday night’s samples with trepidation. Can they really be that bad?
The answer is: No. In fact, the 2006s among the best nouveaus in recent memory. And my two favorites of the five true-blue nouveaus sampled from the Beaujolais region of France are two of the most widely available, the Drouhin and the Dubeoeuf. Both are priced in the $12-$13 range.
The Drouhin in particular was impressive. It doesn’t have the banana-like scent some nouveaus have (as pointed out so eloquently by some of the commenters to my earlier post), and tastes as much like “real” Beaujolais (non-nouveau, gamay-based wines from the French wine region) as it does nouveau. It tastes like soft, approachable red wine that would benefit from a bit more acidity. Still, this would be a crowd-pleasing red to serve at Thanksgiving
The DuBeouf is also delicious. It’s got the acidity that the Drouhin doesn’t, although it doesn’t have the velvety fruit of the Drouhin. Still, among the best Georges and friends have produced.
But this weekend isn’t JUST about nouveaus. Au contraire. This is a weekend to explore what’s the best wine to serve with grilled Wolverine meat. And our local wine shops are giving us plenty of opportunity prior to the 3:30 p.m. kickoff to explore the possibilities. Click on “continue reading” to see what I mean. This list comes to Uncorked via a Dayton-based wine listserv, which compiles it.
Cheers, and Go Bucks!
Mark Fisher (Ohio State class of ‘81)
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, November 17, 2006 4-8 pm 2002 Domaine Chapuis Chorey/les/Bone 2002 Domaine Chapuis Alox Corton 2001 Domaine Chapuis Corton Languettes 2003 Chateau Ampelia 2002 Chateau Phelan Segur
Saturday, November 18, 2006 1-6 pm 2004 Joseph Drouhin Chablis Montmains 1999 Calera Pinot Mills Vineyards 2004 Rosenblum Rockpile Zinfandel 1999 Spottwoode Cabernet
Saturday, December 2, 2006 12:30 pm, $55 (inclusive) - Banfi Wine Luncheon Seared sea scallops with turnip puree and tomato truffle oil Assorted roasted beet salad w/ candied walnuts and manchego cheese Herb roasted beef tenderloin w/ au gratin potatoes and vegetable with veal-truffle sauce Chocolate molten cakes with fresh berries and cream
Arrow Wine & Spirits – Kettering Saturday, November 18, 2006 11-4 pm 2002 sebastiani merlot 2004 chateau ste. michelle indian wells chardonnay 2003 chateau ste. michelle canoe ridge cabernet sauvignon 2005 clos de los siete 2005 gallo estate pinot noir 2003 sebastiani cabernet sauvignon ‘cherry block’
Doug Simon’s playing schedule: Blue Moon – 7:30-11:30 17 Nov, 24 Nov
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM)
DLM OakwoodFriday, November 17, 2006 5-8pm Duval Leroy Brut Rose NV Verget Pouilly-Fuisse 2005 Maverick Shiraz 2005 Ciacci Rosso di Montalcino 2004 Lefonti Chianti Classico Reserva 2003 B. R. Cohn Olive Hill Cabernet 2002 Brown Fuzzy Bag
Saturday, November 18, 2006 1-6pm Pannier Brut NV Geil Scheurebe Riesling Kabinett 2005 Red Truck Pinot Noir 2005 Desert Eagle Shiraz 2005 Warwick Estate Three Cape Ladies 2002 Chateau Duhart-Milon 2003 Bonus Bottle Beers: New Holland Black Tulip Trippel Ale Wychwood Bah Humbug
DLM Washington Square Thursday November 16, 2006 5-8 pm 2005 Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2002 Arger-Martucci PinotNoir 2003 Abadia Retuerta Rivola 2004 Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso di Montalcino 2003 Chateau Micalet Haut-Medoc Mystery Wine!
Saturday, November 18, 2006 12-5pm
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, November 17, 2006 3-7pm 06 Bon-Bon Rose 04 Deverze Cotes du Roussillion 03 Four Graces Pinot Noir 03 Whitehall Lane Cabernet
Saturday, November 18, 2006 12-5pm 03 Hugel Gewurztraminer 03 Barnett Pinot Noir 02 Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges 01 Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir
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 being tasted beginning Friday, Nov 17 – Nov 22, 2006 Cantine Aurora Dolce Stilnovo Rosso Alfred Merkelbach 2005 Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese #3 Handley 2005 Rose of Pinot Noir Calot 2005 Morgon Beaujolais Gianfranco Alessandria 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba Chateau Montelena 2003 Zinfandel Warre’s Otima 20 Year Tawny Port St Feuillien Cuvee de NOEL - Belgian Special Ale Chicago Style Hot Dog or Pork Nachos or Cioppino (Seafood Stew)
Saturday, November 18th, Noon-7:00 PM Beadwares by Yvonne, cool, handmade jewelry.
Saturday, December 2nd Cuvee Bubble Bash (Champagne Tasting) 7:30 PM Reservations required. Sparkling wine, Champagne and Chris’s delicious food.
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday, November 18
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, November 22, 2006 4:30 pm The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays! Turkey Wines! Wine appropriate for Thanksgiving dinner.
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, November 18, 2006 2006 Bon Bon Dry Rosé… Wolf Blass Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir… 2004 Nicolas Potel Nuits St. Georges… 2004 Yorkville Petite Verdot… 2003 Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon… 2005 Adler Fels Gewurtztraminer
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country Kettering Tastings Sunday 4-7 and Tuesday 6-8 Thanksgiving wines from now until Turkey Day Chateau Ste-Michelle Gewurztraminer (2005) Columbia Valley, Washington; Falcon Ridge Chardonnay (2003) Sonoma Country, California; Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel (2005) California; Cosentino Cigar Zinfandel (2005) California; Plus Italian White Truffle Cheese!
L’Auberge No tastings until January 9, 2007
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
La Petite France
November 16, 2005, will host a traditional Nouveau Beaujolais wine tasting party. There is also a special four course dinner, for $35, with the following menu selected to go with the Nouveau Beaujolais! The appetizer will be a goat cheese crepe, followed by pumpkin soup or house salad; then, roasted pork tenderloin with fig chutney, mashed carrots and parsnips. Dessert will be chocolate mousse with mixed berries and whipped cream.
December 7th at 6:30 pm, will be the annual sparkling wine and champagne tasting dinner.
Harmony Hill (www.HHWines.com) will open its doors one last time for 2006 for their Thanksgiving Barrel Tasting
The winery will be open from noon — 5pm on Saturday, November 25th and provide visitors the chance to sample our 2005 & 2006 wines straight from the barrel. 2005 Rhapsody (Cabernet Blend) 2005 Nocturne (New Release Dry Red Cynthiana for 2007) 2006 Woodwind (Dry White Seyval)
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Fruity, delightful Beaujolais — or ‘pink cabbage water?’
It’s the third Thursday in November — and you know what THAT means.
No, I’m not talking about the fact that the countdown to The Game has reached 48 hours, and that I’m looking for suggestions once again as to what wine pairs best with grilled Wolverine meat, although both are true.
I’m talking about today’s release of 2006 Nouveau Beaujolais, the fresh, frothy, just-fermented first wine of the vintage. (For more on the phenomenon and how it developed, click here.) Several versions will be available for sampling at wine shops, some of whom are offering tastes throughout the day.
It’s an annual ritual that delights some and disgusts others, who tend to dismiss nouveau wines as nothing more than “pink cabbage water.”
It DOES seem as if the hullabaloo has faded a bit in recent years. Or is it me? What’s YOUR level of interest in nouveau Beaujolais?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
nouveau, beaujolais, nouveau beaujolais, beaujolais nouveau
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One blogger’s take on the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
Think Tom Wark of Fermentation fame has some strong opinions about tactics used by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America?
Methinks so. In fact, methinks there’s smoke pouring out of Tom’s keyboard still from that post. Heck, my computer let off a few wisps just linking to Tom’s post.
Legislation supported by the WSWA supposedly aimed at curbing underage drinking just passed the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly yesterday (11-14-06), according to this news release from the association. This bears watching.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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An Ohioan ventures into the heart of Texas — and why they’re still laughing at my expense
It was the first time my toes tickled the topsoil of Texas, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget — for (ahem) a variety of reasons.
Over the weekend, I served as a judge at Rodeo Uncorked, the wine competition that is part of the gigantic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The annual charitable event stretches over three weeks in late February and March and last year drew an astonishing 1.7 million people.
Now lest you snicker at the idea of a wine competition being part of a livestock show and rodeo, let us just put to rest those Yankee stereotypes y’all might have.
Folks in Houston are serious about their wine. Just ask Charles M. “Bear” Dalton, the chairman of the rodeo’s wine competition. Bear serves as wine manager for a retailer in Houston called Spec’s. (This picture of Bear might give you an idea of where he got the name). Bear has slogged through the vineyards of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Argentina and Chile, and all other corners of the world, to bring back the best for his Texas wine customers. And they buy it. They buy it in vast quantities. In short, it’s not all about Lone Star beer in Texas.
And the rodeo’s wine competition that Dalton oversees is starting to make a name for itself. One of its stated objectives is to “become the largest and most successful wine competition and auction in the world.” This year, it received 1,580 entries, up about 25 percent from last year. And the wine-related tastings and auctions put on by the livestock show and rodeo raised a nifty $1.6 million for scholarships and other educational programs last year. (The hearts of the organizers of Dayton’s Fleurs de Fete just skipped a beat.)
The panel of judges for this year’s wine competition included sophisticated palates of the caliber of Patrick Fegan, head of the Chicago Wine School; Mike Dunne, wine writer for the Sacramento Bee; Mike Lonsford, wine writer for the Houston Chronicle; and Wendy Narby, a British-born wine and food consultant who has spent the last two-decades plus in France leading wine tours for various entities and teaching English to Bordeaux winemakers (more about Wendy — and the prestigious Sauterne property her husband’s family recently sold — to come in a post later this week).
Now, why in the world the organizers would want to sully the reputation of the event by inviting me to serve as a judge is a mystery for the ages. But invited I was, and go I did.
There were 13 panels, each with five judges, swirling, sniffing, sipping and spitting various categories of the 1,580 wines. My panel drew two categories: cabernet sauvignons priced under $15 (74 wines), and pinot noirs priced at $20 and up (44 entries). My fellow panelists included a knowledgeable consumer and three folks who worked or had worked in the distributor/wholesaler end of the wine business, all of them Houston-area residents.
We were chugging along — well, spitting along — our teeth slowly turning black from the red-wine pigmentation when the real fun began.
Each panel can request a “re-pour” of a wine that we find unusual or flawed in some way in which we suspect there may be “bottle variation.” The volunteers uncork another bottle of the same wine (each producer who enters must send 6 bottles) and send out a second set of samples, so the wines can be evaluated fairly.
We encountered a pinot we all thought was corked — heck, I knew it was corked. Corked wines are tainted with the faint aromas of wet cardboard, damp basement, old socks, wet dog — whatever your description of the smell associated with trichloroanisole, or TCA, that this page has written about before.
The volunteer dutifully removed our glasses, and when she returned with samples from a fresh bottle, we could tell she was hiding something, trying mightily to keep a straight face like a poker player at the championship table of a game of Texas Hold-‘Em. It took a while to figure out why she was stifling laughter. The wine we sent back as corked came from a screwcap bottle. The folks in the back room were, we envisioned, rolling on the floor with laughter. And of course, since I was the only out-of-towner on the panel, I figured this screwcap-enclosed wine quickly would evolve into the one that the loony-tune from Ohio sent back as “corked.” (Glenn Cordua, director of the Wine & Spirits Management Institute at the University of Houston and one of the wine competition’s chief organizers, thought the wine was flawed but not corked, though I still disagree.)
And might I have taken a load of livestock manure about this from all of the other out-of-town judges with whom I dined that evening? Oh yes indeedy, I most certainly did.
Now right about here I suppose I could protest vigorously that the TCA that causes the musty aromas in wine does not have to come from the cork itself, that it can be present in barrels and in the cellars of wineries and can taint a wine that hasn’t seen a cork — all true.
And maybe I will someday. When they stop laughing.
But I don’t think that day is coming anytime soon.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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An Arrow bulls-eye?
As mentioned Friday, I’m chillin’ at a wine competition far from home, so …. did anyone attend the Arrow Wine & Spirits holiday show tonight? Tell me what I missed ….
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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A little help, please — and don’t make me beg
I’m headed out of town this weekend to serve as a judge for a wine competition — THAT ought to provide some prime blogging material — but that also means I’m going to miss Sunday night’s Arrow Wine & Spirits holiday show. I’m hoping I’ll have no problems accessing and updating my blog during my travels, so by all means, please do share your thoughts and opinions on the event to let me know what I’ve missed.
And it looks like the wine-tasting craze has spread to yet another venue — this time, TomKatz at I-75 and State Route 73 in Springboro. Excellent! Also, take note that this coming Thursday brings the release of the Nouveau Beaujolais, and many local wine shops and wine departments are planning on pouring samples.
As usual, this tastings list comes to Uncorked courtesy of a local wine listserv, and we’re immensely grateful for that.
Thanks for reading, have a great weekend, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
(click on “continue reading” to access the wine-tastings and events list)
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, November 10, 2006 4-8 pm 2004 Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2001 D’alessandro Il Bosco Syrah 2003 Whitehall Lane Cabernet 2002 Penfold’s RWT
Saturday, November 11, 2006 1-6 pm NV Moet Chandon White Star 2004 Fess Parker Ashley Vineyard Pinot 2001 Vinas Selecionadas Paisajesi 1 2002 Lynch Bages
The correct number for Jay’s reservations is 937-222-2892.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 7pm - Jay’s Africa Photography Dinner Striped Bass with Garlic Broth and Fennel Tart, Nantucket Scallops with Sherry and Braised Endive, Lamb Shanks with Thyme and White Beans, and Toffee Torte with a 10 yr Tawny Port. Wines will include a South African Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and 2003 Chateau Mont Perat. Limited space available, call 222-2892 for reservations.
Saturday, December 2, 2006 12:30 pm – Banfi Wine Luncheon
Arrow – Kettering Saturday, November 11, 2006 11-4 pm 2004 PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ/CAB 2002 POGGIO AMORELLI 2005 GALLO SONOMA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2005 PRISONER 2005 GODOLPHIN + ONE SURPRISE WINE!!!
Arrow’s annual Holiday Tasting! Sunday, November 12, 2006 6:30-8:30 pm Arrow Wine & Spirits Centerville Store Over 75 great wines! $35.00 per person, limited to the first 150 pre-paid reservations. Call the Centerville Store at 433-6778.
REMEMBER - NOUVEAU BEAUJOLAIS TASTING THURSDAY, NOV. 16TH - BOTH ARROW LOCATIONS ALL DAY!!!
Doug Simon’s playing schedule: Blue Moon – 7:30-11:30 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 24 Nov
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Thursday November 16, 2006 12:00 -7:00pm All three DLM stores will be tasting the brand new releases of Beaujolais Nouveau from 12:00 -7:00pm.
DLM Oakwood Friday, November 10, 2006 5-8pm Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2005 Layer Cake Shiraz 2005 Foley Charbono 2005 Chateau La Lagune 2003 Brown Fuzzy Bag
Saturday, November 11, 2006 1-6pm Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Schlossgut Diel Riesling Kabinett 2004 Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir 2001 Todd Norman Cabernet 2005 Chateau La Fluer 2003 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 Bonus Wines
Beers: Barrel House Hocking Hills Hefeweizen Stone Double Bastard Ale
DLM Washington Square Thursday November 9, 2006 5-8 pm 2005 Domaine Georges Brunet Vouvray Demi Sec 2004 Ciacci Piccolomini Toscano Rosso 2005 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda 2004 Kinkead Ridge Syrah 2005 Mitolo “Jester” Shiraz Mystery Wine!
Saturday, November 11, 2006 12-5pm Let’s Start Talking Turkey Tasting 2005 Muller-Catoir Haardter Herzog Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2005 Muller-Catoir Haardter Bergergarten Riesling Spatlese 2005 De Wetshof Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2003 Guy Chaumont Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise 2004 Archery Summit Pinot Noir 2004 Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz/Grenache Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, November 10, 2006 3-7pm 04 Fess Parker Chardonnay 04 Murphy-Good Zinfandel 98 MacRostie Merlot 00 Stonestreet Cabernet
Saturday, November 11, 2006 12-5pm 03 Mondavi Carneros Chardonnay 02 Carnero Creek Pinot Noir 02 Grgich Hills Merlot 01 Merryvale Profile 03 Rosenblum Black Muscat
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 being tasted beginning Friday, November 10, 2006
This week is Jessica’s birthday and she is picking her favorite wines and Chris is making some of her favorites dishes for Saturday! Stop by this week and wish her a Happy Birthday and share some of her favorite things!
Thursday, November 16th Beaujolais Nouveau! All day, a drop-in, pay-as-you-go event. Chris will have snacks to pair with the young, fruity Beaujolais.
Saturday, November 18th, Noon-7:00 PM Beadwares by Yvonne, cool, handmade jewelry.
Saturday, December 2nd Cuvee Bubble Bash (Champagne Tasting) 7:30 PM Reservations required. Sparkling wine, Champagne and Chris’s delicious food.
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday, November 11
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, November 15, 2006 4:30 pm The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays! Borgo Scopeto 2003 Chianti Classico La Doca Morellino di Scansano Sangiovese Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino Caparzo 1999 Brunello di Montalcino
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, November 11, 2006 2004 Hidden Mesa Chardonnay… 2005 Gino Da Pinot Pinot Noir… 2004 Toasted Head Red Blend… 2004 Zellerbach Estates Cabernet Sauvignon… 2000 Campe Della Spinetta Barolo
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country Kettering Tastings Sunday 4-7 and Tuesday 6-8 Thanksgiving wines from now until Turkey Day, a number of Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, and other wines to pair with a holiday feast.
L’Auberge Tuesday, November 14, 2006 7 PM These are organized, seated tastings costing $20. There is a 20% discount if you choose to stay for dinner. Call 299-5536 for reservations.
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, November 10th, 7 pm ~ Winter Reds, light appetizers will be served, and reservations are recommended. Franciscan Oakville Estate Napa Valley Merlot ~ California Cosentino “The Cab” California Cabernet Sauvignon ~ California Guenoc Lake County Petite Sirah ~ California Mia’s Playground Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ~ California Pillar Box Red ~ Australia Jewel Collection Port ~ California
Saturday, November 11th, 2-5 pm ~ Harmony Hill Vineyards Winemaker For those curious about “Ohio” wine, Bill Skvarla, the winemaker from Harmony Hill Vineyards will pour “Serenade “Concerto” Mulled wine, including recipe Two wines from Kincaid Ridge located in Ripley, Ohio.
TomKatz Wine Tasting for Wednesday, November 15th. Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Phone: 937-743-8111 Address: S.R. 73 just East of I75 Tasting: Wolf Blass Winery Yellow Label Chardonnay Yellow Label Merlot Gold Label Riesling Gold Label Shiraz
La Petite France
November 16, 2005, will host a traditional Nouveau Beaujolais wine tasting party. There is also a special four course dinner, for $35, with the following menu selected to go with the Nouveau Beaujolais! The appetizer will be a goat cheese crepe, followed by pumpkin soup or house salad; then, roasted pork tenderloin with fig chutney, mashed carrots and parsnips. Dessert will be chocolate mousse with mixed berries and whipped cream.
December 7th at 6:30 pm, will be the annual sparkling wine and champagne tasting dinner.
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Online wine retailer discovers that wine and politics are a volatile mix
What do you get when you mix politics and wine during Election Week? Trouble, that’s what.
An online wine retailer that calls itself Wine.Woot.com — a sort of Odd Lots of wine that sells a single bargain-priced wine each week — chose this week to offer a 2003 Sierra Club Chardonnay, four bottles for $40.
But here’s the sticky part for some Wine.Woot customers: A portion of the sale of this particular wine goes to benefit the Sierra Club. And some customers of the Texas-based online retailer took, shall we say, umbrage with that.
Here’s how Wine.Woot promoted its offering under the headline “Have You Hugged A Tree Today?”:
Saving the world isn’t as easy as it looks – but that’s all the more reason to avail oneself of the finer things in life. After a hard day testing water quality, raising awareness of global warming, and protecting America’s wilderness, the civilized eco-warrior relaxes with a few sustainable sips of Sierra Club Chardonnay.
The offer triggered more than 160 comments — and they weren’t debating (as I might have) whether an ‘03 Mendocino chard benefits from three years of aging. Here’s one response from a customer:
You have GOT to be kidding. the Sierra Club has a reputation as one of the more sinister and hostile wacko environmental fringe ‘clubs’ out there. There is no way in hell I will contribute to these people, they have done more to damage the ecosystem in pursuit of their ill-formed fringe positions than you could ever imagine. Do your homework before sending any money their way. I will drink water this week, thank you.
Which in turn prompted this reply from a second customer:
Rush? Rush Limbaugh? Is that you? Maybe woot should have split this week’s offering amongst the red and blue states.
And then there was this, which I think is amusing no matter what your red-blue tendencies:
Poor grapes, crushed and abused, then left to ferment. I’m appalled the Sierra Club would stand for this.
And the flame war was on. Ahh, politics and wine — an incendiary mix, at least during Election Week.
And here you and I thought wine was a uniter, not a divider.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Best wine cartoon of the year
In case you didn’t see it on the op-ed page of the Dayton Daily News Monday, by all means, do check out Why Mickey Mouse is 78 years old on Akron Beacon Journal editorial cartoonist Chip Bok’s blog called Bokbuster. (If you can’t read the writing in the cartoon because it’s too small on Chip’s blog, try clicking here.) And if perchance you don’t know what the cartoon is referring to, you need to know about the recent study that showed red wine extract keeps fat mice healthy.
And yes, as usual, there is a Dayton connection (There ALWAYS is, right?). Bok was born in Dayton, graduated from Meadowdale High School, and then from the University of Dayton in 1974 with a B.A. in English and a minor in sociology. That was all before he landed in Akron and started a long and award-winning career as an editorial cartoonist.
If you get the idea that Bok embraces the underdog a bit, consider this little nugget he shared in an email: He watched the movie Sideways, and ever since, “I’ve made it a point to drink Merlot.” One of his mice — one of his particularly healthy mice — apparently agrees.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Two pathways to a longer life: drink wine, or starve yourself
Since we wrote last week about the latest good news regarding wine and health, we’ll give equal time today to another strategy that appears to extend life: eat less. MUCH less. According to the New York Times story entitled One for the Ages: A Prescription That May Extend Life (the story is also available through AOL):
This approach, called calorie restriction, involves eating about 30 percent fewer calories than normal while still getting adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Aside from direct genetic manipulation, calorie restriction is the only strategy known to extend life consistently in a variety of animal species.
So now we have a choice: Live life to the fullest while enjoying wine and other gustatory delights in moderation, or deliberately starve myself, walking around with little energy and depriving myself of many of the things that make life worth living.
Gee, tough call.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Bin 130 owner blames downtown for wine bar’s closing
DOWNTOWN WINE BAR, RETAIL SHOP CALL IT QUITS
Not enough activity to support venture, owner says
By Mark Fisher mfisher@DaytonDailyNews.com
Published: Wednesday, July 21, 2004
DAYTON — The owner of Bin 130 wine bar and the Market Wine retail wine shop in the Fifth Third Center has closed both businesses because, he says, downtown Dayton didn’t have enough activity to support the ventures.
“There’s nothing happening down here, just nothing,” Stan Finley said Tuesday as he packed belongings at the wine bar and retail shop that faced Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets. “If I were in the Oregon District or in the south suburbs, it’d be different.”
Market Wine Inc. opened in January 2000 at 29 Wayne Ave., near East Fourth Street and adjacent to the Cannery, which at the time housed the Saturday market. When the downtown market moved to its East Second Street location, Finley moved the retail wine shop to the Fifth Third Center, 110 N. Main St. He kept a booth open at the market.
About 2 1/2 years ago, Finley opened Bin 130 adjacent to the retail wine shop, offering several premium wines by the glass and an array of appetizers. It, too, struggled, Finley said.
“Great idea, wrong area,” he said. “People come downtown to work, and then they go home.”
Finley worked for more than seven years in the wholesale end of the wine industry before deciding to strike out on his own in a downtown that hadn’t had a retail wine shop in several years. He announced the closings in an e-mail to customers thanking them for their support.
“I told myself I’d give it five years, and I did so,” he said. “I knew from the beginning it was going to be tough. And it was.”
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Wine and weekends: a perfect pairing
If you’re looking for the comments on the Dorothy Lane Market Holiday Food and Wine show, scroll down to the entry below this one. To check out the wine tastings and events for this weekend, whcih come to us courtesy of a local wine listserv, click on “continue reading.” And enjoy!
Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, November 3, 2006 4-8 pm 2005 Bodegas Naia 2004 Domaine Michel/Andreotti Pinot Noir 2004 Chateau Les Quatre Filles Cote du Rhone 2000 Chateau Angelique Monbousquet 2003 Chateau Lynch Bages
Saturday, November 4, 2006 1-6 pm NV Schramburg’s Brut Rose 2003 Arlaud Millardes Morey St Denis 2001 R.Biale Aldo Zin 2001 Whitehall Lane Cabernet
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 7pm - Jay’s Africa Photography Dinner Saturday, December 2, 2006 12:30 pm – Banfi Wine Luncheon
Arrow – Kettering Saturday, November 4, 2006 11-4 pm Arrow Wine Far Hills will welcome Nancy Bentley who will be pouring wines from Kinkead Ridge Winery!
Arrow’s annual Holiday Tasting! Sunday, November 12, 2006 6:30-8:30 pm Arrow Wine & Spirits Centerville Store Over 75 great wines! $35.00 per person, limited to the first 150 pre-paid reservations. Call the Centerville Store at 433-6778.
Doug Simon’s playing schedule: Blue Moon – 7:30-11:30 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 24 Nov Pacchia – 8:00-12:00 4 Nov
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM)
DLM Oakwood Friday, November 3, 2006 5-8pm Due to the Holiday Food and Wine Show on Thursday 11-02-06 There will be no tasting at DLM Oakwood on Friday.
Saturday, November 4, 2006 1-6pm Jean Lallement Brut NV Champagne Muller-Catoir Riesling 2005 Gino da Pinot 2005 Domaine Notre Dame des Pallieres Gigondas 2003 BV Tapestry 2003 Powers Reserve Cabernet 2001 Robert Foley Claret 2003 Bonus Wines
Beers: Southern Tier “Big Red? Lagunitas Cappuccion Stout
DLM Washington Square Due to the Holiday Food and Wine Show on tonight, there will not be a tasting.
Saturday, November 4, 2006 12-5pm There will be a tasting!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, November 3, 2006 3-7pm There will be a tasting!
Saturday, November 4, 2006 12-5pm There will be a tasting!
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 being tasted beginning Friday, November 3, 2006 Domaine Georges Brunet 2003 Vouvray Moelleux Camelback 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Beaumont 2006 Chenin Blanc 2005 Pinossimo Ravenswood 2000 Cabernet Franc Warwick 3 Cape Ladies Molly Dooker Carnival of Love Shiraz
Beer: Stoudt’s Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout Snacks: Mousse Truffe Italian Sausage Stew
Market Wine Imports 2nd Street Public Market Saturday, November 4 2005 Herding Cat Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay 2005 Concannon Viognier 2004 Concannon Petite Syrah 2004 Turkey Flats “The Turk” Blend
B. R. Scotese Wednesday, November 8, 2006 4:30 pm The restaurant is no smoking on Wednesdays! Ventisquero Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve Pinot Noir, Reserve Carmenere, Grand Reserve Cabernet, Grand Reserve Merlot and Grey’s Reserve Cabernet
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, November 4, 2006 2004 Leasingham Riesling 7.99 2004 Cuvaison Chardonnay 22.99 2005 Rosemount Pinot Noir 8.99 2005 Red Diamond Shiraz 7.99 2002 Sebastiani Merlot 15.99
L’Auberge Tuesday, November 7, 2006 7 PM These are organized, seated tastings costing $20. There is a 20% discount if you choose to stay for dinner. Call 299-5536 for reservations. D’Orschwihr Riesling Bollenburg 2004 Ferrette Gewurztraminer 2000 Ostertag Grand Cru “Muenchberg” 2002 Kuentz-Bas Cuvee Tradition Pinot Barriques
Grapes of Ruth PENFOLDS TASTING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 6-8pm Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz /cabernet sauvignon Penfolds Coonawara Thomas Hyland Chardonnay Penfolds RWT shiraz
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, November 3rd, 7 pm ~ Meritage + Claret Taste-Off Reservations are recommended. Saturday, November 4th, 3-6 pm ~ Affordable French Wines
The Winery of Versailles Sat, Nov 4th, from 7 to 9, will be a Party on the Patio night, with music by Mary Knapke and Friend, fall foods, and for dessert, roasted marshmallows over the fire pit! Warm wine, food, music, door prizes and fun. They have ordered tent sides and have a commercial patio heater. Cost is $10 per person.
TomKatz Wine Tasting for Wednesday, November 8th. Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Phone: 937-743-8111 Address: S.R. 73 just East of I75 Tasting: Wolf Blass Winery Yellow Label Chardonnay Yellow Label Merlot Gold Label Riesling Gold Label Shiraz
La Petite France
November 16, 2005, will host a traditional Nouveau Beaujolais wine tasting party. There is also a special four course dinner, for $35, with the following menu selected to go with the Nouveau Beaujolais! The appetizer will be a goat cheese crepe, followed by pumpkin soup or house salad; then, roasted pork tenderloin with fig chutney, mashed carrots and parsnips. Dessert will be chocolate mousse with mixed berries and whipped cream.
December 7th at 6:30 pm, will be the annual sparkling wine and champagne tasting dinner.
Villa di Giovanni - AN ITALIAN WINE DINNER November 6, 2006, 6:30 p.m., $60 per person Reservations Required. Please call the Villa at 879-1400
Altemasi Graal Brut Mix Greens w/Peach Slices and Almonds, Lite Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette Due Uve (white) Penne Pasta Tossed with Wild Mushroom Rague Bertani Secco Bertani Grilled Steak, Garlic Green Beans, and Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Red Skin Potatoes Bertani Amarone Classico Chocolate Raspberry Flourless Tort Bertani Recioto
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DLM Holiday Show spreads out, relaxes — and gets it right
A year ago, here’s how Uncorked described the 2005 Dorothy Lane Market Holiday Food and Wine Show:
Okay, I’m curious to hear what YOU thought about the DLM food and wine show. Tell you what. I’ll go first.The food was fabulous, an absolute feast of well-prepared, high-quality eats, and plentiful, too. The wines were also very high in quality, varied and plentiful. But this event was oversold. Especially during the first hour …it was gridlock in many places on the first floor … The situation was irritating.
Some of you disagreed. Most of you didn’t. But the key point is: Through the readers of this blog and, I’m sure, from many other forms of feedback, the DLM folks listened. They made changes. They spread the food stations and the wine stations out. They limited the amount of tickets that were sold. And this year’s holiday show was much more enjoyable as a result.
At least, that’s my view. What did you think?
To me, the logistics worked much better this year, with only some initial gridlock at the seafood station providing any mild exasperation, and even that quickly evaporated when attendees got their plate of king crab, shrimp and oysters. The food at this event is stunning in both its variety and quality, and hundreds of DLM employees work heroically to pull off this minor miracle. The wines were impressive across the board, with strong selections from Bordeaux and other regions of France, from California, from Italy, a smattering of German wines, some high-quality sparklers and dessert wines — you get the idea.
To be sure, the $70 price tag for this event sets the bar pretty high. I think DLM met the challenge. This holiday show not only had great food and great wines, but also a more relaxed, positive vibe. And I suspect that you, the readers of Uncorked, played a role in making that happen.
But that’s just my opinion. Click on “post your comment” below and let us know yours. And if you have suggestions of how the DLM holiday show can be improved, don’t keep them to yourself.
Because your opinion matters.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Red-wine extract keeps fat mice healthy
The good news about the health benefits of wine keep pouring in, though this one may be tough to swallow, or at the very least, should be taken with a few gallons of caution.
The lastest comes from Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging, whose study study suggests that obese mice on a high-fat diet got the benefits of being thin — living healthier, longer lives - without the pain of dieting when they consumed huge doses of red wine extract, according to the Associated Press.
Here’s more from the AP story:
Fat-related deaths dropped 31 percent for obese mice on the supplement, compared to fat mice that got no treatment. The mice that got the wine extract also lived longer than expected, the study showed. And astoundingly, the organs of the treated fat mice looked normal when they shouldn’t have, said study lead author Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School. “They’re chubby but inside they look great,” Sinclair said Wednesday afternoon. “You have to pinch yourself to make sure that this is all real, but the study involved 27 different researchers each of whom had a Eureka moment.” Sinclair said other preliminary work still under way shows the wine ingredient has promise in extending the lives of normal-sized mice, too.
The first catch, obviously, is that this hasn’t been proven in humans. The second is that the dose of resveratrol, a compound found in red-wine grapes and some other berries, that was given to the mice is roughly equal to 100 bottles of wine a day in humans.
So maybe you want to keep your corkscrew holstered for the time being.
Still, this is fine news, and it comes on the heels of a separate study that suggests red wine might work to protect the brain from damage after a stroke, and of yet another study that suggested compounds in cabernet sauvignon (and presumambly other forms of red wine) may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Now it would be prudent to point out, even on a wine blog, that the alcohol in wine, if not consumed in moderation, can ruin your health and destroy lives in countless ways.
But still, for those of us who do enjoy wine on a regular basis, these studies certainly aren’t discouraging. In fact, forget what I said about keeping your corkscrew idle. Looks like a glass of red wine may someday be just what the doctor ordered.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Should you trust Consumer Reports wine ratings?
The December issue of Consumer Reports magazine wades into the wine-ratings war with some subtle barbs directed at other wine consumer publications and high praise indeed for its own methodology.
But let’s take a closer look.
(As this is written, there is no link to the wine story available yet on the magazine’s “current issue” portion of its web site, which still lists November’s features and mentions the wine report is “coming soon.”)
Consumer Reports President Jim Guest writes in his opening commentary entitled “Judging wine with another scale” that the magazine chooses wines to evaluate that did well in previous tests, are produced in large-enough quantities to be widely available, and are reasonably priced. And it also includes wines that “have generated a buzz in other publications.”
Hmm. Interesting selection criteria.
Guest goes on to say that the magazine chooses not to use a 100-point scale to rate wines, but instead uses a rating system from “poor” to “excellent.” Then he lobs this little grenade:
You won’t, however, read “Consumer Reports rates this wine ‘excellent’” on (any wine store) shelves or in any advertising, since we don’t allow the use of our Ratings to promote products. Nor do we run ads in our magazine, so you’ll never see a glossy wine ad opposite our Ratings of the same wine.”
Is he suggesting that scores in other publications are bought and paid for? Hmmm.
And don’t you love the way the magazine capitalizes the term “Ratings” when it refers to its own? Almost gives CR’s evaluations a certain, shall we say, Biblical authority, don’t you think?
CR’s tasting methodology appears rigorous: “Secret shoppers” buy the wines anonymously at retail, rather than accepting free bottles from the winery, “so there’s no chance that we’ll get a bottle specially selected to impress us.” The wines are tasted blind, and every wine is tasted four times, each from a different bottle. This does sound more thorough than methods used by other wine-rating publications.
But who, might you ask, is really doing the tasting?
That remains a bit of a mystery.
“We enlist the trained palates of two wine experts with almost 60 years of combined experience,” Guest says, without identifying who these experts are.
I don’t know about you, but I can think of a several people with decades of experience tasting wines whose opinions I wouldn’t put two cents worth of stock into. But I guess we’re supposed to trust this pair of mystery tasters.
Guest says in explaining why the magazine chose not to use the 100-point scale that the magazine, as well as the two tasting experts, “believe there’s too much subjectivity in wine tasting to declare a bottle a 90, say, instead of an 89.”
But there’s not too much subjectivity to two — count ‘em, TWO — palates determining whether a wine is “very good” or “excellent?” Heck, when the magazine rates restaurant chains and grocery store chains, it uses the opinions of thousands of its subscribers nationwide who fill out a CR survey. But its wine ratings depend on exactly two palates belonging to folks we know nothing about?
Hmmm….
For the record, the magazine awarded “excellent” ratings to three chardonnays — 2004 Edna Valley Paragon San Luis Obispo County, ‘04 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Monterey-Santa Barbara Counties, and ‘04 Beringer Napa Valley, all priced from $14 to $20 in the magazine — and to two zinfandels, the ‘04 Seghesio Family Vineyards Sonoma County ($20) and the ‘04 Cellar No. 8 ($10, a “CR Best Buy). No cabernet sauvignons received a score of “excellent,” though the ‘02 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Columbia Valley collected a “CR Best Buy” designation for its “very good” rating and its $11 price tag.
What do you think? How much faith do you put in CR’s ratings? Would its evaluations affect your buying decisions any more or any less than Parker’s or Wine Spectator’s?
Thanks and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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