Kroger Aquatic Center opens
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Home > Blogs > Uncorked > Archives > 2007 > September
September 2007
New wine targets Christian consumers
Grapes of Galilee wine labelsIt comes from the land of Galilee, its vines nurtured by the waters of the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized. Crafted “with the modern Christian in mind,” it’s “ideal for celebrations such as wedding receptions and communions, or any festive occasions when Christians seek a physical connection to their spiritual homeland.” So sayeth Haroz Vintners, makers of The Grapes of Galilee wines. Here’s what the winemakers had to say about their product in a news release:
“The history of this wine is something that we can all share together,” says UC San Diego student Adam Haroz, who founded import company Haroz Vintners with his father, Pini, after being inspired by a trip to Israel. “I hope to provide a way to strengthen the bond between Israel and many other people through bringing wine from Galilee to the houses of the Christian community.”
Israeli wines have made great strides in recent decades, and the Galilee region is best suited for viticulture. The high elevation, cool breezes, marked day and night temperature changes and rich, well-drained soils make the area ideal for The Grapes of Galilee’s cabernet, merlot and chardonnay varietals. All three Grapes of Galilee wines are currently available in the United States.
—Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - Deep royal purple, showing herbal and black olive flavors backed up nicely by currants and wild berries. Soft tannins and good balance make the wine fun to drink. — Merlot 2005 - Medium bodied, with soft tannins and generous berry and black cherry fruits; very pleasant. — Chardonnay 2006 - Light gold, medium bodied, with citrus and tropical fruits on a lightly earthy background. Good balancing acidity keeps the wine lively and fruity.
The wines are currently available in retail stores in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York — and wholesale distributors in several other states are in the works. “This is a completely unique venture,” says president Pini Haroz. “No one else is doing anything like this.”
So there you have it. A wine born in Israel, marketed to Christians in America.
I wonder what the son’s major is at UC San Diego?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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AIWF, Jay’s teams up to educate Englewood fifth-graders about food
I’ve got a cute little story in this morning’s Dayton Daily News about yesterday’s “Days of Taste” program at Jay’s Restaurant. Check out a couple of photos of the event:
Using seaweed and (thankfully)not someone’s finger, Jeff Robinson of Jay’s Restaurant demonstrates that live lobsters do, indeed, pinch.
Englewood Elementary School fifth-graders Tessa Nunn and Ian Shadowens help prepare salad for themselves and 40 classmates Thursday at Jay’s Restaurant as part of the American Institute of Wine and Food’s “Days of Taste” program.
Photos by Mark Fisher — to see more photos (taken by a real photographer, the DDN’s Jan Underwood, not me!), click here.
Space limitations restricted how much I was able to write in this morning’s paper, but thanks to the efforts of Tina Nicholson, who chaired the Days of Taste program for the Dayton chapter of the AIWF; Amy Haverstick, Jay Haverstick, Executive Chef Justin White, and several other employees from Jay’s Restaurant; and several other AIWF members who volunteered to be servers and cleanup crew for the luncheon.
Most important, the kids had a blast. And they learned a lot, too.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Wines for the harvest moon
Thursday night’s harvest moon was spec-TAC-ular. And there are plenty of opportunities to toast its magnificence throughout the Miami Valley this weekend. Click on “continue reading” below to see just exactly what treasures await. Don’t forget, for tastings and events in the greater Cincinnati area, check out My Wine Education. Cheers!
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, September 28, 2007 4-8 pm 2004 Chandon Unoaked Chardonnay 2003 Chateau de Parenchere Cuvee Raphael 2003 Chateau de Parenchere Bordeaux 2003 Chateau Branaire DuCru 2002 Chateau Leoville Barton
Saturday, September 29, 2007 1-6 pm 2005 Verget Bourgogne 2004 Penfolds Magill Estates 2003 Chateau Fontenil 2003 Paul Hobbs Stagecoach Cabernet
Monday, October 1, 2007 Schramsberg Wine Dinner with Schramsberg’s CEO, Hugh Davies - 7 pm $49 includes tax and gratuity. Mirabelle Brut
Carmelized Pear and Cauliflower Soup with Brie and Toasted Almonds Mirabelle Brut Rose
Sauteed Salmon and Halibut with a Parsley Caper Lemon Sauce over Spinach Couscous NV Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc
Beef /Lobster Wellington with Truffle Butter and Vegetables NV Schramsberg Brut Rose and NV Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs
Surprise Dessert! NV Schramsberg Cremant
Arrow Wine & Spirits Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, September 29, 2007 11-5 pm 2006 freakout 2006 domaine manciat-poncet macon charnay 2006 a to z pinot noir, oregon 2005 mantra cabernet sauvignon, sonoma 2004 four sisters shiraz 2004 mas de can blau
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, September 28, 2007 5-8pm Temple Bruer Chenin Blanc 2005 Louis Jadot Santenay 2003 Pretty Sally Cabernet 2003 Spahnn MoJo 2004 Pavillon Rouge 2004 Brown Bag
Saturday, September 29, 2007 1-6 pm Cancave Champagne NV Canturuti Pinot Grigio 2005 Chehalem Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard 2004 Podero La Vigno Matitato Tuscan 2003 J C. Cellars The Imposter 2005 Chateau Boswell Cabernet 2004 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Southern Tier Unearthly IPA, St. Peter’s Cream Stout
DLM Washington Square Thursday, September 27, 2007 5-8 pm 2005 Chateau Belair Monstet Bordeaux Blanc 2004 Domaine la Boussiere Gigondas 2004 Chateau de Parenchere Bordeaux Tradition 2000 Frescobaldi Montessodi 2004 Palacios Les Terasses Priorat Encore Wine!
Saturday, September 29, 2007 12-5 pm 2006 Frei Brothers Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Arcadian “Sleepy Hollow” Chardonnay 2005 Merum Monastrell 2004 Alto Moncayo Veraton 2001 Beringer Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Encore Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, September 28, 2007 3-7pm 06 Gini Soave 04 Prunotto Dolcetto D’Alba 03 La Spinetta Pin 03 Le Fonti Chianti Classico Reserva
Saturday, September 29, 2007 12-5 pm 04 Calera Mt. Harlen Chardonnay 04 Hitching Post Pinot Noir Fiddlestix 05 Rosenblum Rockpile Zinfandel 02 Ladera 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 Tasting from Friday, September 28-Thursday, October 4, 2007 Surprise features! Beer: Belll’s Oberon Food: TBD
Sweetest Day Tasting Saturday, October 20 Bellbrook Massage will be here providing massages. A sweetheart inspired wine menu and snacks.
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Centerville Saturday, September 22, 2007 11 am-5 pm 937-433-6778 2005 William Fevre Champs Royal Chablis… 2006 Anne Aimee Cuvee;… 2006 McManis Pinot Noir… 2005 Curious Beagle Cabernet Sauvignon… 2003 Don Tommaso Chianti Classico… 2004 Steltzner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tasting Thursday 6:00-8:00, Sunday 4:00-7:00. Black Mountain Chardonnay (2005) California. Black Mountain Fat Cab Cabernet Sauvignon (2004) California. Black Mountain Zinfandel (2005) California.
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne Saturday, September 29, 2007 Noon to 10PM
Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Barnard Griffin Wines - Washington State 2006 Chardonnay 2005 Cabernet 2006 Fume Blanc 2005 Syrah 2006 White reisling 2004 Merlot MARKET WINE IMPORTS (2nd Street Market) Saturday September 29, 2007 10AM to 1:00PM
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm in the bar. Wednesday, October 3, 2007 KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Petit Chenin, 2006 BLACKJACK RANCH Syrah Santa Barbara County Maximus, 2002 CASA LAPOSTOLLE Merlot Colchagua Valley Apalta Vineyard Cuvee Alexandre, 2004 RIDGELINE Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, 2002
Pacchia Wine Tasting, 410 East Fifth Street Thursday, September 27, 2007 6-8 pm “Pop pop fizz fizz…” Champagne Tasting!
Tuesday, October 2nd at 7:00pm Pacchia is going to have a five course dinner with wines. Seating will be limited. Chateau De Sancerre, William Selyam Pinot Noir (‘05), Vieux Telegraph (‘98), Arietta (‘98), Branson (‘98), Numanthia (‘98) Graham’s 1985 Vintage Port. The price for the dinner is $100 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Call 937-341-5050 for reservations.
Therapy Cafe, 452 E. Third St., Therapy-cafe.com Sunday,September 30, 2007 from 4-8 pm Tuscany Complimentary tapas and deserts will be provided. Battle of Other reds - Zinfandel vs Petite Sirah Vinum Cellars “Pets” Petite Sirah 2002 Dashe dry Creek Zinfandel 2004 Judd’s Hill Petite Sirah 2002 Sausal Zinfandel Reserve 2004 Selby Zinfandel 2005 Parducci Petite Sirah 2004 X Winery Zinfandel - Nova Vineyard 2002 Lava cap Petite Sirah and Sunday football games!
A Taste of Wine at 90 S. Main St. in Miamisburg 2006 Columbia Cellar Master Riesling ,Wash State 2006 Luna Freakout , Napa 2004 Niclos Potel Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2005 Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Cabernet 2005 PKNT Carmenere, Chile Strongbow Dry Cider, England
The Winds Wine Cellar Yellow Springs, OH October 5, 2007 7:00 pm Burgundy Tasting with David Schildknecht Miami Valley Wine Wine Tasting 5pm to 9pm Friday September 21st, 2007 Riscasoli Brolio Chianti Classic FormulaeRicasoli Zed Sauv. Blanc Black Elk Shiraz Black Elk Pinot Grigio Napa Ridge Pinot Grigio
Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity Women Build Public Wine Tasting October 26, 2007 5:00p.m. $25 per ticket Carvers Restaurant 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd The first 100 people through the door receive a FREE gift Wine Hors d’oeuvres Raffles All proceeds to benefit the 2008 Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity Women Build Advance Tickets: http://daytonhabitat.org
El Meson Concha y Toro-Wine Dinner Wednesday, October 3, 2007 7:00 pm. $65 per person includes tax and gratuity. Call for credit card reservations 859-8229. Mr. Bill Whiting, US representative of the Concha y Toro winery will be tasting wines from Santiago, Chile. This is a five course Chilean and Argentine dinner and wine tasting.
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, September 28th, 5-8 pm - Vintage Favorites & Silpada Jewelry
Saturday, September 29th ~ 3-6 pm, Five Wines, $10 ~ All Red!
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
On Friday evening, September 28th is the next Taste of France gourmet dinner featuring specialties from the Lyon region.
Wine Cart Wine Bar - 6206 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester, Ohio 513-860-
Kinkead Ridge Winery 904 Hamburg Street Ripley OH 45167 937-392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com
Reopening for a special barrel tasting the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
Harmony Hill Vineyards 2534 Swings Corner Pt. Isabel Road, Bethel, Ohio 45106 (513) 734-3548 Fax: (775) 402-7424 www.hhwines.com Friday and Saturday wine tastings and entertainment through September.
Inn at Versailles - Banfi Dinner October 5, 2007 at 7:00pm Reservations Required 937-526-3020 innatversailles@earthlink.net Maschio Prosecco Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Brushetta Fumaio Mixed Organic Micro Greens, Smoked Trout& Fall Pear Salad with a Sherry Walnut Dressing Principessa Gavi Grilled Portabella Mushroom with Lump Crab, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Castello Banfi Rosso di Montelcino Veal Saltimbucca with Saute’d Wild Mushrooms Santori Amarone Locally grown, Grilled Lamb Chop with an Apricot, Fresh Mint and Garlic Glaze Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Smoked Buffalo Tenderloin with a Caramelized Shallot, Sambucca and Demi-Glace Sauce Banfi Rosa Regale Black Cherry Gelato
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Ohio’s new wine laws: ‘Oops, we didn’t mean to do THAT …’
I am struck dumb by what I read in this story from Cleveland Plain Dealer’s web site entitled “State uncorks law limiting wine sales” — especially by this excerpt:
… one of the main architects of the budget said the ban, which was added in the Senate Finance Committee this spring, wasn’t what he meant to do. “It was not supposed to apply to consumers,” Rep. Matthew Dolan, a Russell Township Republican and chairman of the House Finance Committee, said Tuesday. “When it came back from the Senate, I probably didn’t read it as closely as I should have.”
Oh. My. Gosh.
On June 14, I posted an entry on this page entitled New wine laws dropped into state budget bill with little examination or debate, attempting to raise the alarm that Ohio legislators were poised to slip into law, very quietly, some new wine shipping laws with little or no scrutiny, let alone analysis.
At the time, I did not understand what the law’s impact would be, because frankly, I could not translate the legalistic language in the bill.
Apparently I was not alone.
Apparently the legislators who delivered this new law to us didn’t know what they were voting on, being in such a rush, you know, to get home for the summer.
Unbelievable.
What are your thoughts on the Plain Dealer’s story?
Mark Fisher
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Surprise! Looky who made the Wine Spectator ‘Top 5’
Well, Ohio wineries are once again earning national recognition — and not just for their wines.
Our friends at Kinkead Ridge, whom we wrote about just a few weeks ago, have been named one of five finalists for Wine Spectator’s Video Contest, the magazine announced. The video is entitled “The Romance of the Vineyard” with tongue planted firmly in cheek. It’s well worth the less-than-three-minutes of your time.
The Kinkead Ridge entry was one of the first two finalists announced by the Spectator. The three other finalists will be named later in the week. Online readers can rate each video from one to five stars (what, no 100-point scale?). Voting closes Oct. 5; the winner will be announced Oct. 8. Winners get a free pass to the magazine’s Wine Experience events in NYC.
So take a look at the video and get out there and vote!
Cheers …
Mark Fisher
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Wine shop owner will close his shop Saturday after 26 years
Marshall’s Wine & Liquor in Englewood will close its doors for good on Saturday.
“It’s been a fun choice of careers, I’ll have to say,” said Marshall Harris, who has operated a retail wine shop in northern Montgomery County since 1981. “I’ll miss my customers, that’s for sure … This community has been very, very good to me.”
Harris purchased Boston’s Wine Cellar in Harrison Twp. 1981, then launched Marshall’s Wine in Englewood 1995. He sold Boston’s in 1996.
Harris said he made the decision to close after Kroger approached him about the liquor agency. “Kroger wanted to buy my liquor contract, and I sold it to them,” Harris said. His wine license is tied in with his liquor-selling license, so he did not consider keeping Marshall’s open as a wine-and-beer-only shop.
“After 26 years, it’s time to rest a while,” Harris said.
The wine shop is offering 20 percent off case orders of wine through Saturday. There is no price break for individual bottles. There will be a sale of shelves, desks, computer equipment and other items on Oct 6. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kroger, 855 Union Blvd., will start selling spirits on Oct. 2, and will also hold a wine tasting on that “grand opening” day, Kroger spokeswoman Rachael Betzler said today. Wine tastings also will be held starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Oct. 5-7 and Oct. 12-14, Betzler said. The store is planning on expanding its wine selection, she said.
Anybody got a good Marshall Harris story to share?
Mark Fisher
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Servers offer view from ‘The Other Side’ of restaurant pet peeves
(Looking for the wine tastings list? Click here).
As this morning’s story in the Dayton Daily News Go! section details, the reaction to my Restaurant Pet Peeves piece from two weeks ago unleashed a tsunami of responses, from the four dozen comments on Uncorked to the many emails and phone calls (and one good old-fashioned letter) from folks who wanted to vent about their restaurant gripes.
One email response was a bit different from all the rest, however. It was a point-by-point rebuttal to the original piece, and it came from a local woman who obviously had spent time on the other side of the restaurant pet-peeve equation, serving customers. Another comment, this one on Uncorked, came from a server in Minnesota who spoke from decades of experience, and she too had plenty to say (including this plea: “Don’t hit on me!”)
So click on “continue reading” to read the the perspective of Jacalyn Huber of Butler Twp, as well as the comments of Dawn from Minnesota. What do you think of their rebuttals?
My thanks to all who contributed … Cheers!
Mark Fisher
THE OTHER SIDE
By Jacalyn Huber
“— Washing Tables: I suppose I’m surprised by the concept that it offends a customer that the facility cares about cleanliness. In a society where we all carry germicidal liquids in fear of germs it seems that we would all like to know that the restaurant we are dining is clean. I would agree that perhaps the cleaning solutions should be evaluated for the intensity of aroma and adjusted accordingly. But I have been complemented many times for attending to cleanliness. Have you ever been in a restaurant where you couldn’t find a clean table? Did you ever return?
— Patios: After all they are outside. With the advent of the non-smoking policy I think restaurant owners are simply trying to be accommodating to as many potential customers as possible. Are you as offended by the fireworks at the Reds game or the car emissions from the street? If you are near a smoker who is outside, move, because smokers have relocated to accommodate you.
— Ordering from the menu: Firstly, every restaurant can and will run out of something at sometime. Late delivery by a purveyor, a substandard product, a mistake in ordering or any number of other things affect this. However, I do agree that the consumer should be notified immediately if there are any voids on the menu for the evening. That is the attention to detail that a restaurant owner, manager or chef must transmit to their employees…don’t kill the messenger.
— Swinging by the table: There is an “old school” notion of “silent service”, which means, you , as the server, move past your guests and observe their experience quietly. It is obvious when a guest is having a problem or needs something and that is when you stop to speak. If you don’t see your server for the duration of your meal, you are in the wrong restaurant.
— Doggie boxes: Truthfully, most of the time people choose to box their own food. It’s a concept I don’t understand. If the server can bring your food to you why can’t they wrap it for you? I never expect a guest to wrap their own food. If you prefer, simply ask your server if they would box your leftovers for you when you are done. I can’t imagine anyone turning you down.
— Employee training: I really don’t know what to say. With the advent of massive amounts of “chains” and their desire to hire the youngest and freshest faces possible, there is a serious lack of training and experience. I will not argue this fact.
— The Issue of Wines: The inappropriate storage of wine is not excusable, especially in a restaurant with a Captain’s List. If your hostess or server is not presenting you with a Captain’s List you are not dealing with a professional. I can’t imagine a career server not offering that option to a guest.
— Overcooking: What can I say..this is the Midwest and a vast majority of guests want everything “DONE”. I have often asked guests how they would like their fish, pork or liver prepared and 90% of the time they look at me as though I had grown a third eye on my forehead and say “DONE”. Be honest with your server about how your would like your meal prepared because they are the people who can transmit your desires to the kitchen.
— Buying Local and Seasonal: I would certainly agree however, if you think that any chain restaurant is going to buy “local” you are dreaming. Your best bet is with the locally owned restaurants (which are dying off at an alarming rate). Unfortunately, restaurants do not change their menus to be seasonal.
— Music: If the ambience of a restaurant doesn’t suit your taste - you’re in the wrong restaurant.
— Potato: You are right, but many times potatoes dry out after baking, thus foil.”
Now, here’s a perspective from a server named Dawn from Minnesota:
I am a 35 year old woman who has worked 20 years in the retail and hospitality industry. Specifically serving in the last 5 years. I am consistantly told that I am the best waitress in town *(at each of the bars/restaurants I worked in which were all in different towns). Unfortunately my family did not have the financial means to put me through college and at this point I cannot make the same kind of money that I make waitressing in any other field without extensive, expensive schooling and several years of experience. Having said that I am devastated that MN has passed this statewide smoking ban as 80% of my current customers are smokers. The ban goes into effect in two weeks and I am petrified of what this is going to do to my income. Because of my income I am able to support myself and my ten year old without having to be a burden on family and without having to depend on state aid. I am not sure what the future holds. I am not sure that this decision should have been taken out of the hands of a business owner as there is a constitution right with respect to a business and property ownership and I am not even sure that what they’ve done is legal. But water under the bridge now, there’s not much I can do about it except pray that the smokers will still patronize, and pray that the non-smokers will as well. And tip decently. So enough about the smoking ban. My pet peeves as a patron are: when someone other than the person who took my order brings it out. They don’t know who gets what. Servers who don’t count back my exact change including coins. Don’t assume I’m going to let you keep the coins. Give me all my change and then I’ll tip you. And the biggest one is while dining out with extended family including small children and/or observing a server who is waiting on a group with small children I just want to get up and slap the server who just held a tray full of food or drink over the child’s head or handed a plate over their head or placed a hot plate in front of them! GET A CLUE! My pet peeves as a server: People who don’t understand the difference between how to tip on meal service and how to tip on liquor service. 10-20% is standard for meal service, but tipping on a liquor tab is far more detailed. As a patron enjoying an evening out with friends at a bar please remember to consider when tipping: length of time you’ve been sitting at their table, price of each drink (if it’s 2 for 1 still tip on each one), how many trips to your table to clear the old glasses, ashtrays, wipe up spills etc. If you’ve been sitting at the bar for say 4 hours and your bar tab is $60.00, but that server brought you 10 drinks and made a total of 15 stops at your table the 20% $12.00 tip probably isn’t adequate. Should be more like $15-$20. For fast friendly service on top. Don’t ask me what kind of beer I carry. That could take ten minutes to list them all. Instead ask if I carry the kind you would like and if I don’t carry it I could recommend a similar one. DO NOT HIT ON ME!!!!! I do not come to your job and hit on you. I am single and If you are interested in me come back a few times and see if there is a spark, but for the most part I am there to see to your food and beverage needs. I have read some of the other posts and while I can see how it would be annoying to have a stranger call you by a term of endearment I consistantly use them when dealing with my regulars. I do not do that with new or occasional customers. But, since those new and occasional customer usually end up as regulars I am sure I’ll end up calling them sweetie, hon or dear eventually. LOL. I particularly didn’t like the person’s response who said that they didn’t want to know the servers name and that they were there to serve you and be invisible. I don’t know where you eat or drink, but where I come from 90% of my customers know my name and I know theirs and they enjoy the heck out of meeting me and having me remember them, their kids, what they did for a living, what they drank, did they want a lime in it, how they liked their burger. Because of this, there can be more than 100 people in the bar and I am the only server and I could tell you and any given time exactly what each person is drinking, how many they’ve had, how long they’ve been in the bar today, what they are eating or waiting for. etc. My customers appreciate my memory and my special care. It seems that people seem to forget that even though we a waiting on you at a restaurant you are not better than us. By being short, curt, rude or otherwise unkind or unfriendly you are acting like you are better than us. We are here to make sure you enjoy yourself and we deserve your respect. You would never treat your hostess who invited you into their home for a party the way that you treat staff at a restaurant and basically we are doing the same thing. Trying to make you comfortable and seeing to your needs. Same thing. But you would bring your hostess a gift to thank her for the invitation and hospitality. Servers sometimes get a nominal tip and your unfriendliness. I on the other hand have been stopped in public by someone I used to wait on three years ago in another city, just to tell me how much she appreciated the special treatment I gave her elderly father. He liked how I never forgot how he liked his coffee and I would teasingly flirt with him about running away with him. He had since passed away and she remembered my kindness. I have patrons buy me flowers and chocolates, bring me vegetables from their garden and had a lady buy me a pair of earrings that she saw while shopping and “thought of me” and I’d only waited on her 3 times before that. I am not trying to brag here and am trying to get across a few points. Not all servers are unintelligent and beneath you. They deserve your respect, your friendliness, and your appropriately sized tip. If you are unsure how to do this as another server how much to tip yours or a friend who may have been in the service industry. Your server is not going to be comfortable telling you the appropriate amount. Althought, one time I had a guy pay with his credit card and he said “how much to you want for a tip” and I jokingly said $100.00, and he wrote it in! LOL OMG that doesn’t happen nearly often enough.Tweet
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A weekend of wonder awaits
Got tastings? Darn tootin’ we got tastings. Click on “Continue reading” to view the list that is compiled by a Dayton-based listserv and reprinted here on Uncorked just for YOU … Cheers!
Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, September 21, 2007 4-8 pm Louis Latour Portfolio Tasting Burgundyfest 2007!
Saturday, September 22, 2007 1-6 pm Louis Latour Portfolio Tasting Burgundyfest 2007!
Lobsterfest Saturday, September 22, 2007 $65 Steamed Mussels, Shrimp and Lobster in a Garlic-White Wine Broth, Lobster Apple Slaw, While Steamed Maine Lobster with Buttered Potatoes, Green Beans and Sweet Corn Pudding, Berry Basket
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, September 22, 2007 11-5 pm 2004 Lincourt Chardonnay 2006 Curran Grenache Blanc 2005 Domaine Puydeval 2004 Four Sisters Merlot 2005 Justin “The Orphan” 2003 Cenit Vinas del Cenit
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, September 21, 2007 5-8pm Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Paras Vineyard Viognier 2005 Pretty Sally Shiraz 2004 Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso di Montalacino 2005 Valle la Pena Malbec 2001 Brown Bag
Saturday, September 22, 2007 1-6 pm Gramona Cava 2005 Vie di Romans Chardonnay 2005 Bruno Colin Chassagne-Montrachet (red) 2005 Paras Vineyard Grenache 2005 Peltier Station Petite Sirah 2005 Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley 2003 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Mad River Steelhead Pale Ale, Southern Tier Hop Sun, Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA, Ft. Collins Rocky Mtn IPA
DLM Washington Square Thursday, September 20, 2007 5-8 pm 2006 Ken Forrester Petite Chenin 2005 Potel Aviron Moulin a Vent 1999 Chateau du Roquefort Rubrum Oscurum 2005 Cecchi Bonizio 2004 Domaine la Boussiere Vacqueyras Mystery Wine!
Saturday, September 22, 2007 12-5 pm 2006 Verget Bourgogne Blanc 2005 Sanford Pinot Noir 2003 Domaine Pui Deval Languedoc 2005 Ross Estate Shiraz 2003 Northstar Merlot Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, September 21, 2007 3-7pm 2005 Varner Bee Block Chardonnay 2002 Stella Maris Red Wine 2003 Morgan Syrah 2004 Pezzi King Cabernet
Saturday, September 22, 2007 12-5 pm 2005 Ramey Hudson Chardonnay 2004 Cloudview Cabernet 2005 Caymus Cabernet 2001 Merryvale Beckstoffer 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 Tasting from Friday, September 21-Thursday, September 27, 2007 Ken Forrester 2006 Petit Chenin Pine Ridge 2006 Chenin/Viognier L’Ecole 41 2005 Semillon Villa Martina 2004 Refosco Domaine Finchman 2005 Red Note Hard Yards Shiraz Termes 2005 by Numanthia
Beer: Bell’s Oberon Food: TBD
Sweetest Day Tasting Saturday, October 20 Bellbrook Massage will be here providing massages. A sweetheart inspired wine menu and snacks.
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Centerville Saturday, September 22, 2007 11 am-5 pm 937-433-6778 2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Heaven Vineyard… 2004 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay… 2004 Perrin Réserve Cotes du Rhone… 2005 Peltier Station Petite Sirah… 2006 Shotfire Shiraz… 2004 Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tasting Thursday 6:00-8:00, Sunday 4:00-7:00. Grigio Luna Pinto Grigio (2006) IGT Delle Venezie, Italy.Villa Cerrina Montepulciano (2005) DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy. Gaetano d’Aquino Riserva (2004) DOC Chianti, Italy.
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne Saturday, September 22, 2007 Noon to 10PM 2005 Leal Vineyards Estaete Grown Chardonnay 2006 Dunham Four Legged Riesling 2005 Chateau de Selle Domaines Ott Cotes de Provence 2005 McNab Ridge Pinotage 2004 Temple Bruer 2004 Longhorne Creek GSV 2005 Black Bart Syrah
Wednesday, September 26, 2007, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Morgan, unfiltered, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Liberty School Chardonnay, Special Cuvee Castle Rock, California Cuvee, Pinot Noir Laurer Glen Terra Rosa Malbec 2002 FIFE Redhead Red
MARKET WINE IMPORTS (2nd Street Market) Saturday September 22, 2007 10AM to 1:00PM NV Chaucer’s Raspberry Mead 2004 Pretty Sally Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Blend
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm in the bar. Wednesday, September 26, 2007 ANTINORI Umbria Castello della Sala, 2005 ROSENBLUM Zinfandel Rockpile Road Vineyard, 2005 WHITEHALL LANE Merlot Napa Valley, 2003 CHATEAU DE CRUZEAU Pessac-Leognan, 2003
Pacchia Wine Tasting, 410 East Fifth Street Thursday, September 20, 2007 6-8 pm Thursday 9/20: D’arenberg Winery of Australia
Therapy Cafe, 452 E. Third St., Therapy-cafe.com Sunday,September 23, 2007 from 4-8 pm Tuscany Complimentary tapas and deserts will be provided. 2005 Fontaleoni Vernaccia 2001 Boccadigabbia Chardonnay 2005 Dei Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 2004 Ciacci Piccolomini D’Argona 2004 Avignonesi vino nobile de Montepulciano 2005 Felsina Chianti Classico 2003 Luigi d’ Alessandro “Cortona” NV Ferrari Brut
Winans (Dayton Mall) Wine Tasting 6-10 pm Thursday, September 20 Ice Wine Tasting , Different Ice Wines from around the world.
The Winds Wine Cellar Yellow Springs, OH October 5, 2007 7:00 pm Burgundy Tasting with David Schildknecht
Miami Valley Wine Wine Tasting 5pm to 9pm Friday September 21st, 2007 Rosenblum Fess Parker Syrah Rosenblum lyons Vinyard Pinot Noir Rosenblum Snows Lake Zinfandel Mr. Riggs Shiraz Viognier Carson Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Wellington Grille Thursday night, 9-20-07 McManis Pinot Grigio McManis Pinot Noir McManis Zinfandel McManis Pitite Sirah Cimicky Trumps Shiraz Steltzner Napa Cabernet
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, September 21st, 7 pm Oregon & Washington State Wines Six wines from the Desert Wind Winery. Three whites, three reds, light appetizers, reservations recommended.
Saturday, September 22nd, 3-6 pm Washington State Wines
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
On Friday evening, September 28th is the next Taste of France gourmet dinner featuring specialties from the Lyon region.
Wine Cart Wine Bar - 6206 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester, Ohio 513-860-WINE Friday, 9-21-07 5:30pm- 9pm Australian Tasting Stickleback White blend Heartland Pinot Gris/Viognier Stickleback Red Blend Langmeil 3 Gardens GSM Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz
Kinkead Ridge Winery 904 Hamburg Street Ripley OH 45167 937-392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com Last Day for the public is September 22, 2007 11 - 5 Reopening for a special barrel tasting the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
Harmony Hill Vineyards 2534 Swings Corner Pt. Isabel Road, Bethel, Ohio 45106 (513) 734-3548 Fax: (775) 402-7424 www.hhwines.com Friday and Saturday wine tastings and entertainment.
Inn at Versailles - Banfi Dinner October 5, 2007 at 7:00pm ~875.00 inclusive Reservations Required 937-526-3020 innatversailles@earthlink.net Maschio Prosecco Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Brushetta Fumaio Mixed Organic Micro Greens, Smoked Trout& Fall Pear Salad with a Sherry Walnut Dressing Principessa Gavi Grilled Portabella Mushroom with Lump Crab, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Castello Banfi Rosso di Montelcino Veal Saltimbucca with Saute’d Wild Mushrooms Santori Amarone Locally grown, Grilled Lamb Chop with an Apricot, Fresh Mint and Garlic Glaze Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Smoked Buffalo Tenderloin with a Caramelized Shallot, Sambucca and Demi-Glace Sauce Banfi Rosa Regale Black Cherry Gelato
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Community colleges groom students for careers in wine industry
Wine-related courses and majors are popping up at community colleges across the country, including in some rather unexpected places, according to this story from Community College Weekly. (Note: I’m no relation to the “Marla Fisher” who wrote the story, and no, it’s not my alter-ego pen name.) The publication includes a full list of wine programs at community colleges around the country, in places such as Des Moines, Iowa.
Des Moines? Iowa??
Say, our local community college here in Dayton, Ohio — Sinclair Community College — has a motto of, “Find a need and fill it.” You don’t suppose … hmmmm…. Can you say, “Associate’s Degree in Wine Tasting?”
A tip of the cap to Gary Honnert, Sinclair’s executive director of public relations, for alerting me to this story.
Cheers!
Mark
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News flash: New wine bar and retail shop to open tomorrow
The Miami Valley’s thriving wine scene is poised to welcome a new player.
A Taste of Wine, a wine bar and retail wine shop, is scheduled to open at 2 p.m. Thursday at 90 S. Main St. in downtown Miamisburg. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miamisburg city officials will mark the opening. The wine bar will have a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
The business is owned by retired schoolteacher Bonnie Nolan and Kim Broomhall, technology coordinator at Fairmont High School. Broomhall said she and Nolan have visited wineries in California and Michigan, as well as wine bars and wine shops in the Miami Valley, and were looking to open a business.
“We felt that Miamisburg, with all of the revitalization going on, would be a good fit” for the wine bar and retail shop, Broomhall said.
The owners are planning food-and-wine pairings and Wine 101 classes and tastings, Broomhall said. The store stocks a variety of imported and micro brews in addition to wines, she said.
A Taste of Wine seats 50 inside and has a patio that holds about 35, the shop’s co-owner said. It will be open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The wine shop doesn’t yet have a web site, but the shop can be reached via email at atasteofwine@gmail.com or by phone at (937) 247-1120.
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A pause to reflect — and to appreciate
Just a quick note to express my heartfelt thanks to you for reading, commenting on and otherwise supporting this humble little venture called Uncorked.
This wine blog celebrates its second birthday today, and it’s been quite a ride, thanks to readers who have made this page a lively, dynamic, informative and entertaining place. You are the lifeblood of Uncorked, and I very much appreciate your support.
I know one thing: I’m still having fun. Hope you are too.
Cheers — and thanks for reading!
Mark Fisher
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Blazing a trail to Paso Robles
Wedding Hill at Adelaida Cellars in Paso Robles, Ca. (Photo by Mark Fisher)
I just can’t view this photograph often enough, and I’ve got more excuses to do so today, courtesy of two hot-off-the-presses stories about California’s most intriguing, up-and-coming wine region, Paso Robles.
The first story, entitled Winemaker’s one shot a year from SanLuisObispo.com, profiles Terry Culton, winemaker for Adelaida Cellars. The second was written by some guy named Robert Parker for Food and Wine magazine, and it’s entitled The Promise of Paso Robles.
(Sigh.) Binner Dunnat.
Both stories evoke the trip that some wine-enthusiastic friends and I took in May 2006. That visit was memorable for more reasons than one. We spent quite a bit of time with Terry, and visited some of the wineries singled out by that Parker guy (obviously, he’s been getting his tips from Uncorked again … )
I don’t know about you, but visits to wine country do tend to lodge themselves into the Fond Memory Center of my brain in a way that other vacations do not. Every time I see stories about Paso, a certain nostalgia creeps over me, as do stories about Santa Barbara, which I visited oh-so-briefly a few years ago. Not to mention Napa and Sonoma, on whose hallowed vineyards my feet first tread on my honeymoon with Julie in 1984.
These wine-country visits can create a personal connection with wines and people and places that no amount of tasting can replicate, don’t you think?
Got a good wine-country story to share?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Insert your own punchline: Gallo, Martha Stewart team up to produce wine
Okay, I’ve got to admit, I kept checking my calendar as I was reading this to make sure it wasn’t April 1. But, well, this is no joke. Wine Enthusiast magazine reports that Gallo and Martha Stewart are collaborating to release a joint wine brand.
(Drum roll, please.) Can anyone come up with a proposed name or two for this Gallo-Martha Stewart joint wine brand?
Me first, you say? Well, if you insist … How about:
Turning (Over a New) Leaf?
Bartles & Martha & James?
Hearty Jailhouse Burgundy?
Isn’t the wine world a grand place? Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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The horn of plenty — plenty of wine tastings, that is
Anybody else recall the old wine-tastings list that we used to publish in the Dayton Daily News — the one that some weeks contained a couple of tastings from Arrow and Dorothy Lane Market, and that was pretty much it?
Yowzah. Contrast that with the robust, varied, amazing list that is compiled and distributed these days by a Dayton-based listserv, and which appears every Friday or thereabouts on Uncorked. Think wine has gotten juuuuust a tad more popular? And that’s there’s juuuust a bit more competition for your tasting dollar out there? The tastings list grew again this week with the addition of Winans chocolate shop at the Dayton Mall. Take a look at what they’re tasting, as well as Chin’s Ginger Grill, another recent addition to the ever-expanding list. And note that Cuvee in Bellbrook will be closed on Saturday, Sept. 15 for family reasons.
So much wine, so little time, eh? These are interesting times, wine-wise. Click on “continue reading” to find out just HOW interesting.
Don’t forget, for tastings and events in the greater Cincinnati area, check out My Wine Education. Cheers!
Don’t forget Urban Nights this Friday in Downtown Dayton
Jays Kitchen Door Friday, September 14, 2007 4-8 pm 2005 Incognito Viognier Lodi 2005 Acacia Pinot Noir Lone Tree Vineyard 2004 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 St Clement Oroppas 2002 Casa Silva Quinta Generacion
Saturday, September 1, 2007 1-6 pm 2005 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Ferrari-Carano Siena 2004 Spring Valley Vineyard Uriah 2003 Swanson Alexis
Burgundy Dinner, Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:00 pm
Lobsterfest Saturday, September 22, 2007 $65 Steamed Mussels, Shrimp and Lobster in a Garlic-White Wine Broth, Lobster Apple Slaw, While Steamed Maine Lobster with Buttered Potatoes, Green Beans and Sweet Corn Pudding, Berry Basket
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, September 15, 2007 11-5 pm 2006 Goose Bumps Sparkling Shiraz 2005 Crotereau Qunicy 2005 Bollig-Lehnert Riesling, Piesporter Goldtroppchen Spatlese 2005 Winter Creek The Old Barossa Blend 2003 Domaine de la Casa Blanca, Collioure 2006 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, September 14, 2007 5-8pm Angels Tears White NV Coteaux D’Ancenis Rose 2006 Eola Hills Pinot Noir 2006 Temple Bruer Shiraz/Malbec 2003 Samuels Gorge Grenache 2004 Brown Bag
Saturday, September 15, 2007 1-6 pm Luna Freak Out White 2006 Merlia Cherrier Sancerre 2005 Bouchard Pommard 2005 Saintbury Brown’s Ranch Pinot Noir 2004 Long Shadows Chester Kidder Red 2004 Chateau Belgrave Haut Medoc 2004 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Coniston Bluebird Bitter XB, Stone 11th Anniversary
DLM Washington Square Thursday, September 13, 2007 5-8 pm 2006 Martin Codax Albarino 2005 Fratelli Revello Dolcetto d’Alba 2006 Chateau les Quatre Filles Cotes du Rhone 2006 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Franc 2002 Scopetone Brunello di Montalcino Mystery Wine!
Saturday, September 15, 2007 12-5 pm 2006 Hendry Pinot Gris 2006 Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir 2005 Mosen Cleto Reserva 2004 D’Arenburg Love Grass Shiraz 2004 Selby Merlot Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, September 14, 2007 3-7pm 2004 Kitfox Foxy White 2002 Torbreck Juveniles 2001 Rocking Horse Zinfandel 2003 Joseph Phelps Le Mistral
Saturday, September 15, 2007 12-5 pm 2005 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 1999 Penfolds Grange 2001 Axios Cabernet 2005 The Advocate
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 - 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 - 8 pm NOTE: Cuvee will be closed on Saturday, Sept. 15 for family reasons www.cuveewinebar.net Tasting from Friday, September 14-Thursday, September 20, 2007 Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Pine Ridge Chenin/Viognier Ocone Taburno Greco Villa Martina Refosco Domaine Fincham Red Note Hard Yards Shiraz
Beer: Bell’s Oberon Food: TBD
Sweetest Day Tasting Saturday, October 20 Bellbrook Massage will be here providing massages. A sweetheart inspired wine menu and snacks.
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Centerville Saturday, September 15, 2007 11 am-5 pm 937-433-6778 2005 Searidge Chardonnay… 2005 Steele Pinot Blanc… 2005 Torres Sangre de Toro… 2004 Ravenswood Sonoma Zinfandel… 2005 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tasting Thursday 6:00-8:00, Sunday 4:00-7:00. Penmara Chardonnay (2006) New South Wales, Australia. Penmara Merlot (2005) New South Wales, Australia. Penmara Shiraz (2005) New South Wales, Australia.
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Larochette-Manciat Macon Morizottes Chateau Lamothe de Haux Blanc Chateau Giron Bordeaux Tenuta di Ghizzano il Ghizzano Don Tommaso Chianti Classico Complimentary appetizers will be served.
MARKET WINE IMPORTS (2nd Street Market) Saturday September 15, 2007 10AM to 1:00PM Stop by the farmers market and see the tasting selections before touring the tastes of Dayton.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm in the bar. Wednesday, September 19, 2007 JAFFELIN Pouilly-Fuisse, 2004 SCOTT HARVEY Zinfandel Amador County Mountain Selection, 2003 GARGIULO Merlot Oakville Money Road Ranch, 2003 DUCKHORN Napa Valley Decoy, 2005
Pacchia Wine Tasting, 410 East Fifth Street Thursday, September 13, 2007 6-8 pm Goran Ivanovic, the guitar player with Eastern Bloc and Fareed Haque are playing tonight! Pacchia is pairing the entertainment with a vintner of Croatian descent, Mike Grigch, of Grigch Hills Winery. Mike Grigch first made notoriety by winning the 1976 Paris “blind” Tasting with his Chardonnay. He then teamed up with Austin Hills (Hills Bros. Coffee) to create Grigch Hills.
Therapy Cafe, 452 E. Third St., Therapy-cafe.com Sunday,September 9, 2007 from 4-8 pm Complimentary tapas and desserts will be provided. California Cabs and Chards Fox Chardonnay 2005 Pecota Kara’s Cabernet 2003 Steltzner Claret 2004 Jim Tonjum Cellars- Curious Beagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Burnet Ridge Purple Trillium 2004 Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2005 Sketchbook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Mount Eden “Wolff” Chardonnay 2005
Winans (Dayton Mall) Wine Tasting 6-10 pm Thursday, September 13th Italian Wine Tasting combined with world class chocolates.
Thursday, September 20 Ice Wine Tasting , Different Ice Wines from around the world.
The Winds Wine Cellar Yellow Springs, OH September 14, 2007 7:00 pm 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tasting
October 5, 2007 7:00 pm Burgundy Tasting with David Schildknecht
Chin’s Ginger Grill in Tipp City holds a monthly wine tasting events on the third Thursday of every month. Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 PM Chin’s will be featuring wines of New Zealand, including wines from Kim Crawford Wines and Stoneleigh Marlborough Wines
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, September 14, 7 pm Wines of Lodi,California (Reservations recommended) Saturday, September 15, 3-6 Lodi wines revisited.
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
Friday evening, September 14, a wine dinner entitled “Journey through France”. A wine expert will provide commentary on each of the featured wines. Aperitifs will be served at 6:30pm. $60 per person.
On Friday evening, September 28th is the next Taste of France gourmet dinner featuring specialties from the Lyon region.
Kinkead Ridge Winery 904 Hamburg Street Ripley OH 45167 937-392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com Last Day for the public is September 15, 2007 11 - 5 Reopening for a special barrel tasting the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
Inn at Versailles - Banfi Dinner October 5, 2007 at 7:00pm ~875.00 inclusive Reservations Required 937-526-3020 innatversailles@earthlink.net Maschio Prosecco Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Brushetta Fumaio Mixed Organic Micro Greens, Smoked Trout& Fall Pear Salad with a Sherry Walnut Dressing Principessa Gavi Grilled Portabella Mushroom with Lump Crab, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Castello Banfi Rosso di Montelcino Veal Saltimbucca with Saute’d Wild Mushrooms Santori Amarone Locally grown, Grilled Lamb Chop with an Apricot, Fresh Mint and Garlic Glaze Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Smoked Buffalo Tenderloin with a Caramelized Shallot, Sambucca and Demi-Glace Sauce Banfi Rosa Regale Black Cherry Gelato
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Time to check YOUR Thomas Jefferson wines for authenticity
Warning: it’s loooooooong, but this story from the New Yorker entitled “The Jefferson Bottles: How could one collector find so much rare fine wine” is the most fascinating wine stories I’ve encountered in months. (If you’re at work, save it for tonight or this weekend, if productivity is important to you …)
If this piece were fiction, it’d be a a whodunit, a spy novel, a mystery — heck, a movie script, all rolled into one. But, well, it’s not fiction, apparently. And it makes one wonder about the credibility of not only the German collector who is at the center of the controversy, but also of the wine titans who may — may — have been duped by the guy: folks like Robert Parker and Michael Broadbent. Well, not their overall credibility, but certainly their gullibility.
Better run down to your cellars right now and check that “Th.J.” engraving on your 18th Century wines …
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Harmony Hill takes a different approach to wine and fun
Harmony Hill’s Bill Skvarla on the entertainment patio of his winery
The following piece is scheduled to be published Friday in the Life section of the Dayton Daily News, but because you Uncorked readers are special, you get a “sneak peek” …
BETHEL, Oh. — A certain playfulness permeates Harmony Hill Vineyards in Bethel, about 30 miles east of Cincinnati. That’s apparent by the directional sign on the winery’s grounds that shows one arrow pointing west: “Napa — 2,390 miles” — and one pointing east: “Bethel, 2 miles.”
“It’s not so much about the wine as it is the experience,” says Bill Skvarla, who co-owns Harmony Hill with his wife Patti. “We just want people to enjoy the country.”
Wellllll, sometimes it is about the wine. After all, Harmony Hill produces several bottlings from grapes grown around the winery, including a tasty, off-dry Vidal Blanc called Concerto ($9.95). They sell the bottles from the tasting room, and on weekends, folks bring picnic baskets (Harmony Hill doesn’t serve food) to enjoy with the local wines while listening to live entertainment.
The winery is open on weekends — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays — through the end of September, then closes down for harvest. It reopens briefly for a barrel sampling the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
One of the attractions is the newly opened “Cellar On The Hill,” Harmony Hill’s wine cave. It consists of four 30,000 pound pre-constructed concrete archways joined together to make the roof of the cave, placed by crane into an existing dry-pond bed and covered with earth. The wine barrels resting in the cave are gravity-fed through underground lines which connect the cave to the winery above.
It’s a pretty ambitious undertaking for a couple of nurses: Patti is a full-time nurse-anesthetist, Bill is an emergency room nurse, now working part time. The couple met when they were teenagers and have been married 28 years. They operated an organically certified medicinal herb farm on the property before planting vineyards.
Now, rather than medicinal herbs, the acres are filled with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, riesling, chardonnay, syval blanc, traminette and chambourcin.
“We’re still trying to find what grows best here,” Skvarla said. “We’ve trashed a lot of vines.”
The killer frost last spring damaged some of his vines, so the forced replanting will continue, with cab franc and chambourcin replacing the more delicate cabernet sauvignon, he said.
Skvarla’s playful side came out when he invited customers to “name that wine” — a blackberry dessert wine that Harmony Hill fermented this summer. He got more than 150 entries, such as Blackberry Boogie, Black Magic Woman and Heavenly Harmony. The Skvarlas ended up choosing “Berry Suite” as the winner.
For more information on Harmony Hill, go to www.hhwines.com or call (513) 734-3548.
Photos by Mark Fisher/Dayton Daily News
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Caption contest ! Name this ‘wine ‘n’ bait’ shop …
A tip of the cap to eagle-eyed Uncorked reader Dennis Hall, who spotted the following story in The News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina, headlined The wine and bait shop. It’s a good ol’ hoot.
My question to you: What should a shop like this be named?
Any suggestions?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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What is UP with this Fisher guy, and why are his stories popping up everywhere?
Who IS this mystery man, and how the heck do his stories keep popping up in the most unusual of places, such as Wines & Vines magazine?
It is an enigma for the ages …
Actually, this story was originally scheduled to run a couple of months ago, but the magazine’s editors ran out of room (geez, maybe I should write shorter stories …). The September issue unveils a new look for Wines & Vines along with what the magazine calls “enhanced content.”
Well, I can assure you there’s nothing (ahem) enhanced about my content … My story is all natural. And hopefully it will contribute a tiny, tiny bit in educating wine folks in California and elsewhere about winemaking in Ohio.
Thanks for reading, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Restaurant pet peeves
This morning (Friday), I have a fun, wicked little story in the Go! section of the Dayton Daily News on restaurant pet peeves. And I’ve invited readers to share THEIR pet peeves right here on Uncorked. So … join in the delicious fun. What aggravates the livin’ daylights out of you when you are eating out??
Read mine, then share yours ….
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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A wine-tastings list to be proud of, to embrace, to love …
The best, most luminous, wine-tastings list you will every lay your eyes on, courtesy of a Dayton-based wine listserv, available to you, with a mere click of the “continue reading” link below … Cheers! Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door
Friday, September 7, 2007 4-8 pm
1999 Veuve Clicquot Rose, 2003 E.Guigal Crozes Hermitag, 2003 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Nei Cannubi, 2000 Chateau Maucaillou Moulis, 2002 Chateau Phelan Segur Saint Estephe,
Saturday, September 1, 2007 1-6 pm
Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault, Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Pommard Premier Cru, Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Aloxe Corton.
Burgundy Dinner, Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:00 pm
Lobsterfest Saturday, September 22, 2007 $65:
Steamed Mussels, Shrimp and Lobster in a Garlic-White Wine Broth, Lobster Apple Slaw, While Steamed Maine Lobster with Buttered Potatoes, Green Beans and Sweet Corn Pudding, Berry Basket
Arrow Far Hills - Kettering Saturday, September 8, 2007 11-5 pm ARROW FAR HILLS SUPER SATURDAY (partial list of 20+ selections) 2001 pinino brunello di montalcino, 2005 anne amie pinot noir, 2004 kaesler shiraz, 2005 jaffurs viognier, 2005 spring valley uriah, 2005 mac murray pinot gris, 2004 pedestal, 2006 poet’s leap riesling, 2005 clos des brusquieres chateauneuf du pape.
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Oakwood Friday, September 7, 2007 5-8pm A selection of fine wines! Brown Bag
Saturday, September 8, 2007 1-6 pm Another selection of fine wines and beers! Bonus Bottles!
DLM Washington Square
Thursday, September 6, 2007 5-8 pm
2006 Viento Sur Torrontes, 2005 Belpoggio Rosso Piceno, 2005 J.L. Chave Cotes du Rhone, 2005 Viento Sur Malbec, 2004 Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon, Mystery Wine!
Saturday, September 8, 2007 12-5 pm
“Italian Wines are Great All the Time”
2005 Filadonna Pinot Grigio, 2004 Mauro Veglio Nebbiolo, 2005 Pertimali Rosso di Montalcino, 2004 Don Tomasso Chianti Classico, 2002 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino, Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro
Friday, September 7, 2007 3-7pm
2004 Henschke White Wine, 2005 Drew Pinot Noir, 2005 Plungerhead Lodi Zinfandel, 2005 Beau Vigne Juliet Cabernet.
Saturday, September 8, 2007 12-5 pm
NV G.H. Mumm Champagne, 2006 Verget Macon “La Roche”, 2004 Miller Syrah, 1998 Conn creek Anthology Red Wine.
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.
Tasting from Friday, September 7-Thursday, September 6, 2007
Avery Lane Riesling 2005, Kincaid Ridge 2006 Viognier Roussanne, Bernard Griffin 2005 Chardonnay, Alain Jaume 2002 Vacqueyras, Kincaide Ridge 2005 Cabernet Franc, 39 Degrees 2005 Cabernet, Beer: Harpoon Octoberfest, Food: TBD.
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Centerville
Saturday, September 8, 2007 11 am-5 pm 937-433-6778
Super Saturday! 20-25 wines
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills
Tasting Thursday 6:00-8:00, Sunday 4:00-7:00.
Purple Moon Chardonnay (2005) California. Purple Moon Merlot (2005) California. Purple Moon Shiraz (2005) California.
The Wine Gallery and Cafe, Corner of 3rd and Wayne
Saturday, September 8, 2007 2 - 10 pm
Artisan Sauvignon Blanc Flight: 2005 Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2005 St Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Catalina Sounds, Sauvignon Blanc
Rocca Cabernet Sauvignon Flight:
2003 Martin Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Showket Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
2005 Temple Bruer Chenin Blanc 2004 Wise Chardonnay 2004 Temple Bruer Grenache Shiraz Viognier 2003 Temple Bruer Shiraz Melbec 2005 Schild Estate Shiraz (93 pt WS) Complimentary appetizers will be served.
MARKET WINE IMPORTS (2nd Street Market)
Saturday September 1, 2007 10AM to 1:00PM
Stop by the farmers market and see the tasting selections before touring the tastes of Dayton.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 937-320-9548
Wine Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm in the bar. Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Chalk Hill Chardonnay Imagine Russian Valley 2004, George Duboeuf Julienas Chateau des Capitans 2005,, Castiglion del Bosco, Brunello di Montalcino, Murphy Goode Claret Alexander Valley Wildcard 2003.
Pacchia Wine Tasting, 410 East Fifth Street
Thursday, September 6, 2007 6-8 pm
“Just Screw it” wines of New Zealand featuring Lawson’s Dry Hills winery.
Therapy Cafe, 452 E. Third St., Therapy-cafe.com
Sunday,September 9, 2007 from 4-8 pm
Complimentary cheese, fruit, tapas and deserts will be provided.
The Winds Wine Cellar Yellow Springs, OH
September 14, 2007 7:00 pm
2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tasting
October 5, 2007 7:00 pm
Burgundy Tasting with David Schildknecht
Chin’s Ginger Grill in Tipp City holds a monthly wine tasting events on the third Thursday of every month. Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 PM Chin’s will be featuring wines of New Zealand, including wines from Kim Crawford Wines and Stoneleigh Marlborough Wines
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, September 7, 7 pm Marvelous Merlots The “Anti-Sideways” Tasting Saturday, September 8, 3-6 pm Smooth Red Wines
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
Friday evening, September 14, a wine dinner entitled “Journey through France”. A wine expert will provide commentary on each of the featured wines. Aperitifs will be served at 6:30pm. $60 per person.
On Friday evening, September 28th is the next Taste of France gourmet dinner featuring specialties from the Lyon region. Kinkead Ridge Winery 904 Hamburg Street Ripley OH 45167 937-392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com Last Day for the public is September 8, 2007 11 - 5 Reopening for a special barrel tasting the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
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Rethinking Bordeaux
A Bordeaux that has no cabernet sauvignon, no merlot, no cab franc?
No problem, says Thierry Bos, whose family has been making wine since 1935 in the Entre-deux-Mers region of Bordeaux. In a Wine Enthusiast Online story entitled “The Grapes of Yesteryear”, Bos pledges his commitment to the “endangered” grape varietals of Bordeaux: Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere, from which he makes a wine called Le Cep D’Antan, or Grapes of Long Ago.
The story coincides with a Decanter.com piece entitled Petit Verdot on the rise in Bordeaux, which notes that Bordeaux plantings of Petit Verdot have risen 10 percent in recent years.
Has anyone tried a varietal Petit Verdot? What does it taste/smell like? How is it different from the other Bordeaux varietals?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Dayton sets the wine trends, New Yorkers follow …
Crazy coincidence, this: One day after writing about Long Shadows winery on Uncorked, I get a press release from Food and Wine announcing the magazine’s American Wine Awards 2007. And guess who won the “Winery of the Year” award? You guessed it: Long Shadows.
It’s as if everyone in New York City is sitting on the edges of their seats, waiting to read the latest dispatch from here in heartland, then scrambling to act accordingly.
Okay, not really. But still, fun timing.
Good to see Robert Foley and Kermit Lynch get some love from the Food and Wine awards, which also recognize the magazine’s “Best American Wines” by varietal, separated into two categories, under-$20 and over-$20. Some fun stuff there, too. Anybody tried any of the wines mentioned?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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The concept may sound gimmicky, but the wines aren’t
At first glance, the concept behind Long Shadows wines — bringing big-name winemakers from around the world to Washington State to make wines — comes across as a bit gimmicky.
The wines put that notion to rest rather quickly.
Long Shadows is the brainchild of Allen Shoup, who for two decades helped build up Washington State winemaking powerhouse Stimson Lane (think Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest and other wineries). Shoup has recruited an A-list of “vintner partners” . These partners — folks such as Michel Rolland, Randy Dunn and Agustin Huneeus Sr., to name a few — not only come to Washington to make their wines, but also buy into the concept in other ways, since each winery under Long Shadows’ long shadow is “individually owned and managed as a separate partnership,” according to the winery’s web site.
I had a chance to try some of the wines in the Long Shadows lineup recently, which was both fun and educational, since my tasting experience with Washington State wines, shall we say, lacks depth.
The wines certainly didn’t. The Long Shadows lineup consists of world-class wines that show Washington State can compete against the best. Especially when they’re made by the best. Here are my tasting notes:
— 2004 Pedestal Merlot: 77 percent merlot, blended with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot, blessed by megastar visiting winemaker-consultant Michel Rolland. And indeed the wine is Pomerol-like, with rich, round fruit leaping from the glass, a wine of viscosity and incredible length. ($59.99)
— 2004 Pirouette: A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and syrah produced by Agustin Huneeus and Philippe Melka. Rich and ripe, but also tannic and structured, and not as forward as the Pedestal. All the components are there for a long, rewarding life. ($59.99)
— 2004 Sequel Syrah: 97 percent syrah, and made under the direction of John Duval, who for 15 years made Penfold’s Grange, Australia’s flagship shiraz. And in fact you’ll immediately notice the Australian influence with its sweet, jammy, up-front fruit, though it is followed by a dry finish that is almost austere compared to the entry. ($59.99)
— 2004 Chester-Kidder: A blend of 58 percent cabernet sauvignon, 29 percent syrah, 10 percent cab franc and 3 percent petit verdot made by Long Shadows “resident winemaker” Gilles Nicault, who has made wine at Woodward Canyon. Gilles proves he can hang with the big dawgs with a massive blockbuster of a wine with plenty of everything: fruit, tannin, acidity, and incredible length. This wine’s just a baby. ($54.99)
— 2005 Poet’s Leap Riesling: Crafted by Armin Diel, who owns Germany’s Schlossgut Diel. Apple-tinged, pure riesling fruit, framed by a pleasantly tongue-tingling acidity, this is an intense, food-friendly riesling. ($22.99)
The tasting suggests that Long Shadows its wines — which will be available shortly in small quantities at some Dayton-area wine shops and has distribution nationally — are no gimmick and will bear watching, along with their A-list vintners.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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The best cheap wines
America Online’s food folks have proclaimed the “Top wines for under $5.99 (Or Less!)”, including two from Barefoot Cellars, one from Trader Joe’s, along with a Torrentes from Argentina.
Anybody tried any of these wines lately? What do you think of AOL’s recommendations? What do you think are the best inexpensive wines?
Happy Labor Day!
Mark Fisher
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