Sunday, May 20, 2007
Our monthly gathering of "winos" took place today. This could have been called Grand Cru St. Emilion. Of the 12 red wines brought, 8 were Grand Cru from St. Emilion. I wonder what will happen next month at our "Grand Cru", "Premier Cru" & "First Growth" tasting in June.
A few things stood out today. One of the champagnes I really liked was the NV Agrapart & Fils, Les 7 Cru, Brut.
There were two older wines brought, both 1993, Grand Cru, St. Emilion. Different Chateaus. Old wine is very interesting. The color turns copper, the fruit becomes less jammy, but the wine still holds a certain elegance to it and you can still taste the layers and complexity. I think it becomes an aquired taste (like scotch)
I did like the 2000 Chateau Couey, Montagne - Maurese, St, Emilion.
Strange that I do not care for Merlots, yet that is what these wines were. Perhaps California winemakers try to make Merlots to take the place of Cabernet and miss what the wine should really be.
Nothing to exciting to "blog" about except that we always seem to have a couple of wines brought to our monthly gatherings that do not meet the theme. This time I was the culprit. I have had a "champagne" in the vinotemp waiting for this tasting. When I looked at the label when I was getting ready to leave my "casa" the label indicated "Blanc de Noirs" Traditionnelle Methode. It was a French sparkling brought in by Charles B. Mitchell Winery in Fairplay, California. They were the "negociant" of this wine. Everyone agreed that it was very nice, but alas it did not meet the criteria for the theme. For this I get 989 lashes with the "wet noodle". Senility is getting closer all the time.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Oregon Pinot Noir Tasting
Friday, May 18, 2007. Wine Country http://www.thewinecountry.com held a "World Class Oregon Pinot Noir" tasting and seminar. Greg Sanders of White Rose Wines was there talking about his wines. Most of the wines were OK. A couple really stood out for me. The 2004 Domaine Serene "Evanstad Reserve" at $49.99 and the 2004 White Rose "Dragons Bluff" at $55.99. I tasted the 2003 Stoller, at $31.99 which had a very odd taste to the back finish. When I said something about it, Kelly went and got a clean glass and re poured the wine for me. The odd taste was not there in the second glass. Makes you wonder, if the first glass was not rinsed thoroughly and still had soap residue in it. The 2005 Chehalem 3 Vineyard at $23.99 had so much Brett that I found it unpalatable.
Apparently Wine Country now has a policy of pre-selecting where you will be seated at the tables for these seminars. They had name tags on your place. This was explained to me by Kelly that the "reason" was so that larger parties coming in and wanting to sit together would not be broken up by ones and twos. Since I usually make my reservation as a single and meet people there that I want to sit with, this new policy is not "sitting" well with me. I arrive early and I always take an end seat and if I am meeting someone will secure their seats next to my "end" seat. If I am alone I still take an end seat so not to break up couples, etc. I have certain areas that I like to sit at. I stay away from the cooler, because of the noise and I like to be fairly close to the speaker. I have a problem with hearing when there is a lot of background noise. Also when people get into their 3rd or 4th glass of wine their conversations become louder and it makes it difficult to hear if you are in the middle or back. I do attend the seminars to learn, not to get buzzed or because it is a happening.
My thought is, if you have several people in your party and want to sit together then someone should come early and secure your seats. Don't come in at 7:25 and expect everyone to shuffle around to accommodate you. That's just as rude as a single taking a seat right in the middle of the row.
Needless to say I was very vocal about the new arrangements. Several people agreed with me but didn't have the "%^&$%^#@" to say anything. They just mumbled to themselves.
I am signed up to attend their seminar on New Zealand Wines next week. If I still have to sit someplace that I'm not comfortable in, then it will be the last time I attend a seminar at Wine Country
Apparently Wine Country now has a policy of pre-selecting where you will be seated at the tables for these seminars. They had name tags on your place. This was explained to me by Kelly that the "reason" was so that larger parties coming in and wanting to sit together would not be broken up by ones and twos. Since I usually make my reservation as a single and meet people there that I want to sit with, this new policy is not "sitting" well with me. I arrive early and I always take an end seat and if I am meeting someone will secure their seats next to my "end" seat. If I am alone I still take an end seat so not to break up couples, etc. I have certain areas that I like to sit at. I stay away from the cooler, because of the noise and I like to be fairly close to the speaker. I have a problem with hearing when there is a lot of background noise. Also when people get into their 3rd or 4th glass of wine their conversations become louder and it makes it difficult to hear if you are in the middle or back. I do attend the seminars to learn, not to get buzzed or because it is a happening.
My thought is, if you have several people in your party and want to sit together then someone should come early and secure your seats. Don't come in at 7:25 and expect everyone to shuffle around to accommodate you. That's just as rude as a single taking a seat right in the middle of the row.
Needless to say I was very vocal about the new arrangements. Several people agreed with me but didn't have the "%^&$%^#@" to say anything. They just mumbled to themselves.
I am signed up to attend their seminar on New Zealand Wines next week. If I still have to sit someplace that I'm not comfortable in, then it will be the last time I attend a seminar at Wine Country
Last Call at Delius
Saturday, May 19, 2007 was the last day at the now "past" location of Delius Restaurant. I stopped in Friday night for "Last Call". It is sad to see it close after all these years. The understated elegance, no loud blaring music, no televisions to distract you from conversation made this my "watering hole" for the last 8 years or so.
All the furniture, paintings and accessories were either sold to the "regulars" or Dave & Louise took them home. I did purchase the stands that held the cloth hand towels in the women's restroom. Not to sure what I am going to use them for. They could hold candles, glass balls, etc., When I get them home I will find a place for them.
I ate my last meal, Friday. A must have of Duck breast with polenta and asparagus. I wish I could cook a duck breast like Louise does. Hers is always so succulent and juicy. Just perfect. Also a must have was the "Russian Cream" for dessert.
The new location will be opening on Friday, June 1, 2007. The renovations are almost complete. The outside of the building looks like an art deco structure from South Beach. I am so looking forward to seeing the inside. I will have that privilege with a few other select people next week.
Everything at the new location will be new. Complete bar, new menu, open for lunch and walk in dinner. The "prix fixe" dining area will still be there. Louise will be the chef for the "prix fixe" dinners and the other half of the kitchen will handle the walk in trade. Two different menus. I have met the new bar manager "Ed". I refreshed his memory on how the make a "Sidecar". That will be the first drink I order.
All the furniture, paintings and accessories were either sold to the "regulars" or Dave & Louise took them home. I did purchase the stands that held the cloth hand towels in the women's restroom. Not to sure what I am going to use them for. They could hold candles, glass balls, etc., When I get them home I will find a place for them.
I ate my last meal, Friday. A must have of Duck breast with polenta and asparagus. I wish I could cook a duck breast like Louise does. Hers is always so succulent and juicy. Just perfect. Also a must have was the "Russian Cream" for dessert.
The new location will be opening on Friday, June 1, 2007. The renovations are almost complete. The outside of the building looks like an art deco structure from South Beach. I am so looking forward to seeing the inside. I will have that privilege with a few other select people next week.
Everything at the new location will be new. Complete bar, new menu, open for lunch and walk in dinner. The "prix fixe" dining area will still be there. Louise will be the chef for the "prix fixe" dinners and the other half of the kitchen will handle the walk in trade. Two different menus. I have met the new bar manager "Ed". I refreshed his memory on how the make a "Sidecar". That will be the first drink I order.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Where Are People's Common Sense When They Drive
I know this has nothing to do with wine & food, but lately I have had more than a few instances lately of people cutting over lanes to make a turn, or just plain stop in a lane and try to merge over to make a turn. This is on city streets not the freeway. (That's another story) I would assume that you should know where you are going and if you are going to be making a right or left hand turn. Even if you are using a map or directions you still know which way you will be turning. It seems that it would make common sense to get into the appropriate lane at least a few blocks before you need to make the turn.
Competition Judging
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Felt like a work day. Had to get up , eat breakfast, dress and leave my "Casa" to head on down to the Orange County Fairgrounds and sign in to attend a "Judging Seminar and Workshop" for the Orange County Fair Home Wine Competition. This is put on by the Orange County Wine Society.
Came across my friend Clyde walking in at the same time and then David Scales of MAWL wines showed up.
The workshop consisted of the objectives for judging, discussion on how awards are given, the Davis 20 point scoring system, smelling different components of wine, both good and bad and going over the Peterson Method of Judging Large Flights of Wine.
After a short break we then proceeded to taste and score some practice wines. 8 wines in total, 4 whites, 3 reds and a dessert wine. At least my scores were fairly consistent with other people in the panels that I was on, so I wasn't in over my head. I did seem to score a few points lower than most but I was still in the range for same award given by the others.
I found it to be quite an interesting experience. You cannot take a long time to evaluate because of the amount of wines that will be entered in the competition. So you go with your first reaction and don't over analyze.
I do not know if I will be called for the actual judging in June. I hope so, as I feel it will really be something out of the ordinary for me. If not, then I still have had an unique experience just in attending the workshop and I did learn some things from it.
A day without learning something new is a wasted day.
Felt like a work day. Had to get up , eat breakfast, dress and leave my "Casa" to head on down to the Orange County Fairgrounds and sign in to attend a "Judging Seminar and Workshop" for the Orange County Fair Home Wine Competition. This is put on by the Orange County Wine Society.
Came across my friend Clyde walking in at the same time and then David Scales of MAWL wines showed up.
The workshop consisted of the objectives for judging, discussion on how awards are given, the Davis 20 point scoring system, smelling different components of wine, both good and bad and going over the Peterson Method of Judging Large Flights of Wine.
After a short break we then proceeded to taste and score some practice wines. 8 wines in total, 4 whites, 3 reds and a dessert wine. At least my scores were fairly consistent with other people in the panels that I was on, so I wasn't in over my head. I did seem to score a few points lower than most but I was still in the range for same award given by the others.
I found it to be quite an interesting experience. You cannot take a long time to evaluate because of the amount of wines that will be entered in the competition. So you go with your first reaction and don't over analyze.
I do not know if I will be called for the actual judging in June. I hope so, as I feel it will really be something out of the ordinary for me. If not, then I still have had an unique experience just in attending the workshop and I did learn some things from it.
A day without learning something new is a wasted day.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
SAWG Wine Tasting
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Our monthly gathering of the "winos" today. Today's theme was "Washington State Wines". A real mix of wineries, most I had never heard of, ABEJA, Bergevin Lane, Sapolil, Portteaus, GraEagle, Sharecroppers, Syncline. It always interesting to me where people find these wines. As many wine stores, and tastings that I attend, there always seems to be more and more new names (at least new to me)
This was a smaller group than normal. Seems everyone was out of town for the weekend. But these smaller groups are a lot of fun. Everyone is more laid back and you get a chance to talk with every person. It seems also that the wines do not disappear as quick and you can always get a second or third taste. Sometimes at the larger gatherings, I will find that I have not spoke to several people in attendance.
As usual the food was great. The hostess cooked lamb and chicken so along with all the side dishes we were very full (wine & food).
So another gathering of the "winos" is over and I am looking forward to next months meeting.
Our monthly gathering of the "winos" today. Today's theme was "Washington State Wines". A real mix of wineries, most I had never heard of, ABEJA, Bergevin Lane, Sapolil, Portteaus, GraEagle, Sharecroppers, Syncline. It always interesting to me where people find these wines. As many wine stores, and tastings that I attend, there always seems to be more and more new names (at least new to me)
This was a smaller group than normal. Seems everyone was out of town for the weekend. But these smaller groups are a lot of fun. Everyone is more laid back and you get a chance to talk with every person. It seems also that the wines do not disappear as quick and you can always get a second or third taste. Sometimes at the larger gatherings, I will find that I have not spoke to several people in attendance.
As usual the food was great. The hostess cooked lamb and chicken so along with all the side dishes we were very full (wine & food).
So another gathering of the "winos" is over and I am looking forward to next months meeting.
Belacan Malaysian Grill
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The monthly "Wine & Dine" group gathered at the Belacan Malaysian Grill in Redondo Beach tonite for dinner. This was a first for me. I had never tasted Malaysian cuisine before. Some of the dishes I really liked and a few of them were not my type , but other people enjoyed them.
Malaysian food can be quite spicy, like Indian food. We had the medium spice level with our dinner and it was fine with me, in fact I could have taken it up a notch. But some people thought it was really spicy. When you have a group of 14 people you need to cater to every ones taste and find a happy balance.
Roti Canai - Crispy fried flat bread with a curry dipping sauce (this sauce is to die for, I will have to search the Internet to see how its made)
Satay Tofu - Fried tofu stuffed with vegetables and peanut sauce
Malaysian Curry Puffs - Pastry stuffed with potato chicken curry ( another favorite - I also
put the curry dipping sauce on it)
Kuala Lampur Spring Rolls - just a bit to greasy for me
Penang Rojak - Malaysian fruit & vegetable salad (not my cup of tea but others raved about it)
Spicy Eggplant - Sauteed eggplant with spicy bean paste ( for eggplant it wasn't too bad - the
sauce helped tremendously)
Grilled Tamarind Prawn - Shrimp marinated with tamarind sauce (my favorite dish - they
cooked the shrimp with the shells on "keeps the flavor" and the tamarind sauce was excellent)
Coconut Rice - (I did not try either of the rice dishes - I'm not big into white rice)
Belacan String Beans - Sauteed green beans with spicy bean paste (Another hit for me - even
Barbara who doesn't eat anything green raved about these)
Beef Rendang - Slices of beef in Malaysian curry and spices ( I liked the sauce but I felt that
the quality of the meat left something to be desired)
Of course we had our usual assortment of wines. From sparkling Shiraz to Gerwurtzraminer to Cabernet. I did not try all the wine. I did think that the 06 Kosta Browne Rose was excellent and I am not a big Rose fan. I was disappointed in the 05 Roar Santa Lucia Pinot. It was very elegant front palate then seemed to drop off dramatically. Not to sure if I will save my bottles of this. I brought a magnum of 1999 Kunde Merlot which turned out to be much better than I thought it would be. I'm not a Merlot fan but this one was pretty good. There were several other wines I tasted that I likes but I did not keep notes on them. A Reisling stood out along with the Gerwurztraminer.
Again another fun evening with great people, good wines and unusual food. It doesn't get any better that that.
The monthly "Wine & Dine" group gathered at the Belacan Malaysian Grill in Redondo Beach tonite for dinner. This was a first for me. I had never tasted Malaysian cuisine before. Some of the dishes I really liked and a few of them were not my type , but other people enjoyed them.
Malaysian food can be quite spicy, like Indian food. We had the medium spice level with our dinner and it was fine with me, in fact I could have taken it up a notch. But some people thought it was really spicy. When you have a group of 14 people you need to cater to every ones taste and find a happy balance.
Roti Canai - Crispy fried flat bread with a curry dipping sauce (this sauce is to die for, I will have to search the Internet to see how its made)
Satay Tofu - Fried tofu stuffed with vegetables and peanut sauce
Malaysian Curry Puffs - Pastry stuffed with potato chicken curry ( another favorite - I also
put the curry dipping sauce on it)
Kuala Lampur Spring Rolls - just a bit to greasy for me
Penang Rojak - Malaysian fruit & vegetable salad (not my cup of tea but others raved about it)
Spicy Eggplant - Sauteed eggplant with spicy bean paste ( for eggplant it wasn't too bad - the
sauce helped tremendously)
Grilled Tamarind Prawn - Shrimp marinated with tamarind sauce (my favorite dish - they
cooked the shrimp with the shells on "keeps the flavor" and the tamarind sauce was excellent)
Coconut Rice - (I did not try either of the rice dishes - I'm not big into white rice)
Belacan String Beans - Sauteed green beans with spicy bean paste (Another hit for me - even
Barbara who doesn't eat anything green raved about these)
Beef Rendang - Slices of beef in Malaysian curry and spices ( I liked the sauce but I felt that
the quality of the meat left something to be desired)
Of course we had our usual assortment of wines. From sparkling Shiraz to Gerwurtzraminer to Cabernet. I did not try all the wine. I did think that the 06 Kosta Browne Rose was excellent and I am not a big Rose fan. I was disappointed in the 05 Roar Santa Lucia Pinot. It was very elegant front palate then seemed to drop off dramatically. Not to sure if I will save my bottles of this. I brought a magnum of 1999 Kunde Merlot which turned out to be much better than I thought it would be. I'm not a Merlot fan but this one was pretty good. There were several other wines I tasted that I likes but I did not keep notes on them. A Reisling stood out along with the Gerwurztraminer.
Again another fun evening with great people, good wines and unusual food. It doesn't get any better that that.
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