Saturday, January 28, 2012
(Bob Hope) Humana Classic
And the crowds are up this year as was the wind on Saturday with gusts over 65 mph, I watched Bill Clinton hit his ball in the water on 10th tee and shortly thereafter the tourney was post poned due to the wind. They evacuated the Humana Village as tents were falling down in the wind.
Several of my Disney Pro-Am golf pros were there and were doing quite well. Kevin Kisney, Spencer Levin and Johnson Wagner who won the Sony Open the week before in Hawaii. Spoke to Johnson on the 18th tee box on Friday and told him evidently plays a lot better when I'm not in his foursome...he is one who's sporting a mustache now and after talking to him he feels its good luck, but his wife hates it.
If you visit the California Desert one of the great places to visit is Old Towne La Quinta. http://oldtownlaquinta.com/ A main street loaded with boutiques, cafes, shops and a spa and...
THE WINE BAR at Old Town.
Not only do they have a great selection of California Wines I can't find in NY at prices too low to advertise, they also do regular Saturday tastings from 2 - 6pm and this week distributor Southern Wine & Spirits is on hand with some great values.
1) Brassfield "Serenity" 2010 white blend $9.99 - skipped it because I was driving.
2) Paraiso Reisling 2008 $16.99 - very refreshing after a day in the sun and not too sweet for my taste.
3) Darcie Kent Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $8.00
4) Darcie Kent Chardonnay 2009 - $8.00 Don't the price fool you, I would have never know that this was the price point. Very nice balance and big finish.
5) Darcie Kent Pinot Noir 2008 - $8.00 Another one that I wouldn't have believed this price. Nice fruit up from with a smokey earthy finish.
6) Belle Glos - Pinot Noir 2010 "Clark & Telephone" $39.99 I really liked the Darcie Pinot above until I tasted this...everything you want from a Pinot and its only going to get better. Big Flavor up front and a finish that goes on for days. Very nice wine!
7) Hillary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $25.00. I was not familar with this wine, but really like it and feels like a steal at this price.
8) Luna Sangiovese 2008 $19.99. I visited this winery a lot off Silverado Trail in Napa and feel like its always been a great value for a very interesting wine.
Now the other good news about THE WINE BAR if you purchase a bottle there, you can order food and drink it at the bar or table with no corkage fee. And you'll get to meet a lot of the locals too.
Across the street is Grill on Main Street where I love their Fish & Chips.
Above that is Hog's Breath Inn - nice restaurant started by Clint Eastwood.
Also next door is Stuft Pizza another local hangout with a great happy hour and amazing Pizza.
And moving into the new location in Old Towne is Solano - where there's normally a wait every night at their old location.
And just down a street is El Ranchito - a little hole in the wall Mexican Restaurant that has the best food.
Over at the La Quinta Resort - check out Morgans and 26 two great place for dinner. http://www.laquintaresort.com/
Well my friend Johnson Wagner mustache and all gave it a run on Sunday but finished 2nd behind Mark Wilson.
The desert is amazing place and I always feel at peace with the world there, something so calming about it.
And although its no longer called the Bob Hope Classic his memory will never be forgotten in the desert.
Thanks Bob for all the memories.
-Brian
Thursday, September 29, 2011
CHICAGO My Kind of Town
I moderated two panels this year; "OWNing Your Brand" with Erik Logan from Harpo Ent, Brian Phillips from CMT and Marc Chase of NuVoodoo Media and "Talking to Your Talent" with morning show consultant Steve Reynolds.
But let's get to the fun stuff all the great food and fine wine.
Roka Akor - Tuesday night sales dinner with CBS sales and new friends from Katz Media. Voted as one of the top 10 Sushi Spots in the US by Bon Appetit. They have a robata grill and every item has so many amazing flavors. Corner of W. Illinois and Grant across from Frontera. While they have Kirin beer on tap we enjoy some of their great wine from Napa. www.rokaakor.com/Chicago
1) Honig 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - by the glass
2) POV 2006 from Robert Sinskey - Stands for "Point of View" a propietary Red Bordeaux Blend while his winery is in the Stag's Leap district of Napa right on Silverado Trail these grapes are from Carneros region. Fantastic. http://www.robertsinskey.com/
3) Justin - Justification 2005 - A right bank Bordeaux Blend led by Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyard located in the Paso Robles AVA this wine was drinking absolutely fantastic. http://www.justinwine.com/
Petterino's - A Chicago favorite located in the Theatre District. http://www.petterino's.com/
We all had successful panels earlier in the day so its time to celebrate Wednesday night with Lori from Jacob's Media, and new friends Glenn and Bill. Their special of the night was Redfish, normally wouldn't order fish at an Italian Eatery but it was amazing and we paired it with:
1) TAZ - 2006 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills. Pinots from this region are some of the best in California thanks to hot days and very cool nights. http://www.tazvineyards.com/
Bandera - (312) 644-3524 The weather has cooled off in Chicago and I'm out with friends Frank, Mike and John as we head over to great restaurant on 535 N. Michigan Ave. that you can't even see from that side of the street because its on the 2nd floor and you'd walk right by it. Come hungry because this restaurant has big portions and an amazing wine list. Ok here are some of the must-haves on the menu; #1 Tuna Poke with Shrimp and avocado, Cornbread & Foccacia, Mac & Cheese with cornbread crumbles and the "Hacked" Chicken Salad for starters. For dinner I had the Center-Cut Filet with mashed potatoes and spinach and I couldn't even come close to finishing it....but let's get to the WINE - we are blown away from their list and we start with a battle or Pinots...
1) Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2008. WS 87pts http://www.meiomiwines.com/
Tasting notes: Juicy Pomegranate and plum fruit flavors. This is Frank's choice and its very nice, but we have another contender from the Sonoma Coast...
2) Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008. WS 93 pts
This is the highest review they have ever received from the Wine Spectator and it made their Top 100 list for 2009. Some tasting notes from winery; "This fruit driven, lush, harmonious, bold, mouthcoating wine blows other Pinots out of the water! with layers of brown sugar, cedar and rose petals balance out the smooth tannins and youthful body. The 2009 is already sold-out at the winery...there is still some 2008 out there, get it while you can! This was my choice...Frank evidently forgot who he was competing against...hey I get lots of practice!
And we're not done there is an absolute gem on the menu - I always look for the best taste and value on the menu and here is an unforgettable one
3) Diamond Creek - Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 WS 94pts
The rarest of their 3 vineyards with only 5 acres of grapes Gravelly Meadow is the their lowest yielding vineyards with the others being Red Rock Terrace and Volcanic Hill. I was just at the vineyard for barrel tastings and the winery was selling it for $175 and it was only $5 more here (I even looked up the pricing from an earlier post on this blog)...like if we called the winery right then and ordered a bottle and had it Fed-Exed it would cost more so we go for it! And with the amazing steaks this wine is one of the best I've had all year "F---ing Amazing!" The tasting notes "Earthy, Cedar, jammy and ripe blackberry with a spicy expansive finish." I'm going to have to find another bottle soon!
http://www.diamondcreekvineyards.com/
ENOlogy at the Fairmont. This is one of the reasons I love staying at this hotel for the wine bar in the lobby. And they had some great wine by the glass.
1) Chimney Rock - Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Tomahawk Vineyard, Stags Leap District
2) Chimney Rock - "Elevage"2007 Estate grown Bordeaux Blend led by Merlot.
3) Scherrer - Chardonnay 2007 Helfer Vineyard, Russian River Valley
Frontera - Home to chef Rick Bayless and creator of Frontera gourmet foods - love his salsa.
Yes there is an amazing Mexican restaurant in Chicago on 445 N. Clark Street, just across the street from Roka Akor. It is absolutely packed on Friday, but luckily a couple leaves the bar and we get the seats. Can't go wrong with the Chicken Tacos, but the Haberno salsa is so much hotter than the one at the grocery store - more Pacifico's Porfavor!
And any trip to Chicago would not be complete without a visit to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs. Sadly we won't hear "Hello again everybody Harry Caray from Wrigley Field and its a beautiful day for baseball" we miss you! Its a quick cab ride from Wacker and tickets are still available at the box office - just 7 rows off the field from 1st base. You can't go wrong with a Brat and some Old Style beer. Its warmer today the sun is out and the CUBS Win 2-1!
Its funny I got into radio with the goal of making it to Chicago and I never have, but Chicago is my kind of town and I love it! of course before winter.
-Brian
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Being A Tourist in Napa
WINERIES:
1245 Main Street, downtown
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wine Spectator's 10th Annual Grand Tour
This is the 10th annual Grand Tour for Wine Spectator and I've been lucky enough to attend the last 6, but this year it stops in
Here are the wines in tasting order and than a list of faves.
And what better way to start than a big
1) Chateau Margaux - 2004. WOW!
2) Robert Mondavi - Cab Sauv Reserve 2007 - Another WOW!
3) Rubicon Estate 2007 from Francis Ford - very nice
4) Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 2005 - it doesn't get any better.
5) Caymus Special Select 2008 - has 15% Merlot and very nice.
6) Chateau Pontet - Canet Pauillac 2008
7) Chateau Rolan de By - Medoc 2008 - I'm really developing a French palate in the last few years. This is amazing and its under $30 for a Wine Spectator Top 100 - Nice.
8) Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte - Peassac-Leognan 2008
9) Casa Lapostolle 2008 -
10)Vina Cobos Malbec 2007 - This is Paul Hobbs from
11) St. Clement Cab Sauv Oroppas 2007 - This blend is
13) Hall Exzellenz - Rutherford 2007 - Have loved Kathryn's cab, but this the 1st blend I've tasted from Hall and its amazing.
14) Chateau Palmer - Margaux 2004. Only a few bottles left and we get a taste. Get my travel agent on the phone going to
15) Joseph Phelps Insignia 2006 - My Absolute Fave - and stands up to everything tonight.
16) Chateau Giscours - Margaux 2005 - I have to travel to Margaux region of
17) Chateau Brance-Cantenac - Margaux 2003 - ready to book my flight to
18) Chateau du Tertre - Margaux 2005 - This was my other Value Deal of the night - amazing Margaux for under $50 and it has 20% Cab Franc -LOVE IT.
19) Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2005 - South African blend of 69% Cab, 9% Merlot and my fave 22% Cab Franc - had no idea they were making these great blends on that continent.
20) Chateaux Lynch-Bages - Pauillac 2005 - This may have to be the other region I visit in
21) Sterling SVR Reserve -2007 - Back to
Food and water break -hydrate, hydrate
22) Signorello Estate Padrone - 2007 - Very nice
23) Beringer Private Reserve 2007 - last year they were pouring a '96. This wine is amazing and have to get more.
24) Provenance Cab Sauv Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard - 2007. Wine from some of the best terrior in
25) Cliff Lede Poetry - Stags Leap District 2007 - 1st time I've had this wine and will make a point to visit this winery in Yountville. This was another WOW!
26) DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Red -
27) Kosta Browne Pinot Noir - Russian River 2009 - this is huge Pinot.
28) Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir - Dundee Hills Oregon 2008 - had to compare these side by side. More floral than Kosta, but like both...would really depend on the food, choose this one for Alaskan Salmon.
29) Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir - Dundee Hills Oregon 2007 - really starting to like these Oregon Pinots.
30) Maison Louis Latour -Chateau Corton Grancey 2008 - A Grand Cru Pinot Noir based wine.
few more whites and it clears the palate and helps with the purple teeth. :)
31) Gunderloch German Riesling - 2007 - Das Gut!
32) Domaine Chandon Brut - Napa/Sonoma Chardonnay Reserve - Only Chardonnay grapes in this Californian Sparkling Wine - this would be very refreshing on those hot summer days.
33) Roederer Estate Brut Rose' -
34) Gloria Ferrer Brut -
35) Schramsberg J. Schram - North Coast 2003 - one of the best from
36) Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Premier NV - Great Champagne and its great to try all of these side by side.
37) Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay - Sonoma 2007. One of my favorite Chards from
38) Planeta Sicilia Cometa - 2008
39) Hess Collection Chardonnay -
40) Dow Vintage Port - Quinta Senhora da Ribeira 2008.
And we're done - where are the sliders?
Some of the biggest wines of the night are highlighted - really loved Chateau Margaux, Insignia, Beringer Reserve, but was really impressed by two
Next Wine Spectator Event this October in
Monday, June 06, 2011
Sandals Emerald Bay
Even though the resort was a capacity you'd never know it - its so secluded and peaceful with white sand beaches plus a Greg Norman 18 hole golf course with an amazing back 9 holes along the ocean.
The radio station is in town for a 2 day live broadcast and they treated us to 2 amazing dinners.
Il Cielo:
Salad - Roasted Portabella Mushroom with Balsamic & Walnut Oil
Soup - Butternut Squash with King Crab Flakes
Main - Duet of olive oil poached Jumbo Shrimp & Rosemary scented Beef Tenderloin, Potato puree and veggie medley.
Dessert - Mousse Trio of Flouress Chocolate Cake.
Paired with the Beringer Chardonnay and St. Clement Oroppas blend.
Barefoot on the Beach:
Salad - Barefoot house salad. Local farmed assosted lettuce, bamboo shoots, hard boiled eggs, marinated tomatoes and onions.
Soup - Lobster, Shrimp & Crawfish Bisque.
Main - Grilled Grouper. Habernaro mango butter, bean cassuolet, Lobster Bisque and baby Bok Choy. Or
Hand Cut NY Strip - Maytag Bleu Cheese butter with crispy onions.
Dessert - Mango Mousse with Chocolate Chiffon cake.
Paired with Kunde Chardonnay and Duckhorn Merlot.
-Brian
Friday, March 11, 2011
FIFTH ANNUAL TASTE of HOPE
Tribeca - It's that time of year where my friends come out of hibernation looking for invite to be at my table at City of Hope's "Taste of Hope" a benefit put on by the Music and Entertainment Industry.
Enjoy dinner in an elegant setting and participate in silent and live auctions. Space is limited so RESERVE EARLY.
"TASTE OF HOPE" Thursday, March 24, 2011 for more information, please contact Mary Carlzen at (213) 241-7328
Here's a rough draft of what's on store for this year's table.
·
Champagne Toast Saluti!
"CHARDONNAY CHALLENGE"
1) Cakebread Cellars – Chardonnay 2007
Ripe and vibrant, with a mix of green apple, melon & pear with a touch of light spicy oak. 89 pts WS.
2) Lewis Cellars – Chardonnay 2009
This opulent full-bodies Chardonnay is crafted from the oldest Dutton Ranch plantings. A citrus menagerie of tangerine, orange rind and lemon cream pie with blossoms, honeycomb and floral spice. Only 1,200 cases made. 95 pts WS.
3) Chasseur – Pinot Noir 2007
Complex in flavor and balance, at times spicy with floral rose petal, black cherry that ends with a nie mix of acidity, fruit and tannins. Only 795 cases made. 92 pts WS.
4) Mueller – Pinot Noir 2007
Complex and earthy, showing mineral, plum, black cherry and anise notes that are full bodied with delicate, floral scents of wilted rose petals. Only 1,125 cases made. 91 pts WS.
2001 considered BEST YEAR in
5)
Wonderful intensity with flavors of ripe, juicy plum, black cherry and wild berry fruit with hints of anise, fresh earth and herbal notes with a long rich, persistent aftertaste. 1999 vintage was #5 on Wine Spectator Top 100 93 pts WS.
6) Dalla Valle – Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Rich, chewy currant, blackberry, wild berry and cedary oak flavors. It packs a wallop, but on the finish the fruit pours through to reveal lots of depth and complexity. Only 2,000 cases made. 91 pts WS.
7) Spottswoode – Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Elegantly framed, with rich herb, currant, chocolate and black cherry finishing with firm, well-integrated tannins. 4,8256 cases made. 94 pts WS.
8) Diamond Creek – Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Firm and concentrated with mint, sage, currant and earthy berry flavors that slowly unfold. Has a lot of richness and detail in the finish. Only 800 cases made. 92 pts WS.
(created by merit + heritage) Red Meritage Wines must be a blend of at least two of the following: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab-Franc, Malbec or Petit Verdot. No single grape may make up more than 90%.
9) Opus One –
Tight and firm, with a chewy edge to the dried currant, graphite, blackberry and mineral notes. Full-bodied and intense without being weighty, this is well-structured with a complex, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. 94 pts in WS.
10) Viansa - Ossidiana –
Full bodied, deeply concentrated with a mix of dry cedary oak, currant, anise and sage. Ends with a wall of chewy tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot. Only 500 cases made. 90 pts WE.
11) Cakebread Cellars - Dancing Bear Ranch 2004
Intense aromas of Bing cherry, brambleberry and spicy dark plum fruit with enticing floral, sage, tobacco and chocolate, revealing a pronounced minerality with a long persistent finish. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot & 10% Cab Franc. 92 pts WS.
12) Joseph Phelps – Insignia 2003
Mild tannins with complex range of rich currant, berry and cherry fruit, cedary oak, hints of anise and sage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now - 2011. 90 pts WS.
13) Flora Spings – Trilogy 2002
Elegant with a pleasing mix of earth, anise, currant and wild berry that ends with a touch of mineral earthiness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. 92 pts WS.
14) Pahlmeyer - Jayson 2001
Rich, vibrant and intensely concentrated with bold currant, plum, black cherry and spicy flavors accented by spicy, toasty oak and finishing with a firm wall of tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. 92 pts WS.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
NYC Winter Wine Fest 2011
There are two tasting sessions one at 3pm and the second at 8pm.
Not sure I could handle both... but with this winter weather its almost worth a try...LOL.
Enjoy a special live Jazz performance on the stage and wines from all over the world, but you know you'll find me at the California tables.
for more info and tickets www.wcbsfm.com & www.nywinefestivals.com
See you there,
-Brian