Holiday Parties & Weekend of Wine

Holiday parties are in full swing.
Friday we had the NY Media Party across the street at the Marriott Marquis. Our new boss christened her office with a pre-party in our offices. Not a bad way to start off the morning...bloody mary's, Vevue Cliquot, '98 Dom Perignon and some 2005 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay from New Zealand and a 2004 Simi Landslide Cabernet - and this was all the pre-game.

The following Monday we had our holiday party at STK, a steakhouse in the Meat Packing District. They have a sister restaurant in Hollywood on La Cienega. Wine was served from a magnum, which appeared to be GS (grocery store) so opted to stick with the Corona...which was a good call because we ended up at Kareoke 1 downtown and sang songs until 1:00 AM. My personal highlights were "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.

Thursday crashed our sister station's holiday party at Taboon, 52nd in Hell's Kitchen.
They were serving a nice French Pinot Noir, but never got a look at the label. After saying Hi to everyone headed over to the CBS Media Party at Black Rock. This was quite the party...one of the highlights was speaking with Harry Smith from the CBS Morning show.

A bunch of us had to work late on Friday so we did a little Pinot Noir comparison. A value 2005-Estancia Pinot Noir - Pinnancles Ranch ($16) versus 2005 Whitehall Lane Pinot Noir - Carneros ($36). (Note originally I incorrectly listed the Whitehall price at $50 which would still be worth it in my book...my friends at Whitehall called and corrected me...sorry Tom)
Surprisily the Estancia isn't bad, but a little thin....very nice floral noise and not overpowering. Next we open the Whitehall -its hot and at first all we can smell is the 14.5 % of alcohol. This a new wine for Whitehall Lane...and well done for the inaugural release. It's a shade darker and has a much bigger finish. After 15 minutes the real bouquet of the Whitehall appeared - and to me it wasn't any contest...but considering you can drink bottles of Estancia to one Whitehall - its a great value, so one of our tasters would go by price...but to my taste buds I'll spring for the Whitehall anyday.

http://www.whitehalllane.com/our_wine/facts/fact_05_Pinot.php

Winter storm warning was in effect for NY - so stayed indoors this weekend. Keeping the comparison going I opened a 2006 Ferrarri Carano Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley ($32). Aged in custom french barrels it features strawberry, raspberry and cherry cola with a hint of spice. Reminds me more of the Santa Ynez valley Pinots. It's already sold out...so stock up on the Whitehall Lane, now that I know its only $36...I'm down to my last few bottles from the case I purchased.

Sunday winter has arrived in Manhattan and after 2 days of Pinot...needed something special to go with making chocolate chip cookies...found a 1996 Franciscan Library Reserve - Cabernet Saugvinon - Napa ($80 originally). The cork looks great and comes out easily which tells me that when they break in half at a restaurant they have the bad habit of storing there wine upright. Using the decanter - the color is still vibrant. Little earthy on the noise, has a touch black licorice with a very solid finish. The wind is whipping outside, but its nice and warm with my big cab inside...

Its the last week before Christmas which is extra work for the programming people. So one night this week I'm hosting a Franciscan Magnificat vertical tasting...'99, '01, '02, '03 and '04. We'll have to order more John's Pizza to make sure we get through all the wine.

And who knows maybe Santa will put a few surprises in my stocking this year.

-Brian