Being A Tourist in Napa

After living in the East Bay for over a decade it was so easy to visit Napa the same way everytime, head up Silverado Trail and see my buddies at my favorite wineries and stop off for a cheeseburger at Auberge. But's what it like to stay in downtown Napa and hit up wineries and restaurants that I've never been to? It was time to be a Tourist In Napa.
WINERIES:

VINTNER'S COLLECTIVE
1245 Main Street, downtown Napa and its just around the corner from the AVIA hotel. This tasting room has over 80 wines to sample from an elite group of Napa winemakers. Including Ancien Wines, Gemella, Buoncristiani, Chiarello, Clark-Claudon, D-Cubed, Flanagan, Hestan, JC Cellars, Lamborn Family, Las Bonitas, Longfellow, Melka, Mi Sueno, Parallel, Phelan, Richard Perry, Showket and Vionce. Highlights: 2009 Ancien Chardonnay Carneros $34, 2009 Pinot Mink $45, 2008 Pinot Russian River $45, 2007 Buoncristiani Prop Red with Syrah $48, 2008 Chiarello Petite Sirah Roux $45, 2006 D-Cubed Zin Brown vineyard $45, 2008 Lamborn Zin Howell Mt. "Frosty" $42, 2009 Parellel Chard Russian Riv $44, 2007 Vinoce Cab Mt Veeder $45 and Prop. Red Mt Veeder $60 and Showket tasting. info@vinterscollective.com (707) 255-7150 Very cool place that you could visit everyday and not run out of unique wines to taste.

MACPHAIL

851 Magnolia Drive in Healdsburg. Proprietor and winemaker James MacPhail has worked for some of the valley's best producers including Merry Edwards so he's learned a thing or two about making amazing Pinot's. Tastings in the barn (not his cool house next door) by appt only and James does the tasting himself and I was impressed with his knowledge, business skills and marketing savvy to get so much positive press on his wines. But after tasting his Pinot's I now why there is such a big buzz. He oversees 23 different vineyards for his grapes of his wines. Highlights: 2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay-Gaps Crown $45 white Burgundy style this is his 1st Chardonnay. 2010 Rose Pinot Noir this very limited wine is fantastic and he is leading the charge for a "Rose Renaissance" in the valley, I'm on board! 2009 Pinot Noir Ray's Vineyard from Anderson Valley Mendocino $49 only 8 barrels made. 2009 Pinot Sonoma Coast Gaps Crown #1 region for Pinot $49, Something special 2003 Pinot Sangiacomo Vineyard 92pts in WS - WOW! (707) 433-4780 http://www.macphailwines.com/

RAMEY WINE CELLARS

25 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg. David Ramey is another producer that doesn't grow their own grapes. Private tasting upstairs in a conference room above where they produce their wine. 8 wines on tap for the tasting. 1) 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay a blend of vineyard only 5,500 cases. 2) 2008 Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley a Wente clone Chard originally planted in 1972 only 1,290 cases. 3) 2008 Hyde Carneros, vine selection is old Wente, Robert Young and Long Vineyards 2,300 cases. 4)2008 Hudson Vineyard Carneros only 1,120 cases. You would be happy with any of those 4 big Chardonnays with #4 being the most masculine.And now on to the reds 5) 2008 Sonoma Coast Syrah only $38 with 1,100 cases. 6) 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that is a blend of 88% Cab, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cab Franc very nice wine at $50 with 7,800 cases. 7) 2006 Annum Cabernet Sauvignon - Latin word meaning year as one year proprietary blend. The blend is 96% Cab, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cab Franc and 1% Malbec. $110 with only 860 cases produced. 8) Pedregal Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon another blend with 16% Petit Verdot with 600 cases produced. I end up buying a vertical of the Napa Cab. info@rameywine.com (707) 433-0870

ALPHA OMEGA
In Rutherford on Hwy 29 is one of the prettiest tasting rooms in the Valley.
Highlights include 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay $36, 2009 Chardonnay $58, 2010 Rose $28, 2008 Napa Cab $84 and 2008 Prop. Red $88. www.aowinery.com (707) 963-9999

PROVENANCE VINEYARDS
1695 St Helena Hwy 29. Rutherford
Purchases: 2007 Winemakers Reserve on sale $30, 2007 Rutherford Cab Sauv $45 and the 2008 Cab Franc $35. www.provenancevineyards.com (707) 968-3633

JARVIS
2970 Monticello Road, Napa - up in the hills is a great cave that contains Jarvis.
The Cave tour is $40 and includes a sit town tasting and you get to see an inside waterfall that helps regulate the temperature and humidity of the cave.
Jarvis produces some outstanding award winning wines. Highlights of the tasting included; 1) 2007 Estate Chardonnay $48 sold out, 2) 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay 92pts WS $95, 3) 2007 Will Jarvis Science Project 92pts WS $105, 4) 2007 Merlot $75, 5) 2007 Lake William Blend $115, 6) 2005 Cab Sauv $95 and 2006 Cab Franc $65. I was so impressed with the quality of their wines that I joined their club and received an invite to the Emerald Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Oct 8th, 2011. www.jarviswines.com (707) 255-5280

DEL DOTTO
They have two tasting rooms in Napa one on Hwy 29 and the original one on Atlas Peak road. Bar tastings for $30 and Cave Experience/Barrel Tasting for $50. Highlights - 2007 Napa Valley Cave Blend 80% Merlot, 10% Cab and 10% Sangiovese their take on a super Tuscan. Plus a 2009 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard $75 and 2009 Napa Valley Cab Franc $85. www.deldottovineyards.com

DIAMOND CREEK
1500 Diamond Mountain Road, Calistoga. During this year's City of Hope Charity Wine Dinner the big winner was a bottle of Red Rock Terrace Cab so I've really wanted to visit the winery. And this weekend they were doing a big open house up at the mountain lake, where had I know you can pack a picnic, go fishing and swimming too and make a whole day out of it. Diamond Creek makes exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon from three regions of their estate; Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill and Gravelly Meadow. After the tour the highlights is tasting the barrel samples from the 3 different vineyards which I seemed to like Red Rock and Gravelly Meadow the best. Special wine offered that day 2003 Red Rock Terrace , 2005 Volcanic Hill and 2006 Gravelly Knoll all $175 and some really special bottles 1999 Volcanic Hill $225, a 1999 Lake $400 a wine they have made only 13 times and 1.5L Lake for $800. I found it interesting how they achieve natural blending and that Merlot and Cab Franc is planted along side the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and ends up being in the blend every year as determined by Mother Nature. They do have a separated Petit Verdot vineyard to complement the blends. I'm going to plan ahead for the next open house and bring the suit and fishing rod. info@diamondcreek.com (707) 942-6926.

JOHN ANTHONY VINEYARDS
1440 First Street in downtown Napa. Tasting room open until Midnight Thursday - Saturday nights. Tastings include Sauvignon Blanc $20 to a 2006 Cab at $84.


RESTAURANTS:

BOON FLY CAFE at the CARNEROS INN
4040 Sonoma Hwy, Napa Cuvaison Napa Carneros Chardonnay 2009- 1/2 bottle with Fish Tacos (Rock Cod) www.thecarnerosinn.com (707)-299-4821

REDD
6480 Washington St, Yountville. Just down the street from French Laundry. Lobster Risotto, Skate, Scallops and nectarine Arugula pecan salad. Shibi Knoll 2009 Pinot Noir. Great food and great prices on their wine list - a definite repeat. (707) 944-2222 http://www.reddnapavalley.com/

BARNDIVA
Downtown Healdsburg in Sonoma County. People are waiting to enter and I can see why the Kobe burger was amazing, but broke up the wine tasting with Lagunitas IPA. Very cute place.

OENOTRI
Italian Restarant located across First Street from the hotel. Serving quality artisanal pizza, cooked in an imported a wood-fueled Acino oven from Naples to bake authentic pizza Napoletana. Great pizza, but sadly no California wines by the glass. (707) 252-1022

DEAN & DELUCA
On Hwy 29 in St. Helena. They have a great new wine section - see Allan Bree the in house wine specialist. They have assembled an amazing collection of great California wines. This is a great place to get breakfast or lunch than walk next door to Flora Springs, sit out back and do your tasting while enjoying your sandwich. (707) 967-9980

BANK CAFE
Located inside the Westin Hotel on 1314 McKinstry Street in downtown Napa. This is the cafe sister to LaToque. You can sit at the bar or outside by the firepit. Try the Miner Chardonnay and the Etude Pinot Noir by the glass. This would be another great hotel to stay at in Napa.

Other Places to check out in downtown Napa:

• Oxbow Market

• Bounty Hunter

• Carpe Diem

• Angele

• Celadon

And several great Mexican Restaurants located in walking distance of the hotel.

Lodging

AVIA HOTEL
1450 First Street, downtown Napa. Have never stayed in downtown and was pleasantly surprised how nice it is, next door is a winery tasting room John Anthony that stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights. The Oxbow Public Market is a few blocks away and there are great restaurants all over. 707-224-3900 www.aviahotels.com

or try:

Westin Napa

Napa River Inn

http://www.napadowntown.com/

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 Boston at the Marriott Copley Plaza instead of Marriott Marquis in New York. Its sold out and its a very manageable crowd event though are on one floor versus two in NY.

Here are the wines in tasting order and than a list of faves.
And what better way to start than a big Bordeaux from France and a big Napa Cap and we're off...
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 - Chile. Never know which wines from this company are the good ones.
10)Vina Cobos Malbec 2007 - This is Paul Hobbs from Mendoza, Argentina. And Paul never disappoints.
11) St. Clement Cab Sauv Oroppas 2007 - This blend is Sapporo spelled backwards. Very nice.
12) Chateau St. Jean - Cing Cepages 2007 - 1st Sonoma wine of the night.
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 France...
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 Bordeaux, becoming my favorite region.
17) Chateau Brance-Cantenac - Margaux 2003 - ready to book my flight to France.
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 Bordeaux.
21) Sterling SVR Reserve -2007 - Back to Napa - holds up very well after all that French wine.
Food and water break -hydrate, hydrate
22) Signorello Estate Padrone - 2007 - Very nice Napa winery on Silverado Trail.
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 Napa - many wineries have produced wines from this vineyard and they are all special.
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 - Yakima 2007 - One of my favorite wineries in Washington, love thier D2 too.
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' - Anderson Valley - very nice.
34) Gloria Ferrer Brut - Sonoma NV - great sparkler for the price.
35) Schramsberg J. Schram - North Coast 2003 - one of the best from California. Has beat the French in my side by side tastings.
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 Sonoma.

38) Planeta Sicilia Cometa - 2008 Italy. 100% Fiano - deep straw color with open fruits like pear on the nose. Very nice.

39) Hess Collection Chardonnay - Napa Su'skol Vineyard 2008.

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 Bordeaux for price points under $30 Chateau Rollan de By and $50 dollars Chateau de Tertre. Hard to beat. Any time you get to taste this many wines side by side its a special day. And was happy I have a new wine buddy in training now.

Next Wine Spectator Event this October in New York. -Brian

Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Emerald Bay has to be the nicest Sandals located on Great Exuma, Bahamas.


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

FIFTH ANNUAL TASTE of HOPE

Champagne Toast Saluti!




"CHARDONNAY CHALLENGE" Napa vs. Sonoma

Cakebread Cellars – Chardonnay 2007 Napa Valley

Ripe and vibrant, with a mix of green apple, melon & pear with a touch of light spicy oak. 89 pts WS.

Lewis Cellars – Chardonnay 2009 Sonoma Russian River

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. we also had Grigch Hills and Flowers Chardonnay in this battle



Chasseur – Pinot Noir 2007 Sonoma Coast Joyce

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.

Mueller – Pinot Noir 2007 Russian River Valley Emily's Cuvee

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 Napa since 1997: Let's Find Out



Whitehall Lane– Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa Valley

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.

Dalla Valle – Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Napa Valley

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.

Spottswoode – Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Napa Valley

Elegantly framed, with rich herb, currant, chocolate and black cherry finishing with firm, well-integrated tannins. 4,8256 cases made. 94 pts WS.

Diamond Creek – Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Napa Red Rock

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.



BATTLE OF THE BLENDS "MERITAGE"

(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%.

Opus One – Napa Valley Red Wine 2007

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.

Viansa - Ossidiana – Sonoma Red Wine 2005

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.

Cakebread Cellars - Dancing Bear Ranch 2004 Howell Mt. Napa

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.

Joseph Phelps – Insignia 2003 Napa

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.

Flora Spings – Trilogy 2002 Napa Valley

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.

Pahlmeyer - Jayson 2001 Napa Valley

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.

NYC Winter Wine Fest 2011

Manhattan - Join CBS Radio for the 2011 NYC Winter Wine Fest this Saturday, February 5th at the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square.

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

Magical Golf Week

Lake Buena Vista - It's the last PGA Tour stop of the year and I arrive at Orlando International for my magical golf week playing in the Children's Miracle Network Classic for the 2nd year in a row.

6 day until show time so there's plenty of time to get in a little golf practice in the DisneyWorld area.

Saturday my buddy Bob joins me for a round at Lake Buena Vista and I break 90 - we're off to a good start.

Sunday there is a chill in the air and my caddy Jeff who plays on the Golden State Tour joins me for a wonderful round at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club - voted one of the Top 3 clubs you can play in Florida. First tee Jeff snap hooks one into the weeds and I hit a beautiful draw down the middle - who's the pro here? Driver, Gap Wedge, easy par, easy game. This course starts you off easy and then hold on...shoot a 93 in the wind.

Monday back to Lake Buena Vista and we play it from the back tees and I break 90 again, feeling good about my chances in the Pro-AM.

Tuesday we're signed up for practice round on Disney's Magnolia course - this course just looks right to my eye, big fairways and big greens. We zip through the front 9 and we see Rich Beem cut in front of us on 8 and the whole course backs up. PGA Tour Member Jerry Kelly who had been playing behind us catches up to us on the 10th tee and we tell him about Rich and Jerry says; "Those damn pro's think they can cut in anywhere..." And we immediately love Jerry. He says if its slows down he'll wave us up. We had already teed off, so we watch Jerry blast one down the middle, ride out and hit his next shot to the middle of the green. Jerry is practicing putts from all over the green and waves us up. Well I just couldn't aim at him so I'm in the left bunker. I get up to the green and enter the bunker and Jerry goes; "What are you waiting for? we're going to play the back nine together..." Jeff and I play excellent golf with Jerry on the back nine to the point on #16 after we both put our par 3 shots inside his and he goes; "I'd be in trouble with this group..."(as in he'd be losing $$ if he was giving us strokes)"

Have to say that was one of my most enjoyable nine holes in my life and just the right amount of pressure I needed to be ready to play in the Thursday-Friday Pro-AM inside the ropes. We take pictures after the round and hope to pick him in the pairings party tonight, after all last year we played with Troy Kelly (no relation) but think that's our destiny.

Tuesday night at the pairings party we pick 7 from last and choose Dean Wilson and Alex Cejka. (editor's note': In hindsight Roland Thatcher was still available and he shot 63, 64 in the 1st two rounds but we played with him the year before and he shot 75 and missed the cut...so one of my friends joked he plays a lot better without me...very funny)

Wednesday practice round on the Palm course and almost have a hole in one on 16 so I'm feeling good about my game.

Thursday showtime on the Palm course with Dean Wilson my partner for today and Spencer Levin also in the group. I go the putting green for 40 minutes, off to the range, bunker, shot game practice and more putting. We get to the tee and because of the fog tee times are delayed by an hour. So its back to the putting green. Finally its our time to tee off. "And from New York, New York its Brian Thomas" We start on #10 and hit my 3 wood remembering there's a lot more room down the left side and we're off...when two of the ladies from the Chrildren's Miracle Network Telethon's yell "We Love You Brian..."and Dean Wilson makes a joke that I have a bigger gallery than him. On the Palm course the only hole I'm worried about is our 3rd of the day the par 3 #12 180+ yards that the day before a PGA Tour official is on the green trying to determine pin placements and I shanked two off into the woods in his presence. I hit my 4 iron over the flag to the fringe and I am relieved...chip up and make my 3 for 2 and I'm ecstatic. So the adrenline is flowing so much that on the par 5 #13 over 2 lakes I hit my biggest tee shot of the week just in front of lake #2. I'm left with 177 yard all over water and just to be safe hit the 4 iron and WOW! I cleared the lake and the ball rolls up on the fringe pin high. There in 2! Putting from the fringe and just miss tapping in for Birding just missing the natural Eagle, but it's still a 3 on the score card and we're in the red numbers. On the par 4 #14 I hit a big shot into the wind but land in the left fairway bunker with my ball right against the lip on the left side. I'm 205 out into the wind and I can't stand in the trap, so I bend my knees and take a big swing and put my ball on the green...and I'm thinking to myselft"I don't know whose this guy is but I love his golf game..." You know its a good day when I didn't lose a ball until after14 holes. Dean Wilson looks back and says Wow! I end up at -4 under par and Dean is EVEN par. Since Dean is Hawaiian he likes my joke about my idea for Mexican/Hawaiian restaurant called "Mucho Mahalo" much better than he like his game on Thursday and Dean fails to make the cut.

Friday its an early tee time on Magnolia, but my Pro AM partner Alex Cejka withdrew from the tourney. This take a lot of steam out of my effort on Friday, but we get to play with Mike Hulbert from the Champions Tour and have a great round. Missed another Eagle and lots of birdies on Friday. Funny the other pro Greg Owen and I are both wearing the same Adidas Aqua colored shirt. Sorry Greg.

Final tally I finished 7th...seventh from last. But did so much better this year.

Some of the restaurants of the week:

Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian - great steaks and wine list and view of the fireworks in the Magic Kingdom.

California Grill - atop the Contemporary Hotel - amazing food and a wine list I love with lots of my faves from Napa.

But the one that stands out is Flying Fish Cafe in Disney's Boardwalk area. Their seafood is amazing including the
Signature Flying Fish Cafe Potato-wrapped Red Snapper - Served with Cream Leek Fondue, Veal Glace and Red Wine Butter Sauce. - $36.00
Signature Flying Fish Char-crusted New York Strip Steak - Served with Wilted Greens, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Classic Sauce Foyot - $42.00
But the real highlight was the wine. "Pahlmeyer Flight"

1. Jayson by Pahlmeyer Chardonnay '07. The second label of the winery. 100% native yeast, barrel fermentation, followed by malo-lactic fermentation.
2. Jayson Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir '06.
3. Jayson Napa Red '05. A Merlot based Meritage blend.

And on Sunday there was time for one more last round of golf and we had the Palm course all to ourselves and my playing partner was John Schneider - yes that one from Dukes of Hazzard. What a great guy I would tee it up with him anytime.

So I'm a miracle maker for another year but real special thanks goes Al, Craig, Steve, Bill, Pat and everyone at the Children's Miracle Network working together to make a difference in the lives of Children. This year with radio station WCBS-FM in NY we raised over $250,000. Kevin at Disney Golf, Carrie Bronson at WDW Fishing excursions who was our cute guide on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. And to my caddy Jeff Wade - who plays on the Golden State Tour - hope you make it on the big tour one day!

It was a very magical week in Orlando and hope I get the opportunity again next year...

-Brian

Grand Tour 2010

Manhattan – This is Wine Spectator’s 9^th annual Grand Tour event and this was my 4^th year in a row in attendance. The event is at the Marriott Marquis which is just steps away from where the car bombing attempt was last weekend.

And this year my old boss Chad and former co-worker Glen joined me after a huge base meal over at Virgils.

Our first taste of the night is Chateau Mouton Rothschild, than Chateau Lafite Rothschild what a way to start.

Here are the wines in tasting order:

1) Chateau Mouton Rothschild – Pauillac 2003

2) Chateau Lafite Rothschild – Paulliac 2004 (Almost too smooth – liked it better than Mouton)

3) Chateau Pinchon Longueville Baron – Paulliac 2006 (no battle to the 1^st two Chateau’s)

4) Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley Reserve 2006 (This is a huge wine and will be amazing in 3-5 years)

5) Chateau Pontet Canet – Paulliac 2006

6) Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2006 (My friend Keith is pouring and this vintage is amazing! One of their best will easily get a rating over 90pts) www.bennettlane.com

7) Turnbull Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Weitz Vineyard 2006 (very nice)

8) Chateau St Jean – Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Co Cing Cepages 2006 (big fruit and a milder finish than the Mondavi or Turnbull

9) Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Special Selection 2007 (big wine)

10) Chateau Hau Bailly Grand Cru Classe – Pessac-Leognan 2007

11) Ten tastes in and we revisit the big Chateaus #1 and #2 again – this time I like the Mouton better.

12) Same as #2

13) Bodegas Caro – Mendoza 2006 made by Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)

14) Rubicon Estate Rutherford 2006 (nice Bordeaux Blend)

15) Penfolds Shiraz Barrossa Valley RWT 2006 (this is huge)

16) Torbreck “The Factor” Barossa Valley 2006 (huge Shiraz blend)

17) D’Arenberg Shiraz McLaren Vale “The Dead Arm” 2006

We take a bathroom break and head up to the 6^th floor and we’re not even a full hour into event.

18) Chateau Haut Brion - Pessac Leognan 1999 (This is the first big WOW of the night and might be the best wine of the night – some other would give this a run for the money if we were comparing same vintages)

19) Chateau La Mission Haut Brion – Pessac Leognan 1999 (Nice but #18 was so much better)

20) Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2006 (and what surprised me years ago this Latour no relation to the big French chateaus)

21) Chateau Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2000

22) Chateau Palmer Margaux 2001 (always one of my faves, just a hint of coffee grounds on end of taste – like sprinkles in the your ice cream)

23) Chateau Margaux 2001 (2^nd big wow of the night)

24) Chateau Lynch – Bages Pauillac 2005

25) Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2006 (my favorite wine year in and year out – rumors flying that the 2007 could rate 100pts)

26) Gemstone Tenth Anniversary Yountville 2006 (This is our sleeper pick as a future cult wine – for this wine to taste that good after the Margaux and Insignia – this wine rates!)

27) Chateau Lagrange St. Julien 2006

28) Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Private Reserve 2006 (last year they were pouring the ’95…this one needs a few years)

29) Ferrari Carano Tresor 2006

30) Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2006 (very nice huge cab)

31) Agricola Punica Isola dei Nuraghi Barrua 2006 (Italian pick from Chad)

32) La Spinetta Barolo Vigneto Campe 2005 (Another Italian pick from Chad)

33) Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004 (Chad pick, but is all prunes up front on the taste)

34) Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Klopp Ranch 2007 (Another wow, maybe one of the nicest pinot’s I’ve ever had – touch of flat cherry coke taste).

35) William Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot 2007 (very nice)

36) Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008 (This is huge!)

37) Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay 2007 (one of my favorite chards, we drank this trying to help our purple teeth to no avail…LOL)

38) Schramsberg Reserve North Coast 2002 (Amazing California Sparkling wine)

39) Louis Lator Corton Grand Cru – Charlemagne 2007

40) Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir Tasmania 2006

41) Aldo Conterno Barolo 2005 (very nice)

42) Paolo Scavino Barola 2005 (nice)

43) Roberto Voerzio Barolo 2005 (a 99pts wine)

44) Symposium Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2003

45) Bodegas Colome Malbec 2007

46) Another taste of Chateau La Mission Haut Brion – Pessac Leognan 1999

47) Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder 2006 (will have to remember this one – nice wine)

48) Cliff Leade Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Poetry 2006 (nice)

Back to the 5^th floor

49) Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2007 (another Italian pick from Chad)

50) Dow’s Vintage Port 2007 (Arnold the NE rep from Premium Port Wines is on hand – he has some great Ports www.premiumport.com ran into him a few months ago over at Javitts center tasting where he was pouring Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port – good to see him again)

51) Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma Co Old Vine 2006

52) Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007 (I know we’re at taste #52 but this is a huge thick and juicy wine)

53) St Clement Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Oroppas 2006 (that’s Saporro spelled backwards)

54) Then we head back to hang out with Keith from Bennett Lane and enjoy more of his Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve www.bennettlane.com and we head home with a few bottles as door prizes – Thanks Keith and today is Cinco De Mayo so the party continues…Muey Bueno!

-Brian

1

Masters Merlot Challenge

Final round of the masters has been very exciting...Phil Mickelson took the lead and some of my La Quinta neighbors were making it interesting - Anthony Kim (LQ County Club) charging and 50 year Freddie Couples (Madison club) could have been a contender without a bogey and double bogey on the back nine.Tiger up and down round - still exciting to watch.

Its a nice day in the 70's in the NY and to make today's Masters Coverage even more interesting - put a few Merlots into the mix.

1) Duckhorn Decoy Merlot - 2007

2) Robert Mondavi Merlot - 2006

3) Franciscan Oakville Estate Merlot - 2003

Day in and day out for the price hard to beat the Franciscan - always has a nice crisp oak finish.

Duckhorn for being the newest of the bunch is very tasty.

And have to say over the years have become a fan of the Mondavi - its actually the biggest of the 3 and I suspect some Cab is in the mix too.

Phil still has the lead and after the year with his wife Amy& his mother both having breast cancer it would be great to see him win again - Green Jacket #3. We'll see what happens.

It would have been great to see Freddie a member of the 50+ crowd to win.

-Brian

4th Annual Taste of Hope

This will be my 3rd year sponsoring the wine for a table at the "Taste of Hope" benefiting City of Hope. I've enlisted some help from Joe to help with the French wines because this year's theme is based on the movie "Bottle Shock" which I'm calling:

Paris Wine Tasting– Pt. Deux in NYC

The movie “Bottle Shock” tells the tale of the “Paris Wine Tasting of 1976" with French judges and a blind tasting of Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon from California and France. California wines won the competition! On Wednesday night 3/24 we offered some new battles! California won a lot again!

Opening Toast - Champagne vs. California Sparkling Wine:
NV - L. Aubry Fils Brut Champagne – 91pts WS
NV - Schramsberg Brut Rosé Mirabelle North Coast – 93pts WS

Chardonnay vs. Burgundy (White):
We have 3 of the top 4 from Paris Wine Tasting including the winner!
2007 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa – 90pts WS
2007 Chalone Estate Chardonnay, Napa – 92pts WS Wow!
2005 Girardin Puligny Montrachet – Les Folatieres – 93pts WE
2007 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Meursault Premier Cru – Les Charmes 92pts WS Nice!

Pinot Noir vs. Burgundy (Red): Not in PWT
2002 Cakebread Pinot Noir – Carneros 89pts WS Surprised everyone!
1993 Laurent Nuits St. George – Les Vaucrains 96pts RP

Rhone:
2006 Joseph Phelps Le Mistral – 92pts WS Another Wow!
2003 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape - 94pts WS

Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon:
We have 3 of the top 5 from PWT including the winner!
1996 Stag’s Leap Fay Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa – 92pts WS
1997 Ridge California Monte Bello – 91pts RP Very Nice
1988 Leoville Las Cases – 95pts WS My Fave
1998 Chateau Quinalt - L’Enclos – 94pts RP

Vertical Jump 10 years - Meritage: Joseph Phelps Insignia
2005 Insignia 92pts WS Amazing!
1999 Insignia 91 pts WS
1995 Insignia 94pts WS - Excellent!

Desert!
1983 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port – Portugal – 94pts RP

Discovering Wines on Moving Day

What's funny you can live in Manhattan, pay 3.5% city tax and look at New Jersey or live in New Jersey and look back towards New York.
Spend the last year in Jersey City on Hoboken side of the tracks and I mean right on the track...just moved to Jersey City-Newport area right on the water.
Before and After...

I like trains a lot, but not so much when you live on the tracks...that's just a little too much Cho-Cho.
And my first love is the water, so having the Hudson River in your backyard is hard to beat.

Good news on moving day I found a bunch of wines I didn't even know where there...

• Nice vertical of Whitehall Lane Cabernets 1999, 2001, 01 Reserve and 2002 Reserve.
• Flora Springs Rutherford Hillside 1999, 2001.
• A vertical of Flora Springs Trilogy - 3 years.
• Vertical of Magnificat back to 1999.
• Vertical of Mt. Veeder Cab back to 2001.

And a lot more wine I need to drink now. Everyone should clean out their cellar every so often - bet there are bottles you don't even know you have are in prime years for drinking.

Finally peace and quiet while working in New York - now I wake up to the sounds of Geese. Whew!

-Brian

Fresh Night of Wine for Women at City Winery

CBS Radio invites you to a "Fresh Night of Wine" for working women next Thursday
3/11 at City Winery, 155 Varick Street SoHo Manhattan.

Tastes Amazing Wines from France, Italy and California paired with a tasting menu from c
celebrity chiefs ANNE BURRELL and LEE ANNE WONG.

Celebrate for the all inclusive price of $75 and guys don't worry you're invited too.

It's a Fresh Night of Wine for Working Women, Next Thursday 6PM at CITY WINERY on Varick in SoHO MANHATTAN

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW AT http://www.divinale.com/

Wine Spectator's "GRAND TOUR" in NY 5/4

Wine Spectator puts on two event a year in Manhattan and this is the one you don't want to miss.

WINE SPECTATOR's Grand Tour describes as tasting event you will remember for a long time to come. Read about last years event below where Harlan Estate Cab was my favorite wine of the night.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway7—10 pm Order Tickets Now

• All wines are Wine Spectator's top-scoring selections
• Meet and mingle with many winery owners and/or winemakers
• Taste wines that are hard to find—discover new favorites
• Includes a light buffet to complement your evening
Tickets are $200 each

You will never have the opportunity to taste so many of the world's finest wines side by side by side. So how does Joseph Phelps Insignia stack up agaist Chateau LaTour go and you'll know...see you there.

-Brian

Walt Disney World Visit

Lake Buena Vista, FL - We're at Walt Disney World for a live broadcast with NY Radio station Fresh 102.7.

And also had some great new restaurants like Kouzzina a new restaurant at Disney's Boardway from celebrity chef Cat Cora featuring Mediterranean style cuisine and one of the highlights was her wine called "Coranation" this is a joint effort with Cat and Marco DiGiulo of Girard Winery. She is producing a Russian River Chardonnay and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - both wines are fantastic and affordable too.

And traveled across town to Winter Park for "The Wine Room on Park Avenue" this wine bar features the enomatic wine serving system so you can sample different wines from around the world including Screaming Eagle for $75 2oz taste. Why not?

And of course we found time for rounds of golf at Shades of Green course Palm and Magnolia. Morning man Jim beat me by 1 UP in matchplay over 15 holes and family friends Ken & Cheryl joined me on a unseasonalby cold Saturday morning where Ken was nice enough to let me win. The sun finally came out at noon and we went over to Osprey Ridge for a great lunch.

The Orlando area sure has changed from my days there in the 80's. One of the highlights was stopping at the outlet malls where visiting the Adidas store I purchased every color of mock turtle necks for my return to NYC.

Next working adventure is off to Sandals in the Bahamas in April...can't wait its snowing again in NY...brrrrr.

-Brian

Arnie at Luna Wine Tasting at the Cellar in Old Town La Quinta

Even though it was pouring outside - everyone was in good spirits, after all it was Bob Hope Classic week in La Quinta and Arnold Palmer was on hand for a Luna Wine Tasting at The Cellar in Old Town.

Luna produces some fine wines including Sangiovese and a Arnold Palmer Reserve Cabernet.They also have a line of wine with Arnold Palmer's name and it is the house wine at his restaurant "Palmers" in La Quinta.

It's a great week when you meet Arnold, break 90 a few times and even see Big Horn Sheep at the Palmer Private course at PGA West.

Old Town La Quinta is a great spot with Hog's Breath Inn, Devanne's, Desert Sage and El Ranchito all with in a few blocks of each other...-Brian

New York Wine Experience

Manhattan – Marriott Marquis

Sponsored by Wine Spectator and benefits the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation which awards grants to students pursuing careers in the wine industry.

The 2009 Critic’s Choice Grand Tasting International Wine Tasting had 256 wineries for tasting and they all scored over 90 points in Wine Spectator.

You rarely have the opportunity to taste the best wines in the world side by side. This really gives you the opportunity to fine-tune what you really like and come up with some new favorites.

Do you really like the big French Bordeaux or the California Cab and blends? For me that is a tough choice – my taste buds are all California, but I really appreciate the French wines which are amazing when you get to taste an older vintage. This was evident when my old boss opened up a 1968 Chateau de Beaucastel – that goes in my all time top 10.

And when you get to sample fines wines like this – you’ll know you already like them if you decide to spurge at dinner

Here’s my Top 15 favorites in order of preference from Friday night, October 23:

1) Harlan Estate ’05 Napa Valley blend of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Two words ‘ Wow Wow
2) Chateau Mouton Rothchild Pauillac 2005
3) Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2006
4) Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2003
5) Beringer ’95 Napa Valley Cabernet – This has an old style French taste – amazing.
6) Chateau Latour ’95 Pauillac
7) Chateau de Beaucastel ’07 Chateauneuf-du-Pape – Nice now but will be amazing in about 5 or more years.
8) Paul Hobbs ’06 Oakville Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet
9) Dalla Valle – ’06 Napa Cabernet – this is special and very limited – want to revisit in 3 years.
10) Pahlmeyer Napa Valley 2006
11) Chateau Margaux – Grand Cru Classe 2001 – one of my favorites
12) Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2006
13) Taittinger Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 1998
14) Chateau Palmer Margaux 1999
15) Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Cristal 2002


California Faves
Shafer Stags Leap District Napa Cab Hillside Select 2005
Caymus ’03 Napa Cab – Special Select – always one of my favorites – never turn down the opportunity to drink this!
Cliff Lede “Poetry” Stags Leap Napa Cab 2005
Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006
Hall ’06 Napa Cab – Kathryn was on hand and looks as good as the wine tastes
Bond ’05 Napa Cabernet – very nice.
Dominus Estate ’06 Napa Valley
Diamond Creek ’04 Napa Valley Volcanic Hill
Etude ’05 Napa Cab
Snodew Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2006
Robert Mondavi Cab Napa Valley Reserve 2006
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon St Helena Family Estate Grown 2006
Far Niente ’02 Napa Cab
Opus One Napa Valley 2006
Ferrari-Carano Tresor 2006 Sonoma Cab blend
DuMol ’07 Russian River Pinot Noir
Duckhorn ’05 Napa Cab
Heitz Wine Cellars – ’04 Napa Cab
Dolce Late Harvest Napa Valley 203
Lewis Cellars 2006 Napa Valley Reserve Cab
Pride Mountain Sonona-Napa Counties Reserve Cabernet 2005
Ramey Napa Valley Cabernet Annum 2006
Rubicon Estate 2006
Silver Oak ’05 Alexander Valley bonus taste of Twomey Pinot Noir
Stags Leap SLV Napa Valley Cabernet 2000
Twomey – Pinot Noir bonus taste at the Silver Oak table – absolutely amazing!
Chateau St. Jean – ’01 Cinq Cepages Sonoma Cab – Big fan of this wine and winery on Hwy 12 in Sonoma – they make great Chardonnays too.

France:
Chateau Haut-Brion 2003
Perrier Jouet Brut Champagne Fleur bottle 1999
Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne ‘07
Chateau La Fleur – Petrus 2005
Pol Roger Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 1999
E. Guigal Cote-Rotie 2005
Chateau La Mission Haut – Brion 2003
Krug Brut Champagne

Others:
Cloudy Bay ’08 Sauv Blanc – great wine, but I really like their Chard better – my taste.
DeLille Cellars – ’05 Red Mountain Cabernet – one of the best from Washington.
Dow’s Port ’07 Vintage Port
Gaja SPERSS – 2004 blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera
Graham’s Port
Penfolds Shiraz RWT 2006 which I can remember Real World Taste

Ron Parker attended the event with me and we both tasted over 50 wines. The big sushi dinner before the event followed by turkey burgers and kareoke at Mr Biggs helped.

And the best part a lot of the entry fee is tax deductible.

Can't wait until the next one...

-Brian

Family Winemakers at Ft Mason in SF

Here are the details on one of my favorite events to attend and its all California wine!


Celebrate Wine With Family Winemakers Of California Festival Pavilion
Wine lovers have reason to rejoice this summer when Fort Mason Center hosts a distinctive celebration of viticulture. August sees the return of the Family Winemakers event.
Attend any Family Winemakers tasting event and you'll see happy faces above glasses of red and white wines produced in small lots by independently owned wineries, many run by multigenerational families. The reason for all the smiles is that the wines are quite good and the atmosphere is very welcoming as wine enthusiasts gather to celebrate another year of the vines.
Family Winemakers is an association of more than 700 small wine producers, vineyards, and wine industry suppliers throughout California. Many of the members participate in the annual tasting events, sharing samples of their best varietals with members of the wine trade, the media, and the public.
The Family Winemakers tasting event is open to the public on Sunday, August 23, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and has additional tasting hours and dates for the trade on Sunday and Monday, August 24. For more information on admission and the wineries, visit www.familywinemakers.org or call (916) 498-7500.

Magnificat Birthday Weekend

It was nice for Franciscan to schedule their Magnificat release party on my birthday, so I put together a nice balance of fun for a long weekend in Northern California.

Starting off day 1 of my birthday weekend with a round at Pebble Beach on Thursday - its an up and down round, but par a bunch of holes.

Stop by Petar's in Lafayette to see my friend - Dave that is still performing there after all these years. They did a nice remodel on the restaurant. But the St. Mary's crowd has taken over.

Friday morning its a round of golf at Pittsburg's Delta View - front nine was a little shaky but play 5 over on the back nine. My buddy Gary beats my score by 10.

For my birthday - Gary brings over a bottle of Joseph Phelps Bachus - 2004, we pay the corkage at Grissini's and have a great Italian dinner.

Now its time to still check Friday wine tasting at Wine Thieves (http://www.winethieves.com/) Jim and Ben are there, but the tasting doesn't come close to the Bachus we had earlier. I purchase a mixed case to fill some gaps in my current collection.

Saturday making a change by having a big breakfast for a change before heading up to Napa.

1st stop in Napa - Robert Sinsky on Silverado Trail. Love their Cabernet Franc and their Marcein red blend.

I have worn out my Joseph Phelps vest - so a quick stop to buy a new one, but what the heck - let's taste some wine too. Chardonnay, Pinot and a Merlot was on the tasting which they hadn't made since 2002. Normally the Merlot is reserved to blending in the Insignia. They were also pouring the 2006 Cabernet and of course Insignia. As a bonus we get a taste of 2005 Bachus.

Now its time to head over the Franciscan - we zip over on Zinfandel lane back to Hwy 29 and we make it on time. There was a private tasting with Janet Myers which I scored by being one of the 1st to register for the Magnificat tasting. Which is their Meritage blend.
Janet speaks to us about oak and its effect on wine. We get to try the recent vintage of Cabernet that is in Light, Medium and Heavy toast. Most of us like Medium toast the best. But we also mix all three to create own blend before heading into the library for the 2006 Release.
They are pouring 5 different vintages of Magnificat today. I like to drink Newer to Older, but speaking with Janet Myers she like to do the opposite. For me my taste buds have to warm old to the older vintages. Janet said the fruit in the newer vintages can over power the older vintages.
I start with the 2006 - still a little tight for me today, but then I decide to take her advice and jump over the 2001 and its amazing and better yet one of my favorite wine hosts is working the room with the '01 - Tom...who years ago we called Bob all day before realizing the mistake. He's a midwest guy and normally only works on Sunday. He's one of the best in Napa.
I jump over the 2003 which was in little 375 ml bottles and learn that the wine ages faster in smaller bottles. The '03 is fantastic too. Back into the limited access and there is music - two woman playing violins, great food - the Kobe beef sticks and the Salmon are very tasting with Franciscan's blend. The last vintage I taste is the 2004. Very nice, but you can't beat the 2001.
But then we find out that a wine club member brought in a 1989 Magnificat...you had to go into the 2006 room and say; "I heard a rumor..." Gary and I get the last two tastes of the '89 from the decanter. It has been well cellared, the cork looks good and how many times do you ever get to taste a 2o year old Napa blend. But now that's gone it back to see Tom with the 2001 and I camp out there for the remainder of the afternoon. Normally I like wine 3-5 years old, but the '01 is perfect with an amazing finish.

We were going to stop at Auberge for a burger, but we had some much food at Franciscan we head back to the East Bay.

It's Saturday night, but I'm too tired to head out.

Maybe golf in the morning.

It's been a great birthday - year 49 is off to a good start.

-Brian

MORE NAPA SUMMER FUN

ROBERT MONDAVI SUMMER CONCERTS

6/27 B-52s
7/4 Preservation Hall Jazz Band with fireworks
7/11 Ozomatli
7/18 Natalie Cole with Napa Valley Symphony
7/25 KC & Sunshine Band
8/1 Smokey Robinson

FRANCISCAN MAGNIFICAT TASTING

coming up on 7/18 www.franciscan.com

NY Summer Hot Spots

The Pony - American Beer Bar 44th & 10th Ave in Hells Kitchen. Rotating american beers on tap. Sister restaurant to Lansdowne Road. Another reason to party in the old neighborhood. Say Hi! to Dan for me! And keep track of your beer tasting - free shirt after 100 beers (not in one setting please)

Just opened NY's Largest Beer Garden "Studio Square" huge outdoor space and grill 20 beers on tap. 35-33 36th Street, LIC, NY http://www.studiosquarenc.com/

McGarry's Pub grand opening of Summer Beer Garden with $20 mix buckets of Mexican beers. Weekend brunch $11.95 417 9th Ave 212-810-2115

Hoboken Bar & Grill: On Washington - over 60 beers - taste them all and you make their hall of fame. Fantastic Food and outdoor seating. Yours truly 1st member of beer club...but still have some beers to consume.

Dog's Ear Bar: On Hudson in SoHo - new restaurant and bar opened right next door to our new CBS studios. They must have known about us moving down...nothing on tap yet, but good beer selection. Excellent Bacon Cheeseburger, Cobb Salad, Salmon, Fish & Chips and more. Very nice setting.

Water Taxi Beaches: they're expanding with one on Governor's Island (7/4 opening) and South Street Seaport at the north end of Pier 17 - opening May 10. Great concept and a lot of fun. Bring the beach to the city!

Summer Events in Napa

Napa Valley Festival Del Sole - July 17-25 Music fine wine art and more at spectacular Napa Wineries http://www.fdsnapa.org

Ravenswood Release Party - Saturday Aug 29 The home of No Wimpy Wines is releasing the 2007 Vineyard-Designate wines. Single vineyard Zins. Ravenswood also offers Morning Tour & Tastings at 10:30 - see who says it has to be noon? Or Afternoon Vineyard Wine & Cheese Tour at 3pm. Weds 5:30 - 7:30 - after hours with Uncle Bob - Ravenswood wines with snacks and Bob! www.ravenswood-wine.com

More events as they come in...put them on my blog so I can find them again.

-Brian