Baltimore Food and Wine Events: Chef-Wine Experience, Restaurant Week, Dining Deals Website

Now is an exciting time to live in Baltimore if you’re a food and wine enthusiast! This Sunday will be the Baltimore Chef’s and Wine Experience (at which I’ll be attending!), July 26- August 3rd is Baltimore’s Restaurant Week, and through outstanding chef and author Dara Bunjon’s “Dining Dish” blog, I have found a great Baltimore dining site that offers gift certificates for half-price to many of Baltimore’s best restaurants. Information on these events can be found below. Also, check back soon for my “Best Bets for Restuarnat Week” where I’ll give recommendations for the best bang-for-your-buck restaurants that are participating this time around!

• Baltimore Dining Deals- Eating great for half the price!
• Chef’s and Wine Experience - At the Tremant Grand, Sunday July 13, 2008
• Baltimore Restaurant Week- Make your reservations soon!
• Dara Bunjon’s Dining Dish Blog - Great writing, lots of Baltimore information, recipes and more!
  

Maryland Food and Wine Events: JULY 2008

Wine Source Tastings:

Free Winemaker’s Tasting:
Braida of Italy
Tuesday July 15, 5 - 7 pm

Free Wine Tasting:
New Gems from Neal Rosenthal’s Portfolio
Friday July 18, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturday July 19, 1:30 - 5:30 pm

The Wine Source: Beer Dinner Featuring:
The Beers of Merchant du Vin
Monday July 14, 6:30 pm

The Merchant du Vin is built upon the idea that beer should be tasted and enjoyed like a bottle of fine wine, and there may be no better way to explore the finer nuances of a finely crafted beer than with a stellar meal at the Capital Grille.

John Brown, your host for the evening and a representative of The Merchant du Vin, will guide you through a historical narrative of some of the most exotic breweries throughout the world. Breweries featured will include: Samuel Smith, Lindemans, Pinkus, Westmalle, Ayinger, and Orval.

We kindly ask you to RSVP by Monday July 7, 2008 to the managers of The Capital Grill at 443.703.4064.

Visit The Wine Source website!

Baltimore Summer Restaurant Week: July 26 - August 3, 2008

Enjoy a variety of three-course dinners, in just about any cuisine that strikes your fancy, for only $30.08. Or try three-course lunches at select restaurants for just $20.08. And new this summer, many restaurants will also offer special culinary experiences, such as wine pairings, cooking classes, tasting menus and more. Plus, select Baltimore City garages are offering special $3-7 parking, and many hotels have special summer discounts and packages. So don’t just eat and run. Stay awhile, and see what else is cooking in Baltimore.

Baltimore Chefs and Wine Experience

Explore delicious restaurants, talented chefs, and fine wine at the Baltimore Chefs and Wine Experience hosted by the Food Network’s Sandra Pinckney. Find out more at www.chefsandwine.org.

Maryland Wine Events: June 2008

This will be updated as events are submitted/e-mailed to me (michael@foodandwineblog.com).

First Thursday Concerts in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon with the Charm City Social Club

CCSC

Come enjoy a free evening of music with friends near the Washington Monument. As always the music starts at 5:30 PM.

For more First Thursday information, go online to the WTMD Events Calendar.

Sposored by WTMD

Rain policy: The Concert will only be cancelled if rain, or threat of rain is heavy enough to pose an imminent or immediate health threat either to audience or band.
Cameras are allowed
Pets are allowed, Children have a great time. First Thursdays Concerts are a wonderful time for everyone including dogs, but please remember that all pets MUST be on a Leash within the park.
Alcohol may only be purchased from vendors in park during concert. No alcohol may be brought into the park or taken out of the park.
When: Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 5:30 PM 2008

The Wine Source: 3601 Elm Ave. 410-467-7777: www.the-wine-source.com:

Come and Taste a Wee Dram
Join us for a unique Tasting and Seminar of Signatory Vintage Single Malts - June 10, 2008 6:30 - 8:30 pm - Presented by Ed Kohl, North American Marketing Manager-Signatory Vintage Scotch Whiskey Co.

Single Malts to be Presented:
· 1990 Littlemill, Lowland 16 yr, 1992 Mortlach, Speyside 15 yr, 1997 Cragganmore, Speyside 10 yr, 1993 Ledaige, Island 13 yr, 1993 Highland Park, Island 13 yr, Hog’s Head, Pure Malt, 1997 Bunnahabhain, Islay 9 yr, 1991 Mannochmore, Speyside 16 yr

$15 Fee includes Seminar, Samples, Hors D’oeuvres, and $15 Rebate towards any order placed at the event. Seats are limited. For reservations, contact Tim or William at The Wine Source 410.467.7777 or email wineinfo@the-wine-source.com

Friday, June 6, 4:30 - 7:30 pm & Saturday, June 7, 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Free Wine Tasting: Theme TBD

Friday, June 6, 5 - 7 pm
Spirit Tasting: Pyrat Rum and Patron Citronge

Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Scotch Tasting: Signatory Vintage (see above RSVP required)

Friday, June 13, 5 - 7 pm
Spirit Tasting: Cafe Boheme and Van Gogh Double Expresso Vodka

Friday, June 20, 4:30 - 7:30 pm & Saturday, June 21, 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Free Wine Tasting: Theme TBD

Friday, June 27, 4:30 - 7:30 pm & Saturday, June 28, 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Free Beer Tasting: Summer Beers

Maryland Wine Events : May 2008

Chesapeake Wine Company:

Call 410.522.4556 or email map@chesapeakewine.com for more information

• Saturday, 5/17
  Tasting: Bordeaux (we can afford)
  (2pm, $35 per person, reservations only!)

• Tuesday, 5/20
  Tasting: Sparkling Wine/Champagne
  (7pm, $25 per person)

• Thursday, 5/22
  Wine Tasting at Sunset
  in the Park!
  (6-9pm, $50 per person, proceeds to benefit Friends of Patterson Park)

Calvert Wine:

Complimentary Tastings

• Saturday, May 17th 2:00 - 5:00PM - Wines TBA
• Saturday, May 17th 2:00 - 5:00PM - Clipper City Beer
• Friday, May 23rd 5:00 - 8:00PM - Wines from Baileyana Winery and Tangent Winery

Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival
May 31-June 1, 2008
Stevensville, Queen Anne’s County
www.chesapeakebaywinefestival.org

Can you think of anything more fun and enjoyable than spending a beautiful sunny day
on the sandy shores of the Chesapeake Bay sipping wine? We can’t either, so plan to join us at the Inaugural
Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival which will be held at Terrapin Nature Park in Stevensville.

Taste of the Nation Baltimore - June 2, 2008

Baltimore’s Best Chefs and Restaurants Cook to End Childhood Hunger
Baltimore’s Taste of the Nation Presented by American Express ^®, to Take Place on June 2

[Baltimore, May 12] — With flavorful food and a passion for helping hungry children, Baltimore’s best chefs and restaurants will gather for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation presented by American Express. Baltimore’s Taste of the Nation will raise critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in Baltimore and across America. This year’s event will take place on June 2 at the American Visionary Art Museum in Federal Hill, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, with a VIP reception beginning at 6 pm.

More than 20 of the city’s finest restaurants will participate in the gastronomic event including Vin, Indigma, Pierpoint and Ixia. Guests will enjoy the city’s finest foods paired with beverages by Finlandia Vodka, Herradura Tequila, Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Southern Comfort. This year’s event also offers something special for VIPs, including coveted seating, champagne, and surprise perks.

The area charities that will benefit from this year’s event include Baltimore’s Garden Harvest, Maryland Committee for Children, and Advocates for Children and Youth. Since its inception 20 years ago, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $70 million for organizations in the United States and abroad, including more than a quarter of million dollars in Baltimore alone.

Generous support from presenting sponsor American Express, national sponsors SYSCO Corporation and Food Network, Brown-Forman, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, the National Pork Board and OpenTable ensure that 100 percent of ticket proceeds go to Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in Baltimore.

With more than 12 million children facing hunger in America, and nearly 185,000 in the state of Maryland, Taste of the Nation events promote awareness of Share Our Strength’s efforts across the nation. The funds raised through Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation support the most effective organizations that feed hungry children, as well as advocates that are pursuing long-term solutions to the challenge of hunger, both locally and nationally.

Tickets for Taste of the Nation Baltimore are $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP admission, and can be purchased by calling 1-877-26-Taste or visiting www.tasteofthenation.org. Tables and event sponsorship opportunities are available.

About Share Our Strength^®

Share Our Strength is a national organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry. We weave together a net of community groups, activists and food programs to catch children at risk of hunger, and surround them with nutritious food where they live, learn and play. We work with the culinary industry to create engaging, pioneering programs like Taste of the Nation, Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale^®, Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline^® and Share Our Strength’s A Tasteful Pursuit^®. For more information, please visit www.strength.org.

Today Begins the St. Michael’s Food and Wine Festival

Some great wines being poured this weekend and daily tickets are only $45! Definitely worth checking out. Thanks Donna for reminding me

The 2008 St. Michaels Maryland Food and Wine Festival

The 2007 St. Michaels Food & Wine Festival, held on the beautiful grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, drew several thousand people, from April 26 - April 29, 2007. Attendees were entertained with great jazz, guest chefs, recipe demonstrations, wine seminars, wine tastings, and food and wine related exhibitions. One-of-a-kind wine dinners were prepared at fine restaurants throughout the area.

St. Michael’s Food and Wine Festival

Russian Vodka and Caviar Tasting at Morton’s The Steakhouse

This sounds like a great way to start off the week (Monday night in Baltimore) or a weekend (Friday night in Annapolis):

Vodka and Caviar Tasting Features Imperia Vodka Cocktails Matched with Caviar and Morton’s Signature Hors D’Oeuvres.Cost is $45 per person.

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Baltimore and Annapolis host Russian Vodka and Caviar tasting events featuring Imperia Vodka cocktails matched with caviar and Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres. The Baltimore event is Monday, March 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m., and the Annapolis event is Friday, March 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m. The two nights of indulgence pair two complimentary Russian delicacies. Cost to attend is $45 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 410-547-8255 for Baltimore or 410-280-1170 for Annapolis.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located at 300 South Charles Street in Baltimore and 100 Westgate Circle in Annapolis. For more information and to make reservations, call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore, 410-280-1170 for Annapolis, or visit www.mortons.com

February 23, 2008 - Open That Bottle Night!

This Saturday marks the 9th edition of the annual Open That Bottle Night (OTBN). Started in 2000 by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, OTBN is perhaps the largest wine tasting event in the world, calling upon wine enthusiasts to bring together their loved ones, families, friends and even strangers to open up a few bottles of wine. The catch? The wine should be something special! The event is designed to provide a special occasion for which you are to drink a bottle of wine you’ve been holding on to.
Read more

Born on Leap-Year? You NEED to take advantage of this offer from Morton’s!

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE CELEBRATES LEAP YEAR BY OFFERING A FREE DINNER FOR THOSE BORN ON FEBRUARY 29

February 29 Might Only Come Once Every Four Years, but Morton’s Baltimore and Annapolis Restaurants are Helping Those with this Special Leap Day Birthday Make it a Night to Remember

To make reservations, please call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore or 410-280-1170 for Annapolis and specify “Leap Year Birthday”

(BALTIMORE/ANNAPOLIS, Md., February 6, 2008) – Morton’s The Steakhouse is celebrating Leap Year and those born on February 29, referred to as “leaplings,” by offering a free steak and seafood dinner to people with this special birthday on Leap Day, Friday, February 29, 2008. Morton’s Baltimore and Annapolis restaurants are offering a free, birthday dinner to “leaplings” who make advance reservations to dine in the restaurant on their birthday.

The free, birthday dinner consists of a single-cut filet; choice of Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp Alexander, or broiled sea scallops; choice of Caesar salad or Morton’s salad with blue cheese dressing, chopped egg and anchovies; choice of Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate (Birthday) Cake or key lime pie; and a complimentary glass of champagne for “leaplings” at least five and one-quarter years old (otherwise known as 21 and older). Complimentary valet parking will also be also provided for the birthday celebrants.

Morton’s is asking that all “leaplings” show proof of date of birth (valid I.D.), as well as make advance reservations. Morton’s reserves the right to limit the number of free birthday dinners. To make reservations, please call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore or 410-280-1170 for Annapolis and specify “Leap Year Birthday.”

Ron McNeill, General Manager at Morton’s in Baltimore, said, “With Leap Year only coming once every four years, we wanted to do something special to highlight those with this unique birthday who can’t celebrate on their actual birthday each year. What could be a better birthday present than a free dinner at Morton’s?”

In addition, from now until June 30, 2008, Morton’s Baltimore location is offering the special steak and seafood dinner for two. For only $99, the dinner includes two single-cut filets; choice of two seafood options, Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp Alexander, or broiled sea scallops; choice of two salads, Caesar salad or Morton’s salad with blue cheese dressing, chopped egg and anchovies; and choice of two desserts, Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake or Key Lime Pie.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located at 300 South Charles Street in Baltimore and 100 Westgate Circle in Annapolis. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Bar 12·21 at Morton’s in Annapolis opens at 5 p.m. Valet parking is available. For more information and to make reservations, call 410-547-8255 for Baltimore, 410-280-1170 for Annapolis, or visit www.mortons.com.

10.5 Liters of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Duck, Rabbit, Lamb, Homemade Cheesecake, Great Group of Wine Lovers - Did I get Your Attention?

Saturday, January 26, 2008, the “MD - Cru” met up for one of its “offlines”. The “Cru” is made up of friends, new and old, that have two things in common - they love great food and wine, and they make great company! Kim and I were first lucky enough to meet up with them a first time this past October (see what happened the first time around) but they’ve been doing this for years! After missing at Italian event in November (we were in Italy!) and a Champagne event in December (home for holidays), we were focused on joining in on a tasting of one of our favorite wines - Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

The tasting was held at the beautiful home of one of the “regulars” of the MD - Cru out near Bethesda. The event featured the following food menu of which recipes for some if not all will follow (these people made some OUTSTANDING dishes and I begged and begged for the recipes…hopefully we’re all lucky enough to get them!).

The wines (all Chateauneufs):
2 x 750 ml: 1989 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau
1 x 1.5 L: 1995 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe La Crau
1 x 1.5 L: 1998 St. Benoit Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Garde
2 x 750 ml: 1998 Bois de Boursan Cuvee de Felix Chateauneuf du Pape
2 x 750 ml: 2000 Domaine du Pegau Cuvee Reserve
2 x 750 ml: 2001 Domaine de la Charbonniere - Le Hautes Brusquieres
2 x 750 ml: 2001 E. Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape

Others:
Piper Heidsieck NV Champange
Chusclan Les Ribieres Cotes Du Rhone 2001 - OUTSTANDING VALUE, Great wine
Mystery Bottle (seen in Aluminum Foil) Bob Johnson’s Homemade Pear Wine - Great Stag Winery

MENU
H’ordeurves:
Duck served with cucumber, crackers and chives - Brilliant appetizer, simple yet elegant and quite delicious
Melon Wrapped in Prosciutto - Always a crowd pleaser, the Prosciutto was very rich perfectly cured
Marinated Flank Steak - Paging CS (the owner of this recipe) - outstanding texture and flavors
Rabbit - Delicate, well seasoned, with the right amount of gaminess, perfect way to start the night of French wines!

Starters:
Green bean casserole - One of the best green bean casseroles I’ve had, so rich, good textures, lovely
Carrot souffle - Delicate. So delicate, perfectly prepared. Everyone guessed nutmeg, but cinnamon was the star.
Brussel sprouts pancetta - How do you take a vegetable some people dislike and make it to die for? Add pork! I love Brussel sprouts anyways, but this take on them is a real winner.
Potatoes - Cheesy and delicious.

Main Course:
Lamb - Perfectly tender, seasoning was spot on, cooked to perfection - juicy and delicious.
Cassoulet - It’s hard to mess up something that’s ingredients include rabbit, sausage, lamb…beans, I mean, come on…this was incredible.

Dessert:
Cheese cake (homemade with white/dark chocolate) - The crust was so delicate, the body very rich. Outstanding cheesecake.
Cannoli’s and Carinaolies - Vaccaro’s never fails!

Here’s what a plate of this deliciousness looked like:

As far as food and wine pairings go, almost everything was spot on. Anytime you have lamb, duck, or rabbit on the table, a Chateauneuf is a good match. It would be very difficult to pick a wine of the night - they were all very good. The 1995 Vieux Telegraphe was drinking INCREDIBLE, the St. Benoit as well, the Pegau had a lot going on with complex flavors and amazingly silky tannins, and the 2001 Bois de Boursan Cuvee de Felix was outstanding. This wine with a bit more age will be very special and is highly recommended if you can find it. Specific tasting notes will be posted and linked in the next day!

Again thanks to everyone in the group, especially to Mr. & Mrs. J. for hosting this incredible event in their beautiful home- Kim and I really enjoy these off-lines and look forward to many, many more!

MORTON’S CLASSIC COMBINATION DINNER IS BACK - Annapolis, MD

MORTON’S CLASSIC COMBINATION DINNER IS BACK - Filet Mignon, Choice of Alaskan King Crab Legs or Australian Lobster Tail and Morton’s Salad or Caesar Salad; All for Only $69*

(Annapolis, MD)– The best fine-dining value in town? It could be the classic combination dinner that Morton’s The Steakhouse is serving from now through March 31, 2008 at the Annapolis restaurant.  Read more here…

Wine dinner with the Milton Inn Clavert Wine & Spirits

Tuesday, March 11, 2008:The Milton Inn and Calvert Wine and Spirits present a Wine Dinner Featuring Special Selections from Beringer, Chateau St. Jean and Stags’ Leap Wineries<strong>
</strong>~ Hors d’oeuvres ~
Potato and Basil wrapped tuna with soy and sesame emulsion
Cheese and Bacon quiche topped with duck confit
Champagne poached oyster with pancetta beurre blanc
2006 chateau st. jean la petite etoile fume blanc

~ First Course ~

Timbale of Salmon Tartar with guacamole, caviar and lemon oil
2005 beringer stanly ranch chardonnay
2005 chateau st. jean robert young chardonnay

~ Second Course ~
Grilled Squab and poached Lobster with a sweet potato and thyme gnocchi,
roasted shallot and asparagus ragout finished with Pinot Noir reduction
2005 beringer stanly ranch pinot noir

~ Entrée ~
Pepper dusted Filet Mignon with potato Lorraine, asparagus tips and baby carrots with a green peppercorn demi-glace
2004 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages
2004 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

~ Cheese Course ~
Duo of cheese; fig and gorgonzola empanada and a savory cheesecake made with eppoisse
2004 stags’ leap petite syrah

$99 per person plus tax and gratuity
All reservations to be made through the MiltonInn (410) 771-4366
Seating is limited. Please confirm reservation and number of guests in advance.
The MiltonInn ~ 14833 York Road ~ Sparks, Maryland21152
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St. Michael’s Food and Wine Festival

# THE SIXTH ANNUAL ST. MICHAEL’S FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2008!

This “Culinary Extravaganza by the Bay” is a weekend-long event allowing “foodies” and “wine lovers” to sip fine wines and taste gourmet foods from around the world

WHO: St. Michael’s Food & Wine Festival each year attracts 2,000 + food and wine enthusiasts from the Mid-Atlantic region. The festival has grown to include internationally recognized chefs and makers of fine wines from around the globe.

WHAT: Activities that will be showcased at this trend-setting event include: presentations by leading food and wine experts, recipe demonstrations, wine tastings, culinary and wine seminars, book signings and unique cuisine, wines and spirits from nationally acclaimed Chefs & Sommeliers pairing with chefs at local award winning restaurants.

WHEN: Festival begins Thursday evening April 24, 2008 with VIP charity reception and continues through Sunday afternoon April 27, 2008. Sunday highlights include Champagne Jazz Brunch and Trade/Media only Reception.

WHERE: St. Michaels, Maryland, along the historical grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum—a waterfront region which has been called the “next Hamptons” by travel writers, a “vacation spot that never fails to please” by Woman’s Day magazine, and has been named one of “America’s most romantic destinations” by LIFE magazine.

MORE: Visitors are also invited to explore exhibits at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum highlighting the maritime history of the Bay and its culinary connections. Unique shops, outdoor activities and historical sites offer plenty to do.

CONTACT: For more information and/or to set up a press interview, please contact:

Lainie Friedman, Colangelo & Partners Public Relations (CPR)

Tel: 646.624.2885 Ext. 2 or email: lfriedman@colangelopr.com

For up-to-the-minute information on events, celebrity presenters, hotel information, and/or to purchase tickets, please visit the festival’s official website: www.stmichaelsfoodandwinefestival.com

Upcoming Event at The Wine Market

THE WINE MARKET AND CAFÉ TO HOLD HOLIDAY WINed UP

November 27, 6:30-9:30 PM

 

Baltimore, MD…The Wine Market, a well known restaurant and wine shop in Locust Point, will host its first annual Holiday Wined Up event on Tuesday, November 27, from 6:30-9:30 PM at the restaurant, located at 921 East Fort Avenue, near Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor. According to Chris Spann, owner, the event will feature over 30 wines from around the world, accompanied by noted Chef Christian deLutis’s cuisine. Inclusive tickets, covering both wine and food, are $27 each, and are available at The Wine Market and Café or available by telephone (410-244-6166). The event will be limited, so interested guests are encouraged to call and purchase tickets early.

For more info: Wine Market Event

Oh what a night!

On Friday, October 19, 2007 a group of wine lovers met up at Cafe de Paris in Columbia, MD to say farewell to old friends and welcome in new (check back soon for a full review of the restaurant). The theme of the event: “Big Reds”. Completely vague, this led to a very interesting assortment of wines from around the world. Although putting together flights was quite a challenge, Newsguy (the celebrated man of the evening) did an excellent job. The event was my first time meeting up with the group but I feel confident in saying it wasn’t my last! Kim and I had an amazing time and look forward to future events.

Without further ado, here are my notes from the evening. I did not include the notes for the NV Cafe de Paris Cuvee which was slightly watered down and did not leave a lasting impression. Oh what a night!

1990 Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Blanc des Millénaires: The nose on this thing was incredible. Very nutty with subtle melon and grapefruit. The wine literally made me smile upon tasting it…it was that good. The palette had explosions of elegannt fruit and such great texture. It was very refreshing into the finish that left me searching for another splash. My rating: 96 pts.

1995 Boizel Brut Champagne Joyau de France - I opened the first bottle and was surprised by the lack of a “pop”, concerned the bottle had been compromised. The second followed the same suit and both were good with consistent notes. A lot of ripe fruits but a little tight. I would expect this to get better over the next 5 or so years. I’d give this 90 pts with hope that it would develop nicely. My rating: 90 pts

Final Notes: The Blanc des Millénaires was incredible. The best Champagne I can remember having and definitely drinking quite nicely. I think the Boizel was a little young but definitely saw some potential in it. Winner here was an easy one: Blanc des Millénaires

Round 1:
2001 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Superiore Paleo (100% Cab Franc): The nose on this wine was wonderful and complex. I noted berry fruits, mineral, saw dust, carrot, amazingly unique! Great structure and balance with solid fruits and a creamy texture. Lovely wine. My rating: 95 pts

1998 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau: I got a lot of unique notes on this one as well. Cajun spice, red pepper, herbs, plum, boysenberry, gentle tannins with a subtle, lasting finish. This gets my vote for the most interesting wine of the night - I really had a lot of fun with it. My rating: 92 pts

1998 Brancaia Il Blu (Sangiovese with Merlot and Cab Sauv): Raspberry, dark fruits, floral nose. Mild acidity with soft tannins and quite a long finish. My rating: 92 pts

Round 2:
2001 Hanna Bismark Mountain Noir: Elegant nose of raspberry, sweet french oak, green pepper and a touch of tomato, which was interesting in a good way. As the wine developed in the glass it became “dark and serious” as pointed out by newsguy. We agreed the French oak fell off fast but the wine maintained great balance. My rating: 90 pts

1996 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley St. Rutherford Vineyard: Cigar box, cedar, currant nose. The fruits were alive and came in layers while the tannins soft and elegant. I agree that this wine was overshadowed by the other two in the flight, but I felt that overall it was the most balanced of the bunch. My rating: 94 pts

1999 Fatboy Cabernet Behrens & Hitchcock: HUGE. I could leave it at that, but I’ll continue. This Fatboy lives up to its name. Big nose of dark cherry, blackberry and butter with a touch of thyme. The wine attacked my palette with big fruits and mouth drying tannins. Overall great balance and integration - was amazing with the lamb (as pointed out by Mrs. Jace!). What I want out of a big cab - My rating: 93 pts

Round 3:
2001 Sette Ponti Oreno Great color to this wine. Great fruits on the nose with mineral and smokey oak. Huge body with good balance and velvety tannins to match. The finish was incredibly long but fell apart a bit early. My rating: 91 pts

2003 Numanthia-Termes Toro Numanthia A first for me (Numanthia) but will not be the last. The wine had a deep, dark color with a big bouquet of fruits and earth. The wine started off complex and developed very nicely on the palette. Maybe a bit young or just needed a few more hours in the decanter? Regardless, exceptional wine that may be better in 5 years. My rating: 92 pts

2001 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley Spicy, dark fruit and anise on the nose with a touch of tar. Big wine that moves with elegance and grace across the palette, reminding me again on the finish of it’s great depth. My rating: 91 pts

Round 4: (warning: at this point my notes became less detailed and often a mere “good fruit, elegant…yum” or “this is fun”, but I feel confident in my overall impressions)
2002 Viader Napa Valley Worried this would be young, I was pleasantly surprised. The wine was not sharp at all and had a good structure and soft tannins. I noted the usual dark fruits, buttered toast, and a touch of herb that came in layers with a drop of cocoa on the finish. I gave this one 91 pts…Kim rated it much higher at 95 pts. My rating: 91 pts

1999 Dalla Valle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Creamy nose with good dark cherry and raspberry and chocolate. All I have beyond that is “WOW…one of the best tonight, 94 pts.” I wish I had more to say! I know of the three, this had the longest, most exciting finish. I’ll stick with My rating: 94 pts.

1999 Viader Napa Valley This was more young than the 2002 and a bit more wound up. I agree that it needs a few more years but can see this becoming as good as, if not better than, the 2002. Similar fruit notes to the 2002. My rating: 91 pts.

My Wines of the Night:
1990 Charles Hiedsieck
1996 Flora Springs Cabernet
2001 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Superiore Paleo
1999 Dalla Valle

Wine Club - October Meet-up: Thursday Oct. 25, 2007!

Hey everyone -

Our wonderful friend Donna has taken the lead in organizing this month’s wine club gathering. The event will be next Thursday at 7:30 PM and will feature “Pairing Wine with Mexican Food”. See the Wine Club Page for a message from Donna!  (And no Miranda, tequila is not a wine…although it COULD be next Thursday!).

Don’t forget to RSVP! I hope to see many of you next week.

Wine Club Sepetmber meet-up: 09/15/07 at the Maryland Wine Festival!

Hey everyone a quick note on the wine club meeting this month. We’re going to spend Saturday, September 15, 2007 in Westminster Maryland trying some of the State’s finest wines! We’ll meet up around 2:00 PM at the museum. If you have questions or need more info, see the wine club page or drop me an e-mail.

I look forward to seeing you all next Saturday!

Bin 604 Pinot Noir Tasting Recap - August 23, 2007

This week’s tasting titled “Perfectly Pinot Noir” offered a wide variety of Pinot’s from around the world. The selection was quite diverse, with a few very good bottles at good prices. Below are a list of the wines we tasted, with notes and retail pricing.

1. Domaine de Regusse Pinot Noir, Provence, France, 2006 ($9.99) This Pinot comes to us from Southern France. It was very light, with raspberry and cherry notes, as well as some strawberry that came out on the finish. Not much structure or body, but drinkable. - My rating: 83 pts

2. The Jibe Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2006 ($15.99). Marlborough is well known for quality Sauvignon Blanc and is recently making a statement in the pinot noir production. This 2006 pinot has nice acidity and some interesting fruit notes consisting of cherry, strawberry, and a hint of vanilla. The pepper and earth tones were nice, but not well integrated with the rest of the wine. Overall, I thought it was OK, but Kim really enjoyed this one. -My rating: 85 pts

3. Capitain Gagnerot Ladoix, Burgundy, 2005 ($25.99) - The only pinot on our list from Burgundy, this 2005 was very good. The fruits were distinguished and complex, with a light mineral undertone and mild acidity. The finish was very elegant and memorable. An excellent value of a great vintage Burgundy! My rating: 92 pts.

4. J. Hoffstatter “Meczan” Pinot Nero, Alto Adige, Italy, 2005 ($21.99) . A very good example of the pinot noir grape with good berry and cherry fruits and a fine texture. Complex and elegant, fresh, intense and quite satisfying - all from a region better known for it’s white wines! My rating: 91 pts.

5. Lemelson Pinot Noir, 2005 ($35.99) - From the well-known Willamette Valley in Oregon, this pinot provides a good example of a well integrated and structured wine. Mild oak, crisp, mild acidity paired with cherry, plum and vanilla notes. Spices appear on the finish that outline the earthieness and texture quite nicely. Maybe overpriced, but it’s very good. -My rating: 89 pts.

6. Cambria Pinot Noir “Julia’s Vineyard”, Santa Maria Valley, California, 2005 ($21.99) - I didn’t have much written down about this basic pinot from the Santa Maria Valley. There was some nice spice notes, with strawberry and cherry, but it was rather unremarkable. My rating: 84 pts.

7. William James “Gary Ranch Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, 2005 ($35.99). In the glass the William James Pinot is very pleasant with outstanding color and a very impressive bouquet of pomegranate and cherry, as well as floral notes. Smoky and expressive, the velvety texture leads into layers of herbs, cherry and pomegranate. The alcohol content is perfectly matched with the acidity and the tannins, leading to an outstanding finish. The wine took some time to open up and will definitely only get better in the bottle for a few years. - My Rating: 90 pts

8. Dierberg Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, 2005 ($44.99). Our third wine in a row from the Santa Maria Valley, this 2005 Dierberg was a bit bigger than the others. The dark cherry and raspberry nose showed hints of lavender. Good acidity with silky and complex tannins, the wine took some time to open and may do well in the bottle for another couple years. -My rating: 89 pts

Bin 604 Thursday Tastings - August 23, 2007 - Pinot Noir

Hi everyone,

Just inviting you all to join Kim and I at Bin 604 (www.bin604.com) in Fells Point (Baltimore, MD) tomorrow night at 6 PM for a tasting of some pinot noirs.

The tasting is part of their weekly wine tasting series. More info can be found on their website, or please feel free to drop me a message: michael@foodandwineblog.com. Don’t forget to RSVP soon, they often fill up!

Hope to see some of you there!

2007 Nantucket Wine Festival (May 16-May 20)

For those of you lucky enough to have attended this event, the video will be a good recap of your wonderful experience. For those of us who missed out, it’s a great preview of what we can look forward to next year! Either way, enjoy (link sent in by -Wine Aficionado Caily T.)! The video can be found at:

http://nantucket.plumtv.com/

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