vineguy

Help - I need a BBQ caterer for a birthday party at a residence in Montgomery County in three weeks. Looking for either BBQ, Lamb Roast, Pig Roast or Luau style caterer to feed about 50 people at a laid-back, casual affair. Any help/advice/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

HUH? Well, OK, I guess. Maybe I could do a column on wines that people who drink wine would make if they could make wine but wouldn't drink it... or something like that. Scott

Here is a link to this past week's wine column in the Examiner: Zinfandel's to enjoy during the summer grilling season. Zinfandel Wines For Hot Times Cheers, Scott

Hi Jay - Interesting suggestion, but easier said-than-done since I am usually writing three to four weeks ahead of the column's run date. I am usually not privy to sales, bargains or deals that far out. Although, the retailers could certainly run ads along side the column to advertise their specials. My publisher woule LOVE that! Scott

Who are you, kind stranger? I LOVE these ideas! I have forwarded your suggestions to my editor (and I didn't even take credit for it) and hope to incorporate many of your ideas in upcoming columns. I'd love to give you a "shout out" in a future column for your ideas, so please PM me with your info. To the Rockwell Community At Large - Please keep these comments coming! They are very helpful and will be useful in making the wine column in the Examiner the best in the city. Cheers, Scott

Thanks Jake - It actually is my editor's idea, but I do get a lot of emails from readers who say that they would like some assistance in stores where they feel like either they can't find someone to help them or - even worse - the saleperson doesn't know the wines, so they think the shelf talkers are a good "aid." To your point, though, this is my passion. And thank goodness for my day job because it allows me to persue this avocation. I just want to make this the best wine column in the city. The paper is devoted to the column (they give me a full page with color photos and complete autonomy in subject matter). And to Joe's point, that allows me to review some "gems" and "unsung" varietals that I want readers to try. That is my true passion. Once again, thanks. Scott PS I really do like reading Asimov. I'd love to share a bottle of wine with him sometime...

This is all great feedback. I really do try to find "off the beaten path" stuff to write about - but not just obscure wines - I also try to promote a different spin on popular wines. For example, I wrote about the well known Italian producer Castello Gambbiano, but I took more of a "hospitality" approach in the article. Last week I received an email from a couple in No. VA who recently went to Italy with a copy of my article and made a visit to the Castello. They showed the owner the piece and were treated like royalty. They could not believe what a great experience they had! This is the wonderful ancillary side of wine. A side that does not get written about enough. On the other side, sometimes it's hard not to "gush" over a well-know wine and come off as pandering... it is a double-edged sword of which I am all too acutely aware of. So far, I think all of the comments are useful and well said. I am curious, though, if you think the following idea would be helpful: take the reviews and turn them into "shelf-talkers" for retailers to use in their stores. So - keep those cards and letters coming. I will begin incorporating the feedback ASAP. With thanks, Scott

As Lloyd Dobens once said, "Continual improvement is an unending journey." To that end, I am attempting to improve the weekly wine column at the Examiner Newspaper. I truly believe that there is room for improvement to produce a reliable wine column for our community. To that end, I am seeking honest (and constructive) criticism that will be beneficial in making the column something that wine lovers and wine novices will look forward to reading each week. I have included links to recent articles. Please check out these (and other) columns on the Examiner Website (http://dcpaper.examiner.com) and let me know what you think - everything from writing style and content to layout and artwork. Please keep in mind that I have to write for a VERY broad audience Summer Sippers to Beat The Heat - Examiner, June 13, 2008 Livio Felluga - King of Friuli Examiner June 6, 2008 2005 White Burgundies - Examiner May 15, 2008 Thanks for your feedback... Scott Greenberg The Vine Guy Wine Columnist Examiner Newspaper

As seen in the Examiner Wine Column last week (written by Cindy Greenberg): Here are a few of my favorite wines that can help you beat the summer heat. 2006 McClean Syrah Rosé, Australia ($18) This Syrah-based wine possesses a deep color for a rosé, but the sweet cherry and red plum flavors are light and bright on the tongue. Whispers of pepper on the crisp finish make it a great candidate to share with roast chicken or grilled sausages. NV Cristalino Brut Rosé Cava, Spain ($8) Alert readers Liz and George brought this lovely sparkling rosé - made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Trepat - to my attention a few weeks ago and it has become a house favorite. Beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth, with just a touch of ginger on the crisp, clean finish. The bubbles add a certain festive feel to the wine. I had great success pairing it with fresh fruit tart. 2005 Chateau Clarendelle Rosé, Bordeaux, France ($13) A delicious rosé wine with bright flavors of strawberry, red cherry and ripe peach that coat the tongue. Its generous mouthfeel and crisp acidity make it a winner with grilled salmon. 2006 Dom D'Eole Rosé Coteaux D'Aix-en-Provence, France ($13) Provence is where I fell in love with rosés and this wine is one of the reasons why. It is wonderfully crisp and dry, yet delivers loads of pretty fruit flavors - including strawberry, raspberry and melon - on a fresh and balanced frame. Served well-chilled, it needs nothing more than a beach chair and a good book to keep it company. 2007 Domaine Sorin Terra Amata Rosé, Bandol, France ($16) Made from a blend of grenache, cinsault, mourvedre and a touch of syrah, this dry rosé features strawberry, cherry and watermelon on the nose and on the palate. Hints of spice on the pretty finish give it a little something extra and keeps you coming back for another sip. 2007 Pax Cellars Rosé, Sonoma, Calif. ($23) While this wine is a little outside my usual price range for rosé, it’s worth the splurge. Its floral bouquet features beautiful red berry fruit scents and hints of violet while flavors of wild strawberry and ripe red plums are supported by bright acidity. The remarkably long finish stays fresh and focused, making it a great match for stronger fare such as grilled bratwurst.

Hey Mark - I am not a novice and I really enjoyed your show! Your enthusiasm was contegeous. Rules of thumb are exactly that - to be taken with a grain of salt or a glass of wine. I heard last week that you were picked up by 200 stations. Congratulations. Keep the energy going - and let me know if you ever need "guests" on your show! Cheers, Scott

So you say, Danny Boy, so you say...

Hung by my own petard! Good one Don!!! I never realized how my own greed could blind me to an obvious dupe... I am in awe of your devious side and will get even with Dan Korn one day soon. Cheers, Scott

Anything for you Mud! Maybe we could work out an exchange program with your D'Yquem

Here is my revised list, based on what has gone before... I think... I will take the following: all of the following: 1982 Haut Brion 1989 La Mission Haut Brion 1990 Aussone 1964 Ausson 1986 Ducru Beaucaillou 1998 "Y" white wine Thanks! Scott

Heather - I will take the all of the La Mission Haut Brion and split whatever you want! Scott

I will take the following: I'll go halfies on the Latour (2 bottles) - if still available all of the following: 1982 Haut Brion 1990 Aussone 1964 Ausson 1986 Ducru 1998 "Y" white wine Thanks! Scott

I just wrote an article in yesterday's Examiner about several charity related wine tastings in our area. For the full article, check out: Doing Good, Drinking Well Article Here is the condensed version: First up, on March 31st and April 1st, MacArthur Beverages presents the 21st Annual California Vintner’s Dinner and Barrel Tasting, featuring the 2004 vintage. The Vintner’s Dinner will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Friday, March 31st while the California Barrel Tasting will take place the next day, also at the Mandarin Oriental. There will be two sessions for the tasting on Saturday: 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm. This very popular event is special since it was the first tasting to offer California wine futures and also as raise money for the Addy and Bruce Bassin Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which honors the memory of two men for their commitment to the world of fine wines. Go to www.bassins.com/californiabarrel/index.html A cause that is near and dear to my heart (no pun intended) is Heart’s Delight, a three-day extravaganza of food and wine to benefit the American Heart Association. This marathon event, held May 11th – 13th, is an opportunity to sample some of the best wines from the 2003 vintage in Bordeaux as well as incredible cuisine from nationally acclaimed chefs. Thursday evening offers a series of intimate wine dinners in homes, restaurants and Embassies featuring a combination of chefs, winemakers and food/wine writers at each location. Friday will feature an exclusive Vintners Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium featuring the wines of Château Margeaux, a “First Growth” producer. The Chateau’s Director, Paul Pontallier, will be on hand to present some of the estate’s wines, as will Serena Sutcliffe, head of Sotheby’s International Wine Department, and Thomas Matthews, Executive Editor of The Wine Spectator. Saturday’s grand event begins with a seated tasting of thirty-plus 2003 Bordeaux wines, lead by Master of Wine Serena Sutcliffe. Chateau owners and directors will be present to comment on their wines. The evening concludes with dessert and a live auction, led by Jamie Ritchie of Sotheby’s. For information, contact Heidi Arnold at (703) 914-3720 or www.heartsdelightwineauction.org The French Embassy is hosting the annual fundraiser for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Washington on May 13th. It is an evening of regional foods from France and wines from around the world. Michael Franz, a wine writer, educator and consultant, will be on hand to lead the tasting. The gala is black tie optional. Call 866-630-5173 or visit www.tsagw.org for details. The third annual CharityWorks “100 Point Wine Night” wine tasting and dinner will be held on May 19th at the home of Joe Roberts. This event will feature wines from all over the world rated 100 Points by Wine Spectator Magazine, which lists fewer than 75 wines that hold this rating. DC's hottest chefs, Jonathan Krinn, Fabio Trabocchi, Tony Chittum, Brenden Cox, Bryan Voltaggio, Haidar Karoum and Frank Morales, will prepare an unparalleled dinner to compliment the “100 point” wines. The evening will be lead by Thomas Matthews, Executive Editor of Wine Spectator. Proceeds will go to serve more children in the Higher Achievement Program, an outstanding, results-oriented after school program that helps transform the lives of young people in DC. For more information, email charityworks@aol.com. Of course THE HOTTEST TICKET will be to the First Annual Legendary One Hundred Point Wine Weekend with Robert M. Parker, Jr. and Pierre-Antoine Rovani, authors of the Wine Advocate. The festivities begin Friday Evening, June 2nd, when the Ambassador of France will host a dinner at the Residence with Parker and Rovani. Chef Daniel Boulud of restaurant Daniel in New York, along with the Ambassador’s personal chef Francis Layrle, will prepare an extraordinary meal matched with wines selected personally by Mr. Parker. The event continues on June 3rd at The Halcyon House where the Parker-Rovani team will produce an evening of liquid perfection as nationally acclaimed chefs Daniel Boulud and San Francisco restaurateur Nancy Oaks, along with locally celebrated chefs, team up to prepare gastronomic delights. Proceeds will benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as well as the AppleTree Institute, a new charter school in Washington, DC dedicated to early learning and literacy for disadvantaged preschool children. For information, check out info@wineadvocatefund.org Cheers,

Got mine for $24.99 - just under the arbitrary "reasonable" bar of $25. More of a "value" I suppose. Scott

Well - at the risk of causing a commotion, my column today in the Examiner explores the resonably priced wine lists of several DC area restaurants. It is evidently one of the more controversial articles I have written since I had received 15 emails this morning from readers telling me I forgot to include their favorite restaurant! So, before you write back with some witty retort that begins, “I can’t believe you were stupid enough not to include (fill in name of favorite restaurant overlooked by idiot wine writer)” please remember, I only get 700 words. At least I credited donrockwell.com in the article! But don’t worry – given the popularity of this theme, I will explore it once again next year. And I will have the good sense to poll this audience before I write it! Restaurant Wine List Gems Cheers, Scott

2003 Worthy "Sophia's Cuvee" - good juice from Gus Kalaris with lots of yummy/jammy black fruits with good balance and a decent finish at a reasonable price. A wonderful combination. Scott

Tough day at the quarry - Reward? 1994 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon In a real wine glass, no less (no jelly jars tonight)

2003 Toluca Lane Pinot Noir, Oregon 2001 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, Calif. 2002 Estancia Meritage Paso Robles, Calif. 1992 Silver Oak, Napa, Calif. Hey, I,m working here!

You, my friend, are a lucky, lucky guy. Great allocation and a spouse who can make her own stemware! It just doesn't get any better... Cheers, Scott

Glad you like the WesMar wines. The Pinot in the article was not one of the single vineyard wines (that they do oh so well), but the "generic" Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. Not quite as forward as the Piner Ranch, but a great value at $30. Hope you had a great Valentine's Day and that your wine selection had the desired effect. Scott

Thanks to all who emailed me your favorite, uh hem, wines used to enhance your chance for romance. Here is the article, as it appeared in the Examiner last Wednesday. Check it out and see if anything floats your boat. You still have a little time to grab a bottle before Valentine's Day. Wine To Enhance Romance Cheers (and Happy Valentine's Day), Scott