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by Jim L. Ellingson

Mostly an update. Muffuletta Cafe St. Anthony Park 2260 Como at Carter 651-644-9116 St. Paul, 55108 Directions. Hwy 280 or Snelling to Como, then East/West to Carter. ----- Forwarded message from "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> ----- Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 17:56:53 -0600 From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> To: wine(a)thebarn.com Subject: [wine] S. France at Muffy's Greetings, Plenty of octane in the wines, mostly zins, last week. Menu at Oddfellows is short but creative. This week, we're going go Muffuletta. See review, address, etc. below. Nic's pick is Southern France excluding Rhone. Get out the old wine atlas and see what you can bring. Yes (9 so far, some are guesses): Nicolai Warren/Ruth Betsy Bob Jim/Louise Karin Russ No: Lori Annette S. Fred/Kim Cheers, Jim ----- Forwarded message from "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> ----- Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 13:51:14 -0600 From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> To: wine(a)thebarn.com Subject: [wine] Western Wines at Oddfellows. Greetings, It appears that our man Scott and his Corner Table are booked up this week. Bob has made a reservation for 6:30 at Oddfellows in NE Mpls. Oddfellows / Boom 401 E Hennepin Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-378-3188 ----- End forwarded message ----- Here's some nice Ink on Muffies from the Strib. St. Paul's Muffuletta thinking globally Jeremy Iggers Star Tribune Published January 20, 2005 The tapas of Spain are the theme of this month's specials at Muffuletta in the Park, 2560 Como Av., St. Paul. The biggest selection is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when eight or more different Iberian appetizers are featured, such as Sherry-braised rabbit with chickpeas and roasted tomatoes, or seared scallops with lobster sauce. But at least a few Spanish starters are featured as specials on other nights of the week. Chef J.D. Fratzke's theme for February sounds equally enticing: It's a global survey of spices, in dishes ranging from nyama choma (Tanzanian spice-rubbed beef) to Moroccan spiced chicken kabobs with harissa, and south Indian meen molee (pomfret and mango simmered in coconut milk). Again, the biggest selection will be midweek, but some dishes will be offered on other days. -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 * ----- End forwarded message ----- -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 * ----- End forwarded message ----- -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *

20 years, 10 months

[wine] S. France at Muffy's

by Jim L. Ellingson

Greetings, Plenty of octane in the wines, mostly zins, last week. Menu at Oddfellows is short but creative. This week, we're going go Muffuletta. See review, address, etc. below. Nic's pick is Southern France excluding Rhone. Get out the old wine atlas and see what you can bring. Yes (8 so far): Nicolai Warren/Ruth Betsy Bob Jim/Louise Karin No: Lori Cheers, Jim ----- Forwarded message from "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> ----- Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 13:51:14 -0600 From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> To: wine(a)thebarn.com Subject: [wine] Western Wines at Oddfellows. Greetings, It appears that our man Scott and his Corner Table are booked up this week. Bob has made a reservation for 6:30 at Oddfellows in NE Mpls. Oddfellows / Boom 401 E Hennepin Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-378-3188 ----- End forwarded message ----- Here's some nice Ink on Muffies from the Strib. St. Paul's Muffuletta thinking globally Jeremy Iggers Star Tribune Published January 20, 2005 The tapas of Spain are the theme of this month's specials at Muffuletta in the Park, 2560 Como Av., St. Paul. The biggest selection is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when eight or more different Iberian appetizers are featured, such as Sherry-braised rabbit with chickpeas and roasted tomatoes, or seared scallops with lobster sauce. But at least a few Spanish starters are featured as specials on other nights of the week. Chef J.D. Fratzke's theme for February sounds equally enticing: It's a global survey of spices, in dishes ranging from nyama choma (Tanzanian spice-rubbed beef) to Moroccan spiced chicken kabobs with harissa, and south Indian meen molee (pomfret and mango simmered in coconut milk). Again, the biggest selection will be midweek, but some dishes will be offered on other days. -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 * ----- End forwarded message ----- -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *

20 years, 10 months

[wine] zin class

by ANNETTE STADELMAN

To those of you interested in my Zin class at Solo Vino/Zander on Monday, the paper incorrectly listed the time as 6:30 - it's at 6:00 and the cost is $25. You need to call in advance: 651-602-9515. I will be tasting the following 8 wines: white zin (of course) primitivo from italy high quality zins from Amador, Dry Creek, Napa and Mendocino zin port late harvest zin No Ridge - sorry. Also, I am selling a brand new 50 bottle wine chiller unit that I won. I don't have stats or pictures of it yet but it retailed for $850 and I'm selling it for $600 (free delivery!). Email me if you want more info. Annette Stadelman mandastad(a)msn.com

20 years, 10 months

[wine] Western Wines at Oddfellows.

by Jim L. Ellingson

Greetings, It appears that our man Scott and his Corner Table are booked up this week. Bob has made a reservation for 6:30 at Oddfellows in NE Mpls. Oddfellows / Boom 401 E Hennepin Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-378-3188 ----- Forwarded message from "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> ----- Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 16:54:36 -0600 From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> To: wine(a)thebarn.com Subject: Western Wines at Corner Table User-Agent: Mutt/1.5.4i Greetings, Wonderful food, interesting wines, good discussions at JP's last nite. Next week, we're doing Wines from the Western Hemisphere at Corner Table. Yes: (mostly guesses) Annette S. Bob Roger Jim Nicolai Karin No's Ruth/Warren Betsy Lori (next week as well) Russ (off to KY) Louise (big meetings at work tomorrow.) Our host, Scott Pampuch, would appreciate some feed back on our dining experience. Perhaps you could add a line or two to your wine notes on the food, ambiance, etc. I can forward same to Scott next week. 6:30 p.m. at Corner Table. Corner Table 4257 Nicollet Av S Minneapolis 612-823-0011 ----- End forwarded message ----- Here's some nice Ink on Muffies from the Strib. St. Paul's Muffuletta thinking globally Jeremy Iggers Star Tribune Published January 20, 2005 The tapas of Spain are the theme of this month's specials at Muffuletta in the Park, 2560 Como Av., St. Paul. The biggest selection is offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when eight or more different Iberian appetizers are featured, such as Sherry-braised rabbit with chickpeas and roasted tomatoes, or seared scallops with lobster sauce. But at least a few Spanish starters are featured as specials on other nights of the week. Chef J.D. Fratzke's theme for February sounds equally enticing: It's a global survey of spices, in dishes ranging from nyama choma (Tanzanian spice-rubbed beef) to Moroccan spiced chicken kabobs with harissa, and south Indian meen molee (pomfret and mango simmered in coconut milk). Again, the biggest selection will be midweek, but some dishes will be offered on other days. THE KOLACHES HAVE LANDED! Minnesota's first Kolache Factory franchise has opened at 5711 Xerxes Av. N., near Cub Foods and the Brookdale Mall. Kolaches are a popular pastry in the Czech Republic, where they are traditionally filled with prune, apricot, poppy seed or cheese, but Kolache Factory's menu isn't constrained by custom: Their pastries come with fillings that range from Polish sausage to pineapple. Owner is Michael Bui, whose family owns the Vina Plus and Saigon City restaurants. CHOW AND BAO Shanghai Circus, an Asian food concept developed by Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Inc., opened its second metro-area location this week, inside the Byerly's at 800 W. 78th St. in Chanhassen. (The first opened in October at Lunds in Edina.) The menu features egg rolls, chicken wings, pot stickers, steamed bao (buns) and Asian entrees such as kung pao Sichuan beef and Thai curry chicken, available for dining in or carry-out. Lund Food Holdings, which owns Lunds, Byerly's and Rick's Markets in the metro area, plans to open 18 Shanghai Circus outlets in its stores. Shanghai Circus replaces Leeann Chin, whose contract with Lunds expired last month. Leeann Chin is now operating in nine area Rainbow Foods, with more on the way. RED IS DEAD Chef Marianne Miller, former executive chef at Red, reports that her negotiations to buy and reopen the Russian-themed restaurant in the Foshay Tower have fallen through. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Fans of Jazzmine's have got the blues -- the jazz club and restaurant in the Minneapolis Warehouse District has closed permanently. FEELING CHILLY? The Loon Cafe, 500 1st Av. N. in the Minneapolis Warehouse District, is offering a winter chili special: a two-cup sampler of its famous Pecos Red and chicken chilis for $6 (regularly $4.95 a cup). You can add a three-bone rib sampler (regularly $6.95) for just $4 more. -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *

20 years, 10 months

[wine] Western Wines at Corner Table

by Jim L. Ellingson

Greetings, Wonderful food, interesting wines, good discussions at JP's last nite. Next week, we're doing Wines from the Western Hemisphere at Corner Table. Yes: (mostly guesses) Bob Roger Jim and Louise Nicolai Karin Russ Lori No's Ruth/Warren Betsy Our host, Scott Pampuch, would appreciate some feed back on our dining experience. Perhaps you could add a line or two to your wine notes on the food, ambiance, etc. I can forward same to Scott next week. 6:30 p.m. at Corner Table. Corner Table 4257 Nicollet Av S Minneapolis 612-823-0011 -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *

20 years, 10 months

[wine] TN Spanish wines at JP's 1-13-2005

by russellmccandless＠frontiernet.net

Spanish Wines at JP's 1/13/2005 Disclaimer: someone who actually knows something about Spanish wines, such as Annette Peters who joined us this evening after a long absence, would be a far better author than yours truly for these notes. And as seems to be usual at this venue, strong kitchen smells were difficult competition for the wines' aromas and flavors. But here goes. W1 lightly corked, not tasted. Gramona, 2001 "Gessami" (appellation Penedes). W2 lite gold, trace of spritz? Sizable fresh, attractive nose; medium body, taste full and rich, lots of ripe fruit, on the soft side but acid structure is adequate, fully dry; attractively aromatic finish, excellent length, very nice wine for current drinking. Pazo Senorans, 2003 Albarino (appellation Rias Baixas). Went well with JP's excellent calamari. W3 clear gold; mostly pears and alcohol on nose; tastes of full soft fruit, trace of cheese, perhaps white cheddar; cheese on the finish too; reasonably good length. Martin Codax, 2003 Albarino (appellation Rias Baixas). W4 full gold; shy floral and shellac nose; tastes of weighty, mature fruit and wood, some amylic tones, finishes with good length and power, at first as it tastes then quite floral, overall a little strange but good. Emilio Rojo, 2002 (appellation) Ribeiro. (This is made of five grapes, mostly or all traditional Spanish varieties, whose names I did not write down because the print was too small.) 1.1 light purple; funky, forward fruit nose showing some alcohol; light body, lots of tasty red fruit, a bit of finishing tannin, nice light wine overall. Los Llanos, 1992 "Pata Negra" Gran Reserva (appellation Valdepenas). 1.2 deep medium purple, oaky and fresh grapy nose with a touch of alcohol, medium body, attractively astringent, decent fruit level in the mouth, finishes powerfully alcoholic although again with a reasonable fruit level. Javier Asensio, 2002 (appellation) Navarro, Tinto. 1.3 dark purple, smells of fresh dark fruit and chocolate, medium body, tastes of fresh grapes, touch of tannin, some acid to integrate; finish dominated by tannin and alcohol, decent wine though. 2002 Vina Sastre, Roble (appellation Ribeira del Duero). 2.1 light red, lovely if oaky tempranillo nose showing a touch of age, very aromatic midpalate with a substantial funk factor (raw or maybe even decaying meat??) and plenty of fruit, smooth transition to reasonably aromatic finish, lacks finishing power but good length, overall impression very good if idiosyncratic. Rioja Alta, 1994 Gran Reserva (appellation Rioja). Controversial wine, clearly too weird for some tasters, maybe including yours truly if I'd been having more than sip or two. 2.2 dark purple, shy nose with oak and dark fruits, midpalate BIG tannic alcoholic & acidic, decent fruit level but could certainly wish for more in a wine this size, decent finish, not special. Guelbenzu, 1995 "Evo" (appellation Navarra). 2.3 lite/medium red, sizable sweet oaky tempranillo red fruit nose, tastes of more tempranillo fruit, mature now, delicious, aromatic finish, touch of alcohol at the end but good power and length. Marques de Arienzo, 1987 Gran Reserva (appellation) Rioja. One of my favorite wines of the evening. Much less impressive an hour or so after being opened; not sure whether it was falling apart a bit in the glass (it is 17 years old, after all) or just couldn't compete with the lovely wine # 4.1. 3.1 dark purple, reduced alcoholic nose improved with air, clear "one note" dark fruit midpalate with substantial alcohol, aromatic dark fruit alcoholic finish. Artadi, 2001 Vinas de Gain (appellation Rioja). Disclaimer: gratuitous shot at Bob Parker coming up. This wine got a big score from Parker although for my taste, at this point in the wine's life, it is not carrying its alcohol very gracefully. And by the way, it doesn't especially taste like Rioja, or anything else in particular. 3.2 extremely dark purple, big dark fruit international style oaky nose, distinct smell of Cognac; sweet late harvest zin midpalate, thick and soft wine, big alcoholic black fruit and oak finish. A 290-pounder trying to dance the ballet. Laderas de Pinoso, 1999 "El Seque" (appellation Alicante). 4.1 lite/medium red, touch of maturity visible; a clear, aromatic tempranillo sweet oak nose, midweight, extremely sizable tempranillo fruit in the mouth, delicious and well structured, still more and to some extent different fruit tones on the finish, tasty and pure, extra long, very fine indeed. Rioja Alta, 1998 "Vina Ardanza" Reserva (appellation Rioja). Got my vote for wine of the night, by a considerable margin; thanks for sharing! 4.2 inky purple, butterscotchy sweet oak nose, midpalate rich, soft, dark black fruit and lots of it, alcoholic, raisins and/or prunes; then the finish is on the subtle side for the wine's size. Cims de Porrera, 1999 "Classic" (appellation Priorat). 4.3 medium to dark purple, legs in glass, alcoholic nose, tastes of sweet, soft and spicy Rhone red fruits, very alcoholic, some acid and tannin upon chewing; alcohol dominates the finish. Ramirez de Ganuza, 1998 Reserva (appellation Rioja). Dessert dark cloudy brown; sharp shellacy nose, smells like those weirdly herbal liqueurs some French (and apparently Spanish?) are fond of as digestifs, not my cup of tea, not tasted. Toro Albala, 1975 Don Pedro Ximenez Gran Reserva (appellation Montilla Moriles). Despite this note, people's willingness to share such old and unusual wines is greatly appreciated. Hope to see everyone next week!

20 years, 10 months

[wine] Re: Spanish at JP's on Thursday

by l.ames＠juno.com

Jim, I won't be at JP's on Thurs. Lori ___________________________________________________________________ Speed up your surfing with Juno SpeedBand. Now includes pop-up blocker! Only $14.95/month -visit http://www.juno.com/surf to sign up today!

20 years, 10 months

[wine] Spanish at JP's on Thursday

by Jim L. Ellingson

Greetings, Mostly an update. Thanks to all who replied, shared their plans with the list. 7 confirmed that I know of. I haven't talked to Bob. YES: Annette Peters Annette Stadelman Betsy Bill Bob Russ Jim Assumed Yes/Not on line: Nicolai Roger Maybes/long_shots/mostly_whites: Suc McC Louise Regrets: Fred Ruth/Warren Dress warm. Don't let your bottle freeze in your car. Cheers, Jim ----- Forwarded message from "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> ----- Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:40:21 -0600 From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> To: wine(a)thebarn.com Subject: Spanish at JP's Bistro User-Agent: Mutt/1.5.4i Greetings, The remodeled Auriga is a very cozy and inviting space. Warmer, softer, with a lower sound level. Check it out. Time for a bit of finger wagging..... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let someone know that you're planning on attending. Call Bob (612-672-0607), e-mail the list (wine(a)thebarn.com) or reply to me. As of Thursday Morning, Bob knew of 4 people planning to attend. (Bob, Betsy, Dave, me.) I knew of a few others (Louise, Bill, Russ and maybe Sue.) a total of 8 possible, but reservation for 8 so no problemo.... As you know, 11 people showed up. Definitely not the most endearing thing we can do to/for our hosts.... It would be best if we could be more accurate w/ our head counts A big thanks to those of us who made their intentions known. Thanks also to Fred, Annnette S, Warren/Ruth who let someone know that they were not going to be there. This week, we're doing Spanish wines at JP's Bistro on Thursday. The Vintage Chart at the Wine Enthusiast web site says that Spanish wines from 1997 and older are mostly at or near peak, are ready to drink. Of course lighter, smaller wines may well be ready sooner. As usual, I can only guess at who will be there. Betsy Bob Lori Russ Jim Nicolai Karen JP's American Bistro 2937 S. Lyndale 55408 (612) 824-9300 Cheers, Jim -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *

20 years, 10 months

[wine] Spanish at JP's Bistro

by Jim L. Ellingson

Greetings, The remodeled Auriga is a very cozy and inviting space. Warmer, softer, with a lower sound level. Check it out. Time for a bit of finger wagging..... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let someone know that you're planning on attending. Call Bob (612-672-0607), e-mail the list (wine(a)thebarn.com) or reply to me. As of Thursday Morning, Bob knew of 4 people planning to attend. (Bob, Betsy, Dave, me.) I knew of a few others (Louise, Bill, Russ and maybe Sue.) a total of 8 possible, but reservation for 8 so no problemo.... As you know, 11 people showed up. Definitely not the most endearing thing we can do to/for our hosts.... It would be best if we could be more accurate w/ our head counts A big thanks to those of us who made their intentions known. Thanks also to Fred, Annnette S, Warren/Ruth who let someone know that they were not going to be there. This week, we're doing Spanish wines at JP's Bistro on Thursday. The Vintage Chart at the Wine Enthusiast web site says that Spanish wines from 1997 and older are mostly at or near peak, are ready to drink. Of course lighter, smaller wines may well be ready sooner. As usual, I can only guess at who will be there. Betsy Bob Lori Russ Jim Nicolai Karen JP's American Bistro 2937 S. Lyndale 55408 (612) 824-9300 Cheers, Jim ----- Forwarded message from The 30 Second Wine Advisor <wine(a)wineloverspage.com> ----- X-MessageWall-Score: 0 (smtp-relay.enet.umn.edu) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:22:15 -0500 (EST) To: jellings(a)me.umn.edu Subject: The 30 Second Wine Advisor - Wine pairing tip: Match likes with likes From: The 30 Second Wine Advisor <wine(a)wineloverspage.com> X-Sender: <wine(a)wineloverspage.com> THE 30 SECOND WINE ADVISOR, Monday, Jan. 10, 2005 ________________________________________________________________________ TODAY'S SPONSORS: * CALIFORNIA WINE CLUB New Central Coast Discovery! http://www.cawineclub.com?Partner_ID=winelovers * SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S WINE COUNTRY Temecula Valley Winter Barrel Tasting http://www.temeculawines.org IN THIS ISSUE * IN THIS WEEK'S PREMIUM EDITION But ... where's it from? * WINE PAIRING TIP: MATCH LIKES WITH LIKES An even more useful rule than "red wine with red meat." * PAZO BAION 2003 "LA FONTANA" RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO ($24) An aromatic, lemony Spanish white of unusual grace and balance. * CALIFORNIA WINE CLUB New Central Coast Discovery! * SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S WINE COUNTRY Temecula Valley Winter Barrel Tasting * SOUTH COAST WINERY 2001 WILD HORSE PEAK MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS SANGIOVESE THUNDERBOLT BLOCK ($24) To whet your appetite for Temecula, a tart, food-friendly Italian-style red. * THIS WEEK ON WINELOVERSPAGE.COM BYOB and corkage "etiquette." * LAST WEEK'S WINE ADVISOR INDEX The Wine Advisor archives. * ADMINISTRIVIA Change E-mail address, frequency, format or unsubscribe. ________________________________________________________________________ IN THIS WEEK'S PREMIUM EDITION: BUT ... WHERE'S IT FROM? The wine is outstanding: Rated in the 90s by the points crowd, yet it sells toward the lower end of the pricey realm because it comes from a less sought-after region. Ripe and full and ready to enjoy today, yet capable of a decade's cellaring, this Merlot-based red is a winner. But ... taste it blind, and you'll have no idea whether it's from Italy, France, California or Australia. Is this a bad thing, when the wine is good? We'll take on this philosophical issue when I unveil this wine in tomorrow's Wine Advisor Premium Edition, our subscription-only E-letter that helps you shop with confidence when you're considering a more pricey bottle for a special occasion. The $24 subscription price - no more than you'd pay for a bottle of exceptionally fine wine - will bring you a full year of biweekly E-mail bulletins. Proceeds go to buy these special wines at retail, and help support WineLoversPage.com too! Click here to subscribe today: http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor/premium.phtml Want to read a free sample first? Click here: http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/premsample1.html ________________________________________________________________________ WINE PAIRING TIP: MATCH LIKES WITH LIKES The ancient wine wisdom, "Red wine with red meat, white wine with white meat" is often held up as bad advice because it has so many exceptions. Indeed, anyone who's enjoyed such rule-breaking gustatory glories as Pinot Noir with salmon or a fine old Bordeaux with roast chicken will understand this. Frankly, I still find the simple old rule useful. As long as you bear in mind that there's no penalty for breaking it, it's handy and easy to remember that beef and lamb go well with dry red wines, just as most fish, shellfish and poultry reward pairing with whites. But when you're ready to move on to the next level, I like a slightly more sophisticated rule that rarely if ever fails: "Match likes with likes." Simply restated, look for a wine whose flavors and aromas mirror the taste of your entree. Lobster is rich and slightly sweet; so is a big Chardonnay. The flavors of the wine and the shellfish simply fit, with extra credit if there's a whiff of butter in the wine. Red Rhone Syrahs often present distinct aromas of rare, grilled meat, making them a natural with a similar chunk of seared beef on your plate, and again, if there's a dash of black pepper in the wine, it will play nicely with the real thing on your steak. Tart with tart, sweet with sweet, herbal with herbal, sour with sour ... just about any flavor pairing that brings together similarities in food and wine will heighten your tasting experience. I ran into this phenomenon in a couple of striking examples recently. On New Year's Day, a Italian red that I've enjoyed in past vintages (Lungarotti 2000 Rubesco di Torgiano, a cousin to Chianti from neighboring Umbria), proved so rustic that it veered almost closer to "dirty" than "earthy" in its character, a funky old-wood flavor that made me wonder at first if the wine was cork-tainted. It made a poor match indeed with a light New Year's Day meal of Welsh rabbit made with Cheddar. But in a flash of inspiration, I sawed off a chunk of sopressata salame from Volpe in St. Louis. This is an excellent, Veneto- style dry sausage with a deliciously funky character that, sure enough, picked up and somehow ameliorated the earthiness of the wine, resulting in a match that saved the wine from an unceremonious journey down the drain. In another excellent pairing that took advantage of "likes with likes," I matched the roast garlic and lemon chicken featured in last week's Wine Advisor FoodLetter with a crisp Spanish white that I expected would show a distinct lemony character, the Pazo Baion 2003 "La Fontana" Rias Baixas Albarinofrom California Wine Club's International Selections. Sure enough, the lemony chicken and citric wine proved a match made in heaven, further evidence of the validity of the rule. ________________________________________________________________________ TALK ABOUT WINE ONLINE If you would like to ask a question or comment on today's topic (or other wine-related issues), you'll find a round-table online discussion in our interactive Wine Lovers' Discussion Group, where you're always welcome to join in the conversations about wine. http://www.myspeakerscorner.com/forum/index.phtml?fn=1&tid=57245&mid=488784 If you prefer to comment privately, feel free to send me E-mail at wine(a)wineloverspage.com. I'll respond personally to the extent that time and volume permit. ________________________________________________________________________ PAZO BAION 2003 "LA FONTANA" RIAS BAIXAS ALBARINO ($24) Pale gold and transparently clear, this luscious Spanish white breathes fresh, heady peach aromas lent complexity with elusive hints of spice and a minty note. Crisp and bright in flavor, snappy lemon-citrus flavors and fresh-fruit acidity come together in a tart, palate- cleansing wine with appealing nuances that follow the nose. An exceptionally balanced and fine Albarino, it demonstrates why this once little-known Spanish variety is gainign popularity. U.S. importer: Victoire Imports Co., San Leandro, Calif.; California Wine Club International Selections. (Jan. 4, 2005) FOOD MATCH: The winery recommends it with fish, which is good advice, and I generally find Albarino a natural companion with shellfish. In this instance, though, I matched likes with likes and paired it to great effect with the roast garlic and lemon chicken featured in last week's Wine Advisor FoodLetter. VALUE: Available only through California Wine Club's International Selections, which offers two wines shipped per quarter in the U.S. where laws allow, with the ability to order additional bottles at favorable pricing. WHEN TO DRINK: I like Albarino best when it's young and fresh, and would drink it up in coming months, but its good fruit and balance support the winery's opinion that it will keep under good storage conditions for another two years. PRONUNCIATION: Albarino = "Ahl-ba-REEN-yo" Rias Baixas = "Ree-ahss By-hahss" FIND THIS WINE ONLINE: This wine is currently available only from California Wine Club's International Selections. For information call 1-800-777-4443 or click to http://www.cawineclub.com?Partner_ID=winelovers To check out a wide range of other Albarinos from Rias Baxas on Wine- Searcher.com, browse http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions/rmas+baixas?referring_site=WLP ________________________________________________________________________ THE CALIFORNIA WINE CLUB: NEW CENTRAL COAST DISCOVERY! On a recent tour through California's Central Coast, California Wine Club owners Bruce and Pam Boring met John and Kelley Clark from Brophy Clark Cellars. Although their winery is only eight years old, the Brophys have a combined 30 years of winemaking experience and awards worth bragging about! This month's Special Edition shipment from The California Wine Club includes Brophy Clark's 2000 "Santa Maria Valley" Pinot Noir and their 2001 "Edna Valley" Syrah. The Pinot Noir has received 1 Gold, 2 Silver medals and multiple 85+ ratings. The Syrah is a two-time Silver Medal winner exploding with plum, nutmeg and mint flavors. This special two-bottle shipment is just $32.95 plus shipping. To order this month's Special Edition call 1-800-777-4443 or email info(a)cawineclub.com. California Wine Club http://www.cawineclub.com?Partner_ID=winelovers ________________________________________________________________________ SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S WINE COUNTRY: TEMECULA VALLEY WINTER BARREL TASTING Southern California's most popular wine region opens its doors for a two-day food and wine pairing event showcasing wines still in the barrel. This event gives wine lovers a peek at future wines produced by our 20 member wineries. Just 4 short miles off of I-15, the beautiful Temecula Valley wine region is surrounded by gently rolling hills and dramatic mountain ranges. It has been a source of award-winning wines for over 30 years. The region produces a number of different wines from valley floor vineyards and hillside plantings. The two-day barrel tasting allows visitors and locals to leisurely visit all 20 wineries (one time each over the two-day period) that make this viticultural region so special. Join us for this once-a-year trip into the cellar to sample wines directly from the barrel. This is your opportunity to meet winemakers, purchase "futures" of limited release wines and sample foods perfectly matched to the wines being tasted. Barrel tasting with food pairing is featured at each one of the 20 wineries. You drive to the wineries you would like to visit, or arrange for alternative transportation. Click http://www.temeculawines.org/events.asp for registration and information about this and other events. For more about Temecula and its wines, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association invites you to think Temecula! http://www.temeculawines.org/ Now, to whet your appetite for Temecula, here's my report on a tart, food-friendly Italian-style red from one of the region's respected producers. Later this week we'll try more. ________________________________________________________________________ SOUTH COAST WINERY 2001 WILD HORSE PEAK MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS SANGIOVESE THUNDERBOLT BLOCK ($24) This is a clear, deep ruby-color wine, showing brilliant reddish-orange glints against the light. Ripe red-berry scents add appealing touches of warm brown spice lifted by high-toned aromatics. Ripe and fresh on the palate, snappy red fruit and spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves are laced up by mouth-watering acidity. I wouldn't call it a Chianti clone ... ripe fruit and spice speak more of California than Italy; but it matches its Tuscan cousin in food-friendliness. (Jan. 10, 2005) FOOD MATCH: Chosen to pair with a hearty Northern Italian-style beef- and-pork meatloaf from Marcella Hazan, "Polpettone di manzo e maile con i funghi." VALUE: Priced to match the higher end of Chianti Classico, it's buyer's choice. WHEN TO DRINK: Drinking well now, and probably not a long-term ager, but quality fruit and oak treatment should see it through several years of cellar time if you choose to age it under good storage conditions. PRONUNCIATION: Temecula = "Teh-MEK-you-lah" WEB LINK: The South Coast Winery web pages are included in the Website of its parent corporation, Temecula's South Coast Resort: http://www.wineresort.com/winery.htm FIND THIS WINE ONLINE: To order online directly from the winery, go to its "Our Wines" page, http://www.wineresort.com/wourwines.htm and click the Wild Horse Peak label to reach the E-commerce page. To browse through a variety of wines from Temecula on Wine-Searcher.com, see http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions/temecula?referring_site=WLP ________________________________________________________________________ THIS WEEK ON WINELOVERSPAGE.COM Here are links to some of our recently published articles that I think you'll enjoy: * WINE LOVERS' DISCUSSION GROUP: Corkage etiquette Last year Alberta, Canada, passed legislation allowing BYOB in the province's restaurants. New to the custom, a reader finds it a bit uncomfortable to walk in with a bottle while other diners gawk. Should he use a bag? Tip on "corkage"? Wine Lovers' Discussion Group participants offer their advice - along with some debate about the ins and outs of BYO and corkage. Read the posts, and feel free to join in: http://www.myspeakerscorner.com/forum/index.phtml?fn=1&tid=57179&mid=488312 ________________________________________________________________________ LAST WEEK'S WINE ADVISOR INDEX The Wine Advisor's daily edition is usually distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (and, for those who subscribe, the FoodLetter on Thursdays). Here's the index to last week's columns: * Outstanding red from Faugeres (Jan. 7, 2004) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/tswa050107.phtml * WT101: The South of France (Jan. 5, 2004) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/tswa050105.phtml * My top wine values of 2004 (Jan. 3, 2004) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/tswa050103.phtml * Complete 30 Second Wine Advisor archive: http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/thelist.shtml * Wine Advisor FoodLetter: Roast garlic and lemon chicken (Jan. 6, 2004) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/tsfl050106.phtml * Wine Advisor Foodletter archive: http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/foodlist.phtml ________________________________________________________________________ SUBSCRIBE: * WineLoversPage.com RSS Feed (free) http://www.wineloverspage.com/rss/ * 30 Second Wine Advisor, daily or weekly (free) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor/index.shtml * Wine Advisor FoodLetter, Thursdays (free) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor/foodletter.shtml * Wine Advisor Premium Edition, alternate Tuesdays ($24/year) http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor/premium.phtml ARCHIVES: For all past editions: http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor1/thelist.shtml CONTACT US E-mail: wine(a)wineloverspage.com SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: For information, E-mail wine(a)wineloverspage.com ________________________________________________________________________ ADMINISTRIVIA To subscribe or unsubscribe from The 30 Second Wine Advisor, change your E-mail address, switch from weekly to daily distribution, or for any other administrative matters, click to http://www.wineloverspage.com/admin.php?id=20970&cs=7d1109b668af1f87d36d12e… We welcome feedback, suggestions, and ideas for future columns. We do not use this list for any other purpose and will never give or sell your name or E-mail to anyone. All the wine-tasting reports posted here are consumer-oriented. In order to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, I purchase all the wines I rate at my own expense in retail stores and accept no samples, gifts or other gratuities from the wine industry. Monday, January 10, 2005 Copyright 2005 by Robin Garr. All rights reserved. ----- End forwarded message ----- -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *

20 years, 11 months

[wine] TN Northern Rhones at Auriga 01-06-2005

by Russell McCandless

A select group of 11 gathered to enjoy Auriga's new decor and new menu - White 1 - nice fresh nose, midpalate impressions alcohol, honey, plenty of fruit, minerals, smooth; finishes with good length and a nice acid snap, very good plus. Elemental Cellars, 2001 Viognier, Deux Verts Vineyard, Willamette Valley. (Theorizing from the presence of honey and absence of mango, I misidentified this as Marsanne, perhaps more proof that I'm laughably inept at identifying the grape when tasting young whites blind. Apparently "Elemental Cellars" is another venture of Steve Westby at Witness Tree; anyone who knows more is welcome to tell me about it.) White 2 - repulsively musty, not tasted. Will Slovenian chardonnay become as famous as Romanian pinot noir? 1.1 - dark color; forward fruit on nose; midpalate smooth, redder fruit than the nose, tasty, very alcoholic finish though. 2001 Echelon Shiraz, Esperanza Vineyard, Clarksburg. (More info re the Clarksburg AVA, which was a new one on me, may be found at http://winebusiness.com/html/MonthlyArticle.cfm?AId=82789&issueId=82758 - ) 1.2 - dark color; bacon nose almost too funky, and a little VA as well? Bacony tannic flavor, lacks fruit, finish decent. I can imagine food pairings this might work with, but to my personal taste, it's so bacony that it's a caricature of syrah. 2000 Crozes-Hermitage, Cuvee Leonie (Gilles Robin). 1.3 - medium dark; warmly alcoholic on nose (in a good way for a winter wine) but not very aromatic; extremely light body, tasty though, pleasant red fruits, OK finish, light as a feather but balanced and pleasant. 2000 Crozes-Hermitage, Cuvee Christophe (Domaine des Remizieres). 2.1 - dark young purple; forthcoming international style nose, pretty yeasty for a still red wine but it works, attractive aroma of baked goods; midpalate smooth, substantial, and much less sweet than the nose suggests, quite good; finish lacks power and shows alcohol, decent wine though. 2003 Crozes-Hermitage "Papillon," a Leonie (Gilles Robin). (Apparently the same wine, although from a different vintage, as 1.2. Substantially different label design.) 2.2 - light to medium color, raspberry nose, midpalate smooth, light body, red fruits with good spice and good acid snap, sneaky long finish with black raspberry and minerals. Very, very light but otherwise excellent. 2002 Crozes-Hermitage (Louis Bernard). (An achievement in such a wet vintage, and most of the Louis Bernard wines don't cost much either.) 2.3 - dark color; dumb nose showing black fruits when shaken up (wine turned out to be too cold); initial midpalate impression is of formidable acid structure and tannin, then aristocratic fruit, minerals and balanced wood influence show; true finish, as it tastes, with decent length, serious wine, still needs time. 1994 St Joseph "Deschants" (M. Chapoutier). 3.1 - medium dark red, blackberry nose, palate entry smooth, then big, weighty and sweet, finishes somewhat alcoholic and not nearly as forceful as the midpalate suggests, good wine, if perhaps not altogether balanced? 2001 Beckmen Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley. (Santa Ynez Valley is one of the Santa Barbara appellations.) 3.2 - deep red, color shows a touch of age? Mature red fruit nose, touch of alcohol, midpalate structured and hugely explosive unsweet fruit, powdered stone, herbs - on the finish, again a touch of alcohol but very true, as it tastes, considerable length, may be better still with a bit more time. 1998 Cote-Rotie "Brune et Blonde" (E. Guigal). (Consensus wine of the night. Thank you, Dave.) 3.3 - dark color; funky nose, brett? Midpalate lightish, lacks fruit, finish the best feature, overall this has a lot of tannin for the fruit. 1996 Cote-Rotie (Robert Niero). 3.4 - dark red-purple; quiet nose of dark fruits; structured midpalate, aristocratic bearing, could wish for more fruit; finish is the best feature, distinguished Rhone fruit with a touch of anise. 1994 Hermitage "la Sizeranne" (M. Chapoutier). Dessert - fresh Riesling nose, aromatic fruit and herbs; sweetness in balance, varietally typey and pure, good length. 2003 Handley Cellars Late Harvest Riesling (Anderson Valley) (375 ml). Hope to see you all for vinos de Espana this coming week - R.

20 years, 11 months

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