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Members: $90.00 Associate Members: $100.00  Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County Date: Tuesday November 17, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Dave Muret, Executive Director, Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans The tasting will focus on the exceptional 2007 vintage Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Dave Muret, director of the S.L.H. winegrowers’ group, will take us on a tasting tour of the region and an exploration of the vineyard terroir that makes this small Monterey County AVA one of the best places on the planet to grow world-class Pinot. Included will be a unique opportunity to taste side-by-side five different vintners take on Pinot Noir from the famed “Garys’ Vineyard,” the well-known collaboration between Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Join us for an exciting tasting of 12 Santa Lucia Pinots. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 1995 Bordeaux Date: Wednesday November 4, 2009 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator Rated 4 to 5 stars by Michael Broadbent, “This was the first major vintage since 1990, The wines are ripe, firm with considerable charm and a good future.The New York Times Wine Talk said “Drum roll for the 1995 Bordeaux. The 1995’s are big wines, which means they are dark in color, rich in flavor and tannic, and yet, remarkably, many of them are already good to drink. Join us in tasting 10 chateaux including: Latour(5 star), Lafite Rothschild(5 stars), Mouton Rothschild(5 stars), Lafleur(4 stars), Ducru Beaucaillou (4 stars), Chateau D’Yquem( 4 stars) and more. Members: $245.00 - Limited to 19 attendees Non-Members: $260.00 Domodimonti Italian Natural Wine Date: Tuesday October 20, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speakers: Carlo Malaguti, Caroline Brownstein, Vice President Americas & Asia Marketing and Sales Domodimonti is a boutique winery located in Montefiore dell’Aso in the region of La Marche, Italy. The main cultivated vines on the estate are Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Passerino, an indigenous white wine grape. Owned by Dr Franceso Bellini, his cornerstone philosophy is to make wines as naturally as possible. With the same passion for research and entrepreneurship in biotechnology, he weaves tradition and innovation in this, his latest venture. His love for the native soil and special attention given to the land is rewarded with fruit produced of quality and value which creates exceptional wine. Join us in tasting 12 Italian wines, including 8 Domodimonti superior quality limited production wines: 5 current, 2 new, plus the exceptional $79.99 Solo per Te. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuild/NY Mediterranean Dinner at Meli Melo Date: Sunday October 4, 2009 Location: Meli Melo Restaurant, 110 Madison Ave (29-30 St) Time: 5:00 PM Collecting his inspiration from all over the world, Chef Bernard Ros brought his worldly experience to Meli Melo. The cuisine is eclectic, with French, Italian, Vietnamese and nouveau American accents. Accordingly, the restaurant obtained its’ name Meli Melo, from the derived meaning of “a mixture of all flavors or cuisines”. Running restaurants in NYC since 1971 Bernard Ros turned Meli Melo into a quintessential jewel on Madison Avenue. Join us for an exciting, four course Mediterranean dinner with matching wines provided by Palm Bay and Bayfield Importing. The price includes wines, tax and tip.
Members: $85.00 Associate Members: $95.00  Bodega Benegas Mendoza ArgentinaDate: Thursday, September 17, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Federico Benegas Lynch, Chief Winemaker & Proprietor, Bodega Benegas Michel Rolland said “Benagas Wines have a strong personality which is result of a very unique terroir for its quality, and the combination of French and Argentine traditions. Benagas wines are a reflection of Federico Benegas Lynch passion and his constant search for excellence”. The Benegas Lynch family has a long a tradition in the wine industry of Mendoza. They were founders of the Trapiche winery which attained international fame and prestige. Convinced that it was imperative to achieve excellence in their products, Benegas brought the first French grapevines ever introduced in Argentina, along with the most advanced technology available at the time. Federico J. Benegas Lynch was born in the winery in 1951. He grew up sampling wines and working in the vineyard. This atmosphere awakened in him a deep love for his land and its’ wine. In 1998, Federico J. purchased the old Benegas' family property, where the vineyards are 20 to 120 years old. He started the production of quality wines, fully convinced that he would achieve the level of excellence of his ancestors. This restoration period is the landmark of the beginning of a new era in the Benegas family, who had always devoted to the art of vines from the very roots. Join us in tasting 10 Benegas Lineage Brand, Benegas Grand and Benegas Lynch Brand wines. All wines have been awarded with great reviews and International Press recognition. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY Discovering 10 Handcrafted Artisanal Sake Date: Tuesday July 14, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker Monica Samuels, Sake Ambassador, Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Sake is one of the fastest growing segments in the wine market, fueled by the increase in popularity of Asian, and particularly Japanese cuisine. NY's better wine shops now carry a plethora of small production Sakes, while top Asian restaurants, like Nobu, Megu and Maturi carry a complete line of Sakes. What is less expected is that some of NY's best non-Japanese restaurants are jumping on the Sake bandwagon. Chanterelle offers a wide variety of Sake and matches Sake to at least one course on their famed tasting menu. Dating from the dawn of history, the art of brewing Sake has been a Japanese tradition. Americans are beginning to realize what the Japanese have known all these years, that Sake is a wonderful beverage, either by itself or with food. Join us with Monica Samuels a well known Sake Ambassador, who will explain the origins of Sake and how Sake was brewed from rice and water, like beer. For each Sake, 10 of them, of varying styles, she will discuss the classification, region, tasting notes, and suggested food pairings. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Summer 2009: TastersGuildNY Tour de France with Michel Picard Wines Date: Tuesday June 9, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker Blanche Aldaco, NorthEast Regional Manager, Picard Wines & Spirits Maison Michel Picard is a 100% familial company who harvests, vinifies, ages, selects, and distributes high end Burgundy wines. Benefiting from traditional regional know-how, the expression of a region and its history, they ensure this heritage lives on. Located at Château de Chassagne Montrachet, Michel Picard was first established by Michel’s father Louis Felix Picard, in 1951 who owned two hectares of vine land at Chagny. His son, Michel, joined him a few years later when, at the age of 15, with the blessing of his father he left school so that he could help out with the day-to-day task of the family business, which included: vine work; winemaking; wine producing; and selling. In the early 1970’s, Michel took over the family operation, with the help of his wife Liliane, who was also born into a family of winemakers. In the late nineties the family connection became stronger when Michel Picard’s children, Francine and Gabriel, joined the family business. In 1986, Michel bought his first estate, Château de Davenay, which is famous among others for its Montagny ler Cru “Clos Chaudron”. In 1997 Michel bought his fifth estate; Château de Chassagne-Montrachet, whose key appellations are Corton Grand Cru “Clos des Fietres” and Chassagne-Montrachet ler Cru “Les Chaumees”. Michel Picard’s passion, courage and perseverance have built a renowned wine estate consisting of over 125 hectares and 5 estates. Join us while we taste 12 special wines, including, Corton Gran Cru Clos des Fiètres, Mercury,1er Cru Clos Paradise, St Aubon 1er Cru Le Charmois, Givry Villages, from Burgundy, Chateauneuf du Pape from the Rhone, and Vouvray and Sancerre from the Loire and more. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 "Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Buffalo Trace Bourbons" Date: Tuesday May 5, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker David Harper, Sazerac Co., NYC Manager Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a twist. You can certainly enjoy tequila on this fine day but why not try some delicious bourbon as well. Bourbon is a Whiskey that gets its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was the main port of transportation back in the frontier days. The barrels were headed down the Mississippi or Ohio rivers to New Orleans and were stamped with the county of origins name. Bourbon has to be at least 51% corn, although most distillers use more, and must be aged a minimum of two years in charred oak barrels. Bourbon is technically allowed to be distilled anywhere, but Kentucky, by law, is the only state allowed to put its name on the bottle. So most Bourbon (95%) is made in Kentucky and the label says Kentucky straight bourbon. From the 2 time Distillery of the Year “Buffalo Trace” we would love to educate and sample you on the following award winning bourbons: Buffalo Trace, Benchmark, Eagle Rare 10 year old, Blantons, Sazerac Rye, Elmer T. Lee, Rock Hill, Van Winkle 12 year old and Old Charter. Members: $55.00 Non Members: $65.00 1989 Bordeaux Date: Thursday April 30, 2009 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St (2nd /3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Only TWO seats available Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator Michael Broadbent said “unquestionably a great vintage and one which brought the decade to a resounding close”.1989 was as close to the perfect growing season as you could perhaps hope for. Looking specifically at the summer months, from June through to the harvest in September, 1989 was a record-breaking vintage. There were more hours of sunshine, higher daily maximum temperatures, and less rainfall than every year on record back to 1952. For this 5 star vintage, the communes of St-Julien, Pauillac and Pomerol produced the finest wines. Join us in tasting 12 chateaux including: Ausone, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Ducru Beaucillou,Trotanoy, Troplong Mondot, and more. Members: $195.00 Limited to 19 attendees Non Members: $210.00 If you have not yet reserved seats and wish to attend, please make checks payable to Tasters Guild/NY and mail to Ron Kapon 230 west 79st suite 42n New York, NY 10024 . To facilitate seating of your guests, please list the names of all individuals in your party. For further information, contact Ron Kapon (212)799-6311, ron@tastersguildny.com, or Vivian Tramontana (212) 501-7823, viviantgny@gmail.com. Lafite Around the World Date: Tuesday April 21, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Tracee Galtieri, Pasternak ltd “Chateau Lafite Rothschild has been a part of the Rothschild family since 1868 and is the cornerstone of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild group. Their respect of traditional methods makes them passionate about harmony and excellence and their skills have patiently enriched through five generations with world renowned success. Since 1962, other prestigious Bordeaux properties which share the same values of humility and high standards have joined the group: Chateau Duhart-Milon, Chateau Rieussec and Chateau L’Evangile. In 1988, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) began its’ worldwide expansion outside of Bordeaux with the acquisition of exceptional vineyards: Vina Los Vascos in Chile, Bodegas Caro in Argentina and most recently Chateau d’Aussieres in the Languedoc. Taster’s Guild is proud to present a journey around the world with Lafite.” The wines we will taste are Lafite Reserve Special Bordeaux Blanc, Lafite Reserve Special Bordeaux Rouge, Château d’Aussieres, Blason d’ Aussieres, Bodegas Caro, Amancaya, Le Dix de Los Vascos, Los Vascos Reserve, Moulin de Duhart and we will end with a grand finale of Chateau Lafite Rothschild itself. Members: $75.00 limited to 25 people Associate Members $85.00 Cabot Cheese with Finger Lakes and Long Island Wines Date: Tuesday March 24, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Mark Hackett, Cabot Cheese Spokesperson For the ultimate cheddar chatter, nobody walks the talk better then Cabot’s Mark Hackett. He knows the cheese business from inside the barn and out. Mark majored in Agriculture and studied nutrition at Vermont technical college. He has dedicated his life to dairy farming and is one of the farmer-owners of Cabot Creamery cooperative, makers of the World’s Best Cheddar. Mark Hackett is the Vermont Dairy Farmer with the answers. We will taste 8 Cabot specialty cheddars, aged cheddars, and more with 4 white wines from the Finger Lakes and 4 red wines from Long Island. Members: $55.00 Non Members: $65.00 1986 Bordeaux Date: Tuesday February 24, 2009 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St (2nd /3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator Rated 4 stars by Michael Broadbent, this is a left-bank vintage with the communes of St-Julien, Pauillac and St-Estèphe producing the finest wines. The best wines are typically reserved and tannic, yet possess marvellous poise, concentration and power. They are long-lived wines which require two decades or more before they are approachable and will age gracefully for many years to come. Join us in tasting 12 chateaux including: Cheval Blanc, Lafleur, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Pichon Lalande, Leoville las Cases, Cos D’Estournel, Gruaud Larose and more. Members: $295.00 Limited to 19 attendees Non Members: $310.00 If you have not yet reserved seats and wish to attend, please make checks payable to Tasters Guild/NY and mail to Ron Kapon 230 west 79st suite 42n New York, NY 10024 . To facilitate seating of your guests, please list the names of all individuals in your party. For further information, contact Ron Kapon (212)799-6311, ron@tastersguildny.com, or Vivian Tramontana (212) 501-7823, viviantgny@aol.com. Taste $12-$90 Vinedos Emiliana Chilean Wines Rated 91& 93 pts by Wine Spectator Date: Monday February 23, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Fernando Pavon, Wine Ambassador: Vinedos Emiliana Fernando Pavon will lead us in a journey through the geography and production of Chilean wine. Vinedos Emiliana is an initiative of Chile’s Guilisasti family dedicated to producing wines from organic grapes and made in accordance with biodynamic principals. The Guilisastis have a long and proud tradition of winemaking through their involvement with the world-renowned Concha y Toro label, and has named this separate privately owned enterprise after the 19th century matriarch wife of Concha y Toro founder, Don Melchor. Emiliana’s three winemaking facilities are located in Los Robles and Palmeras in the Colchagua and in the Maipo Valley. The Guilisasti family recruited consulting enologist Alvaro Espinoza to work with Emiliana’s resident winemaker, Antonio Bravo, on all of the four distinct collections of award-winning labels. Priced from $12 to $90 the wines complement every occasion. Join us in tasting 12 wines from Emiliana, Concha y Toro and an Italian sparkling Hibiscus flower cocktail. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 Jacob's Creek & Wyndham-South Australia's Commitment to Quality & Heritage Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Philip Laffer, Chief Winemaker Jacob's Creek and Wyndham Take a journey with Philip Laffer chief winemaker for Jacob's Creek and Wyndham, as he explores his 50 years of making wine in Australia. How he uses the microclimates and the very best vineyards in South Australia to create benchmark wines. With wines ranging from $12.00 - $80.00 – Wyndham and Jacob's Creek are able to fit into any wine consumer's lifestyle. Philip will explore the 3 different collections comparing and contrasting the style and blending of each varietal. During the tasting Philip will cover where the Australian wine industry started and where it is today and a glimpse into the future. What new techniques or varietals are being planted to account for change in climate? How are Wyndham and Jacob's Creek investing in sustainability in all aspects of their viticulture and winemaking practices? Join us in tasting 12 wines from Wyndham and Jacob’s Creek. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 A Vertical Tasting of Château Gruaud-Larose: The King of Wines The Wine of Kings Date: Tuesday December 9, 2008 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St (2nd /3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator Château Gruaud-Larose is one of the most continuously successful wines produced in Bordeaux. Its’ large production has a quality that is consistently very high, regardless of vintage. The wine is one of St-Julien`s most full-bodied and long-lived wines with lots of fruit when young. The wine ages very well and tends to be smoother and more elegant with all the characteristics of a great Bordeaux. As a Second Growth, Cru Classé property, Château Gruaud-Larose has often been described as a super-second, placing it in with the group of Deuxième Cru Classé properties that challenge the elite Premier Cru Classé estates for supremacy in Bordeaux. Join us in an extraordinary vertical tasting of 13 wines including 1961, 1966, 1975, 1978, 1983, 1985, 1988,1989, 1990, and more. Members: $199.00 Limited to 19 attendees Non-Members: $215.00 Exploring Red Grape Varieties from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Date: Tuesday December 2, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker George A. Foote, National Wine Educator, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Founded in 1934, Ste. Michelle Winery pioneered grape growing in Washington State. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates was formally established in 1986 but some of the wineries have a history dating back to just after the repeal of prohibition. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates produces and markets a broad portfolio of premium wines from vineyards around the world with more than 4,200 acres of vineyards in Washington, Oregon and California. In addition to Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates today includes: Columbia Crest, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Snoqualmie, Col Solare, Northstar, Spring Valley Vineyards, Erath, Conn Creek and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. They are also the importers of the wines of Antinori. The company has quickly grown to rank among the top ten premium wine companies in America and sells more than 30 million bottles of wine annually. The Wine Advocate said,” Chateau St Michelle , Washington's largest winery, continues to demonstrate that being big is not incompatible with high quality.” Join us in tasting 12 of the fabulous portfolio of red wines from Ste Michelle Wine Estates. Grape varieties include: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 “Wines of the Columbia Gorge” Date: Tuesday November 11, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Robert Morus, President Phelps Creek Vineyards, President of the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington is home to over 30 wineries and vineyards. Climate and terrain range from conditions found in Germany, France’s Burgundy and northern Rhone Valley and Italy's northwest Piedmont. From the cool, western end of the Gorge come delicate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays; moving eastward, warmer-weather grapes such as Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernets and Gewurztraminer share the spotlight. Our Speaker, Robert Morus, is President of the Columbia Gorge Wine Growers Association and is the founder and President of Phelps Creek Vineyard, a Hood River Oregon boutique winery focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminers. We will taste 12 wines from Phelps Creek, Maryhill, Syncline, and The Pines. The tasting will showcase the broad diversity of growing conditions within the Columbia Gorge Wine District. Join us for a tasting of fabulous wines from the Columbia Gorge. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 “What Does Time in a Barrel do to a Cognac"? Date: Tuesday October 28, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Paul Jones President, JTE Spirits To answer this question Paul Jones will lead us in a tasting of: Ragnaud-Sabourin Unblended 6 yr old cognac (VS Quality) Unblended 10 yr old cognac (VSOP Quality) Unblended 20 yr old cognac (Napoleon Quality) Domaine La Voute Unblended 35 yr old cognac (XO Quality) Floriledge Unblended 45 yr old cognac (XO Quality) We will also include a tasting of a vintage cognac and one of their very old blends. We will then taste Chateau de Bealoun Pineau des Charentes 5 & 10 year old Rose & 5 & 10 year old Blanc. This is a dessert wine made of Cognac and grape must. Chateau de Beaulon is the best producer of Pineau des Charentes. The Ragnaud-Sabourin Family owns one of the most prestigious private estates in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac. The estate was established in 1850 and is currently managed by third and fourth generations of the founding family. The house style was developed to produce cognacs with weight, elegance and all the hallmarks and finesse expected of the Grande Champagne Cru. The continuity of style has been guaranteed by employing the same family as cellar masters since 1850. Their mission is “Only produce the best quality, in limited quantities”. Members: $65.00 Associate Members $75.00 Tasters Guild NY Members Appreciation Night Date: Thursday October 23, 2008 Location: The Absolut Spirits Company, 401 Park Ave South (27th St)- 7th Floor Time: 6:00 PM Join our hosts- The Absolut Spirits Company in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the New York Chapter of Tasters Guild. 22 lucky national or local members will meet at their offices for a blind tasting of premium and super-premium vodkas, followed by a blind tasting of super-premium gins. Between the two tastings there will be a 15 minute break and light canapes will be served. At 8PM we will head down the street to Vig 27 at 119 East 27th St. It is Murray Hill's hottest cocktailing destination. There the Absolut Spirits Company will host a one hour reception. There is space for only 22 people seated in the Absolut conference room. ONLY members, either local or national may attend. A member may invite one person as their guest. Only Members: $30PP To match our 30th year. Members: $65.00 Associate Members $75.00 TastersGuildNY Wine Tour of Spain Date: Tuesday October 14, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Joe Tacca, Shaw-Ross International Importers, Regional Manager New York State Join us for a tour of the wine regions of Spain . We will start on the Mediterranean coast with a sparkling Cava from Catalonia . We then proceed West through the Mesata (Tabletop) area to Castilla and taste 5 wines from Don Simon. Continuing our journey through the Ebro River Valley region to Rioja and the wines of Marques de Riscal. We will taste 6 wines including their Reserva, Gran Reserva and Riscal wines from the emerging Toro and Rueda regions. We then turn South to the Andelucia region for 2 very rare Sherries from Sanchez Romate. We end our journey with Real Sangria . We will taste 15 wines in all. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 1985 Bordeaux Date: Thursday October 2, 2008 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St (2nd /3rd) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator Michael Broadbent said that the 1985 vintage “seems to encapsulate all that is good about Bordeaux, the wine, the city; its weight, its balance, its character. It is certainly my favorite vintage of this splendid decade typifying claret at its best”. Join us in tasting 12 superb wines including Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Cheval Blanc, Margaux, Gruaud Larose, Leoville Poyferre and more. Members: $240.00 Limited to 19 attendees Non-Members: $255.00 TastersGuildNY The Evolution of Sake from Basic to Super Premium Date: Tuesday September 23, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 PM THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED Speaker: Monica Samuels, Sake Ambassador, Southern Wine & Spirits Sake is one of the fastest growing segments in the wine market, fueled by the increase in popularity of Asian, and particularly Japanese cuisine. NY's finer wine shops carry a plethora of small production Sakes, while top Asian restaurants, like Bond Street, Megu and Maturi carry a complete line of Sakes. What is less expected is that some of NY's best non-Japanese restaurants are jumping on the Sake bandwagon. Chanterelle offers a wide variety of Sake and matches Sake to at least one course on their famed tasting menu. Dating from the dawn of history, the art of brewing Sake has been a Japanese tradition. Americans are beginning to realize what the Japanese have known all these years, that Sake is a wonderful beverage, either by itself or with food. This tasting presents the opportunity to experience great Sakes in varying styles and learn about the brewing of Sake from Monica Samuels, who studied different styles of Sake brewing in her native Japan. Monica was trained in Tokyo by John Gauntner, the world's leading Sake educator. Prior to joining Southern Wine and Spirits Monica worked as a sommelier for Sushi Samba's six locations. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 It’s a Dominican Thing Date: Sunday September 21, 2008 Location: It’s a Dominican Thing, 144 west 19 St (6th & 7th Ave) Time: 5:00 PM Timeout NY said: “At this candlelit, brick-walled 26-seater, stylish types dig into chef Eva Martinez’s hearty Dominican home cooking. Conch, cassava and plantains are spotlighted in soups, stews and lopsided fritters. A mixed-appetizer platter presents various pastelitos (meat turnovers) and croquettes, among them an especially delicious one made with codfish. Regulars crave Martinez’s shrimp with coconut-tomato sauce, served in a casserole dish, is indeed a Dominican thing” Black Angus steak with peppers and onions is delicious. The house salad, the warmed tomatoes with goat cheese and the bread pudding are wonderful as well. Join us for an authentic Dominican dinner with Argentinean, Chilean and Italian wine to match.
Members: $80.00 Associate Members $95.00 THE GOLD STANDARD: Double Gold and Gold Medal Winning Wines Date: Tuesday August 12, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6PM to 8:30PM (No Admittance after 8PM) One of the most respected wine judging’s in the US is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2008 Competition involved over 1,820 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful was considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be offered at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Over 65 wines are available for your tasting pleasure. $60 for everyone 2002 Grand Cru and Premier Cru White Burgundy Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St (2nd/3rdAve) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator Cythia Hurley, wine columnist for France magazine said ” No matter whose reviewer's words you hang on - The Wine Advocate, The Wine Spectator, Decanter, La Revue du Vin de France - they all agree the 2002 white Burgundies are a must-buy. I can tell you without hesitation that 2002 bowled me over again and again. The wines are fleshy and lively with pure flavors that stay in your mouth. Remarkable!” Join us in tasting 12 fantastic wines from this vintage including 3 Corton-Charlemagne, 3 Puligny-Montrachet, 2 Chassagne-Montrachet and 4 Meursault Premier Crus. Members: $160.00 - limited to 19 attendees Non-Members: $175.00 Affordable Bordeaux Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Eric Dubourg, Owner of Wineberry LTD The Bordeaux Wine Bureau in a recent blind tasting of nearly 350 wines selected 100 that were excellent representations of Bordeaux values. All 12 wines we have selected have prices under $30. Here is an opportunity to enjoy Bordeaux wines at a reasonable price. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Experience the Greek Wine Renaissance Date: Thursday, May 15 , 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speakers: Sofia Perpera, Director, All About Greek Wine The Greek wine industry is in the middle of a remarkable resurgence and is positioning itself to become the next “up-and-coming” wine-producing region of the world. During the last 25 years, the Greek wine sector has undergone a complete transformation with a tremendous investment in modern winemaking technology and rebuilding of the Greek vineyard. The current generation of Greek winemakers has been trained at the best wine schools around the world and, together with the unique indigenous grape varieties that Greece has to offer, has set in motion what many are calling, "The Greek Wine Renaissance". Join us in experiencing 12 of these exciting wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 2000 Bordeaux Date: Thursday May 8, 2008 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rdAve) Time: 6:30 PM SOLD OUT. Waiting list accepted. Call Vivian Tramontana at 212-501-7823 or Ron Kapon 212-799-6311 Speakers: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator According to the Wine Spectator-"The decline of the dollar against the Euro put upward pressure on the 2000's, as did the highly expensive futures prices of the 2005 vintage. Most have risen in price by almost 100%." Robert Parker- "Suffice to say that 2000 Bordeaux already must be considered among the best vintages of our lives." We will taste 11 wines including Haut Brion, La Mission Haut Brion, Mouton Rothschild and more. Since we purchased these wines 2 years ago, we are able to offer these superb wines at a reasonable price. Don't miss this limited tasting. We will sell out early, so please reserve your seat and join us for this incredible experience. Members: $275.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $290.00 TastersGuildNY TGIC Portfolio: Wines from South America Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speakers: Stuart Bossom and Paul Lambert, TGIC National Manager and New York City Manager TGIC Importers, Inc. began 24 years ago with only a single Chilean winery in their portfolio Their dreams were big with a mission is to establish themselves as a leading international producer, importer and marketer with the singular focus to bring the best wines of the world to its customers. Today their rich and diverse portfolio has grown to include 12 of the finest wineries from around the world, representing the best winemakers in the world today. Their passion for wine is exceeded only by their devotion to provide their clients and suppliers with the kind of enthusiasm and dedication that has become their hallmark. Robert Parker & The Wine Enthusiast rated EVERY wine we are tasting over 90 points. 7 of the wines being tasted retail over $60 per bottle. We are pleased to introduce you to 12 of the exceptional wines of the TGIC portfolio including Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador 2004 and Paul Hobbs/Pascual Toso Magdalena 2002. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 Chocolate and Wine Tasting Date: Monday, April 28, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speakers: Jeff Pzena, Owner of Cotton Tree Lodge Susan Anne Cosgrove, Pasternak Wines Ever wondered how one of the most popular foods in existence is made? This tasting traces the process through a live demonstration. You will see how chocolate is made from bean to bar using cocoa beans sourced from Southern Belize, Central America. All the chocolate being tasted is made from the same beans used in the demonstration and will range in flavor and intensity from milk through dark chocolate.This event is hosted by Jeff Pzena, owner of Cotton Tree Lodge, an eco lodge in Belize where the cocoa beans are grown. Susan Cosgove from Pasternak Wines will lead us in matching the wines and spirits to the chocolates. Join us in learning how chocolate is made and enjoy the chocolates with 6 different wines and spirits. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 Ste Michelle Wine Estates Washington State Portfolio Tasting Riesling/Gewurztraminer/Rose’ Seminar Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speakers: Juan Ortega, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, New York State Manager Bob Bertheau, Winemaker Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington State and has been producing classic European varietals under the Chateau Ste. Michelle label since 1967. Dr Ernst Loosen, owner of Dr. Loosen estate has been collaborating with Chateau Ste. Michelle on Eroica Riesling since 1999. Today, Ste Michelle Wine Estates Washington State Portfolio includes 8 vineyards producing Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Rose wines. Riesling is so much more complicated than other varieties because it has both horizontal and vertical dimensions. In addition to extreme regional differences, it's a variety that can be made in many different styles, from bone dry with high alcohol to moderately sweet with light alcohol, to lusciously sweet with very low alcohol. Join us in tasting 12 wines; seven Riesling, including Eroica, designed to showcase the regional styles within Washington State Columbia Valley plus two Gewurztraminer and three Rose'. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 13 Gran Reserva and Reserva Rioja Tasting Date: Wednesday April 9, 2008 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rdAve) Time: 6:30 PM SOLD OUT. Waiting list accepted. Call Vivian Tramontana at 212-501-7823 or Ron Kapon 212-799-6311 Speaker: Johnathan Levine, Columnist for the Wine Investor Buyer’s Guide Spanish Gran Reserva must be aged a minimum of two years in oak barrels and three years in the bottle. Most producers only make a Gran Reserva in excellent vintages. So, generally speaking, Spanish Gran Reservas are well-made, mature wines at relatively low prices. We will sample 13 wines, 7 Gran Reservas, 4 Reservas and 2 Reservas Especial: including Cune Imperial Gran Reserva, 1994 and 1996; Cune Vina Real, Gran Reserva, 1995; Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva 1995; Vina Mayor, Gran Reserva 1994 and more. These wines are no longer available at retail and represent a unique opportunity to taste the best of Rioja. These wines were purchased from our speaker who has collected them over many years. Members: $125.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $140.00 1990 Bordeaux Date: Thursday, March 27, 2008 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rdAve) Time: 6:30 PM SOLD OUT. Waiting list accepted. Call Vivian Tramontana at 212-501-7823 or Ron Kapon 212-799-6311 Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, President Wine & Spirits Program, Wine Educator 1990 was rated a 5 star vintage by Michael Broadbent. The Wine Spectator stated in their November 2007 edition, "1990 Bordeaux prices have increased from 54-94% with Pichon-Lalande up 76%; Lynch Bages up 83%, Lafite Rothschild up 94%". We will taste 11 wines including Lafite Rothschild, La Mission Haut Brion, Latour, Pichon-Lalande, Lynch Bages and more. Since we purchased these wines 2 years ago, we are able to offer these superb wines at a reasonable price. Don't miss this limited tasting. We will sell out early, so please reserve your seat and join us for this incredible experience. Members: $270.00 - Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $285.00 The Banfi Family – A Renaissance in Italian Winemaking Excellence Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Philip Di Belardino, Fine Wine Ambassador Banfi Vintners Philip Di Belardino will discuss the origin and present state of this important 20th Century movement in Italian wine. Super Tuscan is not an official designation of the Italian government, but was created by the British press, which only adds to its fascination. Come and find out exactly what makes a Super Tuscan, Super! We will taste over a dozen wines including San Angelo Pinot Grigio, Toscana Centine, Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2001, Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino, Colvecchio Syrah, Cum Laude, SummuS, Rosa Regale and more. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Wines of Bernard Magrez Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Nora Z. Favelukes, Eastern Sales Director, Bernard Magrez, USA Inc Bordeaux native Bernard Magrez has dedicated his life to the production of exceptional wines. The December 15, 2007 Wine Spectator called Bernard Magrez "The most ambitious man in Bordeaux". The Magrez portfolio includes some of the finest châteaux in Bordeaux – such as Château Pape Clément (Grand Cru Classé de Graves), Château Fombrauge (Grand Cru Saint-Émilion), and La Tour Carnet (Grand Cru Médoc). Magrez affirms that his Bordeaux estates serve as the standard bearer of his portfolio, evidenced by 90+ scores enjoyed by his top wines. Bernard Magrez is fully committed to the pursuit of quality both at home and abroad for the 35 vineyards he owns in southern France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Portugal and Morocco, and his first Cuvée d'Exception in Napa Valley released last year. Join us in tasting these exceptional wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members $65.00 TasterGuildNY Holiday Wine Dinner at Trattoria Alba Date: Sunday, December 2, 2007 Location: Trattoria Alba, 233 E34st (bet 2nd & 3rd ave) Time: 5:30 PM Customers have rated Trattoria Alba as one of the best in the city in the Zagat 2006 survey. Diners continue to wax enthusiastic to Zagat about this Murray Hill trattoria: "keeps getting better", "dependable", "civilized", "moderate prices", "like sunset in Trieste", PS "they do nice parties too." Trattoria Alba has come to be known as THE place to throw a party. With a number of private rooms available for the day or evening, the restaurant is the perfect place to throw your baby shower, celebrate an engagement party, or hold a corporate function. Large groups can create a menu to their liking, and always receive the same satisfaction and unabashed service throughout the event. Join us at Trattoria Alba for great food and excellent wines. Wines to be determined.
Members: $115.00 Non-Members: $130.00 12 Vintages of Chateau Mouton Rothschild Date: Wednesday November 28, 2007 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rdAve) Time: 6:30 PM SOLD OUT. Waiting list accepted Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator, President Wine & Spirits Program First I am, Second I was, I, Mouton do not change. Please join us in tasting these extraordinary 12 vintages of Chateau Mouton Rothschild: 1970, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2002. Members: $295.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $310.00 Boutique Wineries of Australia Date: Thursday, November 8, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Julie Deutsch, Sales Manager Epicurean Wines Epicurean Wines is leading a shift that is happening at the smaller end of the Australian wine industry. While ripeness is a distinct characteristic of warm climate wines, many producers are striving to keep it in balance, producing seriously ambitious wines. Ben Hammerschlag, Importer of Fine Australian Wine, seeks out those young talented winemakers that share his philosophy. At the high end, it is about harnessing the power of Australia without sacrificing balance, while at the lower end of the pricing spectrum; it is possible to produce wines of exceptional varietal character. Join us in our tasting of 12 wines from Australia’s boutique wineries; from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and blends from different regions and styles from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Southern Italian Delights: A Wine Journey with Leonardo LoCascio Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Leonardo LoCasio, President, Winebow Join Leonardo LoCascio, founder and CEO of Winebow, for a wine journey through the beautiful and rugged landscapes of Southern Italy. As Leonardo guides you through the southern regions, you will enjoy a broad spectrum of wine styles and flavors, from ancient varietals such as Falanghina, Cannonau, and Gaglioppo, to more international blends. Taste wines from family-owned wineries that combine tradition and modern winemaking techniques to create superb Italian wines. As a native Sicilian and one of the first importers to introduce many of the lesser known southern appellations and varietals to the United States, no one is more qualified than Leonardo to lead you through this exciting adventure featuring 14 of his fabulous wines. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Bonus- After the wine event, stay for an Olive Oil Tasting In 2004 the US-Food and Drug Administration announced the incredible health benefits of using quality olive oil in ones diet. Micheal Castaldo, olive oil connoisseur and founder of the New York City Olive Oil Coop will give a short presentation on EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and will conduct a tasting that will include different olive oils from around the world. Micheal’s family has been growing and milling high quality Estate Grown Organic Olive Oil in Southern Italy for the past 80 years. Exploring the House of Sandeman Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Ligia Marques, Sandeman Brand Ambassador Established in 1790 in London by George Sandeman, the House of Sandeman began by shipping Sherry to Britain and soon entered the Port trade as well. The Sandeman “Don” is one of the world’s first trademark images and is still one of the best known icons in the wine world. Today, Sandeman’s unmatched portfolio of Ports, Sherries and Madeiras is managed by George Sandeman, the seventh generation of Sandeman family to make port. Join us in experiencing 12 wines carrying the Sandeman brand including: sherry, Madeira, and LBV Porto, 2000 and 2003 vintage Porto and 20 and 40 year old aged Tawny’s. The NY Tasters Guild is proud to present Cabot Creamery, makers of the World's Best Cheddar as their official cheese sponsor. To inquire more about their products, please visit their site at www.cabotcheese.com Members: $60.00 Associate Members: $70.00 TasterGuildNY Japanese Wine Dinner at Izakaya Ten Date: Sunday, September 30, 2007 Location: Itzakaya Ten, 207 10th ave btwn 22st & 23st Time: 5:00 PM Its’ slim Chelsea space was first D’or Ahn, then, briefly, Anzu, and now it’s been remade yet again as this more-casual restaurant specializing in izakaya, or homestyle Japanese small plates. Izakaya 10 is a great neighborhood spot for friends, family or a romantic date. The food is original, the fish is some of the freshest in the city and the prices are incredibly competitive. This place is casual yet nice enough to bring someone if you want to impress them. Join us at Izakaya Ten for good food and excellent wines.
Members: $90.00 Non-Members: $105.00 12 Vintages of Chateau Margaux Date: Thursday, September 27, 2007 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM SOLD OUT. Waiting list accepted Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator, President Wine & Spirits Program Rated 3, 4 and 5 stars by Michael Broadbent, we will present for your tasting pleasure 12 vintages of First Growth Chateau Margaux: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990. Join us for this fabulous vertical tasting of Chateau Margaux. Members: $260.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $275.00 Haras de Pirque and Antinori Wines Date: Monday, September 17, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 PM Speaker: Juan Ortega - Ste. Michelle Wine Estates - New York State Manager Aldo Rafanelli - National Antinori Business Division Managerbr> In 1991, after a highly successful business career in Chile’s private sector, entrepreneur Eduardo Matte acquired an estate that he named Haras de Pirque in the southwestern part of Pirque, a prestigious winegrowing area situated in the Maipo Valley of Chile. In these foothills 120 hectares of vineyards were planted, mainly with reds -Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere and whites- Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In March 2003, Haras de Pirque entered into a joint venture with P. Antinori, one of Italy’s leading vintners. Marchese Piero Antinori’s family has been producing remarkable wines since 1385. His interest in Chile and Haras de Pirques wines makes it a first for him in the Southern Hemisphere. Join us to experience Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignons and blends of Haras de Pique and the Chianti Classicos, Brunello di Montelcino’s, Cervaro Castello della Sala (and more) of Antinori. At least a dozen wines will be served. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY ROAD TRIP TO TANGLEWOOD A Glorious Day of Music, Wine and Food Join Taster'sGuildNY for its first ever Road Trip. We're heading up to Tanglewood, the idyllic summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the Berkshires for a marriage of beautiful music, great wines from top wineries and delicious food. What can be better? You won't have to do any driving--a bus will take us there and back. Our day starts early with a 7:30 AM departure from the Vanderbilt Entrance to Grand Central Terminal. We'll arrive at Tanglewood in time for the 10:30 AM rehearsal by the Boston Symphony of their Sunday program. Watch the orchestra and conductor work from inside the Koussevitsky Music Shed or relax on the verdant lawn while you listen to a program that includes:
Our sensory feast finished, we'll get back on the bus at around 4 with an expected arrival at Grand Central at around 7. The cost for the day, including private bus trip, ticket to the rehearsal and the Wine and Food Classic is ONLY $225. To be able to maintain that price we need at least 25 people by June 15th. So sign up early (last year's Wine and Food Classic sold out) and invite friends. Here again are the details for our trip to Tanglewood.
THE GOLD STANDARD: Double Gold and Gold Medal Winning Wines Date: Wednesday August 8, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (No Admittance after 8PM) One of the most respected wine judgings in the US is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2007 Competition involved over 1,820 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful was considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be offered at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Over 65 wines are available for your tasting pleasure. $60 for everyone A Tour Of German Rieslings Including A Beerenauslesen Date: Thursday, June 28, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Valerie Lynch, East Coast Sales, Winesellers, Ltd Germany is a nation of small growers. The estate and wine maker is a key ingredient in the selection process in German wine. We will taste 12 wines selected from the greatest estates of Germany. Dr. H Thanisch, Mosel, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Mosel, Rudolf Muller, Mosel, Georg Albrecht Schneider, Rheinhessen, Franz Karl Schmitt, Rheinhessen, Graf von Schoenborn, Rheingau Region,and Fitz-Ritter, Pfalz Region. Please join us for an exciting adventure with the best of German wines including a Beerenauslesen. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 RETURN TO ESTONIAN HOUSE! A Tasting Tour of South African Wines Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34st (2nd/3rd) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Simon Barlow, Owner and Winemaker Rustenburg Estates The Cape wine lands are noted for their breathtaking beauty and the world class wines they produce. The constant interplay between the ancient soils, soaring mountains, valley slopes and coastal breezes results in a natural environment exceptional in its biodiversity. These unique growing conditions support a broad spectrum of wine varietals and wine styles. Driven by owner Simon Barlow's vision of “absolute passion and total dedication to quality in both the vineyard and cellar”. Rustenburg Estates has transformed itself from a distinguished producer on the local scene to a new era South African trend setter on the international stage. A selection of more than a dozen wines from the fruity, engaging Brampton range or the elegant, complex Rustenburg wines that reflect the farm's unique terrain will be tasted. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY BYOB An Evening In Paris Date: Sunday, May 20, 2007 Location: Meli Melo, 110 Madison Ave. (29-30th St.) Time: 5:00 p.m. Welcome to our BYOB dinner at Meli Melo restaurant. Every diner should bring one or more bottles of wine. Please advise Vivian of the wines you are providing so we can coordinate seating at each table by matching wines to the dinner courses. After sharing the wines at your table you can then negotiate with other tables to trade your wine for theirs; the more unusual and rare, the easier it is to make a deal. Collecting his inspiration from all over the world Chef Bernard Ros brought his worldly experience to Meli Melo. The cuisine is eclectic, with French, Italian, Vietnamese, and nouveau American accents. Accordingly, the restaurant obtained its name Meli Melo, from the derived meaning of "a mixture of all flavors or cuisines". Running restaurants in NYC since 1971 Bernard Ros turned Meli Melo into a quintessential jewel on Madison Avenue. Join us for an Evening in Paris and an exciting wine trading experience.
Members: $90.00 Associate Members: $115.00 NEW LOCATION! Loire Valley: The Most Diverse Wine Region of France Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Location: East River Cafe, 1111 First Avenue at 61st Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Leo Fox, President of World Shippers & Importers Co. Many feel that the Loire Valley, France's garden produces the best white wines in the world. The diversity of grape varieties and styles of production make it veritable wine heaven. While the Loire produces good to excellent reds and rosés, it is best known for the plethora of non-Chardonnay white wines. Andrea Immer in Great Wines Made Simple calls wines from the Loire "subtle and spectacular." Styles range from lively dry wines with a spicy, green-grass flavor of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, through soft and sexy Vouvrays, to the crisp, light and dry Muscadets, with other stops in between. The 12 wines we will sample have been specially selected by Shirley Alpert of House of Burgundy and Leo Fox who imports some of the best and rarest wines from the region. Their wines all come from small producers who concentrate on quality. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 1960’s Bordeaux Date: Thursday, May 3, 2007 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. SOLD OUT Waiting list accepted Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator We will taste 13 wines from the decade of the 60’s including 1961, 1962, 1966, 1967 from: Chateaux Haut Brion, La Mission Haut Brion, Cheval Blanc, Mouton Rothschild, Leoville-Barton, Lynch Bages, Pichon Longueville Baron, Ausone, Cos d’Estournel, Calon Segur, Beychevelle, La Lagune and Domaine de Chevalier. Members: $175.00 Limited to 20 attendees Associate Members: $190.00 Classical Composers and their Favorite Wines Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Dr David Post Affiliated Lecturer, Tanglewood/Boston Symphony Orchestra Enjoy a unique evening of wine and music as we will be pouring Tokays and Rieslings, the favorites of Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart. While we're enjoying the wines, Boston Symphony Orchestra Affiliated lecturer Dr. David Post will provide a fun, interactive introduction to classical music with Classical 101. And a pianist from the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra will perform some of the great works highlighted by Dr. Post. Classical Composers and Their Wines will be an evening you won't want to miss. Experience the music, learn about the composers and taste the wines that Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart enjoyed. Members: $55.00 Associate Members: $65.00 Modern Cocktails (Drink with all your senses) Date: Thursday, April 12, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Junior Merino, The Liquid Chef Taste the Art Junior Merino is the Bartender and Master Mixologist for the Museum of Art showcase restaurant the Modern. The winner of the International Bar show cocktail competition, Junior’s unique creativeness has won him the Wine Spectator award of excellence and 2006 Star Chef’s Award. The StarChefs Rising Stars Revue stated: “Junior Merinos cocktails” reveal a constant exploration of artisan-crafted liquors from around the world and a willingness to experiment with the exotic ingredients and new flavor profiles.” Join with us in experiencing 8 of his delicious cocktails such as: “Coming up Roses: rose petals, lime, rosewater, Bacardi RAZZ & Champagne”; and “Piña Partida”: pineapple, English cucumber, lemon, agave, nectar, Partida Silver, sprite and more. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Dining On The Italian Riviera: Dinner at East River Café Date: Sunday, March 25, 2007 Location: East River Cafe, 1111 First Avenue at 61st Time: 5:00 p.m. Time Out New York's restaurant review singled out the restaurant for its "extraordinary food." New York City Menu and Restaurant guide rated the restaurant 4 ½ stars and stated “it was a great dining experience”. In her column, Sue Perkins calls the food "beautiful" and praises his authentic Italian cuisine. Italian born Executive Chef, Paolo Nozzoli learned his craft in Italy and honed his skills at such culinary stars as Hotel Minerva and Villa Rigacci in Florence and as Executive Chef at Manhattan's Savore Restaurant. Join us and you will be transported to a charming trattoria overlooking the ocean high above San Remo. All wines provided by Dancing Bear Cellars. TastersGuild/NY East River Café Wine Dinner Menu
Members: $95.00 Non-Members: $115.00 The Best of Tuscany and Verona Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Roland Marandino, Wine Ambassador for Cecchi and Sartori Cecchi and Sartori produce some of the finest wines of Tuscany and Verona. Join us in tasting a dozen wines including: Chianti Classico Riserva, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Vermentino Maremma Toscana, Val delle Rose Morellino di Scansano Riserva, Amarone della Valpolicella, Spargola “Super Tuscan”. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Discovering Artisanal Sake Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Paul Tanguay, Saké Sommelier/ Beverage Director, SUSHISAMBA New York City Sake (rice wine) is one of the fastest growing segments in the wine market, fueled by the increase in popularity of Asian, and particularly Japanese, cuisine. NY's better wine shops now carry a plethora of small production Sakes, while top Asian restaurants, like Nobu, Megu and Maturi carry a complete line of Sakes. What is less expected is that some of NY's best non-Japanese restaurants are jumping on the Sake bandwagon. Chanterelle offers a wide variety of Sake and matches Sake to at least one course on their famed tasting menu. Dating from the dawn of history, the art of brewing Sake has been a Japanese tradition. Americans are beginning to realize what the Japanese have known all these years, that Sake is a wonderful beverage, either by itself or with food. This tasting presents the opportunity to experience 12 great Sakes in varying styles. As one of the most respected Saké authorities on this side of the Pacific, Paul Tanguay won the 2nd New York Kikisaké-shi (Saké Sommelier) Competition in 2006 and in October 2006 finished in the top ten in the World Finals in Tokyo. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 10 Vintages of Lafite Rothschild Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. SOLD OUT Waiting list accepted Speaker: Harriet Lembeck- Wine Educator At the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines, Mr. Lawton stated that “Lafite wines are the most superb in all of Médoc.” We will present for your tasting pleasure 10 vintages of Lafite Rothschild including 1982 (100), 1986(97), 1988(93), 1989(97), 1990(96), 1994(92), 1995(95), 1998(98), 1999(94) and 2002(95). Nothing more need be said- It is Lafite. Members: $225.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $240.00 "Spain’s New Generation of Talented, “Hot” Winemakers” Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 Location: Estonian House, 243 E 34th (2nd /3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Carlos Hubner-Arteta, Director of Spanish wines, Winebow Inc., Spain is emerging as a world class producer of wines that stand out for their quality, diversity and value. Spain’s most exciting wines offer history and culture, combined with modern winemaking and native varietals to produce vintages of unique character and beauty. But who are the people—the winemakers—behind them? How do their dynamic personalities, passion, hands-on approach, and extensive knowledge of terrior work hand-in-hand to create such enjoyable, distinctive wines? Carlos Hubner-Arteta, the national director of Spanish wines for Winebow, Inc. and a judge at the prestigious Bacchus International Wine Competition in Madrid, will take you on an amazing journey as he introduces you to the new generation of talented, “hot” winemakers from the most interesting corners of Spain: Ana Martín, Miquel Angel Cerda, Roser Amoros, and Javier Garcia “Cote.” We will taste 12 wines, 17 varietals and 8 appellations. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Five Decades of Sauternes Date: Thursday, December 14, 2006 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator Sauternes is one of the greatest sweet wines in the world. We will taste 13 wines from 5 decades (1961, 1962, 1967, 1970, 1975, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990 and 2001) from 8 top producers (La Tour Blanche, Guiraud, Suduiraut, Climens, Coutet, Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Rieussec, Raymond Lafon and more). Join us in tasting these luscious dessert wines. Members: $125.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $140.00 Artisan Bourbon Brands and Single Malt Scotches Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Bernie Lubbers, Jim Beam's Small Batch Bourbon Ambassador The Small Batch Bourbons represent the very best in bourbon, each handcrafted in limited quantities using time-honored recipes. These special recipes allow each Small Batch Bourbon to be distinctively different. Small Batch Bourbon's include: Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, Booker's, Baker's and Basil Hayden's. Jim Beam, Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Rye are not small batch, but continue to be true to their original recipes for over 121 years. Bourbon is America's Native Spirit and Jim Beam has been at the center of this American institution since its beginnings in the United States. The Bourbons we will feature will include: Jim Beam, Jim Beam Black, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Booker's, Baker's and Basil Hayden plus Jim Beam Rye. As a bonus, our aperitif will be Dalmore Scotch and we will finish the tasting with Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch. Join us in experiencing this American Institution! Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 TastersGuild/NY Holiday Dinner at A.O.C Bedford Restaurant Date: Sunday, December 3, 2006 Location: A.O.C Bedford Restaurant, 14 Bedford St (bet Downing & Houston Sts) Telephone:212-414-4764 Time: 5:00 p.m. THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT. Waiting list accepted. Rated 23 by Zagats and 2 forks by Michilin Guide, A.O.C Bedford offers a sophisticated southern European menu that is exceptionally well crafted. Service is attentive and the rustic quarters adds to the romantic mood. The AOC in the name derives from Appellation d'Origine Controlle (AOC), the French government laws and regulation to control product quality and labeling; especially wine. A.O.C. in France, D.O.C. in Italy, and D.O. in Spain are terms used to designate products which exhibit the finest qualities and characteristics of the geographical area. Its use is strictly regulated. A.O.C Bedford is a romantic and elegant restaurant that features a fabulous fusion of the cuisines of France, Italy and Spain. From Foie Gras, to Paella Marinera; the food is just sublime and sensational. Join us to celebrate the holidays with a superlative six course holiday meal at A.O.C Bedford. Appropriate wines will be chosen to pair with the food.
Members: $110.00 Non-Members: $125.00 Paso Robles Wine Country Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Stacie Jacob, Executive Director Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Gaining worldwide attention for its distinctive wines, Paso Robles is emerging as a leader in Californian viticulture. The largest AVA in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles has 18,500 acres under vine. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California's Central Coast, Paso Robles is uniquely positioned to grow more than 40 wine grape varieties. Famous for its structured Cabernet Sauvignon; a handful of young winemakers who are known as the "Rhone Rangers" are gaining attention by crafting rich and satisfying Rhone Valley varieties with Syrah and blends. Wines will range from Roussanne and Viognier to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Cinsault, Zinfandel and the region's unique Paso blends. Join us for a tasting of 12 or more distinct and different wines from Paso Robles. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 TastersGuildNY CubaNYC Wine Dinner Date: Sunday, November 12, 2006 Location: CubaNYC, 222 Thompson St. (Between Bleecker & West 3rd St) Time: 5:00 p.m. Rated 21 by Zagats, "simple and delicious Cuban fare." "The romantic milieu of Cuba effortlessly transports you from Manhattan to Havana". CubaNYC offers a fascinating and charming escape to its own "Little Havana on Thompson Street" with a menu filled with delicious traditional cuisine. Chef David Martinez (who trained at the famed Hotel Nacional in Havana, making him New York's only Cuban-born and -trained chef) works from a big menu, pumping out complex and simple starters---from fried green plantains in garlic sauce to crispy chicken croquettes---and enough mouth-watering entrées to keep you in a perpetual state of indecisiveness. Appropriate wines have been chosen to pair with the food.
Members: $95.00 Non-Members: $110.00 A Tasting Tour of South Africa's Leading Wine Estates Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Brian Callahan, Wine & Food Associates The Cape wine lands are noted for their breathtaking beauty and the world class wines they produce. The constant interplay between the ancient soils, soaring mountains, valley slopes and coastal breezes results in a natural environment exceptional in its biodiversity. These unique growing conditions support a broad spectrum of wine varietals and wine styles. A selection of more than a dozen wines from South Africa's top wine estates will be tasted. They have been chosen to demonstrate stylistic differences that are representative of the fine wines that South Africa is currently producing. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Washington State Columbia Valley Premier Wines Date: Thursday, November 2, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: RG Hess, Partner in Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars Wineries Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave critical acclaim to Washington State wineries such as Pepper Bridge, Amavi Cellers and L'Ecole 41. Rated 93, 92, and 90 for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, we will taste 12 outstanding wines from these Columbia Valley wineries. Join us and experience these voluptuous, full bodied wines. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 One 83 Italian Wine Dinner Date: Sunday, October 22, 2006 Location: One 83 Restaurant, 1608 First Ave (Between 83th & 84th St) Time: 5:00 p.m. "The tastiest delight of Northern Italian cuisine on the Upper East Side." Rated 20 by Zagats, "where the food's terrific" with a breathtaking garden and beautiful indoor dining room. Rated 5 stars from City Tour. Join us for a "magical "meal at One 83. Appropriate wines have been chosen to pair with the food.
Members: $95.00 Non-Members: $110.00 6 Decades of Bordeaux Date: Thursday, October 19, 2006 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. THERE ARE ONLY 2 SEATS AVAILABLE Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator We will taste 13 wines from 6 decades including 1959, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1979, 1988, 1991,1992,1993,1996,1999 and 2000 including: Chateaux Haut Brion, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Leoville-Las Cases, Lynch Bages, Pichon Longueville Baron, Calon Segur and more. Join us in tasting these fabulous Bordeaux wines. Members: $199.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $215.00 "Chile - The Old & New from the House of Chadwick" Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Carlos Miquel, North America & Caribbean Regional Director, Viñedo Chadwick 70 million years in the making, the valleys of Chile today are blessed with some of the finest wine growing terroirs in the world. We will taste 13 wines from Errazuriz, Arboleda, Caliterra, Seña and Viñedo Chadwick. Please join us in tasting these innovative wines from the Southern Hemisphere. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 W.J. Deutsch & Sons "French Portfolio Wine Tasting" Date: Thursday, September 28, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED Speaker: Aygline Pechdo, Associate Brand Manager, W. J. Deutsch & Sons W. J.Deutsch & Sons was founded in 1981 with a vision: to represent fine wines from family-owned producers around the world. We will taste 12 wines from André Lurton - Bordeaux, Georges Duboeuf- Beaujolais, J. Vidal Fleury - Rhone, Pierre Sparr - Alsace, Sauvion - Loire and Pommery from Champagne. Please join us in experiencing this extraordinary French Portfolio Tasting. Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 Domaine Select Wine Estates Italian Wine Tour Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th (Between 2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Alyson Careaga, Marketing Director, Domaine Select Wine Estates We will taste 12 wines from all the major Italian wine regions, including Prosecco, Barolo, Fiano Di Avellino, Valpolicella, Chianti Classico, Gavi di Gavi, Pinot Grigio, Morellino di Scansano and more. Please join us on this exciting tour of Italy. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Contemporary Asian Wine Dinner at XING Date: Sunday, September 17, 2006 Location: XING Restaurant, 785 Ninth Avenue (52nd Street) Time: 5:00 p.m. Rated 4 stars by AOL City Guide as "a terrific restaurant with excellent food, presentation, decor and acoustics." After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Executive Chef Lulzim Rexhepi trained in France and returned to NY to work at The Four Seasons Hotel and The Restaurant Citarella. While working under Brian Young at Citarella, he developed his affinity for Asian cooking. For elegant and delectable cuisine that re-invents the classics and offers superb quality and creativity, join us to experience Foie Gras and Rack of Lamb at XING. Appropriate wines have been chosen to pair with the food.
Members: $95.00 Non-Members: $110.00 Corton Charlemagne Date: Thursday, August 17, 2006 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator Corton Charlemagne is considered one of the finest examples of Grand Cru white wines in the world. We will taste 14 wines from 5 vintages (1996, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2003) and 11 top producers: L Latour(2), G. Roumier(2), J. Prieur, Champy, Chartron(2) & Trébuchet, Bouchard, B. Ambroise, Verget, J. Drouhin, Bonneau du Martray and J.M Boillot. Join us in tasting these fabulous wines. Members: $110.00 Limited to 20 Attendees Non-Members: $125.00 The Gold Standard – Gold and Double Gold Medal Winners Date: Tuesday, August 8, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM One of the most respected wine judging in the U.S. is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2006 Competition involved over 1,820 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful were considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be offered at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Arrive when you want and enjoy a leisurely tasting of wines of all styles and types. Last year, over 65 wines were available for your tasting pleasure; we expect about the same number in 2006. Summer Bonus: Come one come all at members price! $60.00 Austria: Land of Boutique Wineries Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Monika M. Caha, Modern Food and Wine Concepts Austrian wines are getting so much attention because of their very individual character, owed not only to regional grape varieties not often found elsewhere, but also because of their unique terroir. Most Austrian wineries are family owned and operated. With an average size of only 1.6 hectares, only 2500 grape growers have 5 hectares or more. This makes Austria a land of boutique wineries with wine makers focused on getting the most quality out of their grapes and terroir. Austria has the strictest wine laws of any country. Join us for a tasting of 14 of these unique wines including the incomparable Gruner Veltliner. We will finish with a Trockenbeerenauslese. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 The Undiscovered Wines of New Zealand Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Michael-Carr Smith, Co-owner of Crossroads New Zealand Internationally acclaimed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines. We will taste 12 wines from boutique wineries that may be new to you, as many are available for the first time in New York. Join us and experience these delightful and affordable wines. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Sparkling Wines From Around the World Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Carol Berman, Radio Personality, Wine Educator While Champagne may have a lock on the name, there are many other areas that produce top quality sparkling wines. In English, they're called sparkling wines, Italians say Spumante, in Germany it’s Sekt. France produces quite a few amazing sparkling wines from regions other than Champagne and other countries have some extremely tasty offerings. We will taste 12 -15 sparkling wines including Champagnes from France and sparkling wines from Turkey, Italy, Spain, New Mexico, Australia, California, New York State and more. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 "Tour de France" Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Maurice Lartigau, Fine Wine Specialist Seaboard Brokers and Palm Bay Imports Maurice Lartigau will serve as our guide on a leisurely spin through the wine regions of France. Begin with a festive glass of Champagne Gosset and continue southward for a taste of classic Burgundy from the venerable house of Labouré-Roi. Stop for a sampling of wines from Jean-Luc Colombo (a.ka. the Winemaking Wizard of the Rhone) plus innovative new selections from Jean-Michel Cazes. Linger in the Roussillon and acquaint yourself with the remarkable biodynamic wines of the Ey Family Estates. Then head north for a sojourn in the aristocratic chateaux of Bordeaux. Conclude your visit with a welcome taste of the elegant wines of France's Loire Valley. Join us on what promises to be a memorable Tour de France! Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 Mediterranean Wine Dinner at Ribot Date: Sunday, May 7, 2006 Location: Ribot, 780 Third Ave, at 48th Street Time: 5:30 p.m. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED Due to Ribot's Management's decision to close on sundays, this event is cancelled. We appologize for any inconvenience. Rated 4 stars by NYC Restaurant Guide. Sensible, chic fare arrives when Executive Chef Patrick Woodside, Restaurateur Mario Verciani and Managing Director Ratha Chau (formerly of Fleur de Sel) bring the clean and savory flavors of the Mediterranean to this new midtown restaurant. Appropriate wines will be chosen to pair with the food.
Non-Members: $125.00 A Sampling of 90's Red Burgundy Date: Thursday, April 27, 2006 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT -- WAITING LIST ACCEPTED. Vintages rated 5, 4 and 3 stars by Michael Broadbent, who said "surely one of the best decades in Burgundy, starting off with a bang with 1990!" We will be tasting 14 of these fabulous wines from 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999. J.M. Pavelot Savigny les Beaune Les Guettes 1990, Grottes Chambertin, Ponsot 1991, Echezeaux Mongeard-Mugneret 1993, Clos de la Roche Lechenaut 1995, Mazis Chambertin D. Laurent 1996, Echezeaux VV.Mongeard-Mugneret 1996, Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru, C. Dugat 1998, Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques, A Rousseau 1998, Groffier Chambolle- Musigny 1999, Arnoux Vosne Romanee 1999, Dujac Morey St Denis 1999, Clerget Echezeaux 1996, Faiveley Mazes Chambertin1996, Jadot Gevrey Chambertin 1990. Members: $125.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $135.00 "Foster's Australian Estates" Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Matthew Lane, Foster Group Foster's wine portfolio is made up of some of the world's leading premium wine brands. We will taste 12 to 15 of the best wines from Wolf Blass, Rosemount Estates,Wynns Coonawarrra Estate and Penfold Grange. Please join us in tasting the greatest wines from Australia. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Emerging Wines from Argentina Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Matt Wong, Wine Educator Argentina is one of the world's largest wine-producing countries. Their wines are made from traditional grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and also varieties like Tempranillo, Bonarda, Barbera, Torrontés and Malbec. "Argentinean Malbec offers dark, decadent, chocolate flavors best consumed in the shadows of the Andes Mountains." We will taste 12 to 15 of the best: Fosters: Malbec, Malbec Reserve, Malbec Limited Edition, La Puerto: Torrontes, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz Clos de los Seite: Malbec Blend Valentin Bianchi: Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon Please join us to discover why Argentina's wines have become so popular in the US. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Chateau Lynch-Bages Vertical Tasting Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT - all future checks will be placed on the waiting list. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator Rated 4 stars by Michael Broadbent, Chateau Lynch-Bages, is known as one of the magnificent Fighting Fifths. Hugh Johnson says Chateau Lynch-Bages is "loved for its richly fragrant wines, sort of Mouton for not quite Millionaires". Robert Parker wrote "They must have been under the influence of LSD in 1855 when they classified Lynch-Bages as a Fifth Growth!" We will be tasting 11 of these fabulous wines from the 70's, 80's and 90's; 1970, 1975, 1982.1985,1986, 1988, 1989, 1990,1995,1996,1999. Members: $150.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $160.00 TastersguildNY Turkish Dinner Date: Sunday, March 5, 2006 Location: Turkish Kitchen, 386 3rd Avenue (between 27th & 28th Street) Time: 5:30 p.m. Speaker: MEHMET YORUKOGLU House of Burgundy Rated 23 by Zagats who states "something special happens in the kitchen" of this "fit for the Pasha Gramercy Turk". NYC Restaurant and Menu guide gave Turkish Kitchen 4 ½ Stars stating "the food was spectacular"! Come and join us for the best Turkish food in town!
Non-Members: $105.00 Wine Tour Of Italy Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Elizabeth Burns, Director of Sales, Banville & Jones Wine Merchants We will taste 12-15 wines from all the major wine regions, including a Sparkling wine, Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Valpolicella, Amarone, Chianti, Soave, Pinot Grigio, Monferrato Bianco, Dolcetto d'Alba, Moscato d'Asti, Morellino di Scansano. Please join us on this exciting tour of Italy. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Chinese New Year Banquet - Year of the Dog Date: Sunday, January 29, 2006 Location: Peking Duck House, 236 East 53 Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue). Time: 5:30 p.m. Experience an authentic mandarin eight course Chinese New Year banquet. Rated 22 by Zagats, the menu includes Lobster, Filet Mignon and crispy and succulent Peking Duck, carved at the table described by Zagats as "outstanding". Appropriate wines will be chosen to pair with the food. Join us in celebrating the Year of the Dog at Peking Duck House!
Non-Members: $110.00 Single Malt Scotch Tasting Date: Thursday, January 26, 2006 Location: Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Emma Greengrass, Scotch Whisky Ambassador, Pernod Ricard USA We will begin our tasting with Chivas Regal 12 Year Old served on the rocks followed by a tutored tasting of a range of Blended and Single Malt Whiskies of different ages, finishing the evening with a nightcap. Whiskies served include: Aberlour 10 Year Old Single Malt Strathisla 12 Year Old Single Malt Longmorn 15 Year Old Single Malt The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Aberlour 15 Year Old Sherry Wood Finish The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Single Malt Aberlour a'bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt - Nightcap Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 The 2003 Vintage in Burgundy: What's all the fuss? Date: Thursday, December 8, 2005 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Time: 6:30 p.m. SOLD OUT Speaker: Patrick Sere, Executive Vice-President, Dreyfus Ashby & Co. Wine Spectator rated the 2003 red vintage 90-94. We will taste 13 wines; red and white Village, Premier cru and Grand cru wines from the House of Joseph Drouhin 2003 Whites: Saint-Véran, Chablis Premier Cru Montmains, Montagny, Rully, Meursault Perrières, Puligny Montrachet Folatières, Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc Reds: Moulin-à-Vent, Pommard, Chambolle-Musigny, Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge, Gevrey Chambertin Champeaux, Charmes Chambertin. Members: $65.00 Limited to 40 attendees Non-Members: $75.00 Lo Scalco Holiday Wine Dinner Date: Sunday, December 4, 2005 Location: Lo Scalco, 313 Church Street, near Walker and Lispenard Public Transit: E, 6, 4, 5, 1, 2, 3 Time: 5:30 p.m. You will enjoy contemporary fine Italian cuisine in a Landmarked Tribeca building, recommended by members of the James Beard Foundation and rated 4 stars by NYC Restaurant and Menu Guide. Executive chef Mauro Mafrici, who you may know from I Trulli or Felidia, prepares excellent food with wonderful service. Come and join us at our Italian Holiday wine dinner at this wonderful restaurant with appropriate wine chosen to match the food. Wines not chosen at press time.
Non-Members: $150.00 Barolo Date: Thursday, November 17, 2005 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. SOLD OUT Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator The Wine of Kings and the King of Wines! Barolo's royal standing is the wealth of tastes and aromas its Nebbiolo variety delivers like no other. Grapes from the right vintage, nurtured by the winemaker, produce a treasure waiting to be uncorked. Sample 12 masters of yesterday and the makers of tomorrow from 4 highly rated vintages: 1996: Pajana, Clerico; Sperss, Gaja; Bicco Rocche, Ceretto; Le Vigne, L. Sandrone 1997: Ginestra, Clerico; Carobric, P. Scavino; Le Vigne, L. Sandrone; Perscristina, Clerico 1999: Pajana, Clerico; Vigneto Arborina, E. Altare 2000: Azelia San Rocco, Ceretto; Bricco Roche, Prapo Members: $125.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $140.00 The Boutique Wineries of New Zealand Date: Thursday, November 3, 2005 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: George Galey, President of American Estates Wines Internationally acclaimed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines. New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavors that make New Zealand wine so distinctive. We will taste 12 to 15 wines from boutique wineries that may be new to you, as many are available for the first time in New York. Join us and experience these delightful and affordable wines. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 KOBRAND Portfolio "A Taste of Italy" Date: Thursday, October 27, 2005 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Massimo Galvano, Kobrand Corporation Italian Wine Specialist We will taste 17 great wines from 7 Italian producers. Alessandra Soldi of Bollini: Pinot Grigio Reserve Selection 2003 Giovanni Folonari of Tenute A&G Folonari: Cabreo La Pietra 2003, Campo al Mare Bolgheri 2003, Campo al Mare Vermentino di Toscana 2004, Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva La Forra 2001, Nozzole Le Bruniche 2004, Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino 1999, Tenuta La Fuga Brunello "Le Due Sorelle" Riserva 1999 Stefano Chiarlo of Michele Chiarlo: Barbera d'Asti Le Orme 2003, Cortese di Gavi 2004, Nivole Moscato d'Asti 2004 Emilia Nardi of Tenute Silvio Nardi: Brunello di Montalcino 2000, Rosso di Montalcino 2002 Roberto Pighin of Fernando Pighin & Figli: Collio Pinot Grigio 2004 Piero Incisa of Tenuta San Guido: Guidalberto 2002 Giovanna Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponti: Crognolo 2002, Saia 2002 Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 "The Extraordinary World of Domaine Laroche Chablis" Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jean-Baptiste Cristini Michel Laroche is truly a master of the art of making Chablis, from the popularly priced Domaine Laroche Chablis St. Martin, to the sublime Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru "Reserve de l'Obédience" from the Blanchots vineyard. His desire is to make wines that reflect their true regional character, with no obvious manipulation. If it may be said that there is no wine as expressive of the Chardonnay grape as a French Chablis, then it follows that no Chablis is as expressive of the terroir as the wines of Domaine Laroche. We will discuss the differences between the Grand Cru wines and Premier Cru appellations in Chablis. Come explore the extraordinary world of Domaine Laroche Chablis and compare the different Grand cru wines and the differences between the Premier crus. Members: $60.00 Limited to 40 attendees Non-Members: $70.00 Mediterranean Wine Dinner at ORA Date: Sunday, October 2, 2005 Location: ORA, 39 East 19th Street, bet Park and Broadway Time: 5:30 p.m. ORA is a new Mediterranean themed gem in the Gramercy Park area. The menu is from Chef Miguel Flores who has cooked at Café Noir French /Mediterranean popular Moroccan restaurant in the West Village and Chelsea Bar & Bistro in NYC. Friends for many years, Sahle (Caffé Adulis, Lamu) and Hicham (Mercer Kitchen, 66) have now joined Miguel to create this new restaurant near Gramercy Park. Join us for a delicious dinner with appropriate wines chosen to match with the food. Wines not chosen at press time.
Non-Members: $105.00 Pichon Lalande Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT Speaker: Charles Rubinstein, Wine Educator The Wine Journal said "Chateau Pichon Lalande (or Chateau Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande to grant it its full title) is the closest you can get to a First Growth without actually being one. This is a wine imbued with aristocracy, breed and class. Charles friendship with the family goes back years. He has probably tasted more of their wines than anyone except the Comtesse. We will taste 11 Chateau Pichon-Lalande's growths including; 1978, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997. Members: $150.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $165.00 The Great Estates Of Germany Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Ave. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Wilhelm Steifensand, President; P.J.Valkenberg Wine Importer Germany is a nation of small wine-growers. The estate and wine maker is a key ingredient in the selection process in German wine. We will taste 13 wines selected from the greatest estates of Germany which will include Bassermann-Jordan, Castell, Dr. Loosen, Dr. Thanish, Graff, Grans-Fassian, Heyl, Johannishof, Knyphausen, Maximin Grunhaus, PJ Valckenberg, JJ Prum, Schloss Saarstein, Schloss Wallhausen, Von Kesselstatt, and J. L.Wolf. Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 Mexican Wine Dinner at Café Frida Date: Friday, September 9, 2005 Location: Café Frida, 368 Columbus Ave, bet 77th & 78th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Zagats says "Taking West Side Mexican food up a notch, this cantina is known for its brilliant made to order guacamole and happy vibe." We will partake in the fun during TastersGuild Mexican Dinner. Appropriate wines, beer and tequila will be served.
Non-Members: $100.00 The Gold Standard: Double Gold and Gold Medal Winning Wines Date: Thursday August 11, 2005 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Ave. Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. One of the most respected wine judging in the US is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2005 Competition involved over 1,820 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful was considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be offered at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Arrive when you want and enjoy a leisurely tasting of wines of all styles and types. Last year, over 65 wines were available for your tasting pleasure; we expect about the same number in 2005. Summer Bonus: Come one come all at members price! $60.00 Great Wines No Attitude! Wines from the Loire Valley Date: Tuesday July 26, 2005 NEW LOCATION: The Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor (bet Lex & 3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Leo Fox, President of World Shippers & Importers Co. THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Many feel that the Loire Valley, France's garden produces the best white wines in the world. The diversity of grape varieties and styles of production make it veritable wine heaven. While the Loire produces good to excellent reds and rosés, it is best known for the plethora of non-Chardonnay whites wines. Andrea Immer in Great Wines Made Simple calls wines from the Loire "subtle and spectacular." Styles range from lively dry wines with a spicy, green-grass flavor of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, through soft and sexy Vouvrays, to the crisp, light and dry Muscadets, with other stops in between. The 12 wines we will sample have been specially selected by Mr. Fox who imports some of the best and rarest wines from the region. His wines all come from small producers who concentrate on quality. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 1996 Corton Charlemagne Date: Thursday July 14, 2005 Location: White Wood House, 203 East 29st (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator Michael Broadbent said 1996 are "wines with extra dimensions, as good as white burgundy can get." We will be tasting 13 1996 Corton Charlemagnes from L Latour, J. Drouhin, J. Prier, G. Rounier, Chartron et Trebuchet, Champy, Bouchard, B. Ambroise, Verget, V. Girardin, Tollot-Beaut, Rapet, Laleure-Piot. Members: $125.00 Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $140.00 Summer Rum, and Hot Cocktails! Date: Tuesday June 28, 2005 Location: The Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor (bet Lex & 3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Anistasia Miller: Editor Jared Brown: Author No strangers to the chronicling of the good life, Manhattan-based Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown are the authors of Shaken Not Stirred: A Celebration of the Martini and run the award-winning Shaken Not Stirred website at www.martiniplace.com. They are the publishers of the Mixologist: the Journal of the American Cocktail, the annual journal of the Museum of the American Cocktail. They will lead us on a tasting tour of different rums and cocktails, while we learn the joys of this versatile spirit. We will be sampling summer rums from Bacardi and learn how to mix "hot cocktails". Let's enjoy a Mojito! Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Dinner at Pastore Restaurant Date: Friday June 10, 2005 Location: Pastore Restaurant, 308 East 49st between 1rd and 2nd Ave. Time: 6:30 p.m. Successful Westchester restaurateur, Robert Pastore, has just opened his first Manhattan restaurant. Situated on a midtown east side street, Pastore's is quietly elegant and serene. In addition to offering excellent Italian food, what sets Pastore's apart is the warmth, welcome and personal touch that comes with being an Italian, family-run restaurant. Pastore, himself, is the maitre d' and his wife and mother-in-law welcome you at the door and work with Pastore. This will be an unforgettable experience.
Non-Members: $105.00 A Look at Rieslings and Dessert Wines of the World Date: Tuesday May 24, 2005 Location: The Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor (bet Lex & 3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Carol Berman, Radio Personality and Wine Educator The Riesling Grape is the "noble" white grape planted all over the world. Riesling does best in cool climates and is very resistant to frost. It can produce wines that run the gamut from bone dry to very sweet but are usually made in dry or semi-dry styles. Some of the finest sweet wines in the world can be made from Riesling that has been affected by Botrytis Cinerea. These wines are at the same time: wonderful, rare, expensive and long-lived. We will taste 13 Rieslings from New York State, Australia, Washington State, Alsace, Germany. Eisweins from Washington State, Canada, Germany and finish with a luscious German Trockenberenauslese. Members: $70.00 Non-Members: $80.00 Moulin Rouge at Bouterin Date: Sunday May 15, 2005 Location: Bouterin Restaurante, 420 East 59 St (between 1st and 2nd ave) Time: 5:30 p.m. Join us for the sublime cuisine of Chef Antoine Bouterin and exceptional wine, music and dance of the Can Can! Appropriate wines will be matched with each course. Exact wines have not been confirmed as of the writing of the program.
Members: $110.00 Non-Members: $125.00 Ice Wines Date: Thursday May 5, 2005 Location: The White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Donald Ziraldo, co-founder and president, Inniskillin Wines We will taste 13 ice wines from the Niagara Peninsula, Germany, New York State and Washington State. From Inniskillin: Vidal Icewine, Oak-aged Vidal Icewine, Riesling Icewine, Sparkling Icewine, Cabernet Franc Icewine, from Jackson-Triggs: Vintners Vidal Icewine, Vintners Riesling Icewine, Vintners Gewürztraminer Icewine, Hunt Country Vidal Ice Wine 2002 (NY), Casa Larga “Fiore della Stella” Vidal Ice Wine 2003 (NY), Kestrel Vintners Kestrel View Chardonnay Ice Wine 2004 (Wash), Kiona “Red Mountain” Chenin Blanc Ice Wine 2004 (Wash), Valckenberg Ice Wine 2003 (Germany). Members: $125.00 - Limited to 20 attendees Non-Members: $140.00 Italy's Intriguing Indigenous Grape Varieties Date: Tuesday April 19, 2005 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Ron Kapon Codirector Tastersguildny and Jonathan Levine President Winewriters Guild In a world overrun by international grapes, Italy remains a distinct hold-out; a land blessed with a wealth of native grape varieties uniquely its own. Instead of the increasingly ubiquitous Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot and Shiraz, think of the highly individual and seductively named Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Nero d'Avola, Negroamaro, Aglianico, Fiano and Verdicchio, to name just a few of the indigenous grapes for which Italy is justifiably renowned. Join us on a voyage of discovery to the vineyards of Italy for a taste of the celebrated grapes of antiquity and some of the most compelling wines to be found anywhere in the world today. We will taste over 12 different wines from these distinctly unique Italian grapes. Members: $55.00 Non-Members $65.00 La Landonne Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Location: The Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor, (bet Lex & 3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: John Kapon, President Acker, Merrall & Condit Co. We will taste 14 incredible Single vineyard La Landonne's from eleven vintages and two producers. Only 400 -800 cases are produced each year. Robert Parker rates all of the Guigals' La Landonne vintages 96-100. We will taste1980, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999 from E. Guigal, and 1989, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1998 from R. Rostaing. Members: $260.00 - Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members $275.00 Oregon! It's Not Just Pinot Noir! Date: Thursday, April 7, 2005 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Cara Peppers Director of Sales, Willamette Valley Vineyards The Oregon climate is well suited for burgundian style wines. We will be taken on a tour of Oregon's wine regions and taste over 18 wines from Willamette Valley, Tualatin, Domain Drouhin, Sokol Blossor, Argyle, King Estate, Amityville, Silvan Ridge, Cooper Mountain wineries. Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 Plantain Nuevo Latino Dinner Date: Tuesday March 29, 2005 Location: Plantain Restaurant, 20 W 38th Street (bet 5th & 6th Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Chef Owner Raymond Mohan has incorporated all the complexities of Latin cuisine and influences from his native Guyana. Applying the skills he acquired working in the kitchen of Jean George, Raymond creates delicious and visually distinctive dishes. Join us and enjoy the colors and wonderful flavors of Chef's Raymond Mohan's cuisine paired with perfectly matched South American and Spanish wines.
Members: $85.00 Non-Members: $95.00 Great Red Burgundies: Are You Cote de Nuits or Cote de Beaune? Date: Tuesday March 15, 2005 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Olivier Masmondet, Director of Sales Maison Louis Jadot THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Master Sommelier Olivier Masmondet will take us on an exploration of Louis Jadot red burgundy wines. He will take us through a tasting tour of the best villages, Premier Crus, and Grand Crus of Burgundy. We will taste over a dozen wines and decide which is greater Cote de Nuits or Cote de Beaune. Members: $65.00 Non-Members: $80.00 1989 Bordeaux Date: Thursday, February 24, 2005 Location: The White Wood House, 203 East 29th St. (2nd/3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT Waiting List will be kept based on arrival of checks. Speaker: Harriet Lembach, Wine Educator Michael Broadbent wrote "Unquestionably a great vintage and one which brought the decade to a resounding close." We will be tasting a dozen 1989 Bordeaux's including, Pichon Lalande, Palmer, Smith Haut Lafite, Beychevelle, Leoville Las Cases, Lynch Bages, La Fleur de Gay. Members: $155.00 - Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $170.00 Premium Ports & Madeira Date: Thursday February 10, 2005 Location: The Dumont Plaza Hotel, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor, (bet Lex & 3rd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jack Hecker, Northeast Regional Manager Premium Port Wine 12 Premium Ports and Madeira's will be presented for your tasting pleasure, including Graham's 2000 Vintage Port, Dow's 2000 Vintage Port, Dow's White Port, Dow's 1986 Bomfin, Quintado Vesuvio 1999, Dow's 20 year old Tawny Port, Dow's Trademark Reserve Port, Graham's 10 Year Tawny Port, Graham's Six Grapes, Smith Woodhouse 1976 Colheita Porto, Blandy's Alvada Madeira & Cossart Gordon 10 year Bual. Albert Lauber of Neuchatel Chocolates will present samples of his elegant Swiss Chocolates. Members: $65.00 - Limited to 30 attendees Non-Members: $80.00 Chinese New Year Dinner - Year of the Rooster Date: Wednesday February 9, 2005 Location: Golden Unicorn Restaurant, 13 E. Broadway 3rd fl (Catherine St) 212-941-0911 Time: 6:00 p.m. Tasters Guild will host a traditional Chinese New Year dinner and have created a wine friendly menu for our 10 -course dinner. Wines were selected for style and flavor to match each course. This event is on the first day of Chinese New Year with traditional ceremonies taking place in Chinatown with many streets closed to traffic. Public transportation is advised. Exact wines have not been confirmed as of the writing of this program.
Members: $75.00 Non-Members: $85.00 What makes a Super Tuscan Super? Date: Monday December 6, 2004 Location: Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' & Airmen's Club, 283 Lexington Ave (36 & 37th St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Filippo di Belardino, Vice-President, Banfi Vintners Fine Wines Filippo di Belardino will discuss the origin and present state of this important 20th Century movement in Italian wine. Super Tuscan is not an official designation of the Italian government, but was created by the British press, which only adds to its fascination. Come and find out exactly what makes a Super Tuscan, Super! We will taste over a dozen wines including 1995 Tignanello, 1997 Ornellaia, San Angelo Pinot Grigio Super Tuscan, Toscana Centine, Spargolo Cecchi Colvecchio Syrah, Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Cum Laude, SummuS, ExcelsuS, Spargolo Cecchi, "Massicone" of Castelluccio Cabernet Blend, "Campora" Cabernet of Falchini, "Obsession" Cabernet-Merlot-Syrah, "Scirus" Cabernet-Merlot. Members: $65.00 Non-Members: $75.00 Celebrating the Holidays Again at a Private Club Date: Friday, December 3, 2004 Location: Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club, 24 East 81st St (between 5th & Madison) Time: 6:30 p.m. Join us for our second holiday dinner at Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club, the gathering place for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Andrew Karasz highlights artisanal ingredients in simple contemporary French dishes as the Executive Chef for Bruno Jamais Restaurant, the exclusive Private Club located in an elegant townhouse designed by architect Tony Chi. Karasz, Paris born and NY raised, applies his wealth of experience honed at Union Pacific, 11Madison Ave , 92, and Nicole's to satisfy Bruno's customers' cravings for fresh seafood and pastas, grilled meats, pure vinegars and oils, and crisp vegetables all in a predominantly French environment.
Members: $110.00 Non-Members: $125.00 Grand Old Cognacs Date: Tuesday November 16, 2004 Location: Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' & Airmen's Club, 283 Lexington Ave (36 & 37th St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mike Shaw, Director of the Shaw Agency We will taste more than 16 Grand Champagne and Single Estate cognacs. These XO and older cognacs retail from $85.00 to $250.00 and include Pierre Ferrand, Gabriel & Andreu, Kelt, Hine, Ragnaud-Sabourin, Tesseron, Delamain and Frapin. Members: $70.00 - Limited to 30 attendees Non-Members: $80.00 Visit to Bollywood at Bombay Palace Dupont World Wines Selections of New York Introduces the Wines of Australia Date: Sunday November 7, 2004 Location: Bombay Palace, 30 West 52nd at 5th Ave Time: 5:30 p.m. New York Times restaurant critic and columnist Richard J. Scholem wrote: "Bombay Palace offers diners more than a meal. It provides an experience. The lavish 25 year-old restaurant accurately bills itself as the 'culinary ambassador of India'; it is a regal, formal palace." Priti Singh Diler, the restaurant's suave manager, presides over the luxurious room. Join us for the superb cuisine of Chef Avtar Thind and Chef Balbir Singh with exceptional wines, music and exotic dancers from India.
Members: $90.00 Non-Members: $115.00 Four Decades of Châteaneuf du Pape Date: Tuesday October 26, 2004 Location: Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' & Airmen's Club, 383 Lexington Ave (36 & 37th St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Charles Rubenstein Wine Educator Châteaneuf du Pape is the most famous wine of the southern Rhone. The course, pebbly soil retains the sun's heat and allows the grapes to ripen fully, yielding a wine, made from as many as 14 grape varieties, with great concentration and long life. We will taste a dozen examples including 1978 Vieux Telegraphe, 1988 Chateau de Beaucastel, 1989 Chateau La Nerthe "Cuvee des Cadettes," 1990 Chateau de Beaucastel, 1990 H. Bonneau "Cuvee Marie Beurrier," 1994 Chateau Rayas, 1995 Vieux Telegraphe, 1995 A&L Brunel "Les Cailloux," 1998 Le Vieux Donjon, 2000 Chateau Beaucastel, 2001 Guigal Chateaneuf. Members: $120.00 - limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $135.00 Seeing the World Through Rosé Colored Glasses Date: Thursday October 21, 2004 Location: The Hotel Dumont, 150 East 34th Street, 3rd Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Al Bassano, Wine Educator & former Wine Correspondent, Bloomberg According to wine educator and writer Mary Ewing Mulligan, "Rosé wines are enjoying a real buzz and finally seem to be earning respectability among the red and white set. Wine professionals now call "real" Rosé wines, dry wines with as much character as fruitiness." What delicious and sophisticated treats dry Rosés can be! Join us to taste more than a dozen fabulous Rosés from Italy, Spain, France and California, including Mionetto IL Prosecco Sparkling Rosé (Italy), Champagne Lanson Grand Cru Rosé Brut, Champagne Louis de Sacy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut RoséPremier Cru, Chateau de Pena Ninet de Pena Rosé 2003 (Languedoc), Domaine Dozon Chinon Rosé 2000 (Loire), Domaine Ott Chateau Romasson (Bandol) Rosé "Cuvee Marine" (Provence), Domaine Ott Chateau de Selle Rosé 2003 (Provence), Les Domaniers Rosé 2002 (Provence), Domain Carabiniers Tavel Rosé (Rhone), Marques de Monistrol Cava Rosé Reserve (Spain), Faustino V Rosado Rioja (Spain), Jean-Luc Colombo Cote Bleu (Provence), Rutherford Hill Rose' of Merlot 2003 (California). Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Torres Family Wines Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Juan R. Pujol, Area Manager, Miguel Torres Spain & Chile The Torres family is synonymous with quality the world over. The major producer in Spain's Penedes region, Torres also produces highly regarded, award-winning wines in Chile and California. We will taste over a dozen Single Vineyard, Noble, Reserve and Traditional wines including Sangre de Toro, Coronas, Gran Coronas, Grans Muralles, from Spain as well as several wines from the Torres family wineries in the New World. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 A Lady in Red /Moulin Rouge Night at Bouterin Date: Sunday October 3, 2004 Location: Bouterin Restaurant, 420 East 59 St (Between York Ave/1 st Ave) Time: 5:30 p.m. CANCELLED Join Chef Antoine's Soiree Moulin Rouge Romantic Dinner at Bouterin featuring the Paris Joie de Vivre and the "French Can Can Dancing Show". Appropriate wines to be served with each course. As of the posting of this program they have not been chosen.
Members: $110.00 Non-Members: $125.00 Four Decades of Mouton-Rothschild Date: Wednesday September 29, 2004 Location: The White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (2nd/3nd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Golodetz, Wine Writer and Consultant THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT Kevin Zraly wrote that when Chateau Mouton-Rothschild was elevated to a "first growth" in 1973, Baron Philippe de Rothschild changed his motto to: "First, I am. Second, I was. But Mouton does not change." We will taste vintages from before and after the re-classification: 1964, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1990. Aile d'Argent, Bordeaux Blanc and Petit Mouton, Pauillac will be our aperitifs. Members: $195.00 - limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $210.00 Return To Chanterelle Date: Sunday September 12, 2004 Location: Chanterelle, 2 Harrison Street (near Hudson St.) Time: 5:30 p.m. Tasters Guild will host its second dinner at Chanterelle, arguably NY's finest restaurant, rated a stunning 28 by Zagat's. Chef/owner David Waltuck and Master Sommelier Roger Dagorn have created a wine friendly menu for our five-course dinner. Wines were selected for style and a flavor profile that will perfectly pair with Chef Waltuck's ethereal and sublime cuisine.
Members: $135.00 Non-Members: $150.00 The Gold Standard: Double Gold Medal Winning Wines Date: Tuesday August 17, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (No admittance after 8:00 p.m.) One of the most respected wine judging in the US is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2004 Competition involved over 1,820 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful were considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be offered at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Arrive when you want and enjoy a leisurely tasting of wines of all styles and types. Last year, over 65 wines were available for your tasting pleasure; we expect about the same number in 2004. Summer Bonus: Come one come all at members price! $55.00 for everyone The Boutique Estates Of New Zealand Date: Tuesday August 3, 2004 NEW LOCATION: Eastgate Towers, 222 East 39st between 2nd and 3rd Ave Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Ken Onish, President, Southern Starz Inc. Internationally acclaimed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines. New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavors that make New Zealand wine so distinctive. We will taste 12 to 15 wines from boutique wineries that may be new to you, as many are available for the first time in New York. Join us and experience these delightful and affordable wines. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Germany - The Grape Debate: Where or When? Date: Tuesday July 20, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Nancy Peach, Sales Director-Valckenberg International Which is more important: Where the grape is picked (terroir) or how long the grape hangs on the vine before harvesting? The tasting will address this issue and provide a simple format for deciphering German wine styles. Our speaker will take us through a comparison of the wine making regions and the different levels of ripeness of German wines. We will taste 13 wines, three each from the Mosel, Rheingau and Rheinphalz from the QBA, Kabinett, Spatlese and Auslese levels, and finish the evening with a Beerenauslese. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 1995 Bordeaux Date: Thursday July 15, 2004 Location: The White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (2nd/3nd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator and author Wine Spectator rated this vintage a "95." "The warm, wonderful reds have opulent fruit and velvety tannins; harmonious and beautiful." We will be tasting 12 wines including Haut Brion, Cheval Blanc, Pape Clement, Pichon-Baron, Lynch Bages, Latour a Pomerol, La Fleur Petrus, Troplong Mondot, Le Tertre Roteboeuf, l'Arrosee, Lascombes & Calon Segur. Members: $135.00 - Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $145.00 The Sizzling Summer Wines Of Italy Date: Monday June 28, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. CANCELLED Speaker: Carol Berman WOR Radio Wine Authority The tasting will include unusual whites such as Falanghina, Fiano, Tocai, Vermentino, and light reds like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Aglianico and Rosatos. Carol has been recommending wines on the Arthur Schwartz WOR radio show for several years and has chosen producers that are not household names. Join us to experience these 12 delightful wines of summer and open up a whole new vista of sipping pleasure. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 White Burgundies Of Jadot Date: Thursday June 24, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Olivier Masmondet, Director of Sales Maison Louis Jadot & Master Sommelier From lesser-known appellations such as Auxey-Duresses to the great villages of Meursault, Puligny and Chassagne, Master Sommelier Olivier Masmondet will take us on an exploration of these fabled white burgundies. We will taste a dozen wines ranging from Village level to Premier Crus to the Grand Crus of Batard & Chevalier Montrachet. Frank Prial of the NY Times, who relishes the great whites of Burgundy, wrote "Even to minimally dedicated wine drinkers it should be obvious that these are not, for the most part, everyday wines. Most come from vineyards with the coveted premier cru (first growth) and grand cru (great growth) designations, and they are expensive. These top-of-the-line wines are not for casual sipping." Members: $65.00 Non-Members: $75.00 18 Vintages Of Beringer Vineyards Date: Tuesday June 8, 2004 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street- 3rd Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jonathan Levine President, Wine Media Guild The oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley, Beringer's highly regarded premium wines are led by a trio of Cabernet Sauvignons, a Merlot from Howell Mountain, and two Chardonnays (Private Reserve and Proprietor Grown). We will taste 18 wines including Merlot "Bancroft Ranch" 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999; Cabernet "Private Reserve" 1995, 1996, 1998; Chardonnay "Private Reserve":2000, 2001; Merlot 2000; Pinot Noir 2000; Pinot Noir Stanley Ranch 1997, 1998, 1999; Cabernet Knight's Valley 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999. Members: $100.00 - Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $110.00 Nuevo Latino Dinner At Calle Ocho Date: Sunday June 6, 2004 Location: Calle Ocho, 446 Columbus Ave (81 - 82st) Time: 5:30 p.m. Zagat's writes, "A high energy scene, whose soaring setting 'balances hip with come hither' and the innovative cuisine is delicious." With consulting chef Douglas Rodriguez stirring the pots, this kitchen has undergone a remarkable renaissance. Who knew the over-the-top creator of Patria and Ola had this delicate finesse lurking inside? Wines were chosen to match the Nuevo Latino cuisine. Join us for an extraordinary top wine and food experience.
Members: $80.00 Non-Members: $90.00 Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Date: Wednesday June 2, 2004 Location: Westin Times Square Hotel, 270 West 43rd St. (8th Ave) Speaker: Macallan Ambassador Reception: 6:30PM- Passed Hors d'oeuvres and Macallan 12 year old Scotch Tasting: 7:00PM- A Macallan Ambassador will take you through the Macallan product line: Cask Strength, 25 Year Old and 1861 Replic as well as a competitive scotch whisky. Post Tasting: 7:45 - 8PM More hors d'oeuvres and Macallan Scotch Members: $20.00 Non-Members: $50.00 Yo Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rum Date: Wednesday May 19, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mike Shaw, Director of the Shaw Agency The history of Rum dates back to the early 16th century, not long after the foundation of the sugar plantations in the West Indies. Over the years modern techniques combined with traditional artisanal practices have yielded a wonderfully diversified array of Rums from all over the world. Come taste and learn the joys of this versatile spirit. We will be sampling vintage dated and aged Rums from places such as Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Austria (yes Austria!) and more. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Sangiovese Seminar Date: Tuesday May 11, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Leonardo LoCascio Winebow CEO and President The Sangiovese seminar begins with an overview of Sangiovese: its most recognizable characteristics, key regions where it is planted, and interesting facts about the grape. The focus then turns to Sangiovese as it relates to Tuscany. There will be a thorough discussion of the Chianti zones, the Brunello and vino nobile appellations, important emerging areas for Sangiovese such as Carmignano and the Maremma, and the styles and philosophies of prominent winemakers in the region. 12 to 15 select wines from the Winebow portfolio will be presented to exemplify the topics covered. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 A Gastronomic Tasting Tour Of Italy Date: Friday April 30, 2004 Location: Gente Ristorante Italiano, 153 East 45 St between Lexington and 3rd Time: 6:30 p.m. Gente ("people" in Italian) opened in 1999, modeling itself after the restaurants in Italy. The owner Jay Mitchell has visited Italy over 80 times, falling in love with the country and certainly the food. Becoming an acknowledged authority on Italian food, Mitchell will offer an authentic Italian dining experience from the diverse regions with this tasting tour of Italy. Appropriate wines from each region will be matched with the food.
Members: $80.00 Non-Members: $90.00 Leoville Las Cases Vertical Tasting Date: Monday April 19, 2004 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Ford Crull- Wine Collector SOLD-OUT all future checks will be placed on the waiting list. Leoville Las Cases is the largest of the 3 Léoville properties and now the leading estate in St-Julien. Its' 97 hectares of vineyards are superbly sited on gravelly-clay soils with the largest plot being surrounded by a stone wall and stretching between the village of St-Julien and Château Latour. The wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend (65%), and is matured in oak barriques (70-80% new) for 18 months. Along with Château Pichon-Longueville-Lalande, this is the most exotically perfumed wine in the Médoc. Although a second growth it produces first growth quality wines. 12 vintages will be tasted. 1966, 1975, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988,1989,1990,1994. Members: $150.00 - limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $160.00 Changing Faces In California Wines -- CANCELED Date: Monday March 29, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Moderator: Stephen Sterling - Esterlina Winery The changing demographics in our society have been reflected in the California wine industry. Meet the diverse men and women from all spectrums of the wine industry including sommeliers, growers, winery owners and industry leaders in marketing and buying wines. Winery personnel for Bates Creek Vineyards in Napa, CEJA in Sonoma, Esterlina Vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino, Poston Vineyard in Napa, Sharp Cellars of Napa and Vision Cellars of Sonoma will be on hand to share their award winning wines. Special Guest: Singobile Ntshangase-wine columnist South Africa Day newspaper, and assistant winemaker at Thabani Winery showing his Cabernet /Merlot blend and Sauvignon Blanc. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Affordable Bordeaux Date: Tuesday March 23, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Christophe Château, The Syndicat des Côtes de Blaye The "5 Côtes de Bordeaux" wines represent over 16, 200 hectares and 1500 members with a total output of over 1 million hectoliters. The 5 Côtes of Bordeaux consist of : Premières Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Côtes de Castillon, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux and Côtes de Francs. One can find red and white wines with superb quality and reasonable prices within the 5 Cotes. We will taste over a dozen examples of these "affordable" Bordeaux wines. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Zulu Night At Bouterin Date: Sunday March 7, 2004 Location: Bouterin Restaurante, 420 East 59 St (near York Ave) Time: 5:30 p.m. DuPont World Wines Selections of New York Introduce the Wines Of South Africa Juxtapower, Song and Dance, will present South African traditional dances such as Zulu, and Gumboots, Pansula juxtaporated with modern/ballet, and tap dance. Join us for the sublime cuisine of Chef Antoine Bouterin and exceptional wine, music and dance of South Africa.
Bonus: Members price for everyone $100.00 The Best Of The East (The Vineyards And Wines Of Eastern Long Island) Date: Monday March 1, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Richard Olsen-Harbich - Raphael Winery, Managing Director/Winemaker Long Island has been producing wines since the mid 1970's; however only in the last 10 years has the region finally come into its own. The East End of Long Island is home to the finest microclimate on the east coast with an average growing season of 220 days and deep, well drained glacial soils. The terroir of the North Fork resembles that of Bordeaux and the wines have reflected this. Merlot is the dominant variety and has achieved the greatest success. Join us in a tasting and discussion of the best that Long Island has to offer led by 23 year veteran winemaker Richard Olsen-Harbich of Raphael. Wines: Raphael Merlot 1999 and 2000, Raphael Cabernet Franc 2001, Raphael Sauvignon Blanc 2001, Lenz Old Vine Merlot 1997, Lenz Cabernet 1997, Bedell Merlot 2000, Paumanok Assemblage, Pelligrini Vineyards Merlot 1999, Channing Daughters Cabernet Franc, Channing Daughters Sauvignon Blanc, Macari Bergen Road, Macari Sauvignon Blanc, Wolffer 2000 Merlot. Local Goat cheese and breads from the North Fork will be served to accompany the wines. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Awesome Aussie's Date: Tuesday February 24, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jan.Stuebing, Australian Wine Bureau We will contrast and compare 12 wines sourced from Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet grapes from three distinctly different regions of Australia - Clare, Coonawarra and Margaret River. Representatives of several wineries will also be present. Experience the difference in aroma and taste from the strong regional character of these wines. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 The White Wine Wonders Of Burgundy Date: Monday February 9, 2004 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Patrick Sere, Executive Vice-President, Dreyfus Ashby & Co. From lesser-known appellations such as Saint-Romain or Saint-Aubin to the great villages of Meursault, Puligny and Chassagne, the Chardonnay grape produces wines that go from the affordable to the sublime. Patrick Sere, Executive Vice-President at Dreyfus Ashby, a major importer of Burgundies, will take us on an exploration of these fabled terroirs, shedding light on their geology, climate and history and tasting a dozen wines ranging from the village level all the way up to the Grand Cru vineyard of Le Montrachet. Members: $65.00 Non-Members: $75.00 1990 Red Burgundy Date: Wednesday January 28, 2004 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street-3rd Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Golodetz, Wine writer and Consultant SOLD OUT, all future checks will be placed on the waiting list. Michael Broadbent said "1990 was unquestionably an outstanding red wine 5 star vintage". Twelve wines to be sampled include Mommessin Clos de Tart; R. Arnoux Nuits St. Georges Les Proces & H Gouges Nuits St. Georges Les St. Georges; Maume Mazis Chambertin & Gevrey Chambertin Lavaux St. Jacques; Marquis d'Angerville Volnay Champans; G. Vollot Savigny les Beaune Les Narbantons; Comte Armand Pommard Clos des Epeneaux; H. de Montille Pommard Rugiens; J.M. Pavelot Savingy les Beaune Les Guettes; Hudelot Noellat Clos de Vougeot. Members: $130.00 - limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $145.00 Chinese New Year Banquet Date: Sunday January 18, 2004 Location: Maple Garden Duck House, 236 East 53rd Street Time: 5:30 p.m. Experience an authentic mandarin eight course Chinese New Year dinner, celebrating the year of the Monkey. Zagats' writes "Maple Garden has out of this world Peking Duck with a super-friendly staff, and excellent quality."
Members: $80.00 Non-Members: $90.00 California Pinot Noir Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2003 Location: The White Wood House, 203 East 29th Street (3nd Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator and author Pinot Noir is the perfect wine for the holidays. Kevin Zraly states," In California the many years of experimentation in finding the right location to plant the Pinot Noir and to perfect the fermentation techniques have elevated some of the Pinot Noirs to the status of great wines." Wine Spectator says, "Capping a decade of remarkable progress, California Pinot Noir made a strong showing in 1999 and several wines from single vintage bottling can be magnificent wines of uncommon complexity, finesse and flavor." Many of these wines are available only at the wineries or at auction.We will taste many of these great wines: 1999 Flowers Sangiacomo Vineyard, Rochioli: 1997 Nicole's Vineyard, 1998 Little Hill Block, 1999 Littorai Savoy Vineyard, Kistler: 1997 & 1998 Camp Meeting Ridge, 1999 Kistler Vineyard, 2000 Brogan Cellars Olivet Lane, 2000 Castalia Rochioli Vineyard, 1998 Dehlinger Estate, 1997 Lynmar Five Sisters, 2000 Mueller Emily's Cuvee, 2000 Seven Lions Winery, 1998 Whitcraft Hirsch Vineyard. Members: $110.00 - limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $125.00 Celebrate The Holidays At A Private Club Date: Sunday, December 7, 2003 Location: Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club, 24 East 81st Street (between 5th & Madison) Time: 5:30 p.m. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Holiday Tree and then join us for dinner at Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club, the gathering place for those who enjoy the finer things in life. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Executive Chef Juan Cuevas developed his culinary style at various restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Spain, including the Ritz in San Francisco and Essex House in New York. He received tutelage and accolades from Alain Ducasse and served as Sous Chef at Lespinasse Restaurant. When Lespinasse closed, Juan became the Executive Chef for Bruno Jamais Restaurant, the exclusive Private Club located in an elegant Townhouse designed by architect Tony Chi. This provides him with the opportunity to offer imaginative, contemporary French cuisine with a classic touch.
Non-Members: $115.00 Beyond Temparanillo - Surprising Spanish Wines From Native Grapes Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2003 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Gerry Dawes, Spanish Wine Authority & Author Spain is the third largest wine producing country in the world. Thomas Matthews in the Wine Spectator says "The Spanish wine landscape continues its rapid evolution. While most wines are made from the Temparanillo grape, obscure local grape varieties contribute to distinctive character of wines from Penedes, Priorato and Somontano. Whether you are looking for powerful, new-wave reds, traditional reds with elegance and grace, or good values from a wide range of grape varieties, count on the country's diverse and dynamic bodegas to put just the right bottle on your table." We will taste over a dozen wines from: Rias Baixas, Rueda, La Rioja, Utiel-Requena, Navarra, Priorat Valdeorras,Terra Alta, Garnacha Rosado, Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra Toro, Priorat, Montsant, Jumilla and Navarra. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $55.00 Quady Dessert Wines & Chocolate Date: Monday, November 17, 2003 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Andrew Quady, Proprietor Quady Winery specializes in dessert and aperitif wines. Their dessert wines include both fortified and natural sweet styles plus port type wines which are marketed under the designation "Starboard". Essensia and Electra are made from the Orange Muscat grape. Elysium and Red Electra are based on the Muscat Hamburg. Muscat grapes are known for their perfumed character. Rami Sabath, General Manager of Maison du Chocolat will present a sampling of Sauternes & Pauillac Chocolates to accompany the tasting of Electra, Red Electra, Essencia, Elysium, Starboard, Batch 88, Starboard, Vintage 1996, 1994, 1990, 1989, and 1987, Visao, (a dry red table wine made from Tinta Roriz), and Spirit of Elysium (a brandy distillate from Elysium which was aged in glass for 12 years) Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 Napa Wine Company Date: Monday, November 10, 2003 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Andrew Hoxsey, Managing Partner, Napa Wine Company Amigo Bob Cantisano, California Organic Ag Advisor Napa Wine Company is a large and highly respected custom crush facility in the Napa Valley town of Oakville. It has been owned and operated by Andrew Hoxsey and his family since 1993. Andrews's family has grown grapes in the Napa Valley since the early 1900s. The family vineyards, 635 acres in Yountville and Oakville, are certified organic. Napa Wine Company gives Andrew the ability to produce a Napa Wine Company brand from his own grapes as well as allows him to support and encourage artisan winemakers to produce great wines without the enormous costs involved in building their own wineries. Wines to be tasted (all produced at Napa Wine Company): Napa Wine Company 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Pavi 2001 Pinot Grigio, Pavi 2000 Dolcetto, Napa Wine Company 2001 Pinot Blanc, Napa Wine Company 2001 Zinfandel, Napa Wine Company 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Crocker & Starr 1999 Cabernet Franc, DelBondio 2000 Syrah Oakville, Fife Max Vyd. Syrah, Downing Family 2000 Zinfandel Oakville, La Sirena 2000 Syrah (Heidi Peterson Barrett, winemaker). Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 A Taste Of Italy Date: Sunday, November 2, 2003 Location: Verderame Ristorante Italiano , 883 First Ave (49th-50th Streets) Time: 5:00 p.m. An Old World atmosphere with dark wood beams, candlelight, lace curtains and changing art show on the walls. Milanese-born restaurateur Silverio Stefanini and Chef. Luigi Soto offers a gastronomic mix of Tuscany, Milan, Sicily, Umbria, Piedmont and Veneto cuisine.
Non-Members: $90.00 South Of The Border - Chilean Wines Concha Y Toro Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Sebastian Lopez, Fine wine specialist Wine Spectator wrote: "Chile is making superb wines due to its' environment, soil, and European investors." Kevin Zraly states that "Concha Y Toro, founded in 1883, is one of the best wineries in Chile." A dozen of their top of the line wines will be presented including Xplorador, Casillero del Diablo, Marques de Casa Concha, Terrunyo and Don Melchor. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Piedmont Wines Of Batasiolo Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Ave at 37th Street Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Eric Dubourg, Northeastern Wine Director, Marie Brizard Wines and Spirits, USA Piedmont wines are strong, rich, individual, mature, and somewhat autumnal. We will be tasting a broad spectrum of Piedmont wines produced by this fabulous producer, including 1997, which is considered the finest vintage in 50 years. Included are Gavi 2001, Gavi di Gavi Granee 2001, Dolcetto D'Alba 2001, Dolcetto D'Alba Brico di Vergne 2001, Barbera D'Alba 2001, Barbera D'Alba Sovrana 2001, Barbaresco 1999, Barolo 1998, Barolo Cerequio 1997, Barolo Bofani 1997, Barolo Boscareto 1997, Moscato D'Asti 2002. Members: $65.00 Non-Members: $75.00 The Wonderful 1985 Bordeaux - SOLD OUT Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2003 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street - 3rd Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Golodetz, Wine writer and Consultant Please call Ron Kapon at 212-799-6311 for waiting list. Michael Broadbent said "1985 is the best vintage of this splendid decade, typifying claret at its best.". Eleven wines to be sampled include La Mission Haut Brion, Leoville Las Cases, Pape Clement, Clos Marquis, Domaine Chevalier, Ducru Beaucaillou, Leoville Barton, Lynch Bages, Mouton Rothschild, Certan de May, Lafite Rothschild. Members: $130.00 - limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $150.00 Dinner At Chanterelle Date: Sunday, September 21, 2003 Location: Chanterelle, 2 Harrison Street (near Hudson Street) For directions call 212 966-6960 Time: 5:30 p.m. One of New York's finest restaurants is rated a stunning 29 by Zagat's. Chef./owner David Waltuck has created a sumptuous 5 course dinner and Master Sommelier Roger Dagorn has approved the wines selected for style and flavor profile to perfectly pair with the ethereal and sublime cuisine.
Non-Members: $150.00 The Three C's Of France - Champagne, Calvados, Cognac Date: Monday September 15, 2003 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th Street - 3rd Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Vincent Boulard, Proprietor & General Manager- Boulard Calvados Jean-Francois Ey, Brand Manager- Gosset Champagne Experience a true taste of French luxury with this eclectic collection of Champagne, Calvados and Cognac. Included are: two Champagnes: Gosset Grand Rose and Gosset Grand Millesime 1996, five Calvados: Boulard Grand Solage, Boulard XO, Boulard Millesime 1979, Boulard Founder's Reserve, Creme Boulard, and three Cognacs: Frapin Cognac Chateau Fontpinot, Frapin Cognac VSOP, and Frapin Cognac Millesime 1983. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 The Gold Standard: Double Gold Medal Winning Wines Date: Tuesday August 19, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th Street and Lexington Avenue Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (No admittance after 8:00) Back by popular demand. One of the most respected wine judgings in the US is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2003 Competition involved over 1,820 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful were considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be shown at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Arrive when you want and enjoy a leisurely tasting of wines of all styles and types. Last year, over 65 wines were available for your tasting pleasure; we expect about the same number in 2003. Summer Bonus: bring your guest at members' price!! $50.00 for everyone The Other Germany Date: Monday August 11, 2003 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th St. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Nancy Peach, Wine Educator and V.P.,Valkenberg, Inc. Not everyone likes Rieslings from the Mosel or the Rhinegau, but all wine lovers recognize that these are the premier grape and wine regions of Germany. But is this all Germany produces? The answer is obviously, no! This tasting will focus on grape varieties such as Sylvaner, Muller-Thurgau, Kerner, Bacchus and Gewürztraminer, Rieslaner, Lemberger, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Chardonnay Eiswein, from Nahe, Baden, Rheinhessen, Pfaltz, and Franken. Oz Clarke says that "some of Germany's greatest wines come from regions other than Mosel or the Rhinegau." He especially likes wines from Nahe and the Pfaltz. Hugh Johnson says the wines of Baden are "excellent." So think outside the German box, and join us for a tasting of wines from lesser known, but not lesser quality, grapes and regions. Members: $45.00 Non-members: $50.00 Chateau Montelena: Napa's Quintessential Cabernet Date: Tuesday July 29, 2003 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 E. 34th St. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Scott Gerber, Wine Educator and Importer One of Napa's greatest and most popular wineries, Montelena richly deserve the acclaim it receives. Robert Parker: "They produce some of California's finest and longest-lived Cabernets." He also calls the wines "chewy, dense, full-bodied and concentrated." James Laub awards Montelena's Cabernets 5 stars and says the wines are "impressive and loaded with flavor." Vintages to be tasted: 1980, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 1992, 93, 95. Members: $125.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-members: $140.00 Sake: The Japanese Experience Date: Thursday July 24, 2003 Location: The Hotel Shelburne, 37th St. and Lexington Ave. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Leonard Phillips, Manager, Ambassador Wine and Spirits Sake (rice wine) is one of the fastest growing segments in the wine market. This growth spurt has been fueled in part by the increase in popularity of Asian, and particularly Japanese, cuisine. NY's better wine shops now carry a plethora of small production Sakes that vary in style and taste. As expected, top Asian restaurants like Nobu also carry a complete line of Sakes. What is less expected is that some of NY's best non-Japanese restaurants are jumping on the Sake bandwagon. Chanterelle offers a wide variety of Sake and matches Sake to at least one course on their famed tasting menu. Dating from the dawn of history, the art of brewing Sake has been a Japanese tradition. Americans are beginning to realize what the Japanese have known all these years, that Sake is a wonderful beverage, either by itself or with food. This tasting presents the opportunity to sample 12 Sakes in varying styles from some of Japan best Sake producers. The wines to be sampled are imported by Vine Connections, a top quality San Francisco based importer with extensive contacts in Japan. Two copies of John Gauntner's definitive book, The Sake Companion, will be raffled off. Members: $45.00 Non-members: $50.00 Italian Winemaker's Dinner Date: Wednesday July 16, 2003 Location: Italian Culinary Institute, 230 Fifth Ave. Suite 1100 (26-27 Sts) Time: 6:30 p.m. 4 Seats Available Deja Vu all over again. A perfect evening of excellent food, superb wine and an informative cooking demonstration at one of New York's best kept gastronomic secrets. The Italian Culinary Institute is noted for their special events, demonstration kitchen and culinary expertise. Their delicious food will be paired with wines from some of the most famous names in Italy. Those who attended last year's dinner, which sold out quickly, can attest to the high quality of the food. We also expect this year's dinner to also be a sell out, so reserve early.
Limited to 36 attendees Non-members: $105.00 The Loire: The Vineyard Of France Date: Thursday July 10, 2003 Location: The Shelburne Hotel , Lexington and 37th St. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Leo Fox, President of World Shippers & Importers Co. Many feel that the Loire Valley, France's garden, produces the best white wines in the world. The diversity of grape varieties and styles of production make it veritable wine heaven. While the Loire produces good to excellent reds and rosés, it is best known for the plethora of non-Chardonnay whites wines. Andrea Immer in Great Wines Made Simple calls wines from the Loire "subtle and spectacular." Styles range from lively dry wines with a spicy, green-grass flavor of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, through soft and sexy Vouvrays, to the crisp, light and dry Muscadets, with other stops in between. The wines we will sample have been specially selected by Mr. Fox who imports some of the best and rarest wines from the region. His wines all come from small producers who concentrate on quality. Members: $50.00 Non-members: $55.00 Tequila: Montezuma's Legacy Date: Tuesday June 24, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, Lexington Avenue and 37th St. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Ron Kapon, Wine and spirits journalist The fastest growing segment of the spirits market is in Tequila, especially the premium and super premium Tequilas. This tasting will present a more than a dozen Tequilas for your tasting pleasure with several priced at over $100.00.. If you are familiar with this tipple, here is a chance to revisit old friends. If you haven't yet tried tequila "neat," this is the opportunity to see why Tequila has become a favorite at the "in" boites throughout the United States and Canada. John Poister in The New American Bartender's Guide says that "Tequila has subtle and elusive flavors which may account for its growing popularity." Paul Pacult, writing in Kindred Spirits: "I can think of few drinks --brown, blue, green or amber --that provide as much sensory satisfaction as a shimmering straw-colored...añejo tequila. ...The best tequilas glide down the throat... smooth, seamless and elegant." Members: $45.00 Non-members: $50.00 Turley Vineyards Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 Location: Hotel Dumont Plaza, 150 East 34th St. Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator and author According to Robert Parker, "Turley Vineyards is California's preeminent Zinfandel specialist" and owner "Larry Turley produces the finest Zinfandels. ... The wines match [classified-growth Bordeaux] in opulence, pleasure, concentration, exuberance and personality." The wines are extremely popular and fetch high prices because they represent the best Zinfandel can be. What more can we say? This is a MUST tasting for those who love the wines and for those who have never tasted them. Wines: 2000 Zinfandel: Duarte Vineyard, Estate, Grist Vineyard, Juvenile, Mead Ranch, Old Vines, Vineyard 101. Also 2000 Petite Syrah Estate, Rattlesnake Acres, 2000 Charbono and Marsanne/Viognier. Members: $110.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-members: $125.00 Dinner In Provence Date: Sunday June 8, 2003 Location: Bouterin Restaurant , 420 E.59th St. (East of 1st Ave) Time: 5:30 p.m. Bouterin has been the venue of two previous Tasters Guild dinners, both of which were received with hosannas, and standing ovations for eponymous chef Antoine Bouterin. His Provencale cuisine is superb and has received rave reviews from influencial restaurant critics. Zagat's rates the food 24 and states "it gets better and better." Gael Greene in New York Magazine, "From the kitchen comes crispy, elegant savories, a celebration of seafood, impeccably just-cooked, juicy birds and lemony sauces in a rain of fresh herbs.... Antoine Bouterin is a wizard." Jay Jacobs in Gourmet, "Chef Bouterin's ...duck is in a class by itself. Tender and succulent." Not only is the restaurant a delight to the palate, it is a treat for the eyes, with a profusion of fresh flowers, antiques and greenery which provides an oasis of tranquility in the frenetic city. Wines have been specially selected to complement the sumptuous seven course repast prepared for our pleasure.
Non-members: $115.00 Beaulieu Vineyeards: California's First Cult Cabernet Date: Wednesday May 28, 2003 Location: THE HOTEL SHELBURNE, 37TH ST & LEXINGTON AVENUE Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Robert Trimble, Wine Educator/Expert This event is SOLD OUT. For waiting list Please call Ron at 212-799-6311. Beaulieu's Georges de Latour (their Private Reserve) was California's first great Cabernet. Robert Parker awards them 4 stars and Michael Broadbent speaks highly of the wines. Serena Sutcliffe says that BV. "...(P)roduced what many consider to be the finest California Cabernets, Private Reserve, several have attained international acclaim." She also noted that "... [B.V] (S)till produces the most sought-after Cabernets in the United States." An extraordinary evening with 19 (that is correct 19) vintages of these vinous treasures. Wines: 1966,67,69,1970,71,74,75,76,77,78,79,1980,81,82,83,85,86,87,1990. Members: $120.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-members: $135.00 Mail checks, payable to Tasters Guild, to Ron Kapon, 230 West 79th St. Suite 42N, NYC 10024. A Viennese Feast: A Festival of Austrian Wine and Food Date: Sunday, May 18, 2003 Location: The Mark Hotel, Madison Avenue and 77th St. Time: 5:00 P.M. The wines and foods of Austria have swept New York by storm. Witness the increase in sales of Austrian wine and the success of such restaurants as Danube and Wallsé. The Mark Hotel is an oasis of elegant and superb dining in the city. The genteel ambiance, the understated elegance, and excellent food make this a culinary experience to remember. The hotel's Sous Chef who was born and trained in Austria will prepare a traditional mouth-watering Austrian feast. Rated a 24 by Zagat's which praises the "fine food and lap-of-luxury dining."
Non-members: $125.00 1983 Bordeaux: A Twenty Year Retrospective -- SOLD OUT Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Golodetz, Wine writer and Consultant This event is SOLD OUT. For waiting list Please call Ron at 212-799-6311. 1983 was considered by most wine experts to be an excellent vintage in Bordeaux. Twenty years ago, its greatness was overshadowed by the extraordinary wines -- and the hype -- of the 1982 harvest. Today, many oenophiles realize that the less round and plump, but more sinewy 1983s may outlive their brawny older cousins. Bordeaux expert Mark Golodetz, a frequent Tasters Guild speaker, will lead us through a tasting of 13 of these superb wines selected as representational of their appellation. Wines to be tasted: Ch. Margaux, Palmer, Talbot, Ducru, Cantemerle, Branaire, Canon, Coufran, Du Tertre, Gruaud Larose, Le Fleur de Gay, La Lagune, Meyney. Members: $120.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-members: $135.00 Riesling, A Noble But Underappreciated Grape -- SOLD OUT Date: Monday, April 28, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jonathan Levine, Columnist, The Wine Investor Buyer's Guide This event is SOLD OUT. For waiting list Please call Ron at 212-799-6311. To many cognizenti, Riesling is the world's most versatile and best white grape. Produced in a variety of styles and levels of sweetness, Riesling is a most difficult grape to grow. It needs a long cool growing season to reach perfect ripeness, but the results can be extraordinary. Andrea Immer, in Great Wines Made Simple, "Riesling is considered by many to be the best white wine grape in the world. It is a lithe ballet dancer, has a purity of fruit and an uncanny range of flavor, all in a sleek package." Jancis Robinson says, "(Riesling) could claim to be the finest white grape in the world on the basis of the longevity of its wines and their ability to transmit the characteristics of a vineyard without losing Riesling's own inimitable style." The tasting will focus on dry style wines with flavor, depth and character, but will end with a Canadian Ice Wine. We will taste wines from Germany (the spiritual home of Riesling), Alsace, Wolfe Blass Gold Cap from Australia, Smith Madrone from California, and selected examples from New York, Canada and Washington. Members: $45.00 Non-members: $50.00 Dining On The Italian Riviera: Dinner at East River Café Date: Sunday, April 6, 2003 Location: East River Café, First Avenue at 61st Street Time: 5:00 p.m. Time Out New York's restaurant review singled out the restaurant for its "extraordinary food." Zagat's: the restaurant has "well-prepared (food)" and a "comfortable" atmosphere. In her column, Sue Perkins calls the food "beautiful" and praises his authentic Italian cuisine. Italian born Executive Chef, Paolo Nozzoli learned his craft in Italy and honed his skills at such culinary stars as Hotel Minerva and Villa Rigacci in Florence and as Executive Chef at Manhattan's Savore Restaurant. Join us and you will be transported to a charming trattoria overlooking the ocean high above San Remo.
Non-members: $80.00 Single-Quinta Ports Date: Tuesday March 25, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jorge Ramos, Wine and Food Manager, Portuguese Trade Commission During the last decade, a relatively new category of Port, single-quinta, has exploded in popularity. Single-quinta vintage Ports have been produced since the 19th century, but it is only in the past 10-15 years that these wines have become widely available. A single-quinta Port is one that is produced entirely from a single estate, or vineyard. (Quinta means estate or farm.) Vintage Port, produced entirely from grapes grown in a specific year, represents less than 2% of all Port shipments. A major factor that contributed to the increase in single-quinta wines was a law enacted in 1986, that permitted quinta owners in the Douro to bottle and export their own wines. Join us in tasting some of the best Single-Quinta Ports available in the U.S. market, such as Quinta do Crasto, Quinta do Bom Retiro from Ramos Pinto, Quinta do Infantado, Quinta do Foz from Calem and Offley's Quinta do Boa Vista. Members: $55.00 Non-members: $65.00 Jackson Family Farms: The Art and Heritage of Wine Making - CANCEL Date: Thursday, March 6, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Elyse Kudo, Eastern Regional Vice President, Jackson Family Farms Jackson Family Farms, headed by Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke, represents the culmination of the Jackson Family's heritage in agriculture as well as the family's dedication to the land and wines they have created. The Jackson Family Farms wineries are those that have site specific expressions of the terroir throughout California. From these properties the individual winemakers are producing California's cutting edge of diverse, dynamic and fruit driven wines. Wines to be tasted: Hartford - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel; Matanzas Creek - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet; Cambria - Julia's Pinot Noir, Benchbreak Pinot Noir, which are two single vineyard Pinot Noirs; Stonestreet - Upper Barn Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Legacy (Meritage-Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc blend). Members: $50.00 Non-members: $60.00 Mommessin's Burgundian Masterpieces Date: Monday, March 10, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Eric Dubourg, Northeastern Wine Director, Marie Brizard Wines and Spirits, USA Founded in 1865, Mommessin, a leading Burgundy producer and negotiant, is noted for wines of nobility, power, finesse and ageing potential. Hewing to tradition, grapes are hand harvested, the wines are unfiltered and show remarkable grace and complexity. Anthony Hanson, writing in Burgundy, says that "Clos de Tart (wholly owned by Mommessin) could surely be one of the most scintillating wines of the Cote de Nuits." Anyone who has tasted these award winning wines knows that no expense is spared to produce rich and complex wines. The Wine Investor Buyer's Guide recently awarded the Mommessin Meursault 4 (out of 4) stars, the Pouilly-Fuisse 3, and the Macon Villages 2 and a Best Buy. Wines: Macon Villages Old Vines, Pouilly Fuisse, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, Moulin a Vent, Gigondas, Pommard, Gevery Chambertin, Aloxe Corton, Echezeaux and Clos de Tart, Grand Cru. Members: $65.00 Non-members: $75.00 Cabernets From The 1980s -- SOLD OUT Date: Thursday, February 20, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Writer and Educator This event is SOLD OUT. For waiting list Please call Ron at 212-799-6311. Thirteen Cabernets from California's golden decade of wine making. During this period California wine makers were finding their way, and innovation was the hallmark of the industry. Discover how well these wines have aged as we taste some of the best from legendary names in wine making. Wines: 1985, 1986 and 1987 Caymus Napa; 1986 Caymus Red; 1986 Dominus; 1985 Duckhorn; 1985 and 1986 Forman; 1986 Groth; 1986 Kenwood; 1986 Mondavi Reserve and Opus One; 1985 William Hill Reserve. Members: $110.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-members: $125.00 An Evening In Paris: A French Dining Experience Date: Sunday February 9, 2003 Location: Meli Melo, 110 Madison Ave. (29-30th Streets) Time: 5:00 p.m. Sue Perkins in her column Food and Style called Meli Melo "A destination for diners in the New York area." Terry Robards in the Robards Report has raved about classically trained chef/owner Bernard Ros for his meticulous attention to detail, his culinary expertise and his ability to make diners feel welcome. The ambience of this "home away from home" establishment with its charming atmosphere and decor, not to mention scrumptious desserts, is a real find. So join us for a An Evening in Gay Paree.
Non-members: $85.00 Languedoc/Rousillon Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2003 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Serge Dore, Wine Importer and Master Sommelier The ten appellations of the Languedoc are spread over 32,000 hectares, and not one of them is like another, except for their common denominator -- the Mediterranean. The region is a vineyard buttressed by the Cévennes, there nestling at the foot of the Pyrenees on a hillside in the Corbieres, ensconced in an amphitheater of the Montagne Noire or reclining on the gentle slopes leading down to the lagoons. Over the last 20 years, the Languedoc vineyards have been transformed by the work of man. Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah have become the prime varieties of the new plantations. Separate vinification of each variety, the art of their blending and the maturing methods have all helped to carve out the landscape of the Languedoc AOC into full and structured wines. During this time oenological giants such as the Mondavi family have discovered the ideal growing conditions in this region and have planted vineyards in the area. Wines to be tasted include Pastourou (100% Viognier), Mas Saint Laurent, AOC Picpoul de Pinet, Château de Capitoul, Cuvée Rocailles White and Red , Domaine Galtier "Cuvée Kermes," Château de la Liquiere, "Cuvée Cistus," Domaine Marquise des Mures, Cuvée Les Sagnes, Domaine de la Dournie, Cuvée Elise. We hope that Mr. Charles Mock, the owner/winemaker of Château de Capitoul will join us. Members: $45.00 Non-members: $50.00 Four Decades Of Amarone -- SOLD OUT Date: Thursday, January 23, 2003 Location: Dupont Plaza, 150 East 34 St- 3 Floor Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Charles Scicolone, Wine Writer and Educator This event is SOLD OUT. For waiting list Please call Ron at 212-799-6311. According to Italian Wine for Dummies, Amarones are "rich, heady and robust." Michael Weiss, in Exploring Wine, states that these wines are "powerhouses full of rich and warming fruit." Fifteen delicious wines -- the perfect way to start the new season. Wines: 1962, 1967, 1974,1977, 1979, 1980, 1988 Bertani; 1971, 1977, 1981, 1983 Tommasi; 1974, 1977 Boscaini; 1986 Righetti and 1995 Masi. Members: $115.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-members: $130.00 A Family Affair: Champagnes from Family Owned Houses Date: Tuesday, December 10 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Ed McCarthy, Author, Champagne for Dummies SOLD OUT - For wait list information call Ron Kapon at (212) 799-6311 Many of the best known Champagne houses are now owned by multi-national conglomerates. Though their numbers seem to shrink monthly, several of the best houses are still family owned and operated. This tasting will focus on those Champagnes from this dwindling group of producers. Mr. McCarthy, the U.S.'s leading expert on Champagne, will help us determine if there are any characteristics that these All In The Family houses share. At least a dozen wines will be tasted include Taittinger, Louis Roederer, Bollinger, Jacquesson, Bruno Paillard, Pol Roger, Egly-Ouriet, Henriot, Alfred Gratien. All attendees will receive a copy of Mr. McCarthy's book: Champagne For Dummies. Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 Point/Counterpoint: Two Views Of A Glass Of Wine Date: Tuesday, December 3 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Kim Ginsberg, Wine Consultant & Lena Brattsten, Professor, Rutgers Univ. One of the factors contributing to the pleasure in wine drinking is the intellectual exercise and stimulus that wine provides. Rarely can two people drink the same wine and completely agree on the wine's merits or flaws. A debate or discussion while sipping wine with friends is one of the reasons we continue to imbibe our favorite beverage. We have arranged for two of the best palates we know (along with the participants) to sample about 20 wines and discuss what they like or dislike about them. The wines to be sampled include many of those recommended by Kevin Zraly, so you can determine if you agree with his suggestions or with the opinions expressed by either of the speakers. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $55.00 The Northern Rhone Date: Wednesday, November 20 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Carol Berman, Wine Consultant and educator The demand for Syrah-based red wines for the Northern Rhone has tripled in the past 20 years. Many believe that the Syrah reaches its apogee in the Rhone and especially in the north. These aristocratic wines are long-lived, robust and fairly bursting with flavor. They emphasize finesse and elegance while still retaining depth and power. An opportunity to taste the entire range of wines from one of France's greatest wine regions. Wines to be sampled include Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Croze-Heritage, Condrieu, Cornas, St. Joseph and Hermitage Blanc. Explore these wines with WOR Radio's "Food Talk Sommelier." Ms. Berman is a regular on Arthur Schwartz's radio show and is known as "the traveling sommelier." Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $70.00 Beaujolais As It Is Meant To Be: The Crus Of Georges Duboeuf Date: Monday, November 11 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: William J. Deutsch, President of W. J. Deutsch & Sons, Wine Importers In mid-November the hype for Nouveau Beaujolais reaches its peak. As we await the first release of the Nouveau, it is time to realize how good the Crus of Beaujolais can be. These wines are juicy, delectable, tasty and range from aromatic and feminine to robust in style. In general, Beaujolais are light-hearted, friendly and approachable; however, the Crus are much fuller, intense and concentrated. Some of the biggest Crus can age for 10 years all the while gaining complexity and depth. It is for good reason that Georges Duboeuf is known as Mr. Beaujolais. Not only is he the most famous producer in the region, many consider him to be the best. Parker rates his Crus as between "excellent and outstanding." We will taste all ten Crus so you can discover the differences in the terroir. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $50.00 The Beans Of Chocolate And Coffee: An Exploration Date: Monday, November 4 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Marisa Perry, Chocolate Buyer, Dairyland USA & Donna Signorelli, Marketing Director, Barrie House Coffee Learn how chocolate and coffee are produced from tree to table. There are numerous similarities between these two delectable treats and we will learn them all. Why are certain coffees and chocolates like wine? Why do they provide satisfying pleasure? Why do some people feel that both products border on addiction? All of these questions and many more will be answered at this unique event. The speakers are two of the most knowledgeable people in their fields. We will taste a wide range of coffee and chocolate produced in a variety of styles and from all over the world. Appropriate wines will be served. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $50.00 Australian Stickies Date: Tuesday, October 29 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jan Stuebing ,Wine Marketing Director, Australian Trade Commission One of the injustices in the world of wine is that Australian sweet wines (colloquially know as Stickies) have not yet received the acclaim awarded to other sweet wine regions. While dry wines from Down Under are recognized as world class, the superb dessert wines of Oz have too often been overlooked. This is truly a miscarriage of justice, as some of the greatest sweet and fortified wines in the world come from Australia. The Aussies love their stickies, which have been produced since the middle of the 19th Century. Our speaker, who could be labeled as Ms. Australian Wine, will present a wide range of wines including late harvest Rieslings, Semillons, Sauvignon Blancs, Muscats and fortified wines produced in both a Port and Sherry style. Join us for a real sweet deal. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $55.00 Gosset Champagne Dinner At Aquavit Date: Monday, October 14 Location: Restaurant Aquavit, 13 West 54th St. Time: 7:00 p.m. Everybody loves champagne and everybody loves the food at Aquavit. Gosset Champagne is an undiscovered gem, which Robert Parker rates as Outstanding (his highest rating). Ed McCarthy, in Champagne For Dummies: "One of the reasons I wrote this book is to share with you my enthusiasm for lesser-known, outstanding quality champagnes such as Gosset." Founded in 1584, Gosset is the oldest continually operating wine firm in Champagne. Mr. McCarthy has characterized the wines as "dry with complex flavors." These wines are also very food friendly as they do not undergo malolactic fermentation, thereby retaining higher acidity which contributes to their affinity with food. Of course, to serve such wines we needed the perfect restaurant and we found it in Aquavit. Zagat;'s rates the food a 26 and calls chef Marcus Samuelsson flawless and sublime. Three stars from the NY Times: Mr. Samuelsson is "a fully matured artist" and "the menu sparkles with bright thoughts." Forbes rated it 5 stars and Time magazine called the food "distinctive." Gourmet calls the food "exciting." Chef Samuelsson has been honored by the James Beard Foundation and by the CIA, where he appeared on their Great Chefs Television Series. Mr. Samuelsson has written for the NY Times and has been featured on Good Morning America.
Members: $120.00 Non-Members: $135.00 Mendocino: They Try Harder Date: Monday, October 7 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: TBA It has been said that Mendocino County is the Rodney Dangerfield of wine counties. They don't get any respect. Nothing should be further from the truth as Mendocino produces great wines. There is no question that when compared to Napa and Sonoma, Mendocino receives the Bronze medal, but the Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance is out to change this perception. A large county (four times the size of Napa), Mendocino hosts varied micro-climes and soils; therefore, there is no Mendocino style or profile as there are in other California wine regions. What one finds are dedicated wine makers who have planted the proper varietal for each condition to produce wines of high quality, rich taste and depth of flavor. Wines: McDowell Valley Vineyards Reserve Syrah, McNab Ridge Cabernet, Fife Vineyards L'Attitude 39, Zingaro Zinfandel, Greenwood Ridge Pinot Noir, Estrelina Pinot Noir, Fetzer Zinfandel, Bontera Viognier, Parducci Chardonnay, Jepson Sauvignon Blanc. Chance Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Greenwood Ridge Late Harvest Riesling Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $65.00 The Sommelier Speaks: Fred Price of Union Pacific Date: Thursday, October 3 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Fred Price, Wine Director, Union Pacific Restaurant One of NY's hottest restaurants, Union Pacific receives raves not only for its food but also for the wine cellar's breadth and depth. Fred Price lectures on wines for the American Sommelier Society, trained at Windows on the World and is a lead member of the sommelier team at the Wine Spectator's Annual Wine Experience. He previously worked as Beverage Director at Picholine, La Madri and was a part of the original team that re-created the Rainbow Room in 1987. Mr. Price will present some of his favorite wines including Montiouis, Saumur Blanc, Long Island Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Washington State Reds, Red Burgundy, Red Rhone, California Zinfandel and, of course, Champagne. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $55.00 The Glorious Cuisine Of Naples Date: Friday, September 27 Location: Bellini Restaurant, 208 East 52th St Time: 7:00 p.m. Bellini is not only one New York's most enticing restaurant, its excellent chef is noted for his ability to prepare an authentic Neopolitan dinner. Zagat's raves about the restaurant's "Neopolitan specialities and first class food and service." Forbes magazine says, "the food is very good indeed." Sheldon Landwehr in the New York Post says, "Back in the kitchen there is a beautiful Italian soul." To complement the exquisite cuisine, we have arranged for wines from Southern Italy that have been selected for their affinity with the specific meal. An opportunity to mangia the sublime cuisine of Naples.
Members: $85.00 Non-Members: $95.00 Barbaresco: Italy's Queen of Wines - SOLD OUT Date: Thursday, September 19 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Charles Scicolone, Italian Wine Maven, Wine Writer and Beverage Manager, I Trulli Restaurant ATTENTION: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT -- THERE IS A WAIT LIST AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONTACT RON KAPON 212-799-6311 Piedmont is home to two of the world's great wines: Barolo and Barbaresco. Known as the Queen of Wines for its more feminine nature (at least when compared to Barolo) Barbaresco is robust, rich, silky and one of the least appreciated great wines of the world. Parker calls the wines "profound and subtle." A fabulous tasting of fabulous wines: 1985, 1989, 1990 Pio Cesare Riserva,1988 Pora Produttori del Barbaresco, 1994 Ceretto Bricco,1989 Conterno,1989 Tenuta Alberta Contratto, 1989 Vietti Rabaja,1990 Ovello Riserva Produttori del Barbaresco,1990 Paitin Soir Paitin, 1996 &1998 Beni Di Batasiolo. Members: $85.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $95.00 Diamonds Are Forever: A Comparison of Diamond Creek's Three Vineyards Date: Thursday, September 12 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Charles Rubinstein Wine Writer, Educator and Diamond Creek Fanatic One of Napa's best known wineries (and the first to produce only Cabernet), Diamond Creek has three distinct vineyards, each named for its soil condition. In addition to different soils, each vineyard has a unique personality and produces distinctly different Cabs. Both Robert Parker and the Wine Spectator's James Laub rate the wines highly and Parker says they, "exhibit richness and excellent purity." We will taste the 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 of all three vineyards: Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill and Gravely Meadow. Members: $110.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $125.00 Conn Creek: Red Wines At Their Best Date: Wednesday, August 7 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jonathan Levine, Wine educator and Columnist, The Wine Investor Buyer's Guide The Napa Valley includes not only the big names in wine production but also many small but excellent wineries. While these wineries may not have attained the cachet of their more famous brethren, they can, and do, make outstanding wines. One such hidden gem is Conn Creek. Founded in 1974, this small (2400 cases) winery which is a red wine specialist has earned a reputation for producing full-bodied, complex and sensuous wines that are velvety smooth, ripe, rich and flavorful. James Laub rates them at 4 stars, describing them as "magnificent ... amazingly complex and well crafted." Quality and hand crafting are the hallmarks of Conn Creek. For example, grapes are hand picked and only a gentle pressing is used. Join us and taste the results. Wines: Anthology (Meritage blend) 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Merlot: 1998, 1999. Cabernet Franc 1999. Cabernet Sauvignon 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Members: $70.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $80.00 The Gold Standard: Double Gold Medal Winning Wines Date: Thursday, August 1 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (No admittance after 8:15) Back by popular demand. One of the most respected wine judgings in the US is sponsored by Tasters Guild International. The 2002 competition involved over 1,790 entries from 17 countries and 31 states, but only a handful were considered worthy of a prestigious double gold medal. We have arranged for most of the double gold medal winners and many of the gold medal winners to be shown at this stand-up walk-around tasting. Arrive when you want and enjoy a leisurely tasting of wines of all styles and types. Last year, over 70 wines were available for your tasting pleasure; we expect about the same number in 2002. Summer Bonus: bring your guest at members price!! $50. 00 for everyone Beaujolais Bistro Dinner Date: Tuesday July 23 Location: Le Madeleine Restaurant, 403 W.43rd St. (Between 9th & 10th Ave) Time: 6:30 p.m. While France is the spiritual home of haute cuisine served in formal restaurants, some of the best meals found in Paris and Lyons are at neighborhood Bistros. Here the soul of French cuisine reaches its apogee. Simple cooking using the best and freshest ingredients, perfectly flavored and sauced, make Bistro dining experiences memorable, and no wines go better with classic Bistro food than Beaujolais. Le Madeleine qualifies as a classic. It was voted as the best Bistro in New York, and is a recipient of the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Chef Bruce Beaty, who trained at Jams and Le Bernardin, was named by the James Beard Foundation as a "Rising Star of America." The restaurant has been in business for 23 years and has earned a well-deserved reputation for quality and consistency. Our dinner will be served in the lovely enclosed garden, an oasis of tranquility in the frenetic city.
Members: $75.00 Non-Members: $85.00 Older Chardonnays: How Do They Age? Date: Wednesday, July 17 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Educator and Author One debate among wine lovers is how well California wines, especially the best Chardonnays, will age? Given the relative youth of the California wine industry and Americans' propensity to drink their whites on the young side, there are not a lot of older chards available. This tasting presents the chance to taste a dozen of the Golden State's finest Chardonnays from the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Wines: 1985 Ch. Montelena (both Napa and Alexander Valley), 1988 Ch. Montelena "Napa," 1988 and 1991 Forman, 1988 Ch. St. Jean "Robert Young," 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983 Grgich Hills, 1990 Robert Mondavi Reserve, 1991 Gallo Sonoma "Estate." Members: $85.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $95.00 The Wines of Williams-Selyem - SOLD OUT Date: Wednesday, July 10 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Golodetz, Wine Educator and Columnist, The Wine Enthusiast ATTENTION: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT -- THERE IS A WAIT LIST AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONTACT RON KAPON 212-799-6311 Williams-Selyem attained cult status with its first release and sells out its entire stock via its mailing list. These are wines that hardly ever reach a store or a restaurant wine list. Robert Parker says that their Pinot Noirs are "lavishly oaked, expansive, flavored and decadent." He also said that they "are a reference point for complex and sumptuous Pinots." Wines to be tasted: Pinot Noir: 1990 and 1993 Sonoma Coast; 1991,1993, 1995 and 1996 Allen Vineyard; 1991 and 1993 Olivet Lane; 1997 Coastlands; 1997 Riverblock Vineyard. Zinfandel: 1992 Russian River, 1993 Mendocino. A truly unique opportunity. Members: $130.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $145.00 An Evening With Kevin Zraly - Canceled Date: Thursday, June 27 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Kevin Zraly, Master Sommelier and Wine Educator Kevin Zraly, arguably the world's best known sommelier and most prolific wine educator, has selected more than 15 wines from his book Windows on the World Complete Wine Course 2002 for our tasting pleasure. These wines represent some of his favorites and span a broad spectrum of styles, grapes, countries and prices. He was the sommelier, Cellarmaster and Wine Director at Windows on the World, and in 2001, he celebrated his 25th anniversary as the founder and director of the Windows on the World Wine School, which has graduated over 14,000 students. He has been teaching about wine for over 30 years,has written countless articles on wine as is respected by everyone in the wine trade for his palate, knowledge and enthusiasm. A unique opportunity to meet with Kevin and share his selections. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Italian Winemaker's Dinner - SOLD OUT Date: Wednesday, June 19 Location: Italian Culinary Institute, 230 Fifth Ave. Suite 1100 (26-27 Sts) Time: 6:30 p.m. ATTENTION: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT -- THERE IS A WAIT LIST AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONTACT RON KAPON 212-799-6311 Experience an evening of excellent food, superb wine and an informative cooking demonstration at one of New York's best kept gastronomic secrets. The Italian Culinary Institute is noted for their special events, demonstration kitchen and culinary expertise. Their delicious food will be paired with wines from some of the most famous names in Italy. Those who attended last year's dinner, which sold out quickly, can attest to the high quality of the food. We also expect this year's dinner to also be a sell out, so reserve early.
Members: $85.00 Non-Members: $95.00 The World Cup of Syrahs: Syrahs Under $20.00 Date: Tuesday, June 11 Location: Hotel Shelburne, 37th St & Lexington Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Mazur, Journalist and Wine Consultant Quick, during the period 1998-2001, what grape was the most widely planted in California? The answer: Syrah. Vineyard owners everywhere are hopping on the Syrah bandwagon. Discerning wine lovers are quickly becoming aficionados of this robust and flavorful grape, as they realize that well-made Syrahs are rich, complex and loaded with subtleties rarely found in other varietals. Mr. Mazur, who was recently the Tasting Director for the Wine Enthusiast, tasted over 250 Syrahs priced under $20.00 while researching an article in the magazine. For this event, we have selected 15 of his favorites in this price category. The wines are from around the world and in a variety of styles. What they have in common is an uncommonly good taste, a sense of warming comfort and, as befitting the onset of the bar-b-que season, an excellent match for grilled foods. Join us for an evening of great Syrahs. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $50.00 Pichon Lalande: A Super Second Vertical Date: Thursday, May 16 Location: Vinoteca, 143 East 27th St (Lex. & Third) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Charles Rubinstein, Wine writer and Pichon Lalande Authority ATTENTION: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT -- THERE IS A WAIT LIST AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONTACT RON KAPON 212-799-6311 BEFORE SENDING CHECK Everyone agrees that Pichon is the classic Super Second of Bordeaux. Michael Broadbent thinks highly of the wines and calls them "marvelous." Robert Parker says, "Pichon is unquestionably the most popular and since 1978, one of Pauillac's most consistently brilliant wines." Vintages: 1975, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996. Members: $125.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $140.00 From Russia (And Other Places) With Love: Premium and Super Premium Vodkas Date: Tuesday, May 7 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Harriet Lembeck, Wine Journalist and Educator In today's market the hottest spirits, especially among the hip and trendy, are premium and super premium vodkas. The cachet of ordering a Martini, Cosmopolitan or a vodka on the rocks by brand identifies the consumer as one who knows his/her libation. What better way to start the summer than a tasting of brisk, cold and refreshing vodkas. Many think that since vodkas are a neutral grain spirit, the all taste the same. Join us as we debunk this myth and argue the merits of vodkas from Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Poland, Holland, France and the U.S. Black bread and smoked fish will accompany the vodkas. We will taste a dozen or more premium and super premium vodkas including Grey Goose, Belvedere, Wyborowa, Chopin, Absolut, Ketel One, Stolichnaya, Tanqueray Sterling, and Finlandia among others. Members: $50 Non-Members: $55.00 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernets: A Vertical Tasting Date: Tuesday April 23 Location: Vinoteca, 143 E.27th St. (Lex & 3rd Aves.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Marci Mondavi ATTENTION: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT -- THERE IS A WAIT LIST AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONTACT RON KAPON 212-799-6311 BEFORE SENDING CHECK If Robert Mondavi is not the best winery in California, it is certainly the best known. A tasting of 12 vintages of Napa's quintessential Cabernet. Robert Parker awards the Reserve 5 stars, stating that the wines are "extraordinary" and "push quality at both the vineyard and winery to greater heights." James Laub also awards the wines 5 stars and says they are rich and full. Vintages: Reserve Cabernets: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1971! Plus as an aperitif- Sauvignon Blanc Reserve and to end the tasting - Botrytis Sauvignon Blanc. Members: $110.00 Limited to 18 attendees Non-Members: $125.00 No Beans About It: A Real Texas Chili Dinner with all the trimmings Date: Sunday April 14 Location: Manhattan Chili Company Restaurant, 1679 Broadway (53rd St.) Time: 4:00 p.m. Who doesn't like chili? No one! There is even a bill before Congress to declare Chili America's national food. Not only do foodies everywhere love Chili, everyone has an opinion as to what constitutes the best Chili. Topics such as cubed versus ground beef or whether to include beans in Chili has been debated and argued in books, magazines and local watering holes for the past 35 years. Chili is so popular that each year over 300 Chili Cookoffs sponsored by two sanctioning organizations attract over a million spectators and raise over a million dollars for a variety of charities. In 2001, the World Chili Cookoff in Las Vegas attracted over 25,000 visitors. See what the fuss is all about at New York's best Chili Parlor. Join us for an afternoon of delicious and different Chilies. Jonathan, who is on the Advisory Board of the International Chili Society, runs the Vermont State Chili Cookoff, and has judged at the World Chili Cookoff, says that except for his kitchen, Manhattan Chili Company serves the best chili in New York. The restaurant will serve samplers of five chilies so you can decide which style of chili you prefer. In addition to the dinner, we will start off the afternoon with a variety of cocktails made from Bacardi rum. Appropriate wine and beer will be served with the meal.
Non-Members: $65.00 A Is For Argentina: The Best From The Pampas Date: Monday, April 8 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Alfredo Bartholomaus, President, Billington Imports, South American Wine Authority Many expect that Argentina will soon surpass Chile as South America's premier wine country. Not only are excellent wines produced in Argentina, but since the country is still largely unexplored by wine enthusiasts, it is a cherry picker's paradise. Hugh Johnson writes, "Argentina is making wines at a level of quality that the world cannot ignore." He also says that the red wines "are rich and vigorous and of serious merit." Michael Weiss, in Exploring Wine, says that "these wines are gaining respect due to their high quality and affordability." Master Sommelier Andrea Immer writes that, "Argentinian Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are quite good and getting better." Mr. Bartholomaus, who has been importing wine from Argentina (as well as Chile) for many years and knows every nook and cranny of the wine production regions, will lend us his expertise as we tour the land of great beef, great soccer and great wine. Wineries to be sampled include Catena, Elsa, Bianchi, Alamos, Trumpeter, Gascon & Rutini, Familia Zuccardi, Trapiche, Santa Ana, Santa Julia, Vega Alta, Fina Anita and Etchart. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $50.00 Not Your Father's Valpolicellat Date: Wednesday, April 3 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mary Ewing Mulligan, MW and Ed McCarthy, Co-Authors, Italian Wine For Dummies Over the last decade or so, there has been a quiet vinous revolution in the Veneto region of Italy. The wines from the Valpolicella region have become richer, denser, more concentrated, and worthy of consideration by serious wine drinkers. Hugh Johnson says Valpolicella "satisfies at a deeper level, with cherry-and almond-like flavors in a texture as suave as can be." Alice Feiring, writing in Food and Wine Magazine's 2001 Official Wine Guide says that at its best "Valpolicella is a world-class wine with a dense texture, complex aroma and flavor profile." In Exploring Wine, Michael Weiss calls Valpolicella "the unsung member of the Italian pantheon of fine wines." He also says that "the charm of these wines are their modesty; Valpolicella does not overwhelm the palate, but sings a soft tune as background music to fine food." The Veneto, which is best known as the home of Romeo and Juliet and Amarone, will soon be recognized for world class wines simply labeled Valpolicella. Many wine drinkers who remember the insipid and mass produced Valpolicella might dismiss these wines without having recently tried them. Don't fall victim to this trap, instead join us for a real eye opening experience as we learn--from two Italian wine masters--how good these wines can be. Ms. Ewing Mulligan and Mr. McCarthy have selected a number of Valpolicellas that will please most any palate. Wines to be tasted include Allegrini, Quintarelli, Del Forno, Bertani, Masi, Bolla, Tommasi, and Zenato. All attendees will receive a copy of the authors' book: Italian Wine For Dummies. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $55.00 Why Cows Are Mad: A Tasting Of Olive Oils And Olive Products Date: Thursday, March 21 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Brian Patterson, Brand Manager, O & Co. Butter is out -- olive oil is in. That's why the cows are mad. Is it a coincidence that the onset of mad cow disease corresponds to the establishment of O&Co., Europe's (and now the U.S's.) leading purveyor of olive oils? Many think not. Founded in 1997, O&Co. has established itself as a leader in the olive oil industry. The NY Post said, "Olive oil connoisseurs will appreciate...O& Co." Gourmet: "Every oil tasted at O&Co. was full-flavored and fresh and none had that trace of processed flavor found in some brands." With over 40 stores, including a half dozen in NYC, O& Co. is able to offer the best and freshest oils possible. We will sample oils from the 2001 vintage from Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia, Israel, Ecuador, two flavored oils, a variety of tapenades (olive based spreads), a sun dried tomato spread and specialty crackers. Of course, we will offer a selection of wines to complement the spreads. Members: $40.00 Non-Members: $45.00 Ride To The Hounds: A Scottish Hunt Breakfast Date: Sunday, March 10 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 11:00 a.m. Before a energetic fox hunt or a day on the moors shooting pheasants, the Scots stoke up on a full and warming breakfast with hearty foods and a dram or three of their favorite tipple. We will authentically recreate this distinctive culinary experience with a full meal, plenty of malt whisky and a Scottish Bag Piper who will lead us into breakfast and entertain during the meal. In addition, we anticipate that Master Distiller, Ian MacMilliam, will join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Hotel's new, CIA trained Chef showed what he could do at last fall's Stilton tasting. He promises that this Breakfast will be as tasty as it is special.
Non-Members: $70.00 Cru Bourgeois: Wines of Distinction Date: Tuesday, February 26 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Peter Sichel, Bordeaux Authority and Chateau Owner "Cru Bourgeois are not the aristocratic classified growths, but they are the solid core of fine wines produced in the Medoc." So starts a story in The Wine Enthusiast on the new classification system that will be enacted for these wines within the next year or so. Some of the better Cru Bourgeois are very good, if not, great wines. Most believe that if the classification of 1855 was redrafted, many of the Crus would be included. Peter Sichel, whose name is known to wine lovers everywhere and who owns properties in the Medoc, will lead us through a tour of some of the better wines from the region, and will explain the new classification system. Some of the wines to be tasted: d'Angludet, Clarke, Fourcas-Hosten, Gloria, Haut-Marbuzet, Les Ormes de Pez, de Pez, Phelan-Segur, Meyney. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Chinese New Year's Banquet (The Year of the Horse) Date: Friday, February 15 Location: Golden Unicorn, 18 East B'way. At Catherine St. (In the heart of Chinatown) (The restaurant is located one block from Chatham Square. Near the #6 train at Canal St. or East Side buses. For specific directions, call the restaurant at 212-941-0911) Time: 6:30 p.m. Authentic ten-course Chinese New Year's Banquet at one of NY's best Chinese restaurants. Zagat's 2002 rates the food a 20, and calls it "superior" and "the essence of Hong Kong." Food and Wine Magazine named it "one of the 5 best restaurants in NYC." AAA Magazine says that nowhere on the East Coast is there a Chinese dining experience equal to that of Golden Unicorn. The menu: Peking Duck, Winter Melon Treasure Soup, Baked Scallops in their shell, Pan Fried Veal with vegetables and black pepper sauce, Lobster with ginger and scallion sauce, Shredded Duck with rainbow vegetables, Salt Baked Fish cubes with green peppers, Bacon and Broccoli fried rice, Silver Noodles Malaysian style, Fresh Fruit platter. The dinner will be accompanied by appropriate wines selected to match the superb cuisine. Members: $75.00 Non-Members: $85.00 Knights Valley Cabernets: The Best Of Beringer Date: Tuesday, February 5 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Laurie Hook, Winemaker, Beringer Vineyards Beringer Vineyards was named America's Winery of the Year for 2001 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, citing Beringer for its "extraordinary accomplishments. After 125 years of continuous operation, the winery is still a leader...producing some of the most sought-after wines anywhere." The magazine says winemaker Laurie Hook "possesses a knack for making great wines." Robert Parker says Beringer's reds "go from strength to strength," and calls Knights Valley Cabernets "excellent" and "a terrific bargain. The wines display a saturated, deep purple color, and an easy-to-admire rich bouquet of cassis and spice. The wines are full-bodied and loaded with concentration." James Laub of the Wine Spectator rates the winery 5 stars and says, "Beringer is a candidate for California's best all-around winery." He called the Knight Valley Cabs "well crafted with attractive cherry and herbal notes." A terrific opportunity to taste the wines with person who made them! Knights Valley Cabs: 1982, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 99. We will also taste the 1999 Alluvium Blanc and 1997 Alluvium Red and the 2000 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Members: $55.00 Non-Members: $60.00 Chalone Wine Estates: California's Premier Wine Group Date: Wednesday, December 5 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Phil Tartaglione, New York Manager, Chalone Wine Estates The Chalone Wine Group comprises some of the best wineries in California. The group includes Edna Valley, Chalone, Acacia, Carmenet, Echelon, Jade Mountain and Canoe Ridge. Jancis Robinson says that Chalone wines possess a "mystique (and are) the definitive cult wine." As for Edna Valley, she says the wines, "show a reliable buttery bouquet aimed at one's primitive instincts." James Laub called the Jade Mt. Syrah, "rich and concentrated...and among the state's best." As for Acacia, Laub says, "the Pinot Noirs captured the imagination of Burgundy lovers." An exciting tasting with a master speaker and masterful wines. Wines: Chardonnay: Edna Valley, Echelon, Chalone. Pinot Noir: Edna Valley, Acacia Carneros, Chalone. Rhone Style: Echelon Syrah, Jade Mt. La Provencal. Bordeaux Style: Sagelands Cabernet, Canoe Ridge Merlot, and Ch. Duhart Milon Rothschild. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $50.00 Burgundy From A To R: The Wines of Antonin Rodet and Jacques Prieur Date: Tuesday, November 27 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Amaury Devillard, North American Sales Manager, Domaine Antonin Rodet and Jacques Prieur Everyone loves Burgundy. The supple flavors, the velvety texture, the ethereal lingering taste and the silky opulence combine for a perfect glass of wine. The secret is to find the still undiscovered producers whose wines are not only great drinking but also great value. Two of the best producers in this category are Antonin Rodet and Jacques Prieur, both owned by the Devillard family. Parker rates both properties as four stars, and says of the Rodet wines, "I am increasingly impressed by (them)...attractive and noteworthy." As for Prieur he says, "soft, rich, fragrant, and expansively flavored." Anthony Hanson says that the red wines of Rodet "(show) a delicate elegance." White Wines: Rodet Chablis, Ch. De Rully, Rodet Meursault, Rodet Chassagne-Montrachet, Rodet Cuvee Pivee(TBA). Red Wines: Ch. De Chamirey, Rodet Pommard, Rodet Gevrey-Chambertin, Rodet Nuits St. Georges, Nuits St. George 1st Cru (a Monopole). Exceptional Jacques Prieur whites and reds complete the evening. Members: $60.00 Non-Members: $75.00 1986 Bordeaux Date: Monday, November 19 Location: Honors Bridge Club, 115 E. 57th St. 6th Fl Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Mark Golodetz, Wine Journalist A tasting of 18 wines, including five first growths (Petrus, Lafite, Latour, Mouton, Margaux) and three super seconds ( Palmer, Leoville, Pichon Lalande) from this excellent vintage! Four stars from Michael Broadbent who called it, "an important and a highly regarded vintage. They are firm and fruity...(with) macho masculinity." Parker: "an irrefutably great year...Deep and concentrated." 2001 is the 15th anniversary of this superb vintage, about the age when most great Bordeaux start to strut their stuff. Thus it's an ideal time to sample these wines and measure the progress of the vintage. So join us for a tour of Bordeaux, circa 1986. Other wines to be tasted: Montrose, Cos, Pichon Baron, Clerc Milon, De Pez, L'Arrosee, Lascombes, Rauzan Segla, Sociando Mallet and Talbot. Members: $250.00 (Limited to 18 attendees) Non-Members: $275.00 The Spanish Centarians Date: Wednesday, November 7 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Gerry Dawes, Journalist and Spanish wine specialist A characteristic of the Spanish wine industry is that there are a large number of well-respected properties that have been in the same family for many years. This tasting will focus on those wine properties that have been owned by a single family for at least one hundred years. Tasting will include a Cava from Juve y Camps, sherries from Alvear and Vinicola Hidalgo, red and white wines from Miguel Torres (Penedes), Lopez de Heredia, La Rioja Alta, Cune and Marques de Riscal (Rioja) and Julian Chivite (Navarra). Besides their continuous family ownership, these wineries all have one thing in common-- they are among the best in Europe. Their wines are rich, structured, bold and bursting with taste, flavor, aromatics and balance. Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $55.00 Birthday Dinner At The Leopard Date: Friday, November 2 Location: The Leopard, 253 East 50th St. (Between 2-3rd Aves.) Time: 6:30 p.m. For the final meal of our year long 21st Birthday celebration, we have purchased top-rated Burgundies and a classified Bordeaux. These superior wines will be matched with the fabulous food from this venerable New York landmark restaurant. The Leopard has received the Zagat's Award of Excellence, has been featured on New York 1's Dining Out segment and has received critical acclaim. Elaine Paoloni writing in The Resident says "The Leopard is the find of the year, even though it has been around for 37 years." Gary Stevens, whose restaurant review column appears in 62 newspapers, said, "At the Leopard quality will out as the owner is a stickler for quality. The food is expertly prepared." J. Walman's Restaurant Report Card rates the restaurant a B+ and says "service and reception are welcoming,...and the food is remarkable...and expertly sauced." Finally, Judy Ross in Our Town calls the restaurant "a...treasure. The service is beautifully attentive and professional."
Non-Members: $115.00 The Other Nebbiolo Date: Monday, October 29 Location: The Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave. (21st St.) Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Tom Maresca, Wine Journalist and Italian Book Author The first known reference to Nebbiolo, one of the world's great grapes, was by Pliny The Elder. Best known as the grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, it also produces a number of lesser known, but not lesser quality, wines. These wines, variously labeled Spanna, Gattinara, Grumello, Valtelina, Nebbiolo, et. al., seldom receive the recognition that they deserve. Although they are some of the world's most underrated wines, they offer the same enticing Nebbiolo aromatic complexity and fullness of flavor in a slightly less full-bodied style. Hugh Johnson says that these wines, "overlay smoky woodland notes on deep sweetness, the flavor of raspberries on leather and spicy, leafy lightness on jam-like concentration." We will taste over a dozen examples of these vinous gems. Members: $45.00 Non-Members: $50.00 Ridge Monte Bello Date: Wednesday, October 24 Location: Honors Bridge Club, 115 E. 57th St. 6th Fl Time: 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Paul Draper, Wine Maker, Ridge Vineyards Paul Draper and a dozen Ridge Monte Bello Cabernets. Enough said. Vintages: 1981, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997. EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE CALL RON REGARDING THE WAITING LIST. Members: $130.00 (Limited to 18 attendees) Non-Members: $140.00--> Top | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
