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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. TastersGuildNY Lo Scalco Italian Wine Dinner Reception    Passed hors d'oeuvres Shrimps with Sicilian Caponata Rustic Pate Crab meat with Leek Puree Mix Panzerotti Roman Suplis    M & R Prosecco Appetizer    Grilled Tuna with Micro Arugula and Roasted Peppers Salad    2004 Lumina Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT Pasta    Risotto with Mushrooms and Truffles    2001 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo San Calisto DOC Salad    Cannelloni filled with Artichoke and Sheep Ricotta       Entree    Braised Veal Shanks with Saffron, Lemon and Sage Or Slices Sirloin Steak with Mushrooms and Asparagus Sauce    2003 Il Leo Chianti Superiore DOCG Dessert    Warm Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake    M&R Asti Coffee or Tea After Dinner Libation          Strega Members: $135.00 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. TastersGuild ORA Wine Dinner Reception    Passed hors d'oeuvres Mushroom tarts. Gorgonzola bruschetta with caramelized pears.    Mionetto Prosecco - Italy Appetizer Foie gras terrine       Salad    Arugula salad with shaved fennel and parmesan       Entree    Choice of: Pan roasted chicken with mash potato, french beans and baby carrots. Braised lamb shank with prunes, figs and almonds over vegetable couscous. Slow baked Salmon with fingerling potatoes, sautéed spinach and citrus compote.    Boutari Moschofilero 2004 - Greece Domaine Auzieres Roaix Costires de Nimes Rouge 2002 Dessert    Chocolate terrine with vanillan IC, Mixed berries and creme anglaise.    Royal Oporto 10 year Tawny Coffee or Tea After Dinner Libation    Bushnel VSOP Calvados Members: $90.00 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. TastersGuild Café Frida Mexican Tequila and Wine Dinner Reception    Corzo Tequila       Appetizer    Guacamole Empanadas    MontGras Carmenere - Chile Soup    Sopa Azteca - Roasted tomato soup garnished with chile ancho chips, chopped avocado, fresco cheese and tostaditas    Negra Modelo Entree    Choice of: Tampiquena - Marinated grilled skirt steak served with cheese enchilada, beans and guacamole Pollo Pibil - Shredded breast of chicken marinated in bitter orange achiote and mayan spices, garnished with pickled red onions, rice and beans Salmon Tikin-Xic - Oven roasted wild salmon marinated in achiote and bitter orange, wrapped in banana leaf, served with chipotle mashed plantains or cilantro mashed potatoes Chile Relleno - Roasted chile poblano stuffed with Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and requeson cheese, Serrano and pinenuts in light tomato sauce served with sauteed vegetables    Navarro Correas Malbec 2003 - Argentina Dessert    Pastel de tres leches Chocolate-jalapeno sorbet    Domecq Amontillado Domecq Vina 25 Coffee or Tea After Dinner Libation    Domecq El Presidente Brandy Members: $85.00 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. TastersGuild Pastore Wine Dinner Reception Passed hors d'oeuvres M & R Prosecco Appetizer Mozzarella, roasted pepper and tomato Fontana Candida Frascati 2004 Salad Mixed greens Pasta Fusilli with prosciutto Santa Sofia Montegradella Valpolicella Superiore 2000 Entree Veal Saltimbocca Villa Dante Toscano 2000 Dessert Cheese cake with drunken berries Casa Sola Vin Santo Coffee/Tea After Dinner Libation Gran Gala Limonce Limoncello 2003 Members: $90.00 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. Tasters Guild 'Moulin Rouge' Bouterin Dinner Reception Hors d'oeuvres Pierre Sparr Marquis de Perlade Sparkling Wine Soup La Soupe de Tomate Chaude aux Crevettes de Roches, jus de Coriandre, Frais et Pignons Grilles (Warm Tomato Soup with Rock Shrimps, Fresh Cilantro Juice and Grilled Pignolis) Francois Labet Pinot Noir 2002 Fish Le Filet de Lotte Soupoudre au Paprika, Sauce, Legere a la Crème de Safran Rougatre, Galette de Haricots Rouges (Filet of Lotte sprinkled with Paprika and a Light Red Creamy sauce scented with Pure Saffron and Red Bean Cake) Marc Bredif Vouvray 2002 Entrée Le Petit Pave de Boeuf, Sauce Bordelaise gratin Dauphinois aux Petites Pommes de Terre Rouges Nouvelle (Petit Mignon of Beef Bordelaise Sauce with gratin Dauphinois Red New Potato style) Chapoutier Châteauneuf du Pape La Bernardine Rouge 2001 Salad La Salade, Rouge au Poivron, Epice, Framage de Chevre Chaud a la Croute de Poivre Rouge (Radiccio Salad with Red Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese crusted with Red Pepper Corn) Dessert Le Parfait aux Fruits Rouge, Coulis de Framdoise Truffes au Chocolat, Orangettes Confites Enrobes de Chocolat La Pastourelle 2000 Muscat de Beaumes-de Venise Coffee/Tea After Dinner Libation B & B 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. Plantain Wine Dinner Hors D'oeuvres Smoked Tuna Toro with Jalapeno Praline and Lemon Chutney Salmon Ceviche in Ginger Soy Sauce Pork Empanada with Garlic Aioli Codorniu "Cuvee Raventos" Sparkling Cava Appetizer Shrimp Tempura with Guacamole and Honey Lime Sauce Dry Sack "Solera Especial" 15 year old Sherry Entrée Spring Lamb with Harissa and Garbanzo Casa Lapostelle Chardonnay 2004 Amancaya Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2003 Salad Endive with Goat Cheese, Pickled Ginger and Pumpkin Seed Praline Dessert Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Pop Rock Candy Basil Ice Cream Concha Y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2000 Coffee/Tea After Dinner Libation Liqueur # 43 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. Special Menu for the Chinese New Year Appetizer Deep Fried Spring Roll Steamed Spring Dumpling Steamed Vegetable Dumpling Australian Riesling Soup House Special Seafood Soup Dr Konstantin Frank Salmon Run Johannisberg Riesling Entrée Peking Roasted Duck Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Syrah 2000    Sauteed Sliced Chicken & Calamari with Vegetable Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Chardonnay 2002    Braised Scallops with Black Mushroom Stir Fried Lobster with Ginger and Scallions Fetzer Merlot 2001    Salt Baked Grouper Cubes with Chili Valckenberg Gewurztraminer 2003 Young Chow Fried Rice Singapore Style Mai Fun Dessert Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter Agros Muscat of Patras of Rio 2002 Coffee/Tea 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. Bruno Jamais/Taster's Guildny Dinner Passed Assorted Hors D'ouvres Korbel Natural 2001 Parsnip-Apple Soup Horseradish Crème Fraiche Pedro Domecq Amontillado Sherry Ahi Tuna Carpaccio Oven Dried Tomato Compote & Nicoise Vinaigrette Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2002 Harvest Squash Risotto Mascarpone & Sage Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse 2003 Roasted Veal Chop Basil Spaetzle & Jerusalem Artichoke Chateau d' de la Marque Haut Medoc 1998 Assorted Cheeses Assorted Cheeses Aged Balsamic & Pistachio B&G Chateauneuf du Pape 2002 Dessert Petit Fours ETKO, St. Nicholas Commandaria N/V Coffee/Tea After Dinner Libation Marie Brizard Manzanita Green Apple Liqueur    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. Bombay Palace Tasters Guild Dinner Entertainment: Belly Dancer couple Reception: Place: K Lounge 5:30 - 6:30 PM Chicken Tikka Seekh Kabab Vegetable Samosa Cashew Rolls Ram's Leap Chardonnay 2002 Dinner: 6:30 - 9:00 PM Shrimp Masala Ram's Leap Semillon/Sauvignon 2002 Red Snapper Malabar Canonbah Bridge Semillon/Sauvignon 2001 Lambs Chops Eggplant Bharatha Canonbah Bridge Special Drought Year Shiraz 2001 All Entrees Served With Dal (Lentils), Rice Pulao, Raita, Naan, Onion Kulcha, Chutneys And Pickles Bombay Dream Deluxe Canonbah Bridge Methode Champenoise Cuvee 1999 Coffee/Tea 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. Reception Hors d'oeuvres Assorted Delicacies    Soup Soupe de Tomates aux Crevettes de Roches, jus de Coriandre, Frais et Pignons Grilles Roasted Cilantro Tomato Soup with Rock Shrimps and Grilled Pignolis    Fish Medaillon de Lotte au Safran et Galette de Haricots Rouges Seared Monk Fish Medallion & Saffron and Red Bean Galette)    Granite Trou "Moulin Rouge" Granite {Lemon Vodka}    Meat Petit Pave de Boeuf, Sauce Bordelaise gratin aux Petites Pommes de Terre Nouvelles. Mignon of Beef Bordelaise Gratin Dauphinois    Salade La Salade aux Poivrons, Epices, Fromage de Chevre en habit Rouge Radicchio Salad with Red Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese crusted with Red Pepper Corn)    Dessert Le Parfait aux Fruits Rouge Coulis de Framboise. Truffes au Chocolat. Orangettes Confites Enrobes de Chocolat    Coffee & Brandy Chocolate & Coffee    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. Chanterelle Reception: Assorted Passed Hors D'ouvres Martini & Rossi Prosecco Appetizer: Fresh & Smoked Salmon Terrine with Pistachio and Watercress Schlumberger Riesling Alsace 2000 Mixed Baby Green Salad Entrée: Fillet of Beef with Red Wine and Shallots Chateau Gloria 2000 Dessert: Roasted Pear with Fig Leaf Ice Cream Delas Freres Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2000 Coffee or Tea After Dinner Libation: Delamain Pale Dry XO 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. Menu Aperitif Wine: Freixenet Brut Nature 1999 Crabmeat Salpicon Empanada Roasted Tomato Aioli Marques de Riscal Rueda 2003 Roasted Callampa Mushroom Salad Roasted Beets, Spanish Goat Cheese, Frisee, Cacucha Oil Casa Lapostelle Merlot 2002 Beef Tiradito Citrus-Soy Marinade, Aguacate, Smoked Sea Salt Trapiche Malbec 2003 Malanga-Caper Crusted Tilapia Silky Gallego Puree, Braised Swiss Chard, Chilean Pinot Noir Sauce Alamos Pinot Noir 2002 Flan de Manzana Caramelized Apple Custard Domecq Rare Pedro Ximenez Sherry Coffee/Tea - Domecq Presidente Brandy 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. Menu Piedmont Appetizers: Prosciotto Melon, Mozzarella and Tomato, Calamari Fritti Batasiolo Gavi di Gavi 2002 Trentino Salad: Salad of mixed greens with beef Carpaccio Santa Margherita Merlot 2002 Veneto Pasta: Lobster Ravioli Bolla Valpolicella Classico "Le Poiane" 1999 Tuscany Entrée: Veal Milanese with Chopped Tomato and Arrugola Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2001 Sicily Dessert: Classic fruit soup with Moscato Pellegrino Moscato di Pantelleria 2002 Coffee or Tea - Grappa Alexander 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. Menu Cocktails & Canapes: Pissaladiere, Tomato Tart, Crab Cake, Smoked Salmon Roses Flagstone Green on Green Semillon 2001 Appetizer: Le Mille Feuilles de Coquilles St. Jacques et Homard, Salade d'algues Napoleon of Sea Scallops and Lobster, Seaweed Salad Flagstone Two Roads Chardonnay 2001 Fish: Le Filet de Loup de mer en envelope de lamelle de Courgette, sauce aux echalottes citron et beurre Filet of Bass in Zucchini envelope with Shallots & Lemon Butter Sauce Drakensig Shiraz 2001 Main Course: Le Filet Mignon de Bison aux champignons sauvages et sauce vin rouge et gratin dauphinois Filet Mignon of Buffalo with red wine saue and potatoes gratin Flagstone Dragon Tree Pinotage-Cabernet 2001 Salad: Salad with Roquefort and candy onion with Port Umkhulu Titan Super Bordeaux Blend 2001 Dessert: Chocolate Marquise with homemade walnut ice cream Flagstone Zulu Reserve, Sparkling Methode Champenoise Coffee or Tea 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." Menu Hot Appetizers: Lute-shaped Prawns Fried dumplings Fried Spare Ribs with honey Mionetto Prosecco Brut 2001 Soup: Seafood Soup Princepessa Perlante Gavi 2002 Main Courses: Peking Duck Maple Fruity Prawns Volcano Filet Mignon Ma-La Scallops House Special Noodles Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2002 Dr Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling 2002 Antinori Santa Christina Red 2002 Raphael Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Dessert: Lychee & Ice Cream La Fleur D'Or Sauternes 1998 Coffee or Tea 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. Menu Hors d'oeuvres: Poached Egg, Spinach, Truffle Toast Veuve du Vernay Sparkling Soup: Winter Squash Soup with Girolles and Lardoons Tio Pepe Fino Sherry Appetizer: Scallop, Cauliflower Mousseline Sipp Mack Pinot Blanc 2002 Main Course: Sirloin and Short Ribs. Pomme Puree and Parsley Palandrio Cabernet Dessert: Assortment of pastries by Francois Payard Chateau Manos Cadillac 2002 Coffee or Tea After Dinner Libation Hennessey VS Cognac Members: $100.00 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. Menu Assorted hors d'oeuvres Princepessa Perlante Gavi 2002 Appetizer: Capesante all'arancio (grilled sea scallops with fennel orange salad and toasted bread) Ruffino Libaio Chardonnay 2002 Pasta: Tortellini della Nonna (cheese tortellini with peas, prosciutto and mushrooms in light cream sauce) Antinori Santa Christina Red 2002 Entrée: Scaloppine Saltinbocca (veal sauteed with white wine and sage topped with spinach and prosciutto) Raphael Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Dessert: Tiramisu M&R Asti Coffee or tea with biscotti After Dinner Libation House Grappa Members: $80.00 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. Menu Reception: Assorted passed Hors d'ouvres Lanson Black Label Champagne NV Onion fritter with tamarind dip, Codfish cake with lemon aioli, Curried crab cannoli Roulade of prosciuto, Foie Gras Mousse and Fig and Smoked Salmon Mousse in Tartlets Appetizer: Steamed Zucchini Blossoms with Lobster/Shrimp Mousse, Lemongrass and Basil Butter JN Gagnard Chassagne - Montrachet "Clos de la Maltroye" 1998 Salad: Baby Greens Entrée: Loin of Lamb with Timbale of Eggplant and Lamb Shank Jean Luc Columbo Chateaneuf du Pape "Bartavelles" 2000 Dessert: Huckleberry Fig Tart with Huckleberry Ice Cream La Fleur D'Or Sauternes 1998 Coffee or tea: After Dinner Libation - Bacardi 8 Year Old Sipping Rum Members: $130.00 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. Menu Mixed Appetizers served family style Moletto Prosecco Risotto con Fungi Rocche Costamagna Arneis 2001 Roast Lamb with Pecorino and herbs CPV Salento Primitivo 1998 Marsala laced bread pudding Martini and Rossi Asti coffee tea Members: $90.00 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. Menu Reception: Assorted hors d'oeuvres Mionetto Prosecco de Valdobbiadene, DOC Appetizer: Cold zucchini cake with cumin Mommessin "Old Vines" Macon and goat cheese Villages 2001 Soup: Melon soup with black pepper and Osborne Fino Sherry slices of Parma Ham Fish Course: Bass in court bouillon, basil, fresh Chapoutier White Cotes du Rhone tomato. Emulation of yellow pepper Belleruche 2001 and olive oil Entree: Roast crispy duck with peaches, almond Jean-Luc Colombo Moulin de la rice and sour sauce with fresh mint Dame "Cote Bleue " 2001 Savory: Blue cheese toast with candied red onion and port reduction Dessert: Chocolate souffle with orange zest Calem "Old Friends" Tawny Port Coffee and tea Members: $100.00 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." Menu Reception: Schlumberger Vienna Brut NV Appetizer: House Smoked Trout with potato salad, watercress and dill creme fraiche; served with Jurstschitsch Sonnhof Gruener Veltliner Steinhaus Fish Course: Sauteed Filet of Perch with sauerkraut, pancetta and pumpkinseed oil; served with Tuerk Gruner Veltliner Second Course: Soft Boiled Veal Tongue with horseradish pudding; served with Klosterkeller Siegendorf Pinot Blanc Entree: Apple-Balsamic Braised Beef Cheeks with celeriac puree, lovage and zweigelt sauce; served with Klosterkeller Siegendorf Red Dessert: Quark Dumpling with Apricot with elderberry flower sorbet and pumpkinseeds; served with Weingut Nittnaus premium Eiswein. Wines provided by Wein Bauer Imports and Niche Imports, Inc. Members: $110.00 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. Menu Aperitif: Moletto Prosecco 2001 Appetizer: Gamberi (shrimp) Essticci prepared with fresh sage and Cannelli beans, with Pietrafitta Vernaccia Borghetto 2001 Entree: Osso Bucco with risotto and seasonal vegetable, and Rocche Costamagna Barbera Superiore 1999 Salad 2000 Dessert: Assorted Pastries with Ca Rugate Recioto Di Soave 1999 Coffee or tea with Mazzetti grappa and Villa Massa Limoncello Wines and spirits provided by Laird and Company. Members: $70.00 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. Menu Assorted Hors d'oeuvres; served with Vallee Coquette Sparkling Vouvray Appetizer: Crabcake Parisian style, served with Ch. Lamoth de Haux Blanc Salad: Classic Caesar Entree: Roast Duck Bernard with seasonal vegetable and potato, served with Raquillet Mercurey Vieilless Vignes 2000 Dessert: Chocolate Temptation, with Haut Mayne Sauternes; coffee or tea with Nisme et Delclou Armagnac Wines and Spirits provided by Bayfield Imports. Members: $75.00 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. Menu Reception: Canapes with Gosset Grande Reserve Appetizer: Traditional Gravlax with Mustard Foam and Fingerling Chips Gosset Grand Millesime, 1996 Entree: Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushrooms. Lentils and Apple Vanilla Compote Gosset Grand Rose Dessert: Arctic Circle with Blueberry Sorbet and a Honey Tuile Gosset Brut Excellence Coffee and tea Frapin VSOP Premier Cru Grande Champagne Cognac 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. Menu Reception: Assorted Appetizers Di Majo Norante Greco 2000 First Course: Ricotta di Bufala Fritta Tasca D'Almerita Regaleali Bianco 2000 Second Course: Ribbon Pasta from a milky dough with shrimp and zucchini Villa Matilda Falerno Rosso Villa Matilde 1999 Third Course: Veal Scallopini sauteed with dry vermouth and fresh herbs Roasted potatoes and fresh vegetable Argiolas Korem 1998 Dessert: Combination Chocolate Amaretto Cake and Ricotta Cheese Cake Botromagno Gravisano 1997 Coffee and tea 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. Menu Aperitif: Assorted hors d'oeuvres Beaujolais Blanc and Beaujolais Nouveau First Course: Goat cheese on new potato salad Beaujolais Villages Fish course: Braised calamari in Beaujolais wine sauce Mommessin Moulin a Vent Entree: Veal cheeks with haricots vert Ch. De Pizay Morgon Dessert: Beaujolais Granité Beaujolais from Duboeuf, Jadot, Drouhin, Mommessin and Ch. De Pizay will be featured. 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. Menu Mixed Appetizers Ameri Dry Prosecco (Basilacata) Ricotta Gnocchi with pesto sauce Marchesi di Barolo Dolcetto (Piedmont) Roasted Skate with olives, capers and tomatoes Sella & Mosca "Le Arenarie" (Sardinia) Poached pears with Honey-Gorgonzola Mousse Cavit Vin Santo (Tuscany) LIMITED TO 36 ATTENDEES 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. Menu Appetizer Sampling: Salsa Fresca and Guacamole with Chips, Mushroom Quesadilla, Truckstop Nachos Salad: Mixed Greens Chili Tasting: Numero Uno, The Real McCoy, Cincinnati Lamb, Texas Chain Gang, Tierra Del Fuego Dessert: Chocolate Cake Members: $55.00 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. Menu Reception: Cheese Straws West Indes Stirrup Cup with Westhall Plantation Rum First Course: Porridge flavored with Single Malt Whisky Deanston 12 year old Single Malt Fish Course: Smoked Salmon Ledaig 20 year old single malt Entree: Scottish Scrambled Eggs with Kippers, Sausages and Fried Tomatoes Deannston 17 year old Single Malt Tobermory 10 year old single malt Dessert: Scottish Trifle Kelt XO Cognac Coffee and tea Members: $60.00 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." Menu Reception: Sparkling wine Appetizer: Pate foie du canard with truffles and cognac 1996 Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet"Champ Gain" 1996 Joseph Drouhin Meursault Entree: Escalope of veal with garlic, shallots and capers in a red wine sauce. Seasonal vegetables and potatoes 1993 P. Naddef Gevrey Chambertin 1985 Ch. Boyd Cantenac Salad: Mesclun salad with goat cheese Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Port style dessert wine Coffee and tea Members: $100.00 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