Miles (trying to explain to Maya why he is so into pinot noir): "It’s a hard grape to grow. As you know. Right? It’s, uh, it’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It’s, you know, it’s not a survivor like cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And, in fact, it can only grow in these really specific, little tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression."

The best Pinot  Noir I’ve had is a toss up between Santa Barbara County, specifically Santa Rita Hills district, and the Russian River Valley up north.

Taste of success: Breaking the wine glass ceiling
As more people drink wine, executives ensure they know enough to impress…
        While wine education isn’t new, it might be becoming more essential for business people.     
Wine consumption has risen each year for the past 14 years, said Kevin Zraly, wine educator and author of book, "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course." This year, the United States overtook Italy in total wine consumption, he said; in three years, the United States is expected to consume more wine than France, Zraly added.

Sweet… I don’t care if you like wine or not, but anything we can beat France at is cool.
As another indication of how interest in wine is rising, Zraly’s book, first published in 1985, is expected to have its best year in terms of sales in 2007, he said.
In short, more people in the United States are beginning to know a little something about wine, and as they develop some sophistication in their palates, those in the business world are wise to know a little more than the average drinker, he said.
And knowing how to navigate a wine list can help someone subtly rise to a position of power at a dining table, said Eddie Osterland, a master sommelier who speaks to groups about entertaining with food and wine.
Most people "duck and weave and head-fake and go to the bathroom, and women look in their purses" when the wine list arrives at the table, he said.
"You need to take the position of power," he said. When those at the table are asked "‘who would like to see the wine list,’ you want to be the one to jump up and say ‘I’ll take that.’"

Why would I need someone to train me how to do this, when I already do it?

Also, while small tasting portions are poured at these events, they do add up. Not only will you retain less if you imbibe excessively, but you also risk impairing your judgment while around co-workers and bosses—an office party no-no, whatever the event’s format.

The best part is knowing someone will break this rule. And, it always leads to some great stories come Monday.

"The best part is knowing someone will break this rule. And, it always leads to some great stories come Monday"
This is why people need to put their cameras away. 

This is why people need to put their cameras away.

No way! .jpgs FTW!

I’m still pondering how "wine education" would provide familiarity with what’s on a wine list.  Beyond having some knowledge of common varietals, what else does one need to know?  It’s going to be a crapshoot unless you’ve had the wine before, and aiming straight for a $50 bottle is no guarantee that you’ll enjoy the wine.  I’ve had a wine that was part of a flight at Symposium where the prodominate scent was cat urine, ferchrissake.
IMHO, just avoid cheap Merlots and it’s all good.

I usually take the wine menu at business dinners unless I know someone prefers doing it AND good at it.  I DON’T usually trying something completely unknown when I go out, since the price of the mistake is too high.

I usually try variaties from a winery or region either I know of ( from friends, etc) or I have had personally. For special occasions, I usually bring my own wine and pay the $15 to $25 corkage fee - a lot cheaper than paying the min. 2 x they charge.  The “rule” here is that you should not bring a cheap wine - I usually bring a bottle $40 plus at retail.  I did that at Studio in Montage last Xmas with my wife.  Their corkage fee is only $15 - one of the cheapest among upscale place.  By the way, the view at Studio is great!

123,
   I agree with you.  Although I usually end up bring some of my favorite NM selections.
anyways good luck
-bix

Wine drinkers got more pleasure from varieties they were told cost more
....and in other news, the sky is blue and people are generally full of crap.  Film at 11.

Which is why I NEVER ask how much a wine cost.  Plus you also have to remember, its all very subjective.  I like my wine with food anyways so its also very dependent with food.
-bix

If anything, I’m just the opposite.  I’m very critical when someone hands me a premium wine.  A $50+ bottle of wine had better WOW the hell out of me.  On the other hand, I get excited when I discover something I enjoy under $10.

My favorite wine so far is the Alpha Domus Navigator (2004) from New Zealand.  Great wine for under $20.
How much stock do you guys put into those wine ratings?  Which one is the best/reliable?  Which one is the worst?

Commuter,
   Not very much, I use it as more of a guide though.  All of them are going to have high scores, because they want to sell it.  I would like to see and objective review, not a store review.
good luck
-bix

Lloyd’s insures winemaker’s nose
LONDON (Reuters) - The Lloyd’s of London insurance market has insured the nose of a leading wine maker and taster for 5 million euros (3.9 million pounds), covering the Bordeaux producer against the loss of his nose and sense of smell. 
Lloyd’s is famous for creating policies for giant corporations but also for insuring celebrity limbs, from Fred Astaire’s legs to the hands of Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards.
It said on Tuesday that Ilja Gort, the Dutch owner of Chateau de la Garde in Bordeaux, producer of Tulipe Wines, said his nose could distinguish millions of different scents and was essential to guarantee the quality of his wines.
"The nose and sense of smell of a winemaker are as important as the fingers of a chef," Jonathan Thomas, lead underwriter at Watkins Syndicate who co-insured the policy.

I can smell bullshit through the internet. How much is my nose worth?

.

BeMo! is having their "Buy One Bottle, Get the Second for 5 Cents Sale." 
Time to Stock Up!

Need cash?  Pawn your wine collection!

EvaLSeraphim - 26 March 2008 07:29 PM

Need cash?  Pawn your wine collection!

Good find, Eva.

SCHB

Thanks.  I’m always up for a bargain if I can find one.

Wine tasting @BevMo 2-6 pm.

Wine, cheese & crackers for 5 bucks.  8 selections tonite.

WOW! nowaywow—That’s a great deal for wine tasting at bev mo!  I have heard old vine does a wine/cheese tasting that is pretty good.  Onotria (costa mesa) has some amazing tastings, but VERY expensive $60-80—you do get food and I beleive that includes gratuity?  Their food is really amazing—and their wine list is extensive if you want nice wine.  The wine gallery in CDM does an OK tasting, but kind of skimpy for $15? I still probably prefer TJ’s cheap wines! I will definitely have to check out Bevmo’s tastings also!

BMP,
Whole Foods does wine tastings several times a week, tho I have not been to one.  They do have a wine bar that offers tastings of very expensive wines for a smaller fee.  For example, if you are looking for an exceptional bottle of wine for your boss and you want to taste it first, they have a pouring system that keeps the tastings fresh.  You can sample that $160/bottle wine for twenty bucks at WF.

The bevmo tastings are particularly helpful during their 5cent sales- buy the first and get the second for five cents.  There were some suprisingly good wines that were remarkably cheap during the sale.  Parducci Chardonay, for example, was super cheap and a decent wine for dinner parties that called for a Chard.  Big Yellow Cab is another cheap, yet good wine to serve your friends who are not wine snobs

BevMo used to offer sparkling wines/champagnes on Sundays for 10 dollars but they just didnt have the crowds to sustain it, so they discontinued that a couple of weekends ago.  We’ll be at BevMo tonite before a dinner party.  Hopefully we’ll find something to bring along!

My personal favorite is Frank Family, Napa.  I particularly love their Zin.  But anything red from them is a treat.

Sparkling wines at bevmo until 6 tonite.  heading there now.

Here’s an interesting wine event:

Summer Wine Tasting

The last Wednesday of every month June-September, 6-8pm

Celebrate the worlds foremost wine regions with a selection of seven wines paired with hors doeurves
(June 25: California Eclectic; July 30: Italian Classics; August 27: Australia and New Zealand Appellations;
September 24: Les Vins de France.)

$49 per person (all inclusive)

at Pinot Provence near South Coast Plaza.