Last year I wrote about a couple of charity wine-tasting events , and I received a number of e-mails that asked me to write about these soirées ahead of time so that readers have an opportunity to attend.
Good point.
I plan to write and article in a couple of weeks to inform readers about several wine events this spring that are not to be missed. In the meantime, I can give you a heads up on a perennial favorite that is coming to Washington next month.
The 22nd annual California Barrel Tasting, sponsored by MacArthur Beverages, will return to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on March 10. The eventwill feature more than 40 wineries, predominately from Napa Valley, offering samples of their 2005 vintage in two two-hour sessions. The first session begins at 1 p.m. and the second session begins at 7 p.m.
The event was the brainchild of veteran wine merchant Addy Bassin, who created it as a way of letting customers taste California wines before their release and offering tasters the opportunity to buy them at a discount before their commercial release to the general public. That’s similar to the practice established years ago by the wine community in Bordeaux of offering their product early at “futures” pricing. Addy Bassin passed away just after McArthur’s first barrel tasting event in 1986. The following year, Ruth, Addy’s widow, transformed the event into a way of honoring her husband while serving the community by donating the proceeds from each barrel tasting to the Addy Bassin Cancer Research fund.
Following the 1998 death of their son, Bruce, the name of the fund was changed to include both men.
Although the barrel tasting gives area wine enthusiasts an early glimpse at the appeal of the upcoming vintage, the real fun happens the night before when many of the featured vintners show up to pour their own wines for the California Vintner’s Dinner, also hosted at the Mandarin Oriental.
Without sounding too much like a commercial, this extravagant affair is about as much fun as you can have doing good (proceeds from the night are also donated to the above mentioned fund) while eating and drinking very well, since the vintners choose some of their finest wines to show off with dinner.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to a media preview to sample some of the wines to be featured in the Vintner’s Dinner. Here are some of my favorites. (Retail prices are approximate and wines are available at several fine area wine shops.)
2004 Peter Michael L’Apres Midi
Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, Calif. ($80)
The price might seem like a lot for a sauvignon blanc, but this dynamic, fresh wine is a great way to get any party started. Abundant acidity buoys the clean fruit flavors of grapefruit, passion fruit and honeydew melon while keeping the finish crisp and refreshing. A perfect pairing for a sushi sampler.
2004 Michel Schlumberger Chardonnay, Sonoma ($25)
This chardonnay from Dry Creek Valley has a noticeable minerality in the underpinnings of the structure. Pleasant flavors of peaches, nectarines and pineapple are enhanced by notes of honeysuckle on the medium-bodied, elegant finish. Try it with wild mushroom strudel.
2004 Hope And Grace Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Calif. ($38)
This lovely pinot possesses a ripe bouquet of black cherries and forest undergrowth. The creamy texture delivers flavors black raspberries and red plums from the front of the palate all the way through to the elegant finish. A delicate wine to be enjoyed with pomegranate/honey glazed quail.
2001 Judd’s Hill Syrah, Napa, California ($26)
Whiffs of mint, chocolate and rosemary captivate the nose. Luscious flavors of jammy blackberry fruit and black plums dominate the palate, where they are rejoined by notes of mint and chocolate on the full, lush finish. A surefire winner with braised veal shank.
2003 Axios Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California ($125)
Wow. Giant nose of smoky oak, creosote and blueberry liqueur. This wine has amazing structure and great “grip” supported by the abundant-but-soft tannins. Rich flavors of blackberries, crème de cassis, black plums and licorice integrate throughout the palate while notes of menthol provide a memorable and lengthy finish. What a way to end an evening, with an assortment of aged Gouda cheeses. (Note: The 2005 Axios will be offered at the barrel tasting at “futures” pricing.)
Other wines to be showcased at the barrel tasting on Saturday include: Arns, Barnett, Cornerstone, Dunn, Etude, Kobalt, Miner, Paul Hobbs, Ridge, Ruston, Sonador and Von Strasser.
Tickets for the Friday night Vintner’s Dinner run $350 per person and $150 per person for the Saturday Barrel Tasting. Both can be purchased on line at bassins.com or by calling MacArthur Beverage at 202-338-1433.
