DEAR OLIVIA

Sunday was another day of learning and discovery in my world of wine. A small crowd with big wine exposure.  When someone opens up their personal stash, boy can you get a fantastic burst of grapes.  The group gathered today to listen and support "Dear Olivia", a compellation of dance, video and music theater created to take you on a journey of women and their desire to hold onto the little girl in them from birth to death.  The new adventure is the brain child of Linda Cline and Joan Block wife of Sandy Block, MW of Legal Seafoods. The show will open in the Boston area on April 27, 2012.  Watch for more information about this body of works on my blog early next year.

Now let me tell you about the wine.  There were about 15 vintages on display.  From 2010 back to 1977.  We traveled through France, Italy, New Zealand and the U.S.  Well known names like Patz and Hall and Chateau Canon.  Great appellations like Bordeaux, Paulliac and Montepulciano.  I wish I had a "flavorgraphic" [sic] memory to describe them all but I can only remember the stand outs from today.  Here are my tips and treats for this week.

TIPS

Etiquette for a private wine tasting of someone’s personal collection.  Remember, you are a guest.

• It is ok to swirl, smell and swallow. NEVER Spit!
• Take small tasting pours just in case you don't like the wine.
• Avoid over consuming.
• Never rinse your glass with water.
• Cleanse your palette between white and red.

Watch for this new invention!  A revolutionary gadget that will allow you to drink a glass of wine from your favorite bottle without opening it and it won't EVER spoil!  Expected release in 2012 for the holidays. Too good to be true...

TREATS

My favorite wines were at extreme ends of the spectrum.

2010 Patz and Hall Pinot Noir from California - This full flavored vintage had bursts of big berries.  It was velvety and balanced.  It wasn't too spicy but it had a nice long finish that left your palate a little warm.  I definitely wanted more.  Extremely drinkable now.  Worth every penny.

1982 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend from Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste in the Paulliac appellation of France - This wine aged very well.  It had soft tannins, lots of blackberry fruit flavor with a little chocolate on the finish.  Stinky on the nose but this gave it lots of character.  It was harmony on the palate with the sharp cheddar cheese. I could have consumed the whole bottle by myself. Priceless.