Just returned from the 25th Annual Grand Tasting presented by impresario and wine guru Gary Fisch in Madison, N.J. I tout this event each year because, in addition to a sumptuous sampling of wine, liquor and beer, there is a king's banquet of fantastic buffet foods and a plethora of chocolate, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses and nuts. The Italian breads and pastry from Calandra's bakery alone are worth the trip for me. This year I had Barbara, my children and their significant others along, as a learning experience and a family get together. I'm lucky to tell you that those possible relatives are enjoyable company .We had a blast. During the course of the event, I had the pleasure of some of Gary's time and Barbara snapped a picture. I was honored to have some of his undivided attention during the course of this serious undertaking. The event is one of the primary fundraisers for Morristown charities, hospitals, hospice and the Interfaith Pantry; a very serious mitzvah from a generous guy.
One of the highlights was a tasting of Remy Martin: Louis XIII ($2,500/bottle); XO ($120) and Remy 1738. The Louis "Treizieme" was served in beautiful Riedel brandy bells. This type of tasting illuminates why those with very large wallets will spend $2,500 for a bottle of Cognac. It was head and shoulders more refined than the XO. All that said, with my balance sheet, 20 bottles of XO to one of the Treizieme is a "no brainer." Another highlight was my future daughter-in-law's comment after sampling the Cognac and walked downstairs to start on the bubblies. Right off the bat we were able to sip a sample of Louis Roederer Crystal. Page did the required eyeball, sniff, swirl but after swallowing that lovely wine she exclaimed, "I think I'll just quit for tonight. It can't get ant better than this!
Did you know that to be named Cognac the liquor must be made in the Cognac region, usually from distilled uni blanc (Trebbiano). It must be produced by double distilling in a copper pot still. Armagnac, the other famous twin, is made of the same grape types but is produced using an alembic continuous still although some also use the copper. Armagnac is actually the older twin. Most experts believe that, although Armagnac is 200 years old, its region's lack of a river estuary and port, as opposed to the Cognac region allowed Cognac to gain more notoriety. Do yourselves a big favor. Join Gary's email list and save up a few bucks and the time to attend this event. You will be stunned and amazed. I give it a very rare four price points.
Frank Family Vineyards had a table at the event. The 2014 Carneros Pinot Noir is produced primarily from the Lewis Vineyard with some grapes from Sangiacomo in Sonoma Carneros and some from Paladini vineyard. Ten months in new oak, 33 percent and the balance in once and twice filled French oak. Red tinged purple, nose was closed but coaxing brought some cherry, earth and spice notes. On the palate, black cherry, strawberry and chewy tannins. Finishes with more cherry and spice. I preferred it to the reserve actually; 92 with two price points. The Rutherford Cabernet Reserve 2013 from Frank, deserves a solid 93 points. These are a bit pricey. They came on at $75, in February 2015, then surged to $94 on good reviews in July. The wine is still a good buy at this price. The Napa Valley Petit Sirah 2013 spent 20 months in oak, 33 percent new French and the balance in once and twice used barrels Very dark purple colored, they open to blackberries, plums, some black tea, barrel driven vanilla and pie spice. On the palate full bodied with chewy tannins, vanilla repeats hints of leather and blackberry. Finishes long and puckery. Drink starting in 2018, cellar easily through 2025; 93 points under $35 or $420/case.
The wailing, moaning weeping and gnashing of teeth by the lame stream media, the RINOs and Dems was a sight for these sore old eyes to behold. Best wishes to Mr. Trump and his new administration. Divert the Potomac to flush out the Augean. Then drain the swamp puhleeze!
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Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
