What a wonderful month this has been for wine in my life…and it is only half over! The 1st week in May began with the Heritage Wine Cellars Portfolio Tasting, which I attended with my friend and sommelier professor at the Chicago Ritz-Carlton on May 5th. What an amazing display! Kudos to the staff at Heritage…Daniel, Scott, Catherine!!! One of my “bosses”, Jean-Charles Boisset, was there showcasing his beloved wines of Burgundy, as well as the Boisset Collection from California…Buena Vista, DeLoach, JCB, and Raymond. I had the honor of meeting one of my favorite Greek winemakers, George Skouras! I loved the delicious variety in the Greek rosés, fell for some new Champagnes, chatted with the humble winemaker from Au Bon Climat, and got to revisit some wines from a few wineries I visited last October…Miner Family, Pride Mt., Fisher…
As if this wasn’t enough, Wednesday brought another fabulous learning experience. I attended the Beaulieu tasting with the winemaker and a master sommelier from France.
We not only received insight into the history of Beaulieu, but also the amazing winemaking techniques, fermentation styles- attempting to discern if the wine was fermented in stainless steel, concrete, small French barrique, or large wooden casks- and clonal development.
Then, a true George de la Tour vertical tasting!!! 1996, 2002, 2008, 2011…my favorite was the 2002! A short quiz followed the presentation and tasting with 6 lucky individuals earning a study scholarship! No, I didn’t win a scholarship, but I did win new knowledge and that is always a pleasant prize! the afternoon ended with a glass of 1970 George de la Tour! A more perfect ending I couldn’t have foreseen!
Wednesday evening ended with a night out in beautiful Chicago with my sister-in-law. I wanted to share a special place…Bin 36! Owner Enoch Shully has reopened one of my favorite wine spots in a new location. Always hospitable, sincere, and knowledgeable…it was a pleasure to reconnect. His GM is a treasure! Wednesday is the BEST day to visit Bin 36, as the wine flights are $12.00!!! Can’t decide what to drink? Choose from the many, well partnered flights and get a delight in your mouth with each glass! We sat on the patio, enjoyed delicious food and unforgettable flights. Only time for a quick glass of “something”- try the special sangria…unlike any I have ever tasted…delicious!!! We will definitely return next time she is in town…
I will be there much sooner!
As if the week hadn’t been completely incredible already, Mother’s Day was on the 8th and my beautiful, supportive daughters gave me a 12 bottle, insulated, wheeled wine carrier!! No more shleping boxes of wine to private events…now I shall arrive in style! Next week, Cru Bourgeois Médoc Tasting…stay tuned…May isn’t over yet!