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.
Beaulieu Presenters
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!
Bin 36 Wine Flights
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!
My New Wine Carrier
