Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Foudres, Demi Muids, Puncheons, and Wood Fermenters: The Appeal of Large Oak

Photos | Britney Spears Hosts An Evening Of 'Southern Style'

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Honest Cooking: A Digital Food & Wine Magazine

Marsanne Wines

Kellan Lutz on Breaking Dawn: "A Long Seven Months That Got Longer and Longer"

Monday, May 30, 2011

Hit or Miss: Mad About May?

Week in Pictures: Kate Middleton Meets the Obamas, Plus Brad & Angelina, Britney & Rihanna and Idol

I Told You So

Cool Climate Chilean Reds: A Pinot Noir Value Play?

Wines of Chile hosted an online tasting this past Wednesday night offering bloggers across the US a chance to taste through Chilean Pinot Noirs and Syrahs. The event was moderated by Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer in New York with Chilean winemakers appearing via a live video stream.

The Pinot Noirs were impressive, especially considering their price points. A question I had on my mind coming into the tasting is which iconic Pinot Noir producing regions Chilean Pinot Noir most closely aligns with? The answer from the winemakers was that Pinot Noir is still a relatively new variety in Chile and they're exploring what works best. I think I have an idea based on the four we tasted - check out the conclusions below for more on that.

The Syrah we tasted were smoky, with higher levels of acidity than you'd find in Australia Shiraz for example. Priced between $13 and $29 I thought each was flavorful and had substantial tannins.

Here are my thoughts on the wines:

Pinot Noirs

 
2009 Valdivieso Reserve Pinot Noir
14.5% alc
$16.99

There's an aroma in this wine that reminds me of fresh residential carpeting. Really unique. But once you get past that it's pretty clean, round and enjoyable. Light in body but brings legitimate flavor. Nice slightly sweet spice. Dances lightly on the palate.

85/100 WWP: Good

2009 Vina Casablanca Nimbus Estate Pinot Noir
14.0% alc
$19.99

Aromatically perfumy. Ample fruit. A little smoke. Nicely balanced. Great velvety mouth feel. 

87/100 WWP: Very Good


2009 Veramonte Ritual Pinot Noir
14% alc
$19.99

Nice long finish. I like this wine a lot but it's surprisingly "grippy" for a Pinot Noir which differentiates it from most Pinot Noir made in the US. A great overall package for less than $20. 

88/100 WWP: Very Good


2008 Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir
14% alc
$65

Though Cono Sur makes a very good entry-level Pinot Noir you can find for under $15. Only 50 cases of this high-end $65 bottling were imported to the US. That scarcity is unfortunate because this wine is gorgeous. What stands out about it is its purity - not a single off note anywhere in the bottle. Great wine.

92/100 WWP: Outstanding

Syrahs

2009 Tamaya Syrah Reserva
97% Syrah 3% Viognier
13.5% alc
$16.99

A very unique nose. Black pepper to the point it almost made me sneeze. A little volatile acidity perhaps? A little rough going on the palate. Kind of hard to switch gears from the Pinot Noirs to this.

82/100 WWP: Good

2006 Loma Large Syrah
14.5% alc
$29

Major smokeyness on this wine. Have you ever been to Disneyland? It reminds me of the smell you get when the Disneyland Railroad goes through the tunnels. You know - the part with the Grand Canyon and the dinos and all that? Beyond that there's substantial acidity and tannins. Definitely one to pair with food. 

84/100 WWP: Good

2009 Undurraga T.H. Syrah
13.5% alc
$24.99

The "Terroir Hunter". Friendly, fresh, fruity nose compared to the two previoius Syrah. A serious wine. Good dose of acidity. Tannins are present but the wine is smooth. Very nice. 

87/100 WWP: Very Good


2009 Hacienda Araucano Reserva Syrah
14.5% alc
$13

Pretty nose that wouldn't be out of place in a Napa Syrah. Warmer and richer than the prior three Syrah on the palate, but with substantial chewy tannins. Most similar of the bunch to what I'd expect from a Napa Syrah. Nice value at $13. 

86/100 WWP: Very Good

Conclusion and Recommendations

The story of the night for me was the quality of these Pinot Noir especially given most of them cost less than $20. The Cono Sur Ocio was beautiful but at $65 with only 50 cases imported it will be hard to find - and pricey. The style of these more affordable Pinot Noir reminds me of a clean Sonoma Coast style with higher acidity and more robust tannins.

The Veramonte Ritual, from the Quintessa portfolio, is one to check out given its wide availability. Shop for it on Wine-Searcher.com here.

As a group I wasn't blown away by the Syrah. It's been said it is easier to get rid of a case of pneumonia than a case of Syrah so I wonder: What will differentiate Chilean Syrah on US retailer shelves?

My thanks to the folks from Wines of Chile and the winemakers for sharing these wines and their time with us. Samples for review. 

Question of the Day: What do you think of cool climate Chilean Reds? Anything value plays you'd like to share?

Photos | Jay-Z, Beyonce, Bieber And More Nominated For 2010 BET Awards

Massachusetts Lawmakers to Hear Testimony on Wine Direct Shipping, Tuesday, May 10th

Everyone once in a while I get an E-mail I've been waiting a long time for and knock out a blog post immediately. Just now I received this press release from Free the Grapes about an important hearing this coming Tuesday in Massachusetts.

MA HB 1029 would finally, mercifully, allow direct shipment of wine from out of state wineries to Massachusetts residents.

Here's a quick Q&A with Free the Grapes:

WWP: What would you suggest MA wine consumers do to right now to help MA HB 1029 pass and allow direct shipment from out-of-state wineries to MA consumers?

Free the Grapes: We encourage Massachusetts wine lovers to express their support of wine direct shipping in their state by sending letters to the committee?s leadership through our website. Next week we will update the distribution list beyond the committee to include all MA legislators, in order for us to broaden the message. http://capwiz.com/freegrapes/issues/alert/?alertid=34295506

WWP: If the bill passes, how long until direct shipments become a reality?

Free the Grapes: It?s too early to tell. Like in other states, the licensing parameters and common carrier approvals precede issuing winery licenses. To use Maryland as an example, the bill will be signed by the Governor next week on 5/10, but the comptroller?s office is prepping documents and regulations to meet the law?s effective date of 7/1/11. This is common.

WWP: Would the bill allow direct shipments from out of state retailers to MA consumers?

Free the Grapes: No. The bill allows for wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Massachusetts consumers.

From the press release:

May 6, 2011, Napa, CA ?  On Tuesday, May 10 the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure will hold a public hearing to discuss House Bill 1029. Passage of this bill would mark an end to the state?s archaic ban on wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Massachusetts consumers, according to Free the Grapes!, the national coalition of consumers, wineries and retailers. www.freethegrapes.org

Hearing Details:

What: House Bill 1029
Who: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011; 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Massachusetts State House, Room A-1, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Bill Information: http://www.malegislature.gov/bills/187/house/h01029

HB 1029 conforms to the ruling Family Winemakers of California v. Jenkins, which was upheld by the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in January 2010. The lawsuit successfully challenged a 2006 Massachusetts statute banning winery-to-consumer shipments from wineries and wine companies producing more than 30,000 gallons per year, and who retain a wholesaler. The 30,000 gallon capacity cap was ruled to be discriminatory and the legislature was tasked with developing a remedy.

Introduced in February by Representative David M. Torrisi, HB 1029 is similar to the model direct shipping bill that is the foundation for statutes in the majority of U.S. states, providing legal, regulated direct shipping to consumers. Among other provisions, HB 1029 requires wineries to purchase a state-issued shipping license, to mark boxes as requiring an adult signature at delivery, and limits the quantity of wine shipped to individuals to 24 cases per year. The basis for HB 1029, the model direct shipping bill, was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and supported by the Federal Trade Commission.

Thirty-seven states and Washington D.C. ? but not Massachusetts ? allow licensed wineries to ship directly to consumers ? those states account for 83% of US wine consumption. Massachusetts is the seventh largest wine consumption state in the U.S. however it is one of 17 states that continue to ban winery-to-consumer direct shipments. Maryland Governor O?Malley is scheduled to sign House and Senate Bills later this month to allow winery direct shipping, which will make Maryland the 38th state to allow winery direct shipping.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Watch: The Red Band Trailer For The US Version Of ?The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo? Leaks Online

Watch: Kristin Stewart & Taylor Lautner Feature In New Promo Videos For The 2011 MTV Movie Awards

Twilight stars Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are among the nominees featured in promo videos for the 2011 MTV Movie Awards which will air LIVE on Sunday June 5. In the clips, K. Stew and Tay Tay meet Movie Awards host Jason Sudeikis in a couple of compromising positions. The clips are meant to be [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/NjtgdYJVnGI/

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Alan Kerr?s Vintage?s April 30th Release ? Tasting Notes

Chuckie Will Debut Michael Jackson Remix In Miami

Official 'Hollywood Tonight' remix coming to Miami Music Week.
By Akshay Bhansali


Chuckie
Photo: Jason Ano/ One and Only Productions

Leaving the South by Southwest festival, Lavo New York and Las Vegas' Marquee in his wake, house DJ Chuckie has his sights set on the week ahead. With Miami Music Week now upon us, Chuckie plans to seize the opportunity to debut new material. Fans will be tickled to know the Dutch producer has tracks in the can with Kelly Rowland and T-Pain, but when MTV News caught up with him Friday in New York, Chuckie shared the achievement of which he's most proud.

"I did a Michael Jackson remix, which was really scary — to touch Michael Jackson vocals," Chuckie said. "I did this remix for this track 'Hollywood Tonight.' I couldn't say it for a minute: The label called me, and they said, 'You can't say nothing about this. It's kind of a secret project.' It's gonna come out anytime now."

"Hollywood Tonight" was originally produced by Teddy Riley for Jackson's posthumous Michael album, and Chuckie's mix of the song will be the sole official remix of the track.

"I will play it Miami," Chuckie revealed. "I told them this is the best week to launch the remix. So it feels really good. I'm the only one remixing that Michael Jackson track, and they are considering it a single. For me, especially, it's an honor to remix the King of Pop because he died on my birthday."

So, will the mix be a thundering Chuckie Dutch house banger or will it have a melodic progressive house feel, like his Marquee remix of Diddy-Dirty Money's "I Hate That You Love Me"? Well, according to the "Let the Bass Kick" producer, fans will be getting a healthy dose of both.

"I had to bring in the raucous," Chuckie confessed. "Yeah, I did the Chuckie flavor, but then again, I wanted to make it really musical, so I went progressive (house) on it."

Chuckie will be performing twice at Miami Music Week: at the Cr2 Records Party at Wall Lounge on Wednesday, and then headlining "No Sugar Added" at Nikki Beach on Friday.

Are you excited to hear Chuckie's remix of Michael Jackson's "Hollywood Tonight"? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660345/michael-jackson-chuckie-remix.jhtml

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Attack on Prince Charles and Camilla: Worst Security Breach in Royal History?

'Wolverine' Targets Eight Directors To Replace Darren Aronofsky

'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' helmer Doug Liman and 'Training Day' 's Antoine Fuqua reportedly among those in contention.
By Eric Ditzian


Hugh Jackman in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"
Photo: Fox

In March, just as Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan" had crossed the $100 million mark domestically on its way to a superhero flick-like $310 million global haul, the director ditched his plans to helm an actual comic book film.

In announcing his plans to depart the Hugh Jackman-starring "The Wolverine," Aronofsky cited the project's lengthy production schedule and said, "I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time." Ever since, "Wolverine" has been wandering in the swirling winds of online rumors, as the likes of David Slade ("New Moon") and Duncan Jones ("The Source Code") were said to have interest in taking on helming duties.

Now, according to Variety, Fox has narrowed the directorial search to eight candidates: José Padilha ("Elite Squad 1"), Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith"), Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day"), Mark Romanek ("Never Let Me Go"), Justin Lin ("Fast Five"), Gavin O'Connor (the forthcoming "Warrior"), James Mangold ("Knight and Day") and Gary Shore (a director of commercials and a 'Wolverine' short film).

As Variety points out, the studio is targeting a diverse group of directors, from ones with blockbuster experience (Liman, Lin, Mangold) to music video skills (Romanek) to relatively untested talents (Shore). That's hardly a surprise. Aronofsky, after all, had been known as more of an art-house darling than a director ready — and interested — in taking on more commercial fare.

Although Fox is pushing forward with "Wolverine," the project still has many question marks clouding its future. The film is said to take place largely in Japan, and the recent earthquakes there have reportedly disrupted plans to shoot on location.

"Fox is very anxious to make the movie and we're moving ahead full steam to find another director," Jackman said in March. "We need to find another director and once we've found that, we'll be able to know."

Who would you like to see at the helm of "Wolverine"? Tell us in the comments!

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664610/the-wolverine-director.jhtml

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Exciting News

I have all but abandoned this blog and, for that, I am sorry. I am, however, going to get back to it because... wait for it, wait for it... I'm moving to LA for six months starting in June and I'm going to share every dirty detail with you!

You see, Mark and my good friend Patty are executive producers of a new television show that will be taping in New York from June to November. Instead of him getting his own apartment here, we thought it would be more fun to trade places. It's going to be like The Holiday and I get to be Kate Winslet. I'M GOING TO HAVE A CAR AND EVERYTHING. (Watch. Out.)

I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and have other friends out there besides him. Also, the movie is being released at the end of September, so it will be fun to be out there for that.

So anyway, that's what I've been up to—planning all this and getting ready for my (temporary) move. Stay tuned!

Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/3/29/exciting-news.html

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Facebook, Netflix in Talks for Partnership