Wine Club Newsletter - March 2015
$3,750 Bottle of Wine Causes Big Flap
At Bobby Flay Restaurant
A $3,750 bottle of wine at one of Bobby Flay’s restaurants has stirred up quite a bit of drama. One diner says he was taken advantage of during a recent business dinner, but those with Bobby Flay Steak at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa say they stand behind how they handled it. Just what went down?
As NJ.com notes, Joe Lentini was out with a group at the Atlantic City eatery when he asked the server to recommend “something decent” since he's not an experienced wine drinker. The server is said to have pointed to a bottle on the menu and because Lentini didn't have his glasses, he asked her the price. He says that her reply was “Thirty-seven fifty,” so he ordered the bottle.
A big shock came, however, when the bill arrived and it included a $3,750 bottle of Screaming Eagle Oakville 2011 wine. Lentini says that based on what the server told him, he thought the cost was $37.50. After calling the server over to say he never would have ordered such an expensive bottle, frustrated that she would have recited the price the way she did, the manager was called over as well.
Ultimately the restaurant, Lentini and two others from the party agreed to a cost of $2,200 for the bottle. Others from the business dinner say they overheard Lentini talk to the server and also heard the wine price recited as “thirty-seven fifty,” rather than “three-thousand, seven-hundred and fifty” as most would say it should have been recited.
Borgata says it thoroughly investigated the incident and it believes that proper practices were followed. They say that both the server and sommelier verified the wine with Lentini. They indicate that they even have surveillance video of the interaction, though it does not have audio and they would not share it with NJ.com. They add that the dinner host confirmed the price of the wine with the restaurant before it was opened, but he chose not to say anything to management.
The restaurant insists that there was no misunderstanding in the incident and they refuse to let “the threat of a negative story that includes so many unaccounted and questionable statements to disparage our integrity and standards.” The host of the business dinner says that he did learn of the price of the $3,750 bottle before dinner ended, but after the bottle had already been open. Since it was already open, and perhaps already consumed, he chose not to make an issue of it in the midst of the dinner.
While the restaurant stands behind how they handled it, and some think Lentini's version of the ordeal seems sketchy, others think the server may well have mishandled the incident. Not many people will casually order a $3,750 bottle of wine during a business dinner, so it would seem wise for the restaurant to go to great lengths to ensure the price is made clear. Some also note that if the diner asked for a recommendation, the server jumping to such an expensive bottle, when there are many offerings at the restaurant under the $50 price-point, seems a bit sketchy.
If indeed the server quoted the price as “thirty-seven fifty,” most would say that seems misleading at best when it's a $3,750 bottle in question. Though the restaurant says they investigated and stand behind their staff, they've offered up little else in the way of explanation on this one. Regardless of what actually happened, this incident certainly serves as a cautionary tale for anybody asking servers for wine recommendations at restaurants so they can avoid a similar $3,750 bottle price misunderstanding.
My Comments:
As you might imagine, I have a view of this that tends to side with the restaurant. I am sure you have heard many people say the restaurant business is tough, and here is a prime example of something that can go wrong, providing angst for the owner and the business itself.
After reading this article, I looked over the Bobby Flay wine list to gain a better understanding of what may have taken place. My first observation was that the wine list has its wines listed by price, lowest to highest, in every category. The wine the gentleman ordered was the last Cabernet Sauvignon on the list, meaning the most expensive one they had. In fact, it was $1,800 more expensive than the one closest to it.
Also, there are no wine prices that have $.50 on them, and out of a list of hundreds of wines, only about 20 of them are under $40. Most of the wines are in the hundreds-of-dollars price range. If you’re dining at a restaurant of this caliber, you are not going to find wines priced with broken dollar amounts, and you are not going to find ANYTHING that you might consider a bargain.
I think the notion that he didn’t have his glasses on or with him was a ploy to perhaps bargain for the wine or get it for free, using the threat of exposing Flay’s restaurant in a negative light through various sources of today’s instant media resources.
In any event, you don’t go to a place like this and ask the server to pick out something good without reviewing the price thoroughly. Finally, the restaurant sommelier also came by and verified the wine with the host.
Anyway, I was surprised how the general public sided with the diner in the section for outside comments. Here is the link to the story and the comments.
If you wish to express any of your thoughts to me, please feel free to email me at gparker@winesellar.com
Pinot Noir, La Rochelle, Santa Lucia Highlands
Trio Of Pinot, Appellation Series, La Rochelle
This month I am providing a bit of variation in regards to our standard tasting notes. I have selected The La Rochelle Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands for our Two-Rouge Club, as I felt it was the superior of the three Appellation wines. All three selections went to the Gary Parker Collection this month. I though it would be interesting for you to read about the appellations. All are exceptional! (GP)
A progressive California winery, La Rochelle has embarked on an interesting, insightful, progressive, innovative approach to making and presenting wines. Instead of a standard wine from a particular vintage, they have chosen to make one wine from multiple vintages, but from only one area for each one.
This defines the vineyard and the tendencies of its location, the clone of the vines planted, the sunlight it receives, temperature variations from day to night, winter to summer, cats and dogs living together. You know, the whole gamut.
The Pinot Noirs from each region have their own distinctive characteristics. The winery touches on those briefly, but I have a general note for you about each, as well as tasting notes for each wine. This would make a great tasting with your wine buff friends!!!
From the Winery:
Our Appellation Series wines are crafted to express the complex individuality of California’s finest Pinot Noir AVAs. We start by selecting lots from complementary clones and vineyard sites within the region. Every component of the blend adds to the overall complexity, texture and balance of the finished wine. For these small lot releases, to achieve even greater grace and elegance, we chose to combine multiple vintages as well.
Santa Lucia Highlands:
The more mature vintage contributes a velvety texture, and well developed flavors, traditionally revealed in the great wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The fresh young wine adds mouth-watering acidity and creates the structure for a beautiful, long finish.
Anderson Valley:
The older selections contribute softness, and deep, ripe intensity, while the younger wine adds freshness and bright, ethereal qualities, which are the hallmark in cooler regions like the Anderson Valley.
Santa Cruz Mountains:
The mature older selections contribute softness, and deep, round body and intensity. The younger wine contributes additional layers of fresh fruit and bright, ethereal qualities, which are the characteristic of cooler coastal regions like Santa Cruz Mountains.
La Rochelle Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Growing Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, California
Varietal Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Barrel Fermentation
Cases Produced: About 150 of each Appellation
Suggested Retail: $42.00
WineSellar Club Case Price: $35.99
Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation:
General Findings:
Just southeast of the Monterey Peninsula, this recent Appellation got its foothold in the mid 1980s. It is now recognized as a premier provider for “New World” Pinot Noir (as well as for Chardonnay and Syrah.) For my general definition of their wines, I think of well-structured, rich, complex wines that can possess very, very high standards of quality and complexity.
La Rochelle Santa Lucia Highlands Tasting Notes:
I left all the La Rochelle Pinot Noirs open for three days, and this one held up the best, an excellent indication of its potential to age in the bottle. It has great structure and presence in the palate, with lively fruit and acids providing for a gratifying, mouthwatering experience. Stone fruit, plum, rose petals and honeysuckle. Almond Roca, caramel and hazelnuts. Look for some smokiness and BBQ notes as well. About 150 cases produced. Delicious!
Anderson Valley Appellation:
General Findings:
For me, wines from the Anderson Valley are generally fruit-driven, both on the nose and in the palate. They can be dense, typically not too tannic, and provide friendly drinking wine. They can also become quite complex, depending on vineyard location, the annual growing conditions, as well as the skills of the winemaker.
La Rochelle Anderson Valley Tasting Notes:
Good fruit presence, ripe but still retaining a good line of acid. Floral meets root beer. Milk chocolate, caramel, molasses, graham cracker, cappuccino, and pistachio, while holding on to a touch of mineral and hot stones element. The slightly tannic finish holds good promise for cellaring.
Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation:
General Findings:
Santa Cruz Mountain wines have a varied association of characteristics for me. The wines from here are grown at varied elevations, which makes a significant difference on how the grapes mature. Mount Eden, probably one of my highest esteemed wineries, has been producing world-class wines since the mid 1970s. Others, not so much
La Rochelle Santa Cruz Mountains Tasting Notes:
Deep, dense fruit with a tall, vertical structure. Spices, such as nutmeg and black pepper. Nice touch of vanilla bouncing off the sweet cherry fruit. Floral/perfumed aromatics include violets and roses, with notes of dark earth and truffle.
2013 Cotes du Rhone Rosé, Domaine Pierre Usseglio
Growing Region: Southern Rhone Valley, France
Varietal Blend: 90% Grenache, 10% Cinsault
Fermentation: Stainless Steel Tanks
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $22.00
WineSellar Club Case Price: $17.09
Broad Strokes:
Domaine Pierre Usseglio is heralded as one of the finest producers of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and many of their wines garner 94-96 points every year. So when I saw this Rosé from them, a rarity, as they have just started producing it, my mouth was watering with anticipation. Let me tell you, I was more than pleased with the wine, and am happily kicking my heels with the pleasure and pride to offer this to my WineSellar Club Members. Scoring 90 Points at Cellar Tracker.
Appearance:
I like the clear bottle, as you know, as it is a window into the character of the wine. A beautiful salmon/copper color is radiant. The wine is perfectly clear. I love the new contemporary style label they use for this product. Their Chateauneuf-du-Pape label has remained essentially the same for decades.
Nose:
Delicate, yet expressive and intoxicating floral type aromatics emerge from the glass. Grenache is dominant, providing cherry and strawberry notes. Also loved the peppermint, herbs, and roasted pistachio elements.
Texture:
Medium to medium-light in weight, it enters the mouth with a nice touch of lively, yet ripe, citrus-style acid. The finish is clean and long, not sweet in any fashion.
Flavors:
Tasting such a delicate wine that is producing so many different flavors kept me in a kind of wonderment, and looking into the glass with amazement. Strawberry, red cherry, white raspberry, ginger flower, white peach, cider, toasted almonds, vanilla wafer, and rainwater were some of the flavors we pulled from this pale, most agreeable gem.
Serving Suggestions:
Lighter foods, light cheeses, or all by itself, snacks, picnics, the wine is clearly a joy to drink for many occasions, special ones, or just hanging out. Drink over the next 12 months.
2013 Cotes du Rhone Rosé, Domaine Pierre Usseglio
Growing Region: Southern Rhone Valley, France
Varietal Blend: 90% Grenache, 10% Cinsault
Fermentation:Stainless Steel Tanks
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $22.00
WineSellar Club Case Price: $17.09
Broad Strokes:
Domaine Pierre Usseglio is heralded as one of the finest producers of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and many of their wines garner 94-96 points every year. So when I saw this Rosé from them, a rarity, as they have just started producing it, my mouth was watering with anticipation. Let me tell you, I was more than pleased with the wine, and am happily kicking my heels with the pleasure and pride to offer this to my WineSellar Club Members. Scoring 90 Points at Cellar Tracker.
Appearance:&
I like the clear bottle, as you know, as it is a window into the character of the wine. A beautiful salmon/copper color is radiant. The wine is perfectly clear. I love the new contemporary style label they use for this product. Their Chateauneuf-du-Pape label has remained essentially the same for decades.
Nose:
Delicate, yet expressive and intoxicating floral type aromatics emerge from the glass. Grenache is dominant, providing cherry and strawberry notes. Also loved the peppermint, herbs, and roasted pistachio elements.
Texture:
Medium to medium-light in weight, it enters the mouth with a nice touch of lively, yet ripe, citrus-style acid. The finish is clean and long, not sweet in any fashion.
Flavors:
Tasting such a delicate wine that is producing so many different flavors kept me in a kind of wonderment, and looking into the glass with amazement. Strawberry, red cherry, white raspberry, ginger flower, white peach, cider, toasted almonds, vanilla wafer, and rainwater were some of the flavors we pulled from this pale, most agreeable gem.
Serving Suggestions:
Lighter foods, light cheeses, or all by itself, snacks, picnics, the wine is clearly a joy to drink for many occasions, special ones, or just hanging out. Drink over the next 12 months.
Trio Of Pinot, Appellation Series, La Rochelle
A progressive California winery, La Rochelle has embarked on an interesting, insightful, progressive, innovative approach to making and presenting wines. Instead of a standard wine from a particular vintage, they have chosen to make one wine from multiple vintages, but from only one area for each one.
This defines the vineyard and the tendencies of its location, the clone of the vines planted, the sunlight it receives, temperature variations from day to night, winter to summer, cats and dogs living together. You know, the whole gamut.
The Pinot Noirs from each region have their own distinctive characteristics. The winery touches on those briefly, but I have a general note for you about each, as well as tasting notes for each wine. This would make a great tasting with your wine buff friends!!!
Cases Produced: About 150 of each Appellation
Suggested Retail: $42.00
WineSellar Club Case Price: $35.99
From the Winery:
Our Appellation Series wines are crafted to express the complex individuality of California’s finest Pinot Noir AVAs. We start by selecting lots from complementary clones and vineyard sites within the region. Every component of the blend adds to the overall complexity, texture and balance of the finished wine. For these small lot releases, to achieve even greater grace and elegance, we chose to combine multiple vintages as well.
Anderson Valley:
The older selections contribute softness, and deep, ripe intensity, while the younger wine adds freshness and bright, ethereal qualities, which are the hallmark in cooler regions like the Anderson Valley.
Santa Cruz Mountains:
The mature older selections contribute softness, and deep, round body and intensity. The younger wine contributes additional layers of fresh fruit and bright, ethereal qualities, which are the characteristic of cooler coastal regions like Santa Cruz Mountains.
Santa Lucia Highlands:
The more mature vintage contributes a velvety texture, and well developed flavors, traditionally revealed in the great wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The fresh young wine adds mouth-watering acidity and creates the structure for a beautiful, long finish.
Anderson Valley Appellation:
General Findings:
For me, wines from the Anderson Valley are generally fruit-driven, both on the nose and in the palate. They can be dense, typically not too tannic, and provide friendly drinking wine. They can also become quite complex, depending on vineyard location, the annual growing conditions, as well as the skills of the winemaker.
La Rochelle Anderson Valley Tasting Notes:
Good fruit presence, ripe but still retaining a good line of acid. Floral meets root beer. Milk chocolate, caramel, molasses, graham cracker, cappuccino, and pistachio, while holding on to a touch of mineral and hot stones element. The slightly tannic finish holds good promise for cellaring.
Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation:
General Findings:
Santa Cruz Mountain wines have a varied association of characteristics for me. The wines from here are grown at varied elevations, which makes a significant difference on how the grapes mature. Mount Eden, probably one of my highest esteemed wineries, has been producing world-class wines since the mid 1970s. Others, not so much
La Rochelle Santa Cruz Mountains Tasting Notes:
Deep, dense fruit with a tall, vertical structure. Spices, such as nutmeg and black pepper. Nice touch of vanilla bouncing off the sweet cherry fruit. Floral/perfumed aromatics include violets and roses, with notes of dark earth and truffle.
Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation:
General Findings:
Just southeast of the Monterey Peninsula, this recent Appellation got its foothold on the mid 1980s. It is now recognized as a premier provider for “New World” Pinot Noir (as well as for Chardonnay and Syrah). For my general definition of their wines, I think of well-structured, rich, complex wines that can possess very, very high standards of quality and complexity.
La Rochelle Santa Lucia Highlands Tasting Notes:
I left all the La Rochelle Pinot Noirs open for three days, and this one held up the best, an excellent indication of its potential to age in the bottle. It has great structure and presence in the palate, with lively fruit and acids providing for a gratifying, mouth watering experience. Stone fruit, plum, rose petals and honeysuckle. Almond Roca, caramel and hazelnuts. Look for some smokiness and BBQ notes as well. Delicious!
Grilled Chicken with Roasted Garlic-Oregano Vinaigrette and Grilled Fingerling Potatoes
In conjunction with the article in this month’s newsletter, I thought I would throw Bobby Flay a bone of sympathy and use his recipe. Will be great with the 2013 Pierre Usseglio Rose!
Ingredients:
For the roasted garlic-oregano vinaigrette:
- 8 cloves roasted garlic
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
For the grilled chicken and potatoes:
- 12 fingerling potatoes, scrubbed
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- 4 (8-ounce) bone-in chicken breasts
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh oregano sprigs, for garnish
- Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish
Method:
For the roasted garlic-oregano vinaigrette:
- Combine garlic, vinegar, oregano, parsley, honey and salt in a blender and blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and process until emulsified. Stir in the red chile flakes.
For the grilled chicken and potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until a paring knife inserted comes out with some resistance. Do not cook the potatoes all the way through because they will continue cooking on the grill. Drain well and when cool enough to handle, slice in half lengthwise.
- Heat the grill to medium.
- Brush the chicken and potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, 6 to 7 minutes. Turn the chicken over and continue grilling until just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. A few minutes before the chicken has finished cooking, place the potatoes on the grill, cut-side down and cook until lightly golden brown, about 2 minutes. Turn over and continue grilling about a minute longer. Remove the chicken and potatoes to a platter and immediately drizzle with the roasted garlic-oregano vinaigrette. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with oregano sprigs and parsley sprigs.