Category Archives: California Grill

1997-3 Blind Pairs

Number 22 —  June, 1997

 

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Saturday, June 21st, 1997 at 3 PM.  Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM, and we will have the room until 7 PM.

 

Appetizer:              Assorted California Pizzas

Salad:                    Muzuna Greens

Veggie Course:    Brick Oven Baked Skillet of Market Vegetables Gratinee

Fish Course:        Peppered Yellowfin Tuna Seared Rare, Pickled Vegetables, Funky Maki

Dessert:                                Pineapple Sorbet, Summer Fruits, Angel Food Cake

 

The theme of this event is Blind Pairs:

 

1967 Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon
1966 Ch. Harpe Sarpe Red Bordeaux
     
1966 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon
1966 Ch. Haut Brion Red Bordeaux
     
1963 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
1964 Ch. Lafite Red Bordeaux
     
1959 Charles Krug Burgundy
1959 Ch. Grand Puy Ducasse Red Bordeaux

 

Here’s a real opportunity to embarrass ourselves!

 

Also, with dessert, we’ll be pouring a 1969 Ch. d’Yquem.

 

Auction Action

None.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance

118.64
California Grill Dinner (3/15/97)

-600.00
Dues Payable (From 9/97)

65.00
Dues Payable (6/21/97)

1540.00
1969 d’Yquem

-400.00
Balance

723.64

 

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

 

1997-2 Return of the Curry

Number 21 —  February, 1997

 

Auction Action

Remember that incredible “curry” wine, the 1937 Chateau Cheval Blanc?  It was the hit of our very first Wine Syndicate meeting, and remains the best wine that many of us have ever tasted.  Well, we’ve got some more!  After searching almost five years, at this January’s Butterfield and Butterfield auction we purchased five more bottles of the ’37 Cheval.  Also acquired was an assortment of early 60’s Inglenook Cabernet. These wines are featured at our next event.

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Saturday, March 15th at 2 PM.  Dinner will be served at 4:00 PM, and we will have the room until 6 PM.  This tasting is an hour earlier than usual, because of tasting room scheduling constraints.

 

Appetizer:              Assorted California Pizzas

Salad:                    Field Greens w/ Cabernet Vinaigrette and Crumbled Maytag Blue Cheese

Fish Course:        Pan Roasted Rock Shrimp and Lemongrass Risotto w/ Kaffir Lime Essence

Meat Course:        Barbecue Grilled Beef Filet w/ Organic Potato and Leek Gratin

Dessert:                                Meyer Lemon and “Laura Chenel’s Chevre” Cheesecake

 

1994 Venezia White Meritage 20
1993 Steele, DuPratt Vineyard Chardonnay 28
1993 La Crema, Grand Cuvee Chardonnay 16
1994 Guenoc, Genevieve Magoon Chardonnay 25
1995 J. Lohr Chardonnay 13
1992 Guenoc, Bella Vista Cabernet Sauvignon 29
1991 Cardinale Red Meritage 55
1962 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 50
1963 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 50
1937 Chateau Cheval Blanc Red Bordeaux 240
      526

 

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance

260.73
California Grill Dinner (3/15/97)

-600.00
Dues Paid

900.00
Dues Payable (From 9/97)

65.00
Dues Payable (From 1/97)

150.00
Dues Payable (3/15/97)

1540.00
Retail Purchases

-197.09
Auction Purchases (shipping estimated)

-2000.00
Balance

118.64

 

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

 

1996-3 Big Names

Number 19 —  July, 1996

 

The Wages of Syn

This tasting gives us a rare opportunity to sample some of the world’s best efforts over the last half century all in one “Synful” evening!  The theme of this tasting will be “The Best of the Best”.  Since the Syndicate cellar’s inventory has been structured for breadth in certain wines as opposed to obtaining singular stellar bottles, we have raided the Alcorn cellar for this event.  The prices listed are current auction prices (about ½ of retail) which would be paid by the Syndicate – Al, please independently verify that these prices are fair to the group.  The wines (drum roll please) are:

1962 Dom Perignon Champagne France 150
1961 Ch. Haut Brion Blanc White Bordeaux France 280
1947 Ch. Cheval Blanc Red Bordeaux France 675
1979 Romanee Conti Red Burgundy France 780
1981 Ch. Petrus Red Bordeaux France 300
1990 Dunn Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 90
1980 Ch. d’Yquem Sauterne France 300
        2575

 

This tasting will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Saturday, July 27 at 3 PM.  Dinner will be served at 4:45 PM, and we will have the room until 7 PM.  To be honest, we don’t have the menu nailed down as of this writing – George hasn’t let us down yet though so it will be a surprise.  We originally were thinking of pairing these wines with food, but it seems a crime to mess with perfection.  Hence, the first 6 will be poured in the order listed prior to dinner – the Ch. d’Yquem  will follow dessert.

Treasurer’s Report

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the next event.

 Previous Balance

1855.73
California Grill Overage (4/20)

-35.00
California Grill Dinner (7/27)

-525.00
Dues Paid

220.00
Dues Payable

1320.00
Purchases

-2575.00
Balance

260.73

1996-2 Petite Sirah

Number 18 —  April, 1996

 

It’s Time for Some Chewy Wines

At our last tasting the most popular wine was a Stag’s Leap Petite Sirah donated by George.  Taking our cue from that, this months tasting will feature eight Petite Sirahs, and a couple of ringers.  Please note that we will be convening at 2:30 p.m. this time, because of scheduling constraints on the wine room.

Treasurer’s Report

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the next event.  As before, this sum includes the complete cost of dinner and the cellar fund for the quarter.

 Previous Balance

1860.73
California Grill Overage (1/14)

-35.00
California Grill Dinner (4/20)

-525.00
Dues Paid

220.00
Dues Payable

1320.00
Auction Purchases

-985.00
Balance

$ 1855.73

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Sunday, April 20th, 1996 at 2:30p.m.  Dinner will be served at 4:15 p.m., and we will have the room until 6:30 p.m.

George Miliotes has arranged for the following prix fixe dinner to follow our formal tasting:

Appetizer:         Assorted California Pizzas

Soup:                Spicy Lemon Grass Broth

Fish Course:      Seared Tuna w/ Asian Slaw & Black Bean/Mango Salsa

“Meat” Course:  Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with Shitake Mushrooms, Sweet Basil & Sundried  Tomatoes

Dessert:            Rangpur Lime and a Bunch of Stuff I Forgot to Write Down Sorbet

 

The cost of approximately $35 per person includes corkage, tax and a 15% gratuity.  (This sum has been added to the $75 quarterly dues listed above.)  Truly exceptional service will be recognized by an additional gratuity added to the group’s tab.  George may sample some of our wines if his time permits.

The theme of this tasting will be “Spit Out the Pits”.  There are two ringers.  The wines, in no particular order, are:

1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1976 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1978 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Petite Sirah Napa 35
1973 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah Napa 35
1976 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah Napa 35
1977 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah Napa 35
1979 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah Napa 35
1980 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah Napa 25
1974 BV Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 35
1964 Ch. Lafite Rothschild Red Bordeaux 110
395

Auction Action

At the Butterfield & Butterfield, January 20th auction we purchased the following wines:

1966 Ch. Haut Brion Red Bordeaux 110
1980 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah Napa 25
1976 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1973 Stag’s Leap Vineyard Petite Sirah Napa 25
1961 Ch. Lafite Rothschild Red Bordeaux 110
1961 Ch. Lafite Rothschild Red Bordeaux 110
1978 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Petite Sirah Napa 35
1974 Louis Martini Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 35
1969 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 35
1970 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Alex. Valley 35
1970 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Alex. Valley 35
1970 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Alex. Valley 35
1970 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Alex. Valley 35
1968 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 55
1964 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 25
1960 BV Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 35
1968 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 35
1965 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 25
1969 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 35
985

 

 

1996-1 Through the Decades

Number 17 —  January, 1996

 

Happy 1996!

Our October 7th tasting featured a lot of great Georges de Latour.  The favorite was the 1960, followed by the 1968.

Treasurer’s Report

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the next event.  As before, this sum includes the complete cost of dinner and the cellar fund for the quarter.

 

Previous Balance

880.73
California Grill Overage (10/7)

-35.00
California Grill Dinner (1/14)

-525.00
Dues Paid

220.00
Dues Payable

1320.00
Balance

$ 1860.73

Auction Action

None, due to the holidays.  Next auction is Butterfield & Butterfield, January 20th.  We’ll discuss the lots on the 14th.

 

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Sunday, January 14th, 1996 at 3:00p.m.  As before, dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., and we will have the room until 7:00 p.m.

George Miliotes has arranged for the following prix fixe dinner to follow our formal tasting:

Appetizer:         Assorted Pizzas

Salad:               Caesar

Fish Course:      Yoshie’s Sushi Sampler

Meat Course:     Spicy Lamb & Black Bean Chili with Peppered Corn Bread

Dessert:            Lemon Sorbet with Honey Orange Sauce

Coffee, Tea, Non-alcoholic Beverages

 

The cost of approximately $35 per person includes corkage, tax and a 15% gratuity.  (This sum has been added to the $75 quarterly dues listed above.)  Truly exceptional service will be recognized by an additional gratuity added to the group’s tab.  George may sample some of our wines if his time permits.

The theme of this tasting will be “Through the Decades”, and will feature a pair of red Bordeaux and California wines from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.  The pairs will be poured blind, just to see who we can fool.

1941 Ch. Latour Red
1958 Ch. Ausone Red
1962 Ch. Cheval Blanc Red
1974 Ch. Lafite Rothschild Red
1981 Ch. Cos d’Estournel Red
1947 Louis Martini Barbera
1959 Inglenook Cask F-6 Cabernet Sauvignon
1963 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
1974 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1982 Windsor Cabernet Sauvignon
1981 Ch. d’Yquem Sauternes

 

1995-4 BV Georges de la Tour

Number 16 —  September, 1995

 

So Long Howard, Hello Dick & Priscilla

This quarter we bid a fond farewell to Howard Fox, our first departing charter member.  Per our bylaws, Howard has sold his share of the syndicate cellar to Dick and Priscilla Robinson, at its prorated value.  Dick and Priscilla will join us for the first time at our October 7th tasting.  Welcome!

Treasurer’s Report

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the next event.  As before, this sum includes the complete cost of dinner and the cellar fund for the quarter.

 

Previous Balance

-169.27
California Grill Dinner (10/7)

-490.00
Dues Paid

220.00
Dues Payable

1320.00
Balance

$ 880.73

Auction Action

No acquisitions.  Bidding will resume this quarter.

 

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Saturday, October 7th, 1995 at 3:00p.m.  As before, dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., and we will have the room to ourselves until 7:00 p.m.

We have attempted to “lighten up” the menu somewhat from our last tasting.  George Miliotes has arranged for the following prix fixe dinner to follow our formal tasting:

Appetizer:         Assorted California Pizza

Salad:               Field Greens with Cabernet Vinaigrette and Chive Ricotta Toast

Fish Course:      Yoshie’s Sushi Platter

Meat Course:     Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Polenta and Balsamic Smothered Mushrooms

Dessert:            Berries in Broth with Angel Food Cake and Basil Sherbert

Coffee, Tea, Non-alcoholic Beverages

 

The cost per person is $35 including corkage, tax and a 15% gratuity.  (This sum has been added to the $75 quarterly dues listed above.)  Truly exceptional service will be recognized by an additional gratuity added to the group’s tab.  George may sample some of our wines if his time permits.

This tasting will be a Georges de Latour vertical, and will consist of the following wines, served blind.

1960

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 80
1965

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 55
1966

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 55
1968

BV Cabernet Sauvignon

 40
1968

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 80
1969

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 55
1970

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 55
1973

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 55
1974

BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve

 55
1966

Ch. Suduiraut

 90
 

Tasting Value

 $ 620

1995-3 Blind Flights

Number 15 —  July, 1995

 

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at the California Grill, Saturday, July 15th, 1995 at 3:00p.m.  The California Grill is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Hotel at Walt Disney World.  We have arranged for a semi-private room (with view) and service help.  We will have the room to ourselves until sometime during dinner.

As we have individually discussed over the past few weeks, starting this quarter the Syndicate will arrange for a prix fixe wine tasting dinner to follow our formal tasting, and will prepay for the event from our dues.  It is our hope that by arranging the menu in advance, we may be able to better select wines to accompany the meal and to have an opportunity to sample a greater variety of cuisine.

Manager George Miliotes and his assistant Patricia have graciously assisted us in assembling the following special 5 course menu:

Appetizer:         Assorted California Pizza

Soup:                Scallop & Lemongrass Soup (slightly spicy)

Fish Course:      Pan Seared Tuna with Asian Slaw and Black Bean Cake

Meat Course:     Oak Fired Beef Filet with Sonoma Foie Gras Butter and Zinfandel Glaze

Dessert:            Mocha Creme Brulee with Almond Biscotti

Coffee, Tea, Non-alcoholic Beverages

 

The cost per person is $35 including corkage, tax and a 15% gratuity.  Truly exceptional service may be recognized individually at your discretion.

Special note for Disney employees:

This event has been negotiated on the basis of the Alcorn family’s Food & Wine membership only  – not as an employee function.  You are going as private citizens – RELAX.

This tasting’s theme will again be “Blind Flights”, and will consist of the following wines, served blind.  Hints will be provided.  If you want to do some homework, here are your choices:

1982 Dom Perignon Champagne
1960 Martin Ray Pinot Noir
1967 Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon
1969 BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1974 Sonoma Vineyards Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon
1966 Ch. Margaux Red
1974 Meursault-Genevrieres White
1977 Burgess Chardonnay
1989 St. Supery Chardonnay
1975 Ch. Les Justices Sauternes
1992 Guenoc Port

 

Auction Action

None, we’re broke!

Treasurer’s Report

Please bring your dues of $105 per person to the next event.

 

Previous Balance

-1147.27
California Grill Dinner (7/15)

-490.00
Guenoc Port (2)

-32.00
Dues Paid

210.00
Dues Payable

1260.00
Balance

-199.27