Revel in this hot theme by pairing the newest release from Whitehall Lane, the 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc with this Rockin’ Rockefeller Oyster recipe.  This young, fresh white wines have plenty of crisp acidity and plenty of palate pizzazz.  Enjoy!

Rockin’ Rockefeller Oysters

• 48 fresh, unopened oysters
• 2 tablespoons fine bread crumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, 1 clove crushed
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 7 black peppercorns
• seasoned salt to taste

Directions:   Clean oysters and place in a large stockpot.  Pour in enough water to cover oysters; add 2 cloves garlic, seasoned salt and peppercorns.  Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, drain and cool.  Once oysters are cooled, break off and discard the top shell.  Arrange the oysters on a baking sheet.  Preheat oven to 425 deg.  Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.  Cook onion and garlic in butter until soft.  Reduce heat to love and stir in spinach, Monterey Jack, fontina, and mozzarella.  Cook until cheese melts, stirring frequently.  Stir in the milk, and season with salt and pepper.  Spoon sauce over each oyster, just filling the shell.  Sprinkle with bread crumbs.  Bake until golden and bubbly, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

Art was a winemaker for 40 years, was an original support of Napa Valley Wine Auction, was ardently faithful to our local wine industry, and was an esteemed and admired part of our vintner community.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 13 at 11am at Congregation Beth Sholom located at 1455 Elm Street in Napa.  Read more about Art’s life.

“Creating music from an instrument, ceramics from a lump of clay, or a great meal from fresh foods all represent forms of art to me.  But to take grape vines, farm them to produce the highest quality fruit and then turn them into wine… well, this process gets me closer to and more appreciative of whatever higher power there may be out there than anything else.  It has to be the most complete and challenging of all art forms.  I continue to be amazed by it.” – Art Finkelstein

Wondering where to start?  Here are some basic guidelines for pairing Mexican food with wine.  I say guidelines because with wine there really are no rules:

• avoid big tannin, high-alcohol wines with light or spicy foods. If you’re eating lighter foods, the big wines will mask most of the delicate flavors, and if you’re eating spicy foods the high alcohol will just put your mouth on fire
• Opposites attract. For example, fatty foods with acidic wines make a wonderful pairing. Super spicy foods pair nicely with a slightly sweet wine with lower alcohol.

Now as for the food.  If you’re like me and waited till the very last minute to plan your Cinco de Mayo meal,  (wine list, check… menu…. opps!) don’t worry Food & Wine has some great last minute recipes and properly stated “for procrastinators.”  One of my favorites is this Chunky Guacamole with Cumin dish.  Simple, quick, and when paired with our 2008 Sauvignon Blanc with its aggressive citrus flavors…. Deliciouso!

What are some of your favorite wines with Mexican food?

Also be sure to check out these great Tax Day restaurant deals.  After all nothing goes better with  a discounted bottle of wine then a discounted meal:

• McCormick & Schmick’s: Offers today’s diners $10.40 certificate for future use. Many entrees are also discounted.
• P.F. Chang’s: 15% discount for those who eat there today.
• MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream: free single-scoop servings in their “e-cone-omic ice cream stimulus package” at participating treateries.
• Cinnabon: free bite-size cinnamon rolls from 5-8 p.m.
• Taco Del Mar: has a promotion titled, “Taxes Suck. Tacos Don’t.” Register on their website for a free taco coupon.
• T.G.I. Friday’s: $10 gift card for those who spend more than $25.
• Energy Kitchen, NY: Get a free lunch when you buy any beverage from noon- 2pm.

Know of any other great Tax Day deals or discounts?

Ashley’s main goal is to raise awareness about MS and inspire individuals across the nation to donate towards the cure of this disabling disease.  Want to help Ashley?  Make a charitable donation.

Thank you for making Whitehall part of your noble adventure and we look forward to celebrating your return. Read more about Ashley’s journey to Whitehall Lane on the MSRuntheUS blog.

Photos courtesy of Brian Anthony.

Most of the fun and excitement of Whitehall Lane’s March MAGNUM Madness comes about because this is the chance for the “lush and velvety” to knock out the “framed and powerful.”  Who will prevail?

The 2006 Napa Valley Merlot seems to have the necessary ingredients to pull off a major upset this year.  But don’t count the 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon out just yet.  With its big-time talent, 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and Wine News, and good mid-palate weight it will be tough to rattle this contender.

Assured victory?  That’s the buzz surrounding the 2006 Reserve Cabernet and 2007 Carneros Pinot match-up.  Can the classic offering count on its “elegance” and “smooth finish?” Or will the Pinot Noir have enough “toast” left on the “oak” to take down Goliath?  Our money is on the glass cork.

Probably the most anticipated match-up this season is a tale of sister rivalry.  The 2005 Rutherford Cabernet and 2005 St. Helena Cabernet were fermented and barrel aged in identical fashion resulting in two competitors that express the flavors and structure of their representative locations.  It will be an epic battle of “focus” and “finesse.” (We think it’s fun to taste these wines side by side and critique the delicious differences.)

What are your predictions?

This year eight blockbuster magnums will go head to head in what is being hailed as the Greatest Magnum Madness Tournament of the Decade.  Will the 2006 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet overwhelm its opponents with its size and power?  Or will the supremely confident 2006 Napa Merlot run roughshod to the Final Four?

Last year it was all about a team of destiny.  The 2005 Rutherford Cabernet won a stunning upset over  the much sought after 2005 Reserve Cabernet.  The 2005 Reserve didn’t make the tournament this year but the 2006 Reserve Cabernet secured a last minute at-large birth.  Could this new comer with its “smooth” delivery take it all?  Stay tuned.

In the meantime you can enjoy the Elite Eight for $740 (shipping included) or pick a couple of your favorites. Get in the game!  And in true March Madness fashion, we’ve created brackets…

Things You Will Need:
- Whitehall Lane Wines
- Oscar themed invitations
- Oscar Ballots, pens  (download your 2010_oscar_ballot here)
- Microphone
- Movie Posters
- Party Food
- Television
- Fake Oscar Statue
- Wine Glasses
- Polaroid Camera
- Red Carpet

TIPS:
- Send out custom invitations. Evite has some great electronic options.
- Request your guests to wear formal award attire.
- Dress for the Oscars. Have fun with it! Wear your jewels, gowns, & tuxes.
- Make a 90-minute mix tape of recognizable movie themes to play in the background.
- Announce guests over a microphone as they arrive. For example, “And now please welcome last year’s winner of the best winemaker, Dean Sylvester.”
-Roll out a Red Carpet in your Foyer and set up mini spotlights to create drama.
- Take polaroid’s of your guests “Red Carpet” Experience.
- Download Oscar ballot. Have your guests fill out their picks prior to the show. The guest with the most correct will win the faux Oscar.

Lastly, sit back, relax, sip some Whitehall wine and enjoy the Oscars!

We hope to see you all at the next “Pick Up” party scheduled for May 16, 2010.  Mark those calendars!