April 15, 2011
Final Four 2011
Madness Update: Cinderella and the Fab Four
The Club Room was hopping over the weekend with March Magnum Madness regional competition that stained the hardwood and some teeth. Everyone was looking for an underdog to show up big. But there are no underdogs when all the wines are great!
That said, the number one seed 2006 Leonardini Cabernet came to play. It brought ample tannins and went deep on the 2005 Cabernet, Napa. The 2005 came in with its 93 point rating and awesome blend of Cab, Merlot and Malbec. But the Leo brought too much brooding fruit and was declared the winner.
In other regional play, two youngsters went up against veterans. The 2007 Merlot declared itself the Cinderella favorite by showing its youthful aromas and nifty balance over the 2006 Napa Cabernet. It went down to the wire. Both bottles were just about spent when the 07 Merlot called time out. Breadsticks were distributed to try and snap the taste buds back. It worked and the 07 Merlot moves on, as does the 2007 Cabernet.
The 2007 Cabernet used four of the Fab Five to overwhelm the 2006 Rutherford Cab. The four included Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot. It was an intimidating blend from an outstanding vintage.
The stage is now set for the final four and a location change. We move to cage matches: taste-offs in our Library Lions Cage!
#1 Seed 2006 Leonardini Cabernet Magnum vs. “Cinderella” 2007 Merlot Mag.
“Big Red” 2005 St Helena Cab Mag vs. “The Fab Four” 2007 Napa Valley Cab Mag
Don’t let this tournament pass you by. It’s madness pricing and wines that hold up to any competition. Get in on the action and enjoy! Purchase the Elite Eight magnums for $765 with complimentary shipping or grab the Final Four mags for $388 plus shipping.
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April 15, 2011
Elite8-2011round35002
Magnum Madness First Round Match Up – SOLD OUT!
It’s game on in an overly competitive magnum tournament. Starting in our “Club Room” Regional, the 2003 Leonardini took on the 05 St Helena Cab. It was all St. Helena early on with toasty aromas and bright fruit. But, the 2003 Leonardini insisted on being decanted and really opened up in the second half. The ‘03 aromas and mouth feel dominated the second half. The 2005 St. Helena went toe-to-toe and sip-to-sip throughout the competition. The judges gave the game to the 2003 Leonardini and the 05 St Helena cried foul over the decanting of the Leo Cab!
The judging committee went to the review booth and after much consternation dismissed the 2003 Leonardini from the competition for illegal decanting. (Actually, it’s Sold Out!) The 2005 St Helena moves on.
Be sure to get in the game and enjoy great prices on our magnums. With the 2003 Leonardini Sold Out, we are substituting the 2003 Reserve Cabernet into our Elite Eight Magnum package. The price for all eight magnums is now $765. Do the math; it’s madness pricing! If eight’s too many, get the two you think will make it to the Finals!
And don’t forget, the judges can be swayed. If you have a compelling reason why a wine should move on in the tournament, please email lisa@whitehalllane.com.
The next matches take place in our “Reserve Room” Regional so check back.
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April 15, 2011
Brackets 2011 500w
March MAGNUM Madness Update
You can’t make everyone happy!
The brackets for our third annual March Magnum Madness are out and already the controversy is flying about who didn’t make the tournament! The 2007 Reserve feels slighted. It has power and the depth to compete and even a high score of 92 points. However, the committee chair said it was only recently released and not tournament ready. The 2006 Reserve was upset given its excellent showing in last year’s tournament and this year’s non-conference tasting wins.
In a conference call to quell the complainers, the committee chair mostly sidestepped the controversy, saying: “Every one of these wines has the pedigree to compete. The fruit quality and outstanding winemaking made the selection process difficult, although we had a blast sampling all of the wines.” He went on to say, “There are so many solid Whitehall Lane wines that our selection committee considered opening up the tournament to a sweet 16 event.”
Spoken like a true politician and leaving it open for more controversy next year. More wines means extending the season and not everyone is happy about that.
But for now, pour yourself a glass of wine, fill out your brackets and load up the wine cellar. This year’s Magnum Madness is already rocking with crazy mad prices and the corks are flying!
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April 15, 2011
March MAGNUM Madness!
Elite 8 2011 400w
Get in the game!
Back by popular demand: The Elite Eight!
This year we look forward to a tournament packed with exciting matchups between library favorites and award-winning prospects. We’ll keep you posted on the Final Four! In the meantime… Relive the Excitement! (while supplies last)
2006 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvigon 1.5L: $145
2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L: $79
2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L: $79
2007 Napa Valley Merlot 1.5L: $55
2003 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvigon 1.5L: $145
2005 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L: $109
2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L: $109
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet 1.5L: $79
Or Get All Eight for $800 (shipping included)
2007 Leonardini Vineyard New Release & Introducing the Millennium MM Vineyard Cabernet!
Fans of our Cabs have been enjoying the Leonardini Vineyard since the 1995 vintage, and the newly released 2007 rivals both the 1997 and 2001. We’re thrilled to introduce a new single vineyard Cabernet from one of our Rutherford vineyards.
2007 Leonardini Vineyard & 2007 Millennium MM Vineyard Cabernet:
750ml: $75; 1.5L: $200; 3L: $450; 6L: $900
18th anniv team 350w 2
Celebrating our 18th year at Whitehall Lane
“Our vineyards and winemaking are paramount to making world-class wine, but it is our consistency that sets us above the rest. I am celebrating my 18th anniversary at Whitehall Lane and our cellar master, Fernando Cortez, has been here for 20. Our vineyard management team has been in place for 18 years and winemaker Dean Sylvester is the relative newcomer in his 14th year at the winery…”
Please click here for more of our newsletter
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June 16, 2010
As the weather warms up, the kitchen moves from inside to outside, and the grills across the country light up once more. This month we are proud to release a favorite new wine just in time to handle all the flavors, spices, temperatures, and aromas you can stir up this summer.
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.
Posted in Recipes & Entertaining Tips 1 Comment »
June 8, 2010
Art Finkelstein, founder of Whitehall Lane Winery, passed away Friday, May 28.
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
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May 5, 2010
Music, dancing, colorful decorations and festive food are all part of Cinco de Mayo. There really is no better way to celebrate this occasion than with a fabulous Mexican meal, a big group of friends, and some scintillating wine. Yes, I know, Margaritas and/or beer are the traditional drinks to accompany this festive holiday, but as I recently discovered wines can play a huge role in bringing out that certain sizzle in your Mexican feast.
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?
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April 14, 2010
Hate to remind you, it’s Tax Day. If there’s little tax relief for you on April 15th, Whitehall Lane would like ease your pain with a bottle of wine. Thursday, April 15th and Friday, April 16th we want you to unWINEd with a 15% Tax Day discount off any bottle of wine. Give us a call at 800.963.9454 x19 to unWINEd today!
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?
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April 9, 2010
It seems only fitting that I write this entry on a beautiful Friday afternoon in the wine country. Just last week on a similar day, Whitehall Lane was invaded by the Facebook Ads Engineering team. A group of 48 engineers from around the world enjoyed an incentive trip to the wine country where they sipped away the afternoon and “of course they had to stop at Aileen Cureton of Facebook’s favorite Napa Valley winery.” Thanks Aileen for making it all happen. We’ll see you Ms. Cureton at the next Wine Club “Pick Up” party and we look forward to hosting another Facebook team again next week. We’ll make sure to wear our new Facebook shirt’s and don’t forget your Whitehall tees.
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March 29, 2010
INSPIRE. IMPACT. There is no better way to describe the recent visitor we had the pleasure of hosting at Whitehall Lane. Ashley Kumlien is running 3,200 miles across America from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY to fight Multiple Sclerosis. Her brave journey was inspired by her mother’s 27 year battle with MS. “This run is a tribute to her daily triumph over disabilities associated with having MS, and to all others just like her living with the disabling affects of MS.”
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.
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Photos courtesy of Brian Anthony.
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