tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9289292908016515042024-03-13T21:31:55.921-05:00Mad4WineNotes Of A New York City SommelierMichael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-37432525393868932092010-12-29T12:48:00.006-05:002010-12-29T14:53:14.693-05:00<object width="200" height="100"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W5rO0JkqI1s?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W5rO0JkqI1s?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-9771179504188687382010-12-14T09:10:00.002-05:002010-12-14T09:13:26.190-05:00My Cats by Charles Bukowski<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/TQd7AQPWi8I/AAAAAAAAAGY/d13uVF5C2Qs/s1600/simon.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/TQd7AQPWi8I/AAAAAAAAAGY/d13uVF5C2Qs/s400/simon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550540310047001538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">my cats</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">I know. I know.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">they are limited, have different</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">needs and</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">concerns.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">but I watch and learn from them.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">I like the little they know,</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">which is so</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">much.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">they complain but never</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">worry,</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">they walk with a surprising dignity.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">they sleep with a direct simplicity that</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">humans just can’t</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">understand.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">their eyes are more</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">beautiful than our eyes.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">and they can sleep 20 hours</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">a day</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">without</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">hesitation or</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">remorse.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">when I am feeling</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">low</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">all I have to do is</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">watch my cats</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">and my</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">courage</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">returns.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">I study these</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">creatures.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">they are my</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">teachers.</span>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-42510425977059060072010-07-25T10:14:00.000-05:002010-07-25T10:14:54.808-05:00Draper & Julia Child circa 1983<object style="background-image: url("http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/ffy2xvVksqw/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ffy2xvVksqw&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ffy2xvVksqw&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-77997678502370672832010-07-22T11:07:00.003-05:002010-07-22T11:09:42.391-05:00Corked bottles from April 20 to July 20 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/TEhtDDKpZlI/AAAAAAAAAFY/bxUOibpWJN0/s1600/bad_smell-bush.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/TEhtDDKpZlI/AAAAAAAAAFY/bxUOibpWJN0/s400/bad_smell-bush.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496763244362688082" border="0" /></a><br />2008 Mercouri Roditis Foloi<br />2007 Prager Riesling Wachstum Bodenstein x2<br />1995 Raveneau Chablis Montee de Tonnere (Oxidized)<br />2007 Dom St Pierre Vacqueyras<br />2006 Domaine la Soumade Rasteau<br />2006 Bernard Gripa St.Peray<br />2006 Stony Hill Chardonnay<br />2006 Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru<br />2007 Drouhin Volnay<br />2008 Damilano Nebbiolo d’ Alba<br />1995 Graillot Crozes-Hermitage<br />2006 Lignier Michelot Morey St Denis “En la rue de Vergy”<br />2008 Brun Terres Dorees Beaujolais<br />2008 Domaine Thomas, St. Veran<br />2007 Drouhin, Volnay<br />2006 Colin-Morey, Maranges<br />1995 Matrot, Mersault-Blagny (off)<br />1999 La Vielle Cure, Fronsac<br />1995 Luneau Papin, Muscadet L’ dor<br />2005 Paulo Bea “Rosso de Veo” Sagrantino<br />2008 Dampt, Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons<br />2007 Lignier, Saint Romain<br />2008 Domaine du Carrou, Sancerre<br />1999 Morey St Denis 1er Cru Mont Luisants, Ponsot<br />2008 Bourgogne Rouge La Digoine, DeVillaine<br />2005 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge, Cht. De la Maltroye<br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage, Alain Graillot (Magnum)<br />1997 Volnay 1er Cru, Clos des Chenes, Bitouzet-Prieur<br />2009 Sancerre, Domaine du Carrou<br />2007 Vouvray Le Mont, Huet<br />2009 Santorini, Sigalas<br />1999 Fronsac, La Vieille Cure<br />2007 Santenay, Colin-Morey<br />2004 Chateau Grillet<br />1999 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre, Raveneau (Oxidized)<br />2000 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre, Raveneau (Oxidized)<br />2007 Pouilly-Fuisse, VV, Domaine Corsin<br />2008 Morgon Cuvee Corcelette, Foillard<br />2009 Bandol Rose, Chateau Pradeaux<br />2001 St Aubin 1er Cru, Patrick Miolaine<br />2009 Pineau d’Aunis Rose, Cave de Vendomois<br />2009 Bandol Rose, Chateau Pradeaux<br />2008 Nebbiolo d’Alba, Damilano<br />2005 Ridge Lytton West Syrah<br />2002 Cornas Cuvee Renaissance, Clape<br />2009 Bandol Rose, Chateau PradeauxMichael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-49783794774271312842010-04-21T20:54:00.004-05:002010-04-21T21:02:12.658-05:00Corked bottles from the past 3 months January 16 to April 16th 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/S8-uHUc_QyI/AAAAAAAAAE0/RavVe8Tyj3I/s1600/bad-smell.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/S8-uHUc_QyI/AAAAAAAAAE0/RavVe8Tyj3I/s400/bad-smell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462776313796313890" /></a><br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, JL Chave<br />2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Renner, Weingut Aichinger<br />2007 Macon-Chardonnay, Terroir de Tournus, Pascal Pauget<br />2006 Patrimonio, Yves Leccia<br />2003 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux, Comte Armand<br />2007 Damilano, Nebbiolo D’Alba<br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc JL Chave<br />2004 Cotes du Jura, En Barberon, Tissot<br />1998 Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau Beaucastel<br />2006 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St Jean, Michel Niellon<br />2006 Gigondas, Les Pailleres<br />2004 Cotes du Jura, En Barberon, Tissot<br />2004 Vacqueyras Les Clos, Montirius<br />2001 St Joseph VV, Bernard Faurie<br />2008 Cinsault Old Vines Turley<br />2004 Cotes du Jura, En Barberon, Tissot<br />2007 Bourgogne Rouge, Michel Lafarge<br />2001 Beaumes-de- Venise, Chateau Redortier<br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, JL Chave<br />2007 Cote de Beaune, Maison Drouhin<br />2008 Evening Land, ”Blue Label” Pinot Noir<br />2008 Sancerre, Domaine du Carrou—<br /><br />2001 Jadot Beaune Theurons<br />1999 Chateau Beaucastel<br />2007 Henri Gouges Pinot Blanc<br />2007 Drouhin Montagny <br />2008 Domaine Thomas St.Veran<br />2008 Domaine Mardon Quincy<br />2007 Pinot Blanc Gouges-<br />2008 Evening Land Pinot Noir Blue Label<br />2008 Evening Land Pinot Noir Blue Label<br />2008 Evening Land Pinot Noir Blue Label<br />2008 Evening Land Pinot Noir Blue Label<br />2007 Emeritus Pinot Noir<br />2007 Emeritus Pinot Noir-<br />2008 Turley Cinsault<br />2007 Pinot Blanc Gouges<br />2005 Givry 1er Cru, Clos Salomon<br />2005 Givry 1er Cru Clos Salomon<br />2007 JL Chave Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Sybele<br />2007 Bellet Blanc, Cuvee Baron G, Chateau Bellet<br />1999 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Aux Reignots, Sylvain Cathiard<br />2008 Pierre Luneau Muscadet <br />2008 Domaine Thomas, St. Veran<br />2003 Salomon Shiraz MAGMichael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-51545492063657384622010-02-09T11:58:00.002-05:002010-02-09T12:00:35.673-05:00Burgundy Tasting at Alliance Francaise NYCA well produced video on a wine seminar I gave on the wines of Burgundy at FIAF NYC. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9306653&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9306653&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9306653">FIAF's 2010 Wine Tour de France: Burgundy</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/fiaf">FIAF</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-13125350660236926482010-01-19T11:57:00.002-05:002010-01-19T11:59:55.692-05:00Corked Bottles From 12-14-2009 to 1-15-2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/S1Xk_7HDCRI/AAAAAAAAAEo/AWl9S83Zon0/s1600-h/Examiner_corked_wine_jpg(1).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/S1Xk_7HDCRI/AAAAAAAAAEo/AWl9S83Zon0/s400/Examiner_corked_wine_jpg(1).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428496712715143442" /></a><br /><br /><br />2001 Chablis Bougros, Jean Marc Brocard (Magnum)<br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, JL Chave<br />2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Renner, Weingut Aichinger<br />2007 Macon-Chardonnay, Terroir de Tournus, Pascal Pauget<br />2006 Patrimonio, Yves Leccia<br />2003 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux, Comte Armand<br />2007 Damilano, Nebbiolo D’Alba<br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc JL Chave<br />2004 Cotes du Jura, En Barberon, Tissot<br />1998 Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau Beaucastel<br />2006 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St Jean, Michel Niellon<br />2006 Gigondas, Les Pailleres<br />2004 Cotes du Jura, En Barberon, Tissot<br />2004 Vacqueyras Les Clos, Montirius<br />2001 St Joseph VV, Bernard Faurie<br />2008 Cinsault Old Vines Turley<br />2004 Cotes du Jura, En Barberon, Tissot<br />2007 Bourgogne Rouge, Michel Lafarge<br />2001 Beaumes-de- Venise, Chateau Redortier<br />2007 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, JL Chave<br />2007 Cote de Beaune, Maison Drouhin<br />2008 Evening Land, ”Blue Label” Pinot Noir<br />2008 Sancerre, Domaine du CarrouMichael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-22848380996424436302009-12-28T20:01:00.001-05:002009-12-28T20:01:09.598-05:00New York: An Evening With Brian Talley Of Talley Vineyards At Bar Boulud<a href=http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/288135/new-york-an-evening-with-brian-talley-of-talley-vineyards-at-bar-boulud>New York: An Evening With Brian Talley Of Talley Vineyards At Bar Boulud</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-40998258481066565442009-12-15T09:27:00.001-05:002009-12-15T09:28:07.300-05:00Why David Lynch Turned Down "Return of the Jedi"<object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qDB8Q15iUIE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qDB8Q15iUIE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-72449969887311738382009-12-14T15:43:00.000-05:002009-12-14T15:45:05.400-05:00Benny Hill: Worlds Best Sommelier?<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r6fZd1f0ikU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r6fZd1f0ikU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" heightjavascript:void(0)="344"></embed></object>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-89594045790346495312009-12-12T19:07:00.000-05:002009-12-12T19:08:48.041-05:00My corked wines over the past monthCorked Wines<br /><br /><br />2006 Hubert LaPierrre, Chenas {x3} <br />2008 Domaine du Carrou, Dominique Roger, Sancerrre <br />2004 La Grave A Pomerol, Pomerol <br />2007 Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage <br />2007 Domaine De La Casa Blanca, Collioure {x2} <br />2006 Y Leccia, Patrimonio <br />2006 Vincent Dureuil-Janthial, Rully “Montpalais” <br />2007 Eyrie, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills <br />1990 Chevillon Nuits St Georges “Les Vaucrains”<br /><br /><br /><br />1997 Gaunoux, Pommard Rugiens <br />2002 Matrot, Mersault-Blagny<br />2004 Montirius, Vacqueyras “Le Clos”<br />2006 Bernard Morey, St. Aubin-Le Puits<br />2006 Mongeard-Mugneret Savigny les Beaune-Les Narbantons<br />2000 Henri Gouges, Les Nuits St George <br />2004 Tissot, En Barberon, Pinot Noir<br />2007 Olivier-Rion, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits<br />2007 Clos du Mont-Olivet, Cotes du Rhone <br />2006 Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes du Rhone <br />2000 Jadot, Savigny les Beaune-La Dominode <br />2007 Jordan, Russian River Chard<br /><br /><br />2006 Usseglio, Chateauneuf du Pape<br />2003 Ferrando, Carema {1500 ml}<br />1999 Monsanto, Il Poggio {3 Liter}<br />1985 Chevillon, Nuits St Georges-Les Cailles <br /><br />11/11/09<br /><br />2007 J.L. Chave. Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Sybele”<br />2006 Bouchard. Beaune du Chateau x2<br />2007 Drouhin. Montagny <br />2006 Jadot. Savigny La Dominode<br />2004 La Grave a Pomerol. Pomerol <br />2001 Chateau de Beaucastel. Cotes du Rhone<br />2006 Rhys Pinot Noir. Alpine Vineyard <br />2007 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir. Shea Vineyard<br />1998 Chateau de la Maltroye. Chassagne “La Romanee”<br />1999 Angerville. Volnay “Taillepieds”<br />2008 Turley Cinsault. El Porron<br />2002 Montille. Puligny “Le Caillleret”<br />2008 Domaine Thomas. St. Veran <br /><br />12/07/09<br /><br />2007 Domaine d’ Aupilhac. Montpeyroux<br />2006 D’Arlot. NSG “La Gerbotte”<br />2005 Bachelet. Gevery-Cham. <br />2006 Meo-Camuzet. Fixin<br />2004 La Grave a Pomerol<br />2006 Mas d’ Agalis. Navis<br />2007 Damilano. Nebbiolo d’ Alba<br />2006 Marechal. Savigny les Beaune <br />2007 Ridge. Geyserville Zin<br />2006 Huet. Vouvray<br />2006 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Clos St Jean Michel Niellon<br />2007 Crozes Hermitage Blanc, JL Chave<br />2007 Chateauneuf du Pape PURE Barroche<br />2007 VDT Domaine MagellanMichael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-33732019136344684572009-09-14T08:47:00.002-05:002009-09-14T08:52:25.871-05:00Wacky times in the 'Wood.Wildwood, NJ in the early '90s. Spent a good amount of the summers of my teenage years on this exact boardwalk meeting the same personalities. Didn't know how trashy and unusual a place it was back then. <br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2eqCBCUawKY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2eqCBCUawKY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-89758924671229775462009-08-21T07:54:00.003-05:002009-09-14T08:53:17.288-05:00Sauzet is a Repeat Offender of Oxidized Wines<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/So6bA4W_E1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/9U6F8e7wJGQ/s1600-h/SauzetPM.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/So6bA4W_E1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/9U6F8e7wJGQ/s400/SauzetPM.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372401844930679634" /></a><br />Check off another oxidized Sauzet. This time it was the 1999 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Combettes. Color was apple ciders-esque which is always a bad sign. Aromas of burnt caramel,nail polish, banana skin and rancid butterscotch. Palate was acutally drinkable but the sherry aromas penetrated any pleasure whatsoever. To the poubelle it goes.Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-75224594325498991432009-04-07T08:15:00.003-05:002009-04-07T08:21:02.729-05:00Whitesnake Isn't As Bad As I RememberI caught this the other day while flipping through TW Cable. The song reminds me of when I was about 12 years old playing nintendo in my friend Jeff's basement. <br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=3528549540175949475&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-19602380469952824572008-04-19T11:34:00.001-05:002008-04-19T11:36:49.707-05:00Timmy is Eleven Years Old<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="420" height="405" id="gamevideos6" align="middle"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="play" value="true"><param name="loop" value="true"><param name="scale" value="showall"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="devicefont" value="false"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="menu" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="salign" value=""><param name="movie" value="http://www.gamevideos.com/swf/gamevideos11.swf?embedded=1&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&src=http://www.gamevideos.com/video/videoListXML%3Fid%3D4100%26ordinal%3D1208622895309%26adPlay%3Dfalse" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /> <embed src="http://www.gamevideos.com/swf/gamevideos11.swf?embedded=1&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&src=http://www.gamevideos.com/video/videoListXML%3Fid%3D4100%26ordinal%3D1208622895309%26adPlay%3Dfalse" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="window" devicefont="false" id="gamevideos6" bgcolor="#000000" name="gamevideos6" menu="true" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="405" width="420"/></object>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-85523618983927274462007-06-24T08:12:00.000-05:002007-06-24T08:50:47.583-05:00Napoleon Dynamite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/Rn52qGO8_qI/AAAAAAAAACw/wDktUeu0guA/s1600-h/IMG_0898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/Rn52qGO8_qI/AAAAAAAAACw/wDktUeu0guA/s400/IMG_0898.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079627895320411810" /></a>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-65739487934446463772007-06-06T04:42:00.000-05:002007-09-06T11:48:42.619-05:00How Did I Get Here?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RmaB62O8_oI/AAAAAAAAACg/zjv3MzMz6kI/s1600-h/IMG_0630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RmaB62O8_oI/AAAAAAAAACg/zjv3MzMz6kI/s400/IMG_0630.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072884878270070402" /></a><br /><br />I woke up this morning and David Byrne's prose was clanging in my skull, "How did I get here". I'm in a remote hilltop village in Provence where there's no coffee shop, no ATM, I have no way of getting around save for a hybrid 10 speed and when I do hop on this thing I roll up my jeans like I'm Ernie from My 3 Sons. Was I really just living in NYC for nearly the last 10 years of my life? I really don't know...Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-90169751675515457092007-05-24T10:50:00.000-05:002007-06-08T18:43:22.142-05:00Invading Normandy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RlW1fQsHYnI/AAAAAAAAACY/f7OjPVUD7ow/s1600-h/IMG_0560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RlW1fQsHYnI/AAAAAAAAACY/f7OjPVUD7ow/s400/IMG_0560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068156504335934066" /></a><br /><br />Hey everyone, a hearty how do you do from moist and drippy Normandy. Ended up here by a lucky roll of the dice as my friend was guiding a trip of WWII enthusiasts and needed a hand in sharing the weight. I graciously accepted the tour of duty and am happy to say that its over and all went home with a smile. Not much wine unfortunately in these parts as the weather is too cold and rainy to grow grapes but there are other things available for the intrepid drinker. Cider. Cider is made from apples grown in the region and can range from <span style="font-style:italic;">Doux,</span> sweet; <span style="font-style:italic;">Demi-Sec,</span> half dry; or <span style="font-style:italic;">Sec,</span> dry. They're simple, refreshing, low in alcohol and really delicious. The one I had of note is pictured above, its a "cidre doux" from Philippe Daufresne. The wine was typical of all the cidre doux's that I have tasted: aromatic, sweet, light bodied with a spritzy, perrier-like quality. The differentiating factor in this drink is its overall balance. It had just a little extra edge of class over the others that I tasted and it left me in quite a happy state. Cider will never reach the highs that one would receive from drinking great Champagne or Burgundy nonetheless its place in the world of fermented produce is one of firm standing and should be discovered.Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-52433994999405839652007-04-26T13:56:00.000-05:002007-06-08T18:52:27.188-05:00Pairing Wines for Bubba.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RjD2PKQMtEI/AAAAAAAAACQ/UljaJM73zBc/s1600-h/bubba+arafat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RjD2PKQMtEI/AAAAAAAAACQ/UljaJM73zBc/s400/bubba+arafat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057813121847833666" /></a><br /><br />Ahh… the perks of being a sommelier: you get to taste a good portion of the greatest wines ever produced and meet some of the most important people on the planet. Last month was exactly this as the Clinton family stopped in for dinner. Things got off a bit shakey when I decided to comp the three of them a Champagne cocktail. The drink—which is a house specialty—was <span style="font-weight:bold;">NV Taittinger Champagne</span> mixed with a spoonful of Elderflower syrup; its deliciously light, crisp and hugs the line brilliantly between not enough sweet and too sweet. After tasting it, ol’ Bubba had an allergic reaction. He was coughing uncontrollably and his face had turned 3 shades of red as he gestured me to come over to the table. “What did you say was in that drink?" Elderflower syrup, Mr.President, I said. “Well, this has given me the worst allergic reaction that I can remember." Jesus..., I muttered to myself as images of 3 sunglassed men dressed in black suits quickly coming out of the woodwork to put me in a full-nelson and drag me brusquely into an unmarked Econoline van played in my head. I’m so sorry, Mr President, I said sheepishly. “Aww, that’s alright, I didn’t know I was allergic to elderflower syrup…what is elderflower syrup,anyway?” he said to me with a big, toothy southern smile. I have no idea, but I think it comes from the alps, I said. And that was it... <br /><br />Later on in the night I set aside some special wines that I’d pair with each of their savory courses. They were, naturally, Burgundies. The first was a <span style="font-weight:bold;">2000 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Folatieres, Paul Pernot</span>. Bill seem to like this one the best…in fact this was the only one it appeared that he took a sip of later replacing it with his trademark can of diet coke. It was crisp, minerally and steely with grand cru-type length. Next was a <span style="font-weight:bold;">1996 Meursault 1er Cru, Domaine Leroy.</span> Hillary seemed to enjoy this one the most and appeared to be quite impressed when I told her that the winemaker/owner was a woman. The wine had deep aromas of mushrooms, lemon, earth, and stone and was sitting nicely in its early stage of maturity. If stored correctly this one could last a good while. Lastly, we moved into red and what a red it was: <span style="font-weight:bold;">1985 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Les Haut Doix, Robert Groffier.</span> Chelsea loved this wine and later in the evening had asked me to write down the name for her. The nose could only be described as quintessential aged Red Burgundy with aromas of beef broth, earth, black cherries and raspberries. The palate was quite elegant and high-toned in its acid but lacked a bit of concentration. Nonetheless it was delicious for a 22 year old premier cru.<br /><br />All in all it was quite a thrill to chat about wine with the Clinton family. They were all so nice and down-to-earth, and they all appear to LOVE Burgundy. For that alone they have my vote.Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-8885080221484219502007-04-25T15:53:00.000-05:002007-06-08T18:57:37.273-05:00BYOB at Fuleen Seafood or: How I learned to Love the GrapeHad a BYOB wine dinner last night at a Chinatown dive named Fuleen Seafood. The food was truly superb, the atmosphere and decor not so much. In fact, I’ve seen better décor in the 2nd floor bathroom at the Port Authority. But décor wasn’t the reason of the get together. The reason was hooking up with my buddies in the biz who really really love wine. And believe it or not, in this business there is a shortage of people who really, <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> love wine. Through my experience over the years in the wine business, I would sum up the constituents of the biz in the below pie graph:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/Ri_BtKQMtDI/AAAAAAAAACI/Im2jyxeb5Ek/s1600-h/clip_image002.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/Ri_BtKQMtDI/AAAAAAAAACI/Im2jyxeb5Ek/s400/clip_image002.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057473888150926386" /></a> <br /><br /><br />A little glib and snarky? Perhaps. But I call 'em as I see 'em and thats the way I see 'em. You run into a lot of clowns and perpetrators in this business and when you get together with fellows of the same mindset you rejoice. The standouts of the night were: <span style="font-weight:bold;">05 Coteaux-du-Loir, L' Effraie, from Domaine de Bellivère</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">1999 Riesling Rangen Clos St Urbain Grand Cru from Zind Humbrecht</span>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-4053335927380854122007-04-17T12:55:00.000-05:002007-06-08T18:48:11.772-05:00Thunderclap!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RiUKHi2QAeI/AAAAAAAAAB4/QE6iyUt0xpo/s1600-h/thundermtn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RiUKHi2QAeI/AAAAAAAAAB4/QE6iyUt0xpo/s400/thundermtn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054457281522958818" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have unearthed Eldorado. I have found the absolute <span style="font-style:italic;">worst</span> wine/label combination known to intelligent life. This dubious honor goes to the putrid <span style="font-weight:bold;">2000 Thunder Mountain Pinot Noir.</span> The best way I can describe this wine is if one took a glass of Welch’s grape juice and added an equal part of the cheapest brand of rotgut bourbon you could find. Thus creating a beverage which is sickly sweet, unbalanced, woody and alcoholic. And the label! Look at this monstrosity! Appears that He-Man has decided to sell his stock in Castle Greyskull to try his hand at winemaking. Where’s Skeletor when you need him?Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-91788847079853490492007-04-04T09:42:00.000-05:002007-04-04T14:37:49.929-05:00Bianna Golodryga: PS, I Love You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RhPNyYJbAWI/AAAAAAAAABw/iyrp8AuAj8o/s1600-h/bghot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RhPNyYJbAWI/AAAAAAAAABw/iyrp8AuAj8o/s400/bghot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049605872571580770" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/MICHAE%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /><br />I'm not one to watch a lot of TV as I don't have the time nor the cable connection but I stumbled across a online video segment with such a beautiful correspondent that I had to write about it. Her name is Bianna Golodryga and she stunned me with her erudite explanations about the appeal of Sanjaya on American Idol; so much so that I found myself with--to quote Velvet Jones--"a burning in my loins I had never felt before". So deliciously exotic, she is hands-down the best looking woman I've ever seen on TV. Anyone know which parts of the world this beauty is from?Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-3733996521192096052007-03-23T10:46:00.000-05:002007-03-23T11:47:58.373-05:00Someone Puked on My Car<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RgP2ZR62IcI/AAAAAAAAABc/fOn0j38pGDI/s1600-h/vomit-fake.jpg"> </a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RgP2ZR62IcI/AAAAAAAAABc/fOn0j38pGDI/s1600-h/vomit-fake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RgP2ZR62IcI/AAAAAAAAABc/fOn0j38pGDI/s320/vomit-fake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045146921752469954" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">Living in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:City> can really bring you down sometimes. The list of grievances is long but for me the pain ranges from early morning scuffles to find a seat on the L Train to resigning to the fact that I will never get rid of the German Cockroaches in the bathroom vanity. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>It’s a city to which you must make compromises in order to live a somewhat sane existence.<span style=""> </span>And as in all compromises sometimes you emerge on top and sometimes you get owned.<span style=""> </span>Today, I was owned.<span style=""> </span>Parking my car in the street was something that I never wanted to do. <span style=""> </span>Yet, I had no choice as I could no longer afford Nice Parking LLC’s usurious price of $450 a month. I had to make the compromise.<span style=""> </span>It’s been just one week of parking on the street and just this morning I discovered two things: 1) my back right tire is as flat as a pancake; 2) some asshole puked on my windshield.<span style=""> </span>Sigh.<span style=""> </span>I’m going to R&S Strauss for some fix-a-flat.<span style=""> </span></p>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-34632916845926744152007-03-22T16:53:00.000-05:002007-03-22T17:11:20.827-05:00Grab The Mic Like Doug Llewelyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RgL7CR62IbI/AAAAAAAAABU/POJh-WUOdKw/s1600-h/250px-Dougllewelyn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RgL7CR62IbI/AAAAAAAAABU/POJh-WUOdKw/s320/250px-Dougllewelyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044870549196906930" border="0" /> </a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Was at the Polaner wine tasting yesterday and I think I saw Doug Llewelyn.<span style=""> </span>Who knew that Judge Wapner’s right hand man was a wine-lover and as well one who enjoyed small producers from off the beaten path? <span style=""> </span>Maybe he was on a recon mission on behalf of the judge to investigate the growing counterfeit wine epidemic?<span style=""> </span>I was <i style="">this close</i> to approaching him to see if it really was the famous <b style="">People’s Court</b> color commentator but alas my cold feet got the best of me.<span style=""> </span>Doug, if you’re reading this, what did you think of the 05 Coteaux-du-Loir, Vieilles Vignes Eparses from Domaine de Bellivère?<span style=""> </span></p>Michael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928929290801651504.post-26179916436369492042007-02-21T18:20:00.000-05:002007-06-08T18:48:42.790-05:00Why I love Bollinger Special Cuvee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RdzVS4xquAI/AAAAAAAAABI/JISFQ73kHn0/s1600-h/Bollyspec.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ecdyfvPtpPQ/RdzVS4xquAI/AAAAAAAAABI/JISFQ73kHn0/s320/Bollyspec.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034133003948439554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Number 1: Its delicious. The predominant grape is pinot<br /><br />Number 1: Its consistant. Being a bigger house it has access to a larger amount of reserve winesMichael Madrigalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546140486996217325noreply@blogger.com0