First, my little girl was born – a month early!  I had the opportunity to be a part of my daughter’s life everyday. I can’t describe how thankful I am for entering parenthood with my wife. We have quite a bit to learn, but the experience to date has been fantastic!

I was featured in ChicagoNow and Chicagoist, two local publications that celebrate the everyday Chicagoan that loves what they do.   I joined the writing team at the Ritz-Carlton residents as their Resident Sommelier. I even had the opportunity to be featured on the new deals site, Foxling.

I had the unique opportunity to help two businesses with their inventory needs. I worked with Catbridge Wine Cellars to stock over 200 sustainably farmed, organic and biodynamic wines and recently crafted Wholey Guacomole’s (soon to be Guanajuato) entire wine, beer and tequila list.

One of my favorite things to do is work side by side with people that want to know more about wine.  In the last six months, I was invited to run private events, ranging from birthday parties to corporate get togethers.  Aside from spending time with my family, nothing beats educating someone on the qualities of a good vintage.

Lastly, I recently learned that I was one of 12 bloggers selected to attend a VIP excursion through Washington wine country, leading up to the annual Wine Bloggers’ Conference in Walla Walla.  I almost flew out of my chair when I received the email about me being selected. This wouldn’t have been possible had I not made this career decision in late November.

I’d like to thank everyone for helping make these last six months incredible.  Your support and love of wine makes my days fly by. I’m working on a series of projects to help make your wine choices even more accessible to you on a daily basis. Stay tuned for updates. See you at the next event!

With love and appreciation,

The Windy City Wine Guy

• Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a crisp, clean straw colored wine.  It is very intense on the nose with big citrus, floral aromas and light peppery spice.  The mouth has tasty pink grapefruit and bright acidity.  A nice natural wine.  Available for around $12.  (WG 86pts.)
• Long Gamma White.  This is a new wine from the Reynoso Family and it turned out to be my favorite.  A smooth blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Viognier and 15% Gewurztraminer and full of aroma and flavor.  This is a fruit bomb- grapefruit, peach and apricot with smells of rose petals and ginger.  The perfect summer wine!  Available for around $12.  (WG 90pts.)
• Syrah.  A bold, full bodied red with great expressions true to the varietal.  Dark plum, black pepper and a touch of ye ole barnyard.  A medium length but it a was bit hot with alcohol burn on the finish.  A good food wine.  Available for around $18.  (WG 85pts.)
• Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine is also deep ruby red and full bodied.  It has focused fruits with dark berries and cherries along with toasty oak.  The tannins are medium and it does have good acidity.  A smoother Cabernet with a lengthy finish, but again there was some alcohol burn on the finish.  Available for around $24.  (WG 85pts.)

I really love their white wines.  They are full of fruit, have crisp acidity and great finishes.  The reds need a little work as they are slightly out of balance with the alcohol, but good wines.  I see alot of potential with this producer.

You can pick these wines up all over Chicago: Wine Discount Center, The Artisan Cellar, Whole Foods, Lush Wine & Spirits, Armanetti’s, Ben’z Wine & Spirits, The Poison Cup, Galleria Liqueurs, and at these restaurants: Keefer’s, Kamehachi (I’d love the Long Gamma with sushi!) and Stained Glass in Evanston.

Hope you enjoy these wines- I did!

Even if you miss out, you can still call for Windy City Wine Guy Consulting services anytime: 708.205.9493.

• The Purple Pig.  Just set to open a large patio overlooking Illinois Street and Michigan Avenue, this self proclaimed “Cheese, Swine & Wine” spot is a hit.  Many small plates including sardines, cured meats, smears and pork are spattered on the menu and great for sharing.  Wash it all down with one of their craft beer selections or pick something from their wine list.  You just can’t go wrong! 
• Piccolo Sogno.  Not only do they have one of the best patios in the city, but the food and all Italian wine list are also amazing.  Start with some Prosecco and antipasti and enjoy the weather.
• Chicago Riverwalk.  One of the best vantage points of towering buildings, architechture and the Chicago River is on our Riverwalk.  It opens on May 31st and features great seating and even better dining: Cyrano’s Cafe & Wine Bar, Friendship on the River, Lagniappe Cajun Creole Joynt and O’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe.
• Riva.  Head to Navy Pier and enjoy the best views of Lake Michigan, the Ferris Wheel and some great steak and seafood. You might even catch some fireworks at this Phil Stefani Signature Restaurant.
• Shanghai Terrace.  Enjoy authentic Cantonese Dim Sum and cocktails at the Peninsula Hotel.  This East Asian inspired terrace is a great place to enjoy Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
• Zapatista.  Fine Mexican cuisine, cerveza, margaritas and an awesome view of the South Loop on Wabash is more than enough satisfy you on any day this summer.  Hard to beat the fish tacos and an ice cold Modelo.
• Athena.  Authentic Greek cuisine shared outdoors in a garden with a fountain on Halsted.  Nuff said?  Opa!
• Palmer Place.  One of my favorite suburban spots (La Grange) with one of the best patios in Chicagoland.  A true Bier Garten with over 175 beers from around the world and some good old American food to boot.

Dining in Chicago can be so adventurous and relaxing at the same time. Be sure to let me know what your favorite spots are- myself and my readers would love to hear it!

We aren’t shying away from drink choices as I have a few recommendations for spring and summer as well.  The temperature is a bit cooler in the spring (between 45-75 degree F), so beer with weight like IPAs or Bocks are good, and both red and white wines can be enjoyed.  Try these out: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Sprecher Mai Bock, Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc, Lange Estate Pinot Noir and Yangarra Old Vine Grenache.  For summer, I love Pilseners and Wheat beers, and mostly white wines like Pinot Gris/Grigio and dry Riesling.  Try these:  Allagash White, Trumer Pils, Big Fire Pinot Gris, Ca’ Montini L’Aristocratico Pinot Grigio and Ch. Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling.  Hope you enjoy these tips and have a great summer on the patio!

The “Derby” is the most prestigious race in the world, where three year old thoroughbreds compete to win a 1 1/4 mile race.  It’s held yearly on the first Saturday in May and caps off an amazing two week festival.  Concerts, sporting events, fireworks, hot air balloons, the Pegasus Parade, local food and drink are all a part of this community event. 

Speaking of local flavor, bourbon and wine flourish in Kentucky, and Mint Juleps are aplenty.  You ask “What is a Mint Julep?”.  Well here’s a bit about this southern drink.  It’s been around since eighteenth century United States and has been considered the official drink of the Derby since 1938.  It is a combination of bourbon, mint, sugar and water.  Here’s a recipe: muddle five mint leaves and crystallized cane sugar with a splash of filtered water.  Add to a rocks glass with ice cubes and pour in 2 1/2 ounces of your favorite bourbon (I love Bulleit).  Enjoy!

If you don’t feel like making your own Mint Julep, here are a few spots in the city you can enjoy the Derby:

• Lobby Lounge at Swissotel.  A party sponsored by Woodford Reserve with drink specials (Woodford Mint Juleps are $12) and raffles.
• Luxbar.  $5 Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps and prizes- $250 drink card for best derby hat.
• Stretch Run.  Drink specials ($6 Mint Juleps) and raceday wagering.

No matter where you plan on watching the Derby make sure to have fun and be responsible.  Share your experience and which horse you put your money on with me on Twitter: @WCWineGuy.  I’m going with #6 Stately Victor.  Good Luck!

• Al Fresco dining.  Chicago’s bars and restaurants will be opening their patios to patrons eager to enjoy food, drink and the weather.  I’ll be sharing some of my favorites.
• Whiskey Fest 2010.  I was fortunate enough to be a part of this event for the 2nd year in a row and I will be sharing all that I tasted with you.
• Kentucky Derby is coming up and a great time to find some wine pairings and what is a mint julep?!
• Cinco de Mayo is also coming up and I have some great wine and bev recommendations to go with Mexican cuisine.
• Reynoso Family Vineyards.  I received samples from this small batch winery and will share my tasting notes with you.  They look to be a part of the Chicago wine market in the upcoming months.
• Chilean wine.  I attended a Wines of Chile tasting and discovered so much great juice.  Looking forward to writing about that.

I’m glad that I have a great audience to share my tastings with.  Knowing that I am not the only benefactor of my experiences drives me to write and keep on the move.  Thanks!

Colome Malbec.  This wine is made in the Salta province of Argentina with the highest altitude grapes in the world.  The wine is aged in French oak and is mostly Malbec combined with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat.  It’s dark, juicy, spicy and can be had for around $25.  Hard to beat this producer for the price either!

Grgich Hills Chardonnay.  Not only are the grapes grown on this estate organic, but biodynamic as well.  Mike Grgich has been involved in making some of the best wines in the world for longer than Earth Day has been around, especially Chardonnays.  His Chardonnays have small oak nuances like vanilla and toast and preserve the grape’s natural flavors by using Burgundian practices, like no malolactic fermentation.  Minerality and tropical flavor explodes, and all for around $40.

Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio.  Not only does Mr. Lageder make great wine but he does it for a great value- most of his wines are priced around $15!  Coming from northeast Italy, this Pinot Grigio is the total package- it’s lightly creamy, floral and aromatic, with a touch of spice and loads of citrus fruit.  Open some oysters, roast some fish and enjoy.

Maysara Jamsheed Pinot Noir.  Making good Pinot Noir can be easy in Oregon, but it’s not a sure thing.  When you take a loving approach to the grape and grow it organically, it just seems to come out right.  That’s no different than what Maysara practices, and they churn out Pinot Noir that is full of berry flavor, spices, herbs and minerality on a yearly basis.  Get it for around $20.

Descendientes de Jose Palacios “Petalos” Bierzo.  This wine is made from ancient Mencia vines in northwest Spain.  Take the dark purple juice and combine with new French oak, and you get a wine an excellent profile: berries, licorice, flowers, minerality and smokiness.  I still can’t believe you can buy this for around $18!

Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa.  It’s no surprise that this wine is an awesome deal as it’s made from organic grapes, priced around $15 and comes from down under!  A wine so full of plum flavor with hints of cocoa, oak, cherry and grippy tannins should be on your Earth Day list.

Chono Carmenere Reserva.  If you’re planning on eating beef this Earth Day then this is the wine for you.  Cherry, vanilla, tobacco, baking spices and overall bold flavors make this a steal of an organic deal at around $10.  Grab a bit of Chilean value from this family vineyard produced, hand picked wine.

Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence Rouge.  What?  Another deal from southeast France?  Is it possible?  Of course.  They’ve been churning out big value for quite some time and this organic wine is no exception.  Priced around $18 and full blueberry, cherry, cassis, pepper and spice.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache and Syrah.

Sokol Blosser Evolution.  Another Oregon organic, this is a blend of eight different varietals: Müller Thurgau, Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.  Just because they pack all those grapes in there doesn’t mean it affects the price as it’s only around $17 per bottle.  Great spring wine too!

Bonny Doon “Le Cigare Volant”.  An awesome California Rhone varietal blend of mostly Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault.  Their organically grown grapes produce alot of fruit flavor like raspberry and cherry, along with anise, chocolate and both earthy and smokey tones.  Gotta love this meaty wine for under $30.

Well, we went through ten wines from around the globe and alot of different varietals.  There are obviously so many more options when it comes to “green wines”, but these are a good start.  If you can’t find these, make sure to consult with your wine shop consultants and I’m sure they will steer you in the right direction.  Also, since you’re making an effort to try these wines, make sure to do your part: reduce your carbon footprint, plant a tree and recycle!  You’ll help secure your children’s future along with the planet’s natural beauty.  After all, we were given the Earth as a gift.  Let’s try to keep it clean.

Last Friday was my wife’s birthday and I wanted to make plans to go somewhere new.  I wanted to be creative but nothing as crazy as “Date Night“.  We both like foreign films, so I figured a trip up Southport to the Music Box was in order.  Now all I had to do was pick a restaurant.  My wife has been craving sushi since we found out she was pregnant last year and I discovered a little place called Lips Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar.

I made reservations a few days earlier and since the place is BYOB ($1 corkage per person), I needed a good wine to bring.  I decided on 2008 Gouguenheim Torrontés, a small craft wine made at high altitude in Argentina, available under $10.  Torrontés is a celebrated grape in Argentina, brought over by missionaries, and a great varietal for sushi- fresh zippy citrus fruit accompanied by crisp acidity and floral scents. 

 Traffic wasn’t too bad for a Friday and parking on Southport was sparse, but available ($1.25/hour).  We purchased our tickets to the show “Pranzo di Ferragosto” (Mid-August Lunch) and walked down to Lips.  It was still before 7pm, so the restaurant was not busy yet and we had the pick of seats.  There is a sushi bar to the right, a small bar in the back and seating in the front and left side of the restaurant.  Upon seating we were presented with menus and specials and the waitress opened our wine.  Now it was time to decide on our maki rolls and sashimi (sushi pieces without rice), though they do have Japanese cold and hot appetizers and dinner entrees like ribeye steak, rack of lamb, bass, teriyaki and noodle dishes and Korean pork.  As usual when it comes to sushi, we decided to overeat, and ordered three rolls- Rainbow (California covered with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and shrimp), Dragon (shrimp tempura covered with avocado and eel) and Strawberry (white tuna, tempura crunch and hot sauce topped with spicy tuna and strawberries) along with sashimi pieces. 

We enjoyed conversation, miso soup and our wine, which was varietally correct in being fresh, citrusy, floral with a hint of honey.  The sushi came to the table promptly with beautiful presentation.  The three rolls were lined up next to eachother on a large plate and our piece orders were individually plated and garnished, as usual, with pickled ginger and wasabi.  The sushi tasted even better than it looked- the rolls were packed with fresh fish and tasty mayos and sauces.  Even though I love eel, the Strawberry maki was my favorite- a perfect combination of spicy fish, sweet fruit and salty eel sauce.  The sashimi was a great value, two pieces per order, and the special maki was priced between $10-14.  This was an excellent meal with excellent value- our bill was still under $75.  No room left for dessert- we ate so much sushi we thought we were going to swim out of there!

Walking around we saw many sights like blocks full of greystone buildings, boutiques, bars and restaurants.  After a while our sweet tooth kicked in and we stumbled across a bakery called Sensational Bites.  They have unbelievable cupcakes (peanut butter, caramel, red velvet, etc), awesome brownies (mint, coconut, peanut butter, etc), pies, cakes and good coffee.  We ordered some for there and to go, and they cut our orders and plated them.  A great sweets bakery that every neighborhood needs.

The movie was the end of our date night and turned out to be very good.  A man named Gianni, who lives in Rome at home with his mama, is talked into taking care of a few friend’s mothers in exchange for payment and favors.  Gianni is a very good cook who loves his wine and entertaining, which ends up being a convenient combination later in the movie. 

I recommend all our stops from that evening and you can copycat the date if you want- your companion will not be disappointed- let me know how it goes!

Twenty-nine vineyards and 17 wineries now call this area home, including certified organic Morrison vineyard, producing excellent Merlot for Bonair Winery.  Other wineries include Agate Field Vineyard, Masset Winery, Claar Cellars and Two Mountain Winery.  Their wines aren’t easy to find in the Chicagoland area, but you can order them off their websites.

Try some of these unique wines and make sure to stop by on your next trip to Yakima Valley!

It’s a beautiful dining room loaded with beatiful paintings, bottles of wine going for thousands of dollars, clients trying fabulous wines and a premium buffet, the sound of the gavel and another fine lot is sold!  It’s Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. live auction at TRU Restaurant.

The auctions are held eight times per year and feature the most sought after wines in the world: grower Champagne, Premier Cru Burgundy, growth Bordeaux, Châteauneuf du Pape, California cult wines, Italian Barolo, Brunello and Super Tuscans, along with Australian small batch.  They’re all sold in lots, normally half or full cases, from reputable cellars to live bidders from around the globe.  Large format (1.5 liters and above) and single bottles are also sold.  Call for their catalog (312.482.9996) to start targeting what you’d like early.

As far as my experience went, it was a great!  To attend the auction itself is free, and you can sign up early to get your credit info on file.  TRU wine director Chad Ellegood was passing out some great glasses of wine from Bordeaux and a ’95 white burgundy, plus I was set up for the lunch buffet, which costs $75.  It was an awesome spread which included a large selection of seafood like crab legs, jumbo shrimp, raw oysters, octopus and roasted halibut, along with premium cheeses, beef tartare, sliced veal, beet salad and crepes.  Everything was outstanding, and I couldn’t figure out if I wanted to go back for seconds or grab some dessert!

The auction turned out to be a huge success for sellers, bidders and the auction house.  All in all, over $4.4 million dollars changed hands, and 99.9% of all lots were sold!  So many items fetched alot more than expected, like 12 packs of Chateau Lafite Rothschild selling for $45k, Chateau Petrus selling between $33k-45k and Domaine de la Romanee-Conti (DRC) for $33k-35k.  Many other great wines were selling good like Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah, Sassacaia, Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino and Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon.

Next auction takes place May 8, so make your reservations, get your catalogs and hope to see you at TRU!