Phil Ward

I am sure many of you saw this last week re my former employer and his idea of comps and gifts. I was upset when I was terminated last August, after only 11 months with the company, and happily I am gainfully employed by a superb family company, The Opici Wine Group. <<Decanter.com April 22, 2008 Magrez luxury gifts rebuffed by journalists Wine magnate Bernard Magrez has outraged a group of journalists by offering each of them a Cartier wristwatch worth €1,650 (£1,322/$2,641). The watches were distributed after a press lunch hosted by Magrez and French actor Gerard Depardieu on 26 March. The lunch was held at the Alain Ducasse restaurant at the Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris. Around 50 journalists attended – including wine critic and ex-Revue du Vin de France editor Thierry Desseauve, Philippe Bidalon from L'Express magazine and Gérard Muteaud of Le Nouvel Observateur.Upon leaving the lunch, journalists were offered a bag that contained a press kit and a box that most did not open until after leaving the restaurant. The box contained the watch, and a certificate of authenticity signed by a Bordeaux jeweller. One journalist, who requested anonymity, told decanter.com> that many journalists discussed the situation and agreed among themselves that keeping the watches could be misconstrued. It is understood that the majority have been returned. In response to the gift, Desseauve wrote a letter to Magrez, detailing that he had donated the watch to French homeless charity Restaurants du Coeur. 'Together with my colleague Michel Bettane {also ex-Revue du Vin de France}, who was not there, we wanted to show Mr Magrez that his gesture would not change our professional attitude towards him, nor our way of judging wines. We felt the most judicious response would be to give an equivalent sum to a relevant charitable body,' Desseauve wrote in an email. 'At 72 I've been around the block a few times, and I know what you should and shouldn't do with respect to journalists,' Magrez told decanter.com. 'I am not so stupid as to think I can buy them. This lunch was held to commemorate over 1,700 vintages [collectively] at my three greatest vineyards, and I chose to mark the occasion by engraving a watch. If a few of the invited journalists choose not to keep the watch, that is of course their prerogative.' The former head of Cartier is Alain Dominique Perrin, a friend of Magrez who recently commented that Bordeaux pricing was immoral, and that first growths could not cost more than €15 (£12/$24) per bottle to produce. The incident was first published on political blog site bakchich.info, with the comment, 'When you produce an average-quality wine, nothing works better than a pretty present in order to get the specialist press onside.' The Bernard Magrez Group has an annual turnover of €40m (£24m/$48m), with over 35 wine estates around the world.>>

Well, I got there at 9:55 and it was nearly empty. Had plenty of time to taste and talk to vendors. Spent time talking to the honey and garlic farmer next to Circa. Bought some of both. Loved Chef Joe Sparatta's (Circa) raviolis. I was cheesed out by 11:00 and headed home. No prblem with crowds for me! Phil

Good day all, This is a great opportunity to taste some remarkable cheese from VT, ME, Quebe, and NJ and support agriculture: http://www.valleyshepherd.com/cheese_Festival.htm Phil

Good day all, Heading to Bordeaux next week. Have three nights for dining. No need for romantic as this is a solo trip. Would like: regional, casual, fun, wine focused or screamingly good. Thanks Phil

Had a very nice meal here on Wed night. Very nice service. Food was very imaginative and presented in a casual yet well thought out manner. Found a good Rose from Frogs Leap and a pretty good Barbera at reasonable prices considering the PLCB. I recommend you give it a try. Phil

Thanks to all for supporting this new NJ focused magazine. Kim, Thanks to you and Bob for hosting the tasting and for permitting me to taste the wines!! Phil

If they are using bread baked in Phila, then they could be great. If not..... Just my $.02 Phil

As mentioned before, I am the wine writer for this NJ focused publication. The web site is now live and is located here: http://www.gardenplate.com/ Thanks, Phil

It will be on selected news stands for the next issue which will be released at the end of July. Phil

Zoe B, Thanks for buying a copy and for the compliment. Phil

Yes, this is a bit self serving as I am the wine writer for this new publication. But that having been written, I am also a huge supporter of their focus on food, drink, wine, and agriculture in our "garden" state. It is available from Tomato Media, PO Box 699, Somerville, NJ 08876 or http://www.gardenplate.com It should be available in August at many book stores and grocery stores on the magazine racks. Thanks and I hope some of you pick this mag up. I have enjoyed the experience of writing for them as well as their articles in the first two issues. Phil

Maybe the bottle was corked? Heck its a Rose, its meant to be light, crisp, and full of bright fruit aromas and flavors. Its not a wine to ponder, just a great quaff. Just my $.02 Phil

I don't mean to flog a new publication I am the wine writer for but.... I urge all e-gulleters to look for this new NJcentric publication. I have a feeling they will succeed in their quest to link food, wine and agriculture. With a logo that includes our state and the tag line "food and drink at every exit" how bad can it be...... Phil

If you are looking for a great Port web site go here: http://www.fortheloveofport.com/ Roy Hersh is one of the most knowledgeable people on the planet on the subject of Port, imho. Phil

<<the consistently best prices I've found are on-line at Flemington Cut Glass. >> They no longer carry Riedel. Phil

<<Who would have thought I would discover Pacherenc on a ten-item list in a restaurant in the middle of Niigata prefecture?>> Jim, Heck, it would be almost impossible to find the above wine in many/any restaurants in a major metroploitan area. I would have been pleased to have tried either one of the wines you enjoyed let alone both. Phil

Generally speaking, Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) is light and delicate and occassionally, if you are traveling in German wine country, you can find one that resembles a fine example. The best ones never leave their home turf as production levels are tiny. I have been privileged to taste a few that were quite good. Most are harvested at Spaetlese level and then fermented Trocken (dry.) Phil

I agree with Katie. Whites, usually Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Pinot Gris, etc. Reds are Pinot, Rhone or ...... Happy Bird Day to all, Phil

I had lunch yesterday with George at Rats Restaurant in Hamilton Twp, NJ. The group included: Jim Filip, owner of Doris and Ed's Restaurant, one of NJ tops restaurants; Jim is also one of the first people to feature many of CA's emerging wineries back in the late 70s and early 80s; Joe Brandolo, a veteran of the wine industry; Anthony Accardo, GM/Wine Director of Rats; and Jeff Carlson, Sommelier of Rats. It was a lively conversation about the book, the day in 1976, the reactions of the tasters at the results, the impact of the tasting, the current and future state of the wine business and many more discussions. We had a fine meal, a Domaine Baumard Clos de Papillon, Savenniere 2002 and I brought a Lynch Bages 1985 and a Laurel Glen, Estate, 1985 for a bit of a comparison taste. Both reds were nicely matured and showing beautifully 20 years into their life. As to the book, for me it is one of the best books I have read about the history of the CA wine business, littered with fun facts about where we were in the 60s and 70s in regard to wine, a great overview of the wines and wineries involved in the tasting as well many more informative facts. I truly enjoyed the sagas of Mike Grgich, Warren Winarski and Steven Spurrier and how wine affected and changed their lives. I have purchased multiple copies, which George kindly signed, to give to co-workers as Holiday gifts. I urge all wine professionals as well as wine "amateurs" to read this book. In conclusion, I am not a shill for George, just an admirer of this book. Phil

To Florida Jim, Great descriptions and you are one of the few "who get it" re Beaujolais. It has been maligned, abused and beaten to death. If I see one more GDB label in a retail store with no other representation, I will SCREAM. Just my $.02 Phil

It may be too late but we had seared duck breast on Sat. night with a 1978 Cote Rotie from Gugal that was pretty amazing. Gotta clean out the cellar from time to time. I like PN as well as Syrah and Greanche based wines with Duck. Just my $.02 Phil

I want to apologize for thinking the Race Meet was this weekend. It is definetly on 10/22. I was a bit groggy when I wrote my response in the early AM. I will talk to my friends and find out what, if any, the restrictions are on grilling. Have a good weekend and enjoy the much needed rain. Phil

As a freind of the owners of the grounds it is run upon, it is the RICHEST race meet in the USA. It also raises more money, for Charity, than any other one day event in the USA. As a veteran of race meets going back to my youth in the horse business, it has lost its luster due to the "party" scene and the lack of focus on the real thing which are the horses and the racing. That having been written, it is a great time and it is a place to go and be seen. With the weather forecast, 70% chance of rain, wear your "wellies" (Wellington mud boots) and rain slickers (only Barbour will do for this crowd.) As to grilling, I do not know what the policy is. Have fun and do watch some of the races. The quality of horses, trainers and riders are the best in the nation. Phil

Rebel Rose, I visited the site and read your post re wining and dining. I tried to post a reply with my thoughts after 10 years as a chef and 20+ years in the wine business. Sadly, this is a read only site. Hmmm..... no interaction allowed from e-gullet members? Phil

Rosie, I heard they lowered the price. It was supposed to be a lot higher. I guess there are some people who have $250 of pennies to roll but it ain't you and me. Phil