mike volker

I'm guessing Penfold's had better lawyers. Whatever happened to common sense? Best, Mike

Thank heavens I'm only a wine buff. I usually only check it to see if it tastes good. Best, Mike

Chrish1, I'm not an expert, but I would guess they'll go at least another five years with proper storage, probably more. We opened one of the '02 Sequoia Grove Reserve yesterday. My wife's only comment was "WOW". Of course you have to like those big in your face cali cabs. Best, Mike

My wife and I were there wed night. The smoked salmon appetizer was great, as was my lamb, and my wifes hanger steak. We had the same desserts and we weren't thrilled with them. Service was good, but the tables are very close, and the room very noisy. Best, Mike

I got the last case of the '02 Sequoia Grove Reserve in Collegeville today. I couldn't believe how fast it went. If you want some I'd go seek it out quickly. Best, Mike

Honorable mention for: '00 Fisher Coach Insignia '03 Feudo Maccari Saia '00 Coldisole Brunello di Montalcino '00 Cabreo Il Borgo '00 Cline Big Break Zin Best, Mike

I'd vote for the: #1. '01 Sette Ponte Oreno #2. '01 Sequoia Grove Reserve Cab #3. '01 Trilogy #4. 'oo Cosentino "The Poet" #5. '01 The Fifteen Grenache just my 2oz worth. Best, Mike

I also thought it a pretty good deal, and I can almost hear the snores coming from the cellar. I think its sleeping between the Hanna and the lancaster. Best, Mike

Katie, I got a letter from Sen Rafferty yesterday, with the enclosure of the Inky's 1/5/07 announcement of his hearings. He basically says that he and two colleagues objected in writing to the gov. End of story. Best, Mike

Dennis, you are comparing two completely different systems. State controlled vs privatized. Every state has there own set of laws with regard to alcoholic beverages. You'd be surprised how it varies. I guess the bottom line is what do you value more when $5 is at stake? For me, my time is the most valuable thing (I can't really put a price on it to save a few bucks). Second after you pay for gas to and from Del it's a wash no? ← CherieV, If you have never been to Total Wine you really need to go, better yet make a day of it and take the tour. Total Wine, Moore Bros., Franks Union Mart, and Greenville Wine and Spirits makes a nice round trip. Bring your credit card. Before the CS program I went 4 or 5 times a year(its an hour to TW). I would fill up a shopping cart and go home. Average cost $1500 to $1800. Average saving I figured at 40%.It was worth the trip and a whole lot of fun besides. Best, Mike

It will be interesting to see the "bottom line " at the end of the year. Could leave Big Ed with egg all over his face. On another front, one of my favorite Ca wineries just emailed me to say UPS won't ship to Pa anymore. Best, Mike

For what its worth Katie, I wrote to the Inky a couple years ago and told them they should have you write a weekly column in the food section rating the Chairman's Selections. Now might be the time to promote yourself for something in that vein. Just a thought. I did email Sen Raffety via your post. Part of what I said was that with the most buying power in the the country, we should have the lowest prices. Best, Mike

Dennis, Do a search and you will find this thread several times. 1 plan a day in dry creek valley (lunch across the hwy at Jimtowm store) 2 Eat at: the Girl and the Fig, La Salette (both are in Sonoma) 3 Stop at Sonoma wine shop, taste some wine, and say hello to the boys for me. Not only will they ship to you here in Pa, but they will ship your purchases back for you as long as you buy some wines from them. Best, Mike

The best part of the article was at the end when TWO of our esteemed board members are going out to Napa on a buying trip already scheduled. Let's see where they stay and eat. Oh, and let's see how good their tasting and negociating skills are for the next chairman's selections. Rendell thinks they lost money in'06, wait til he sees '07, '08, 09... the palcb could end up with some real clunkers if they're not careful. Best, MIke

I was reluctant to bring this up until it broke in today's paper, but I had heard from store employees about his penchant for expensive lodgings and restaurants. On the other hand as basically an underpaid 65k per year (CEO) a few perks probably weren't out of line. Best, Mike

Just in case anyone was unaware, all the employees are civil service and union. That makes for double patronage in my book. Best, Mike

CS Whitehall Lane cab: I got to try this at a friends house last week, and its just as kitchenmom said, not terrible, but not great. Certainly not worth $45. Best, Mike

For more years than I care to remember it was all of those generic Autralian shiraz's. Then one day I discovered wine. Best, Mike

Nice article by Andrew Cassel in today's inky. "After seven years in charge of the state store system, he had come to believe he was running a liquor business, as opposed to a patronage farm for the pols in Harrisburg" Pretty much sums it up, and after Conti's comments the other day, its a good thing that we're close to NJ and DE. Best, Mike

1. Sandy...do you think Rendell's done running? There is always Senator...Veep... 2. My problem with Conti is that he hasn't got any experience running a show this big. I think it smacks completely of politics. Best, Mike

I emailed the guv yesterday that he had lost my vote Best, Mike

Jacob FRANKLIN petite sirah '01 With prime rib over the charcoal christmas day. This is the best petite I've ever had. It probably needs a few more years, but its oh so good now. Best Mike

If you like zin, spend a day in dry creek valley and hit all of the small producers that you never see on store shelves. Amphora, Bella, Yoakim Bridge, Quivera, and you must see Ferrari Carano Winery. Drive across to Anderson valley and have lunch at the Jimtown store. Best, Mike

The first question is how did you store them? If they have been sitiing in your hot kitchen, living room, or dining room for a year or more they are probably no good. Best, Mike

I'll bet they can figure out a way to get car lease payments as unvouchered expenses. Best, Mike