Beachfan

one I use is like a hypodermic needle with a gas canister on it. It's effortless and cheap. It works 99% of the time. It's also useful on some of the 1% just because it shows things aren't always airtight.

I was disappointed my one time at Nobu NY. My benchmark is Masuhita's in Beverly Hills.

It looks better for remembering than recommending, unless you know Wine Enthusiast is similar to your palate. They aren't one of the top tier reviewers.

Tight at 12 years old is not a great sign for a CdP IMHO. 1998 was accessible early, might have shut down. The best thing about having 6 bottles is after you try one soon, you'll still have 5!

I was intrigued by what I read re: Isa (french tapas). Anyone been therea?

In Kauaii, over the years, I've been able to buy Turley Zinfandel at the Longs drugs. Also available (but not to my liking) is Pahlmeyer and Kistler Chardonnay. Last couple of years, not as good though, just the Pahlmeyer.

My favorites: Zind Humbrecht, especially the Tokay Pinot Gris Rangen St. Urbain Schoffit Weinbach Bott-Gyl and my faavorite for quality price ratio Albert Mann Gewurtztraminer Furstenum

I would assume that buying it off the shelf isn't worse than buying it at auction or at a restaurant? It depends on what they know re: provenance, and how much you believe what they tell you.

A quick check on wine-searcher shows the Beaurenard Cuvee Boisrenard 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape for $75 at Park Ave. Liquours. A classy CdP and I think if you want something for early drinking, CdP will work better than Northern Rhone wines.

Great suggestion for Chave and wine-searcher. I think 97 was better than 98 in the northern rhone, no?

I would not buy any of these from the 2000 vintage. The Phelps is probably nice, but if the person knows wine, they will automatically be disappointed to get one from that vintage. 1999 would be appreciated. I'd choose the Phelps Insignia in 1999. I would look around some shops with good selections from older vintages. If you can find a 1989 Meyney around, that would be great! It's about $75 in some stores (not NY). If you know they like Pinot Noir, that would be much more drinkable upon release.

Nice note, thanks.

That's the real secret to exciting non meat food. After all, there are so many more vegetables and fruits then there are species of animal that we eat.

That's the real secret to exciting non meat food. After all, there are so many more vegetables and fruits then there are species of animal that we eat.

Opentable is very convenient, especially for me when I make east coast reservations from my home on the west coast. Also, no busy signals.

I've always gotten great service in a sport jacket. Ties about half the time. But they've shown an uncanny knack for recognizing me even though I don't dine there frequently (but i going back to the old days).

Thanks for sharing Ajay. Now I know I don't really want to go.

Do they still have the great prix fixe deal?

I haven't had it lately, but it's been very consistently the best.

I bought the 98 Quilceda based on reviews on a good price. I tasted one, it was interesting but way too young. Not the fruit bomb I expected, but a lot of structure.

If I survived 15 years in San Fran intact, I think I'll make it the rest of the way.

How sad. It's $20 lunch was the best in NYC for the price.

Just a joke.

Well Wilfred, it must be our gender that was the problem :>L

Weak food, and after we were told BYO was fine, we got the snooty treatment, even dissing my wine when I offered him a taste (it was a William Selyem RRV Pinot).