Wine Outlook

Here at Rosenblum, we’re doing our best to help others during the holiday season. It’s all about giving, after all.

Therefore, we’ve got a couple of bins in the winery where you can bring in canned goods for those in need. Our friends over at the Food bank say what they could use the most are canned protein items, such as chili and tuna. In return, we’re giving our club members who donate a three-bottle reusable bag, with the Rosenblum logo. That way, we’re also saving some trees in the process.

Give to the needy while going green.
—–
Plus, we still have a few cases of wines that are $5 off regular price, but they won’t be around long….

Yes, indeed.

Out with the Old, In with the New Sale

Change is in the air for November, whether it be politics or the weather. And at Rosenblum Cellars, our Nov. 15 & 16 Open House means new wines will be released. While we are excited about the 2006 wines, in some cases, we still have a little of the 2005 vintage. Our lack of space and need to make room means sale prices for you. The following will be on sale at $5 off their regular price: 2005 Aparicio Zinfandel, 2005 Harris Kratka Zinfandel, 2005 St.Peter’s Church Reserve Zinfandel,and 2005 Maggie’s Reserve Zinfandel.

These wines won’t be around long at these prices, so don’t get lost in the shuffle!

2005 Aparicio Zinfandel, 2005 Harris Kratka Zinfandel, 2005 St.Peter’s Church Reserve Zinfandel, 2005 Maggie’s Reserve Zinfandel, wine sale, Rosenblum wines on sale

This week’s theme: FLEET WEEK history and tidbits

Complimentary Tasting

2006 Roussanne, Fess Parker Vineyard, Santa Barbara $25
Picture yourself in San Diego in 1935, for the very first Fleet Week,
maybe sipping on a glass of peaches, papaya, mango, and orange blossom

2005 Merlot, Appellation Series, Russian River Valley $18
Franklin Roosevelt stood watch as the U.S. Marine Corps color guard led a parade
of cherry,cedar, cocoa, and crisp acidity

2006 Zinfandel, Eagle Point Vineyard, Mendocino $25
It didn’t happen again until 1981, revived in San Francisco:
an explosion of fig, anise, blackberry, huckleberry
(more…)

FLEET WEEK

Next Wednesday–one week from tonight–will be the last wine seminar of the year at Rosenblum Cellars, hosted by yours truly.

The Art of Blending will take place from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the winery in Alameda. We’ll try our hand at blending,
most likely some Rhone varieties and Zinfandel, but it all depends on what the winemakers give me. If you’re
thinking of becoming a home winemaker, or you just want to have some fun with wine, come join us next week.

Test your tasting and mixing skills.

Cost: $40 per person, $5 off for wine club members
Call 510-995-4100 to make your reservation today!

wine classes in Bay Area, wine seminar at Rosenblum, fun wine classes in the East Bay, wine blending class

And we need help…

Check out this job description and see if you might be a good fit. And if you have trouble following the directed path, let me know.

East Bay wine job, wine club job, open position at Rosenblum, Rosenblum Cellars wine club

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DANCING
Also, check out the 3 wines on sale at 30% off…

Complimentary Tasting

2007 Viognier, Kathy’s Cuvee, Appellation Series $18
The vivid fruit flavors of peach, apricot, and pineapple
will have you doing the HULA on the beaches of Hawaii

2006 Grenache, Rhodes Vineyard, Redwood Valley $25
The languid ease of the lavender, violets, and cherries
will remind you of a slow and supple WALTZ

2006 Zinfandel, Kontrabecki Vineyard, Livermore $25 ON SALE $17.50
FOXTROT your way through vanilla beans
blackberries, black currants, and baking spices

creative tasting menu, Rosenblum wines on sale, 30% off wine, Rosenblum tasting menu

….Jack London Square this Saturday….

3rd Annual Urban Wine Experience
Details:Saturday, August 9 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Fifteen wineries pouring their newest releases, matched with amazing food from local restaurants

tickets are $45 in advance (if you click here before midnight on Friday)and $60 at the door

Live music will be performed by the Cajun All Stars, and admission includes a souvenir Riedel
wine glass.

Here are the pairings you’ll get to sample (winery listed first, then food):
Aubin Cellars - Adagia
Periscope Cellars - Bellanico
Andrew Lane - Canvas Underground/Downtown Restaurant
Irish Monkey - C’era Una Volta
Urbano Cellars - E-22 Cafe
Dashe Cellars - Fabrique Delice
A Donkey and Goat - Franklin Square Wine Bar
Lost Canyon - Montclair Bistro
Rosenblum Cellars - Mona’s Table
Prospect 772 - Patrick David’s Catering
Tayerle Wines - Pappo
Eno Wines - Savory Cook Private Dining
JC Cellars - Scott’s Seafood
Two Mile - Sea Salt
Adams Point - Whole Foods

If you have any more questions, visit the East Bay Vintners website, or call Errin Leach at 510-452-1800.

This summer finds us celebrating Rosenblum Cellars’ 30th anniversary with all sorts of fun happenings. Friday provides a wonderful opportunity to learn, eat, drink, and make merry. How about making the most of Sonoma County, where some of our most sought-after wines hail? The seminar begins at 4:30, here at the Alameda winery location, moderated by Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast. Dinner begins at 6:30 and can be purchased separately. Food provided by The Girl & The Fig (yum, I can’t wait to try it!) Just look at this sneak peek of the menu:

St. Andre tartlet, with leeks & garlic vol-au-vent
Fromage blanc crostini, with mushroom & truffle oil
Salmon tartare, with cucumber & tobiko caviar
Lobster bisque, demitasse
Liberty duck confit roll

And that’s just the reception hors d’oeuvres… Plus, two of the wines lined up are currently sold out in the tasting room, so you’ll get to try bottles no longer available and feel super special while doing so.

Of course, the evening would not be complete without Mr. Rosenblum himself….

Here are the details:
Dinner–$150, $135 for club members
Dinner & seminar–$215, $200 for club members

Purchase your tickets online at our website.

Call 510-995-4100 for further information. I hope to see you there!

Rosenblum Cellars’ 30th anniversary, Steve Heimoff, The Girl & The Fig, dinner with Kent Rosenblum, winemaker dinner in the East Bay, fun events at Rosenblum

There are a few slots left for our wine class on the influence of oak on wine.

Where: Rosenblum Cellars…2900 Main Street…Alameda
When: Wednesday, July 9…from 6:30 to 8:30
How much: $40…$35 for club members

What else: Associate winemaker, John Kane, will take us on a tour of the cellar and sample wines from the barrel, doing comparative tastings to illustrate the differences in certain styles.

Wear close-toed shoes for safety and bring your questions. We’ll handle the rest!

wine class, Rosenblum Cellars, John Kane, fun things to do in Alameda, wine classes in the East Bay, oak influence

Rosenblum Cellars will be open Memorial Day—this Monday, May 26. Regular hours:11-6.

Cheers!

Rosenblum Cellars will be open Memorial Day

Miguel Boscana is back!! When I began my job at Rosenblum Cellars, there were a few things people asked about on a regular basis: when would the St. Peter’s Church be available, when was the next Open House, and how was Miguel (and when would he be back)… Well, the 05 St. Peter’s Zin has been out since November, the next Open House is the last weekend of July, and Miguel has been back since early March.

I can see why everyone loves him. He’s friendly, he’s fun, and he knows a heckuva lot about wine. If you haven’t seen him yet, come on in and say hello!

Or better yet, (more…)

Miguel Boscana, Rosenblum Cellars

If you are a Zinfandel fan, then surely you are quite familiar with the name Rockpile…

Around six years ago, Rockpile was recognized as its own AVA. Before that it was grouped in with the other areas of Dry Creek Valley, but it became obvious that the nature of the geography and wines produced there deserved distinction. Mountain vineyards throughout the new AVA have differences but tend to make the most of the rocky soils, cooler days and warmer nights. Despite their variations, they have one thing in common: good, often monster, wines.

Rosenblum Cellars recognized the beauty of this region early on. Ten years ago, to be exact. Jack Florence, Sr., and his son, Jack Florence, Jr., grow lots of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah for us. Each one wonderful, each one distinct. (Though it was the Rockpile Road Zinfandel that truly put the vineyard on the map when it reached #3 on the Wine Spectator Top 100, I have to admit it’s the Petite Sirah that blows me away!)

Whichever (or all) Rockpiles you like, I have the destination for you. (more…)

Zinfandel fan, Rosenblum Cellars, Jack Florence, Rockpile Road Zinfandel

This week’s menu, available through Thursday… I promise I am going to start getting these up on time. They change every Friday morning. Don’t know where my head goes sometimes!

Complimentary Tasting

2005 Roussanne, Santa Barbara, Appellation Series $18
A romantic tryst between guava and pineapple, as they share
a butterscotch sundae and lock eyes over a vase of honeysuckle

2006 Zinfandel, Richard Sauret Vineyard, Paso Robles $25
Fresh bread toasted and slathered with raspberry and plum jam…
or maybe you’d rather pilfer a piece of strawberry shortcake

2005 Syrah, Abba Vineyard, Lodi $25
Vanilla plays second fiddle to the dark cherries, light smoke, and
minerality that work their mojo on your glass

*Reserve Flight - $8.00 * (more…)

***This week’s theme: Dessert in your glass (but not dessert wine)*** Sometimes, I confuse people with my themes, as when I compared the wines to ice cream flavors. But if you use your imagination a little…I’ll take you to some crazy places!

Complimentary Tasting

2006 Cote du Bone Blanc, Chateau la Paws $14
Dive into peach trifle layered with lemon custard
and wash it down with a Hansen’s Orange Creme Soda

2005 Zinfandel, Planchon Vineyard, San Francisco Bay $25
Take your choice of plum crumble cake
or rum raisin cake sprinkled with pecans … and grab a fork

2006 Petite Sirah, Heritage Clones, Appellation Series $18
Oooo and ahhh over the display of a decadent
molten chocolate cake with vanilla-coated raspberries on the side
(more…)

I’m a little late in posting this one. Sorry! It will change again on Friday.

Complimentary Tasting

2006 Roussanne, Fess Parker Vineyard, Santa Barbara $25
Take a sip of this tropical smoothie
with pineapples, lychees, mandarin oranges, and honeysuckle

2005 Zinfandel, Aparicio Vineyard, Amador County $25
A lone fig tree surrounded by an orchard of abundant cherries,
and further beyond — pines and peppercorns

2004 Syrah, Santa Barbara, Appellation Series $18
Vanilla beans dance with violets along a rocky stream
while a piles of plums look on with envy

(more…)