They are available this Saturday and Sunday at the Alameda location, and if there are any left, you can order them by phone starting Monday. Though I wouldn’t risk it. Only 14 bottles of the 2004 Lyons Reserve Zinfandel. Need I say more?? Okay, a few cases of 2005 Rockpile Road Petite Sirah. That should do it….

2004 Lyons Reserve Zinfandel, 2005 Rockpile Road Petite Sirah

Theme: 2008 Summer Olympics

Complimentary Tasting

2007 Viognier, Kathy’s Cuvee, Appellation Series $18
While there may be controversy over the uniforms for women playing beach volleyball,
you won’t question the peaches, apricots, and honeysuckle in this wine

2005 Zinfandel, Aparicio Vineyard, Amador County $25 ON SALE $17.50
Like an arrow being shot during the archery competition,
this Zin will pierce with its black pepper, figs, and vanilla

2006 Syrah, Abba Vineyard, Lodi $25
In honor of the dancing queen, drink a glass of smoky vanilla and black currants
while watching the floor exercise portion of gymnastics

*Reserve Flight - $8.00 *
Complimentary to club members

2005 Zinfandel, Harris Kratka Vineyard, Alexander Valley $35 ON SALE $24.50
Since polo was removed, we’ll settle for the equestrian discipline of jumping,
as we enjoy the chestnut, black cherry, and mocha this one has to offer

2006 Zinfandel, Annette’s Reserve, Redwood Valley $35
Just as synchronized swimming is a beautiful sport, so is Annette,
and the wine named after her, with its blueberry, anise, clove, and Szechwan pepper

2005 Syrah, Atoosa Vineyard, Sonoma County $35 ON SALE $24.50
Even though winners in wrestling have a habit of throwing down their medals,
this Syrah stand on the podium with strong acidity, plums, and meatiness

2006 Petite Sirah, Rockpile Road Reserve, Rockpile $45
When it comes to weightlifting, this one is a heavyweight—
full of lovely coffee, anise, blueberry, and graphite

2008 Summer Olympics

If you love Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and the like, then am I teaching the class for you!

What: Rhone Valley History and Tasting seminar
When: Wednesday, August 20, from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Where: Rosenblum Cellars, Alameda
How: call Samantha at 510-995-4100 to reserve your spot… they’re filling up fast!
How much: $40, $35 for wine club members

What to expect: learn while you taste. I just ordered a few French wines (Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone) to compare to some of the Rosenblum Rhone-style reds. We’ll talk and take notes while drinking in the beauty of the Rhone Valley.

Take a vacation without worrying about the price of plane tickets!

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.

I read this book on the drive to/from and on free moments during an extended camping trip last summer, and can’t wait to revisit this easy, informative read. With all the Ruth Reichl I’ve been reading lately, I feel a bit as if I’ve been cheating on my Jancis. I have always enjoyed her work, whether as editor, writer, or instructor but haven’t spent any time with her in a while. Therefore, I’m holding out the Wine Book Club as my bouquet of flowers.

Join me in the journey and report your reactions Tuesday, August 26. You can either leave the link in the comments on this post or you can send it to me directly by clicking on the contact me box to the right, putting Wine Book Club in the subject line.

In the meantime, Michelle from My Wine Education will be our Spin the Bottle reviewer of Natalie MacLean’s Red, White, and Drunk All Over sometime late July/early August.

Happy reading!

When: this weekend! Saturday July 26 & Sunday July 27
What time: 12-5 (although first hour is only for club members and their guests)
Where: 2900 Main St, Alameda
How much fun: more than most people can handle
How much wine: more than most people should drink
How much to get in: cheaper online ($40, $25 wine club members)
though you can still get them at the door if not sold out ($50, $35 club)

What else you need to know: Come ready for a good time, but please enjoy our wines responsibly. Wear dark clothes and comfy shoes. Eat a big breakfast. There’s lots of good food, but with so many folks around, not enough to make a meal.

Call if you have any questions or trouble ordering tickets online. 510-995-4100

Tomorrow, July 23, we will be on ABC’s View From the Bay. It comes on channel 7 at 3 pm, and we are part of the Urban Wine Road segment. You don’t have to drive to Napa to have wine fun!

Nick, Carlos, and Elvin were all very nice, and they promised me that my flub will not make an appearance. Though you might recognize some of the interesting characters who come into our tasting room on a regular basis.

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

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

Cheers!

Rosenblum Cellars will be open Memorial Day