Wine Outlook

Friday was Rosenblum’s holiday staff party. This one had tons of food, almost as much as there was at the End of Harvest Lunch. This time there was smoked salmon and apple-doused ribs with a few side dishes and many desserts. And, of course, there was a table full of wine. Sparklers such as Roederer and a variety of still wines, including older Rosenblum choices, were available, but my eye immediately went to the array of Robert Biale selections. I couldn’t help but go for the Black Chicken.

Other than that, I was a distant bystander. As everyone ate and drank and laughed downstairs, we ate our food up behind the bar, looking down on the action in between pours. That’s why the tasting room has its own party, but I couldn’t help but watch wistfully as everyone traded white elephant gifts and someone ended up with the painting of a rose in bloom again, which Shauna later stole.

I would have liked to have eaten with everyone and enjoyed the scene close up, as we really do work with some interesting characters (aside from my daily dose of Kenny G). But trust me, I could hear plenty well when the karaoke machine got warmed up. Alvin and Warren started off sounding pretty good, but the more people had to drink, the worse and louder it got. I don’t think Bret needs to be handed the microphone at all next year, Kenny was so funny, I didn’t even realize what song he was singing (it was “Red Red Wine”), and everyone loved Kent Rosenblum in his Santa outfit (or not) singing “You Gotta Know When to Fold ‘Em” with Roger and Bret (who just wouldn’t give up)!

While we were working in the tasting room, Meg, Myles, and the gang were busy packing up the hundreds of orders that had poured in from the Kick Ranch Reserve Syrah’s big Wine Spectator score. I think it was even harder for them, trying to concentrate while the notes of “Dancing Queen” and “Dream Lover” forced themselves into our ears. Even though some of the customers did occasionally join in the singing, some felt the way Jonathan did in that picture and cut their visit short. But hey, it’s the holidays and they only come around once a year.

Except at Rosenblum, we always have a reason for a party…

*I was borrowing sweet Meg’s camera, which I wasn’t used to nor did I have much time to take pictures anyway, so I’ll try to post some of Sid’s photographs later.

Rosenblum’s holiday staff party