Tuesday, September 25, 2018

GOODMAN THEATRE'S WE'RE ONLY ALIVE FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME A LIFE CELEBRATION

by   Dwight Casimere



David Cale onstage at the Goodman

The World Premiere of Obie Award winning dramatist David Cale's We're Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time  is an exuberant celebration of life using an experience-based stream-of-consciousness monologue and  orchestration from on on-stage chamber ensemble that recreates a psychological journey from a troubled childhood, On the outskirts of London, fraught with obstacles, to a mature life of creative energy and self-worth.

Recounting a life that began with a hardscrabble existence amidst a dysfunctional family, in which he gives voice to all of the players, Cale seamlessly weaves together personal narrative with song that is more like a vocalese extension of the monologue than traditionally structured songs. The music, composed by Cale and Matthew Dean Marsh and arranged by Marsh features a quintet of trumpet (Jered Montgomery), clarinet (Anna Najoom), harp (Michelle Campbell, cello (Desiree Miller) viola (David Belden) and Marsh at the piano. The quintet is visible onstage throughout the performance and is interwoven into the continuous 90 minute performance, at times serving as background score, an echoing Greek chorus, and occasional solo voice, emphasizing key dramatic moments in the narrative. Set design by Kevin Depinet and lighting by Jennifer Tipton makes creative use of the most minimal elements, elevated mobiles and suspended lighting, to great dramatic effect. Mikhail Fiksel's skillful use of sound, adds to the overall impact of this superb staging. Production Stage Manager Brian J. Fahey and Direction by Goodman Artistic Director Robert Falls, are especially noteworthy for realizing one of the most captivating and triumphant productions of Goodman's recent history. David Cale's musical and theatrical journey of memory is almost too texturally complex to reduce to the compact space provided within the paragraphs of this review. Its a production that has to be personally experienced. Each person who sees it will walk away with their own priceless experience.
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Monday, September 17, 2018

HESS COLLECTION WINES THE GEM OF NAPA'S MT. VEEDER AVA



HESS COLLECTION WINES HELP PUT MOUNT VEEDER AVA ON THE MAP WITH COVETED WINES

by Dwight Casimere

 DWIGHT CASIMERE ON MT VEEDER
 THE ICONIC LION SYMBOL OF HESS COLLECTION
 ARTEZIN SUSTAINABLY GROWN WINE
 THE KOI POND AND MEDITATION GARDENS AT HESS COLLECTION

TASTING ROOM AND LIBRARYICON SELECTIONS

THE SERENE PERGOLA AND MEDITATION GARDENS


When Donald Hess first set eyes on his newly acquired vineyards high on Mount Veeder, he had the vision to look 30 years into the future and predict that he would produce some of Napa Valley's most coveted wines. The steep mountainside vineyards, planted on thin volcanic soil had the capability of producing richly intense, age-worthy wines. What many saw as an impossibility; cultivating quality grapes in steep terrain that would give even a mountain goat pause, and thin, seemingly inhospitable soil barely capable of cultivating anything of value, Hess saw as a unique opportunity. The steep angle of the vineyards allowed the grapes to get more direct sunlight. The thin, rocky and gravely soil had excellent drainage which stressed the vines, causing them to dig deep for nourishment, thus enhancing the intensity of their fruit. 

With its sharply angled slopes, high altitude and hidden mountain vineyards, Mount Veeder is one of Napa's most unusual wine growing areas. When Mount Veeder became its own American Viticultural Area (AVA), many industry insiders scratched their heads. Not Donald Hess. He was aware that Mount Veeder had been producing age-worthy wines since the 1860s. Those early pioneers in the wine industry wouldn't have put in the back-breaking work necessary to create quality wines for nothing.


A visit to the tasting room of Hess Collection, along the winding road up Mt. Vedder high above Napa Valley tells you everything you need to know about the wine. The serene setting, from the secluded pergola, to the koi pond and meditation sculpture gardens leading up to the tasting room, suggests quiet elegance and sophistication. The wines reflect careful craftsmanship and aging techniques. Wine and art are i ntertwined at Hess Collection. The two are inseparable. Today, under the stewardship of Daughter and son-in-law Sabrina and Tim Persson (CEO), the winery continues to thrive with the next generation of Hess leadership. Hess Collection is both a world class brand and a unique destination for wine connoisseurs. 

The Lion has been the emblem of the Hess family for nine generations. It symbolizes the bold and persevering nature of the founder Donald Hess. "Live each day with the Heart and Courage of the Lion," is the family crede.

The flagship wine, Hess Collection Lion Tamer ($45) is the winery's benchmark and a Napa Valley Classic. An excellent Cab, with a dark blue India Ink color literally washes over the tongue with bold fruit flavors of blackberries, dark plums and after notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, allspice and a touch of vanilla essence on the palate. This is a wine that will appeal to foodies and wine aficionados alike. Have it with a steak cooked over hardwood coals or planked salmon.

2017 Hess Small Block Mount Veeder Gruner Veltliner ($30) is another gem among the new releases. Gruner Veltliner is the signature grape of Austria. Its amazing how well it adapts to the Mount Veeder AVA. Redolent of ripe citrus fruit and a zippy minerality, this is one of the most delightfully light, fresh wines in the Hess Collection. A perfect late summer lunch or brunch wine that goes with anything on the buffet, this is one of the real values in the Hess Collection relative to its delightful taste and versatility.

The Library Wines are a true work of art. 2014 Hess Collection Mt. Vedder Cabernet Sauvignon ($75), is one of the hallmarks of what a great Napa Valley Cab is. This is a classy wine that is very well balanced. For those who are a little tired of the typical heavy handed Cabs of the region, this is a delightful change of pace. With carefully nuanced fruit flavors, it has a wonderful taste and a very clean finish that is simply fantastic. This is a great wine to show of to your friends at dinner, because it will elevate even the simplest dishes. There's nothing fussy about this wine, it simply delivers!

Sustainably Grown, Family Farmed ARTEZIN wines are exclusive to the winery and worth a trip up the mountain. 2014 Artezin Collins Vineyard Zinfandel ($30)is created from grapes from Sonoma's Russian River Valley, famous for great zinfandel. The wine is created from old vine blocks dating from 1934. Layers of deep, dark berries and black cherries make this a real flavor excursion that harkens to the early days of California winemaking and hand crafted technique. Spend an afternoon in your own version of a meditation garden and drink in the deep, dark satisfying flavors. 


Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Wine of the Weekl-Villa Sandi Il Fresco-$19



by Dwight Casimere

Photos: Dwight Casimere





Villa Sandi Il Fresco DOC and the palace at Marca Trevigiana

Villa Sandi owner Giancarlo Moretti Polegato with Dwight Casimere
 The charming town of Treviso, known as "Little Venice"
 The entrance to the Gorgazzo Springs of Treviso

 Inside a cave at the mouth of the Gorgazzo Spring
 The lush hills outside Treviso on the Prosecco Road
 The Glera grape from which Prosecco is made

All photos and story by Dwight Casimere

TREVISO, ITALY--Prosecco, once considered the stepchild of Champagne, has truly come into its own. It is the sparkling beverage of choice among millennials and is now the widest selling sparkling wine in the world. This golden gift from northeastern Italy, is fueled by the shifting tastes of wine lovers and gastronomes alike. Spicier, lighter international cuisines with lighter staples, such as seafood, various rices and pastas and an ever-widening array of produce and charcuterie has increased demand for the light, refreshing taste of Prosecco. Who would have thought that kale would become as common on the plate as iceberg lettuce once was, or that dishes such as sautéed squid linguine with black ink sauce would become as ordinary as Fettuccine Alfredo.

Above the barrage of labels sits an unparalleled beauty of an Italian sparkling wine, Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco. Priced at under $20, it is an exquisite example of what the makers of a Prosecco DOC can achieve with the firm backing of tradition and a keen eye to the future.  Treviso in northeastern Italy, is home to Prosecco. Made from the native Glera grape. it is the pride of the locale, which is often called "Little Venice" with its many charming footbridges and canals. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking, with sacred grottos, winding trails and majestic hills rolling with lush rows of Glera vineyards.

The wine caves of Villa Sandi and the palace at Marca Trevigiana, date back more than a hundred years. Portions of the wine caves were used to hide Allied Troops during World War I. A collection of military motorcycles are among the remnants of this historic time. Owner Giancarlo Moretti Polegato has amassed an impressive collection of military aircraft and artillery on the property that, interspersed with the statuary and gardens, reflects the rich history and tradition of Villa Sandi. 

Il Fresco Prosecco is everything the name implies. A fresh, fruit-forward taste of bright citrus fruits; lemons, ripe melon and hints of Mandarin orange and a touch of white flowers, makes this a most appealing accompaniment to Shrimp Scampi or Baked Turbo, two local favorites. One of my favorite dishes is freshly cut homemade Fettuccine served with a sauce made from fresh, pink large shrimp, called Scampi or Prawns. Gambero Rosso (Red Shrimp) is the local name for this seasonal delicacy. Sautéed ever so lightly with fresh, unsalted creamery butter, chopped fresh garlic, a sprinkle of fresh tarragon, flat leaf parsley or oregano and a splash of Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco, and you have a quick-to-prepare lunch that goes perfectly with this lovely sparkling wine. Buon Appetito!

 Gloria vineyards near Treviso

Risotto Manteca, a local dish made with Arborio rice, baby fresh water shrimp and soft shell crab from the local lake
 The wine caves at Villa Sandi that once hid Allied Troops during World War I
 A collection of vintage World War I and II motorcycles used by the military
 Sitting rooms inside the palace at Marca Trevigiana
 The gardens and statuary fountains at Marca Trevigiana





A private tasting at Locanda Sandi, the winery's restaurant with winemaker Stefano Gava (standing below)

Mushroom Risotto in the winery's tasting room

Venice's famed sommelier and chef Mauto Lorenzin prepares mushroom and seafood risotto
Dwight The Wine Doctor on location



TREVISO, ITALY--Prosecco, once considered the stepchild of Champagne, has truly come into its own. It is the sparkling beverage of choice among millennials and is now the widest selling sparkling wine in the world. This golden gift from northeastern Italy, is fueled by the shifting tastes of wine lovers and gastronomes alike. Spicier, lighter international cuisines with lighter staples, such as seafood, various rices and pastas and an ever-widening array of produce and charcuterie has increased demand for the light, refreshing taste of Prosecco. Who would have thought that kale would become as common on the plate as iceberg lettuce once was, or that dishes such as sautéed squid linguine with black ink sauce would become as ordinary as Fettuccine Alfredo.

Above the barrage of labels sits an unparalleled beauty of an Italian sparkling wine, Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco. Priced at under $20, it is an exquisite example of what the makers of a Prosecco DOC can achieve with the firm backing of tradition and a keen eye to the future.  Treviso in northeastern Italy, is home to Prosecco. Made from the native Glera grape. it is the pride of the locale, which is often called "Little Venice" with its many charming footbridges and canals. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking, with sacred grottos, winding trails and majestic hills rolling with lush rows of Glera vineyards.

The wine caves of Villa Sandi and the castle at Marca Trevigiana, date back more than a hundred years. Portions of the wine caves were used to hide Allied Troops during World War I. A collection of military motorcycles are among the remnants of this historic time. Owner Giancarlo Moretti Polegato has amassed an impressive collection of military aircraft and artillery on the property that, interspersed with the statuary and gardens, reflects the rich history and tradition of Villa Sandi. 

Il Fresco Prosecco is everything the name implies. A fresh, fruit-forward taste of bright citrus fruits; lemons, ripe melon and hints of Mandarin orange and a touch of white flowers, makes this a most appealing accompaniment to Shrimp Scampi or Baked Turbo, two local favorites. One of my favorite dishes is freshly cut homemade Fettuccine served with a sauce made from fresh, pink large shrimp, called Scampi or Prawns. Gambero Rosso (Red Shrimp) is the local name for this seasonal delicacy). Sautéed ever so lightly with fresh, unsalted creamery butter, chopped fresh garlic, a sprinkle of fresh tarragon, flat leaf parsley or oregano and a splash of Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco, and you have a quick-to-prepare lunch that goes perfectly with this lovely sparkling wine. Buon Appetito!

1000 STORIES SMALL BATCH ZINFANDEL 2015 AND 2016: A COMPARISON OF BOURBON BARREL AGING ART

LEGENDARY WINEMAKER BOB BLUE COMBINES OLD AND NEW BARREL AGING TECHNIQUES
TO CREATE STUNNING CALIFORNIA ZINFANDEL BLENDS

by Dwight Casimere

 1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel
 Zinfandel vineyards in Mendocino County
 A fire-grilled Strip Steak goes perfectly with 1000 Stories Zinfandel
 Barrel making at Independent Stave Company in Lebanon, MO





In the early days of California wine, vintners employed used Bourbon barrels in their winemaking. French oak was nearly unheard of and American oak, well, that was used strictly for making whiskey. Enter the modern day of California winemaking and men such as Mike Grgich and Robert Mondavi, who happily employed French winemaking techniques and expensive French oak barrels in their winemaking, to achieve stunning results. They created wines so magnificent that California wine was put on the map at the Paris winemaking competition in 1974. And the rest, as thy say, is history.

1000 Stories California Zinfandel ($19) is a throwback to the storied past of California winemaking, with a modern twist. Legendary winemaker Bob Blue used both old and new Bourbon barrels and a combination of French and American oak barrels to create a blended wine of stunning character and complexity. A comparative tasting of 1000 Stories California Zinfandel; Batch 30 from the 2015 vintage and Batch 47 from the newly released 2016 vintage reveals the full range of and depth of flavor that can be achieved with this careful balance of old and new.

A thick juicy prime aged Strip Steak, marinated in Cajun spices and blackened over smoldering hardwood coals and hand cut Steak Fries cooked in a deep cast-iron skillet was the accompanying dish to a flavor comparison of the 2015 and 2016 vintages of 1000 Stories Small Batch Zinfandel, 2015 and 2016. The smoky and spicy aspects of the meal served to bring out the like characteristics of the wine. In a word, the wines were dazzling.

Both 1000 Stories Zinfandels employ a blend of classic California Zinfandel grapes from storied California vineyards. Mendocino Zinfandel plays a big role in the blend, with grapes from, classic old vineyards such as Sargentini and Rucker. Head trained and dry farmed, these grapes are known for creating great Zins and are the backbone of 1000 Stories. New to the batch is Lodi Zinfandel, with its iconic big character and bold flavors. The blend is then rounded out with some Zinfandels from Colusa County, Syrah from Paso Robles and Petite Syrah from Mendocino. Here's where the magical art of wine barrel aging comes into play, with winemaker Bob Blue's distinctive formula of traditional and modern barrel aging techniques using a combination of Bourbon Barrel Aging and both French and American Oak. The wine is aged in separate small batches and then blended using a proprietary formula. 

Individual lots of these intriguing wines begin the aging process in American and French oak barrels before being introduced to new Bourbon barrels that are hand staved and fired to a light toast by craftsmen at the Independent Stave Company. Based in Lebanon, Missouri, the company has handcrafted quality cooperage for the wine and spirits industry since 1912. What began as a small-family-owned business in a small town in the Midwest has grown into a global empire employing thousands in such far-flung locales as Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and Africa. Independent Stave Company barrels reach customers in over 40 countries. Chances are if you've had a drink in any country in the world, you've tasted a wine or whiskey aged in an Independent Stave Company barrel. 

Back to the 1000 Stories wines. Batch 30 2015 stands alone as a classic example of fine, aged California Zinfandel. The barrel aging, using a combination of Bourbon barrels and French and American oak brings forth a wine with polish and depth. Red raspberries and deep purple blueberries and blackberries combine with subtle cinnamon, rich vanilla and dried sage and thyme to create a captivating flavor combination.  The light char to the Bourbon barrels lends the wine a hint of creamy caramel. 1000 Stories Batch 30 2015 Zinfandel ends on a memorable note that lingers long in the mouth.

Batch 47 2016 vintage is a bracing, racy wine with striking character. Zinfandel grapes from heritage vineyards in Mendocino County lends the wine its classic structure and depth along with notes of red fruit. Vineyards in Lodi and the Sierra Foothills give it a rich texture, weight and an energizing mineral quality. Petite Syrah rounds out the blend with tannic structure and intense purple color and layers of cinnamon and clove baking spices. Enticing aromas of potpourri and wisps of smoke add to the ephemeral aromatic. Each sip leaves you hungering for more. The bottle is finished before you know it!

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL-NAPA VALLEY WINES BY HALL FAMILY WINERY

by  Dwight Casimere

 HALL 2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 DWIGHT CASIMERE IN THE NAPA VALLEY AT HALL FAMILY WINERY
 A BOTTLE OF JACK'S MASTERPIECE
 ARTWORK DOMINATES THE WINERY AND ELEGANT TASTING ROOM





A VIEW OF THE VINEYARDS IN ST. HELENA

 HALL FAMILY WINES
 A PRIVATE TASTING IN THE WINE LIBRARY



ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY, CA.--Thursday, September 13 is a landmark day in Chicago wine history. That is when Kathryn Hall, owner of Hall Family Winery will visit the Windy City to host a tasting event of her new releases. The kathryn Hall Release Party will be held at the W Hotel, City Center, 172 W. Adams in downtown Chicago from 7 to 9:30pm.In addition, Katherine Hall herself will be leading a pre-event vertical tasting of her signature Cabernet Sauvignon. Tickets to the public are available on Eventbrite. 

Hall's wines have been recently singled out by the esteemed wine critic Robert Parker as among the best that the Napa Valley has to offer. He referenced the wine in a recent reviews as reflecting "the Art of Cabernet Sauvignon" winemaking. A personal visit to the Hall Winery tasting room along Highway 29 in the heart of the Napa Valley only confirmed that high praise.

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($157.25) is a close to an ideal vintage as possible. It is complex without being pretentious.  Aromas and tastes of fresh blackberries and blueberries are evident both on the nose and on the palate. The wine is full-bodied with a nice mouthfeel yet, it is devoid of heaviness or over-ripeness. The wine invites another sip to uncover its many layers of delicious diversity. The wine is, in a word, flawless.

Other wines of note include Jack's Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($150), a wine which lives up to its name. Also rated 90-100 points, each year Hall's former winemaker Mike Reynolds returns to the winery to blend a Cabernet that he refers to as his "first love." Like the Hall Cabernet, it is brimming with bright fruit flavors combined with a lingering scent of burning embers and a bit of charcoal glaze in the background. The deep purple color will remind you of some of the richest. If this wine were to be served side-by-side with a wine from Graves, France, no one would be able to tell the difference.

Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features five Certified Organic estates producing classic Bordeaux varietals.

Each vintage, Winemaker Steve Leveque crafts 19 distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley.  HALL’s highly rated wines include the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, selected as Wine Spectator’s #18 of the ‘Top 100’ in 2010, the HALL 2008 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon that earned #2 Wine Spectator “Top 100” Wines, and its 2010 ‘Exzellenz’ earned 100 points by Robert Parker. Collectively, over 140 HALL Wines have been rated 90 points and above.

HALL Wines employs high-density plantings and small-vine viticulture combined with two cutting-edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. In addition, the HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California, making HALL Wines pioneers in the use of green buildings for the wine industry. The site maintains one acre of solar panels on its roof and uses 100% recycled water throughout its processes. Each of HALL’s state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine contemporary art and architecture with comfortable luxury and warm hospitality for winery guests. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.