theCorkHead.com

theCorkHead.com

The online home of Mark “The Cork Head” Stuart, Certified Wine Professional, speaker/educator, judge, and columnist.

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Blog

The “Stupidest” Lawsuit of the Year

I just couldn’t leave this one alone.

The “iconic” Lindsay Lohan is suing E*TRADE because one of the babies they use in their commercials shares her same first name.  Yep, for real!

I guess I didn’t know that Lohan now owns the rights to that particular name.  Maybe parents should be paying her royalties every time the legion of American Lindsays write their name on term papers, create a YouTube or Facebook account, or even-dare I say-get a job as a radio or television personality. Read More

Wine Pioneer Continues Trendsetting

While working on his M.A. in psychology, Eddie Osterland became fascinated with the world of wine. So much so that he altered career paths and became the United States very first Master Sommelier.

His unique story began in the 1960’s when wine in the United States was not what it is today. Truth be told, at the time there were actually more orchards than vineyards in the Napa Valley. To receive the best instruction available he would be forced to move overseas. Read More

Cheap Telluride Lift Tickets

Hi all,

As a Telluride regular, I am always asked about lift ticket deals.  Well, this is the best one available.  I’ve spent hours scouring the internet and local establishments alike, and I can honestly say this is the only real deal there is out there. 

You must by at least a week in advance no matter where you buy, otherwise you’ll be stuck with rack rates no matter what! Read More

Early Olympics Recap…with Wine

Isn’t is refreshing to watch athletes compete at the highest level of their sport and express the joy they have without pretense?

I was struck by an interview with Alpine Skier Lindsey Vonn as she politely and calmly answered all the questions she was asked with poise and charm…and with a conviction to be the very best.  Her passion was palpable.  Her commitment infectious.  She was simply being herself.  Expressing her thoughts.

Shortly thereafter, in the setting of a friendly Pro-Am in conjunction with the PGA Tour, Tom Brady started doing Read More

Family Winemakers of CA in San Diego

Sunday March 14th The Del Mar Fairgrounds will play host to the largest tasting of California wines in the San Diego area.

More than 240 family owned wineries will be on hand to pour samples inside Exhibition Hall at the 2010 Family Winemakers of California San Diego Tasting. Exhibitors will represent most wine growing regions from around the state, with the highest concentration being from Sonoma and Napa Counties. Owners and winemakers will be on hand to share their wines with the public at this one-of-a-kind tasting. Read More

Valentines Day Recommendations for a Happy Heart

The most memorable words I ever heard about the legion of women who hope (or expect!) to be wowed by their significant other on Valentine’s Day innocently came from a 1990s radio advertisement when the actor deadpanned, “It’s their Super Bowl.”

Admittedly, I’m a guy’s guy and therefore the ultimate “Hallmark Holiday” generally leaves me with barely half a smile. What is most important is that my wife knows she is special – not only Valentine’s Day, but every day. And, since I’m not yet leader of the free world, I know I must succumb to societal rules now and then, and this Feb. 14 will be no different. Read More

Sports and Wine Fans Benefit from Rulings

The same week the FCC ruled cable companies must offer monopolistic programming such as San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies games to alternative service providers, a Federal court upheld a lower court ruling which could open the door for Massachusetts wine drinkers to buy direct from wineries or online. Read More

Pants on the Ground!

Ok, so I know this doesn’t have much of anything to do with wine, but I’m committed to putting on more things than simply wine geek stuff here at The Cork Head.

The General took my breath away with his viral sensation “Pants on the Ground” and I felt it only appropriate to place his video here as a record of the day it no longer was cool to have your ass hanging out or your  pants belted around your knees. 

Hail to Larry Platt for altering society forever!

Don’t underrate Rockpile AVA

So what if it only has one winery and has only bee designated as an AVA since 2002?

Every time I get the opportunity to enjoy a Rockpile wine it reminds me I need to revisit this region more often.  Zinfandel is probably the best cultivar and maybe that’s why it doesn’t get more rave reviews?  But hey, I’m a zinfandel fan. 

Drop a firm and fruity Rockpile zin on top of a classic New York steak standwich with fried onion straws and blue cheese crumbles and hide the women and children from a palate gone wild.  I’ve gotta say, that pairing is one of my all time favorites.

Most any wine shop carries a few selections to choose from.  Grab one and experiment yourself and let me know what your experience is.

Mark the Cork Head

New Year Wine Resolutions

The New Year brings with it a traditional custom where we reflect back on the past year and resolve to be healthier, wealthier, or to be a better friend or spouse. 

Each year I reflect upon my wine experiences and create a few wine resolutions of my own.  They aren’t for everyone, but can serve as a roadmap for a heightened level of physiological and intellectual bliss with each and every glass which will last beyond just 2010.  Salut!

I Resolve: Read More