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.

Lohan claims by default is this case that her first name is as recognizable to her as Oprah, Tiger or Madonna.  Hmmm…

Here’s the funny part to me, and really the answer to why this is so rediculous.  Lohan’s attorney, Stephanie Ovadia, suggested to The New York Post, “They’re using her name as a parody of her life.  Why didn’t they use the name Susan?”  Are you friggin’ kidding me! 

Here’s to hoping Sarandon, St. James and Lucci aren’t as sensitive as Lohan, as they are all clearly more important in the entertainment industry.

Ovadia, as an attorney, isn’t it your job to have some sort of grip on the real world?  Perhaps someone in your position could provide some measure of level-headed thought to clients such as Lohan who obviously are living in a world more akin to Alice in Wonderland than planet Earth?

Check out the commercial here and let me know what you think?

Thank goodness B. Anthony has passed and she has her own coin.  Hopefully that is enough for her ego.

I really wasn’t in the mood to blog tonight, but when I opened and tasted the 2007 Dry Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay I just had to sit down and pound out  a few paragraphs!

I must admit that I’m a RRV chardonnay honk, as I much prefer the characteristics that come out of this AVA’s best vineyards over her sometimes more heralded Napa and Carneros bretheren.  However, I’ve had more than my fair share of really bad RRV chards before too.

Anyway, I was immediately taken aback by the balance on the nose.  Fruit, oak, and minerality were readily apparant and in a beautiful balance.  The fruit is more on the apple-pear side of the ledger but is certainly not devoid of subtlety.  RRV fruit can often show a minerality not often found in New World chardonnay–always a pleasant surprise.  The oak is again in balance…not overpowering or showing tannic astringency. 

COMPLEXITY!!!

Oh yeah…did I say L-E-N-G-T-H on the finish?  The best wines finish last.

Wonderfully round, no more than mid-weight, and integrated acidity keep this wine lively and a worthy food partner to grilled salmon, bacon-wrapped shrimp, or other foods of that nature.

Hmm…I thought I was just in for another long night of Olympic figure skating, but now I have something to look forward to–the next glass!

I guarantee this will be one of the best chardonnays I taste all year.

Mark the Cork Head

FIND IT HERE

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.

France’s University of Bordeaux offered the world’s premier wine education, however Osterland did not speak the language. Not to be deterred, he moved to France to study the language for 9 months just so he could enroll. For each hour spent in the classroom, it took him three more just to translate the lessons. Four grueling years later he had attained the highest wine accreditation in France, the D.U.A.D, roughly translated as a professional tasting degree.

Not satisfied with this remarkable accomplishment, his internal drive to be the best took him to London where he sat for and passed the Master Sommelier exam. By doing so, he became the very first American to be awarded this revered title. Since Osterland earned this honor over 35 years ago only 103 total Americans have been able to wear the pin of a Master Sommelier.

Osterland has manifested this pioneer spirit by fusing his psychology background with his singular understanding of wine to create a package of services for corporations called “Power Entertaining with Food and Wine”.

“I’m part speaker, part educator, and part entertainer” says Osterland. His splashy engagements have served some of the greatest corporate names in the United States including American Express, Merrill Lynch, and Citigroup.

Power entertaining is all about introducing premium strategies that will allow his executive clients to impress corporate and personal guests on the same high level at which they have excelled at in the business community.

“My services are not about food and wine as much as they are about developing relationships with clients”.

His signature tool to commence a corporate retreat or seminar is his “Passport to Wines of the World”. During this exercise he pairs specific foods and wines and stations them throughout the room while arming each guest with a passport to each station. Osterland invented this format to create physical movement around the room which provides an improved opportunity for attendees to get to know each other in an enjoyable atmosphere.

When addressing groups as a keynote speaker Osterland specifically avoids preaching the straight and narrow. “I’ll never tell people how food and wine taste”, he says. “Each of us has their own palate and should connect their own dots.” He will however arm his listeners with some useful insight on how to get the most out of tasting wine and combining it with food to assure a lasting impression when entertaining.

Four decades after the courageous decision to become the first American Master Sommelier he continues to be on the leading edge of the industry. In just the last few years he has led hundreds of events, including functions as far away as China.

“I’m thrilled with what I do,” says Osterland.

For more information on Eddie Osterland events or to contact Mr. Osterland, visit www.eddieosterland.com.

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!

I’ve included comparison charts below that show the Orbitz rates vs. the rack rate, as well as the ski resort 7 day advance pricing as well.  Compare and save!

***After clicking the link, the pricing grid may not come up directly.  Just enter your dates and you should be good to go.

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 his best Rickey Henderson impression…answering questions while doing anything he possibly could to be as deflective as possible.  A loose quote of his said it all.  “We are working at it and we are hitting it a little better.” 

We?  Golf is an individual sport Tom.  What’s with the “we” reference?  Dude, this wasn’t a Super Bowl press conference, this was a fun event where you are served up on a silver platter a platform to show your personality to the nation.  Maybe you could show some sort of apprecation that you are fortunate enough to be playing golf with the world’s best on THEIR stage, at Pebble Beach no less, one of the greatest meetings of sea and earth one will ever experience. 

How about a little, “Man, I love it here.  What a special treat it is to be here and experience all of this.  I’m truly blessed”.  Give the scripted stuff a rest!

Perhaps the best thing I’ve seen so far was Netherlands Speed Skater Sven Kramer going into the stands.  Nope, it wasn’t anything like Ron Artest or Milton Bradley trying to put a beat down on a ticketholder, it was simply an athlete so overjoyed to win that he felt it only appropriate to share his gold medal moment with those who loved him most…his girlfriend, parents, and other close supporters.  It was wonderful to see the interaction of a sportsman and fans in a non-Detroit or Oakland sort of way, wasn’t it?

I guess this is why we love the Olympics so much.  Sure, we get to see competitions not normally shown in prime time, if ever given any air time at all.  Mostly we get to experience the heartache, pain, and triumphs of athletes wearing their hearts, and countries, on their sleeves for everyone to see.

GO TEAM USA!  Make us proud.

So, for my wine to pair with the early action I must choose an albarino, a light and refreshing wine sometimes even with a hint of spritz to it.  Sound familiar?

For now…

Mark the Cork Head

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.

Though the event has a folksy name, the wines being poured are anything but. The tasting features a star-studded lineup of producers, including Napa Valley standouts Corison Winery, The Terraces, and Grgich Hills. From Sonoma look for Saxon Brown Wines, Fritz Winery, and Landmark Vineyards. Other notable producers scheduled to pour include the likes of Tablas Creek Vineyard, Pisoni Vineyards and Winery, and Alfaro Family Vineyards, among countless superstars.

Wine tasting events with this degree of transparency to winery ownership traditionally were reserved exclusively for those in the wine business. What makes this exhibition so special is the unprecedented access to winery executives by the general public. “Their intimate involvement with many more aspects of the winemaking process provides for a much more unique experience as far as the dialogue goes”, said Michelle Metter, an organizing consultant for the event.

The Terraces owner and winemaker Timm Crull has high hopes for the first time exhibition. “This event will have great wines”, said Crull. “San Diego and North County are important areas. We are very excited to be there.”

Saxon Brown winemaker Jeff Gaffner is also pleased to continue inroads to the San Diego market, and in such an open format. “It gives us a chance to pour all our wines”, said Gaffner, who plans on offering 12 different choices.

With so many producers on hand, patrons should go with a plan so they may seek out their preferred producers, wines, and varietals. The Family Winemakers of California website, www.familywinemakers.org has a complete list of scheduled exhibitors. Additionally, an advanced feature on the website allows web surfers the ability to select varietals they are interested in tasting and will be directed to the producers who will be pouring them.

The 2010 Family Winemakers of California San Diego Tasting is open to the public from 3-6 p.m. Tickets are available online for $45, or at the door for $55. Organizers recommended attendees purchase tickets online as the event may sell out and tickets at the door may not be available. For more information visit www.familywinemakers.org.

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.

Start with chocolate. Not only have I found the the best darn chocolate I’ve ever tasted, but it also has some major league cool factor too. The Choclatique Gold Leaf Dom Perignon Champagne Truffle. Its a mouthfull to say and enjoy!

There is nothing more decadent and indulgent than a luscious, chocolate Champagne truffle from Choclatique. The wonderfully light and creamy ganache filling is made with Dom Perignon Champagne enclosed in a rich, award-winning, Private Reserve Dark Chocolate (64% cacao) each kissed with a 24-karat gold leaf! The chocolatier even went so far as to have Ferrari’s chief designer created the mold, and the little gems are even shipped in a mini-cooler so as to insure the perfect temperature throughout delivery.

Extravagant yes, but when you taste it you’ll understand why I carry this in my “World’s Best” wine store. You just gotta try them to believe it.

Move on to the vino. I’ve also carefully selected an historically significant sparkling wine from Sonoma that pairs perfectly with the truffles, and a superb-yet-affordable ruby style Port that quite frankly may be one of the great chocolate pairings on earth. Whatever you choose you’ll be sure to exceed any expectations.

Finally, wine.com still has a few bottles left of the 2009 Wine Enthusiast #1 Wine of the Year, the 2006 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir. Grab them before they are gone.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, and every day in between. Life is short. Rejoice in it!

Mark the Cork Head

2006 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir  Price: $17.79 (save $3.21) 15%   Wine Enthusiast #1 Wine of 2009.  Enough Said.  The 2007 vintage has already reached store shelves, meaning this wine is nearly sold out.  This wine will soon be gone forever.  Enjoy now!   FIND IT HERE   Dom Perignon Champagne Truffles Choclatique was just named “The Most Gifted Chocolatier/Chocolate Maker” of 2009. The Bubbly Collection peek-a-boo cork mold was designed by Ferrari’s chief designer, with the chocolate itself infused with Dom Perignon, and topped off with 24 carat gold. Extravagant yes, but when you taste it you’ll understand why this is in the “World’s Best” wine store.  Quite frankly, there is nothing better.       FIND IT HERE   Price: $35.00

Iron Horse Russian Cuvee 2002 Price:  $21.89 (Save $6.10) 22% The Russian Cuvee commemorates the style of sparkling wine this winery made for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings, which ended the Cold War. Right on the edge of Brut level dry and hits a perfect balance point of sweetness, acidity, and fruit. The higher dosage doesn’t come across as sweet, per se, but shows the richer and more floral side making it a perfect chocolate partner.   FIND IT HERE  Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port (half-bottle)    Price: $13.29  (Wine and Spirits 91 pts.)   Six Grapes has a seductive, rich aroma of ripe plums, cherries and dark chocolate. On the palate it’s complex, with an excellent structure and a long, lingering finish.  It is a very full-bodied, luscious wine drawn from the same vineyards as Graham’s Vintage Ports and makes one of the great chocolate partners anywhere.    This half-bottle is just the perfect size two people can enjoy with some sweet treats. FIND IT HERE

Companies such as Cox Cable in San Diego have enjoyed a competitive advantage over rivals such as a 1992 law left a loophole which allowed the cable giant to withhold Padres programming from competitors such as DirecTV or AT&T’s U-Verse television service.  Wednesday, the FCC voted 4-1 to close the loophole.  

Phillies, 76rs, Knicks, and Rangers fans were also affected by this ruling and should enjoy more choices as to whom they purchase television programming from in the future, while still being able to support their favorite team.

It is unknown when the change may take material affect, and cable companies could mount another challenge to the ruling.  Stay tuned…and you should be able to, no matter where you buy your programming from.

Wine consumers also benefited from a First Circuit Court of Appeals ruling Thursday throwing out a 2006 law enacted by the Massachusetts legislature over the veto of then Governor R-Mitt Romney effectively restricting 98% of the United States wine from being shipped to residents. 

Attorney General D-Martha Coakley, who was recently trounced by R-Scott Brown in the landmark election to fill the state’s vacated United States Senate position, had fought to uphold the restrictive law. 

The Cork Head’s take:  Shouldn’t we all learn a lesson from these rulings and election and realize, beyond party lines, that our country is a free one.  We love to have to have the freedom of choice and allow the open market to fall where it may.  Competition is what built our country and what will make it strong again, not governmental restrictions, outlandish spending, or undue taxes on the successful businesses and individuals who actually create long lasting careers instead of temporary job statistics.  However, political pressures will continue to drive our government to make decisions that are often not in the best interest of our country or in the support of the freedom of choice.  And, when that happens, the citizens have the power to express the ultimate freedom and expression of will with a single vote.  The election of R-Scott Brown, along with the FCC ruling and overturning of the Massachusetts wine law should be another in an ongoing series of wake up calls to all that we the citizens of this great country are the true owners and will decide our own ultimate fate.

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!

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