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We've got several New Year's Eve appetizers that are perfect party finger foods.
And that's a good thing because while some New Year's Eve parties consist of a full, sit-down meal, the majority of them have tables of food that guests can pick at to their hearts' delight. Finger foods are a must for these types of parties. Anything that requires a knife and fork will most likely go untouched. Anything that can be quickly popped in the mouth without interrupting the flow of conversation will go quickly.
So, whether you are hosting the party and need ideas or you just need one dish to take to a party, you're sure to find a New Year's Eve appetizer idea that appeals to you in this list.
Cherry Tomatoes Filled with Creamy Pesto Cheese – The filling for these yummy little tomato bites can be made two days in advance and stuffed into the tomatoes shortly before serving. Basil, garlic and pine nuts — the classic pesto ingredients — are mixed together with reduced-fat cream cheese for the creamy filling.
Bruschetta with Peppers and Gorgonzola – Sautéed red and yellow peppers will look festive on top of these cheese-topped toasts. Gorgonzola's strong flavor will complement the sweetness of the peppers, but any blue cheese can be used for this bruschetta.
Brown Sugar and Rosemary Cashews – Place a bowl of these sweet and salty nuts on an end table, and they'll go fast. Rosemary and cayenne pepper spice up these nuts that take less than 20 minutes to make in the oven. (Almonds can be substituted for the cashews.)
Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear – Instead of topping bread with a classic cheese and pear combo, this New Year's Eve appetizer uses crisped pancetta as the base. These are super easy to make, yet will look impressive on the table.
Your friends may think these mini crab cakes are fancy, but they are actually easy to cook. (Photo: Leigh Anne Meeks/Shutterstock.com)
Mini Crab Cakes – These crab cakes have a few fillers to help them stick together, which is perfect when you want crab cakes as finger food. They are baked in mini muffin tins and can be made a day ahead of time and reheated. They also freeze well unbaked.
Apricot and Rosemary Baked Brie Bites – This appetizer recipe uses apricot preserves on top of creamy Brie in a little tart, but Brie works well with so many different fruits. If you received a jar of homemade preserves as a holiday gift, this is the perfect recipe to use it in.
Wild Mushroom Pate with Parmesan Toasts – No animals were harmed in the making of this pate that trades liver for a variety of dried and fresh mushrooms sautéed with herbs, butter, Brandy and white wine. Rye cocktail-sized bread is toasted with Parmesan as the base for this fancy appetizer, and then the entire thing is sprinkled with chives.
Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs – This simple, DIY recipe can be used as a stand-alone New Year's Eve appetizer or used as part of a cheese tray. It takes less than 15 minutes to put together, but needs at least two days to marinate in the refrigerator. It's a great make-ahead dish that won't have you scrambling at the last minute.
Indian Spiced Vegetable Fritters – Accompanied by a curry-lamb yogurt, this appetizer will bring a definite international flair to your spread. These fritters need to be served almost immediately after frying, but the first batches can be kept warm in the oven while you're finishing the last batches.


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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A new government report says just under half the Kansas winter wheat crop shows no damage from the hard freezes that hit the state in April.
But Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service also reported Monday the wheat is running about three weeks behind normal development amid unseasonably cool spring temperatures. The agency rated the crop as 21 percent very poor, 20 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 25 percent good and 3 percent excellent.
Farmers took advantage of a few dry days last week to plant and prepare fields, although they're getting a late start.
Corn planting is running well behind average at only 31 percent complete. Plantings of sorghum, soybeans and cotton were all only 1 percent completed.
Pasture conditions remain poor to very poor across 60 percent of Kansas.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ah, back to school time: The new folder, the new clothes, and the new lunchbox! That latter was the pride and joy of many a kid when I was growing up, and now the embossed tin numbers can be serious collector's items.
As it happens, the most collectible of these correspond to the height of the mid-century, when Joe Eichler was developing the California suburbs and The Jetsons were on TV. (An original 1963 Jetsons box with thermos, by the way, wants $1,200 on eBay right now. Don't you wish you'd kept yours?)
So I got to wondering about what makes a lunch box collectible and, since this is the time of year for buying them, whether it would be possible to pick up something at Target that might someday command a price like that Jetsons box.
"I like the vintage boxes: 1950 to 1985. That's the golden years of boxing. They were non-ironic, made for kids to bring their lunches to school," says Mike Kaye, the founder of lunchboxcollector.com. Since founding the site in 2003, Kaye developed a pricing guide and an introduction to collecting.
Kaye says the market has changed since he founded his site, condensed into a hard core of maybe 100 or so serious collectors. But that's not to say there's no value in collecting lunch boxes anymore. It's just different. "It's really unpredictable. I have a guide I made and it says Annie is $30 and then I go to sell my own Annie and it fetches $100. It's like whoa, that changed," Kaye says. "As an investment it's not great. It's best to do because you remember or enjoy the show."
While the hard-core collectors will still pay top dollar for, say, a mint-condition Beatles lunchbox or a Yellow Submarine theme, most of Kaye's sales go to people who collect a genre and would like to add a lunch box. "The theme is what's going to sell most of them. "If you collect Star Trek stuff you're going to buy an original Star Trek lunch box and add it to your collection. I get people asking me every week, basically, for a specific box. It's often a birthday gift or something they collect in general."
Alas, the days of embossed tin boxes are pretty much gone. The Alladin company, of Nashville, closed its factory in 2007, and Thermos has largely stopped making them. "When I have people come and want to make one now, it's usually a matter of a plain silver tin with plain thermos that they want their decal on. But if you want it embossed, the old fashioned way, you have to do that in China, so it's not like you can do a small run of those."
When people do make new runs of classic boxes, they're made specifically as collector's items in a numbered series, Kaye says. They're not for toting food. "The ones in the stores today, they mostly do the plush. If they do the tin, it's usually one or two a year." But some new boxes do become collector's items, if they're unique enough or have the right theme.
"It would have to be a metal box. A thermos would help because that shows they really went into production for it. And it would have to be a popular theme like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Strawberry Shortcake, something that came back. Or a box that you've never seen, like Garbage Pale Kids or Pokemon, where you don't see a lot of boxes for it. Something like that would hold its value because they never made those during the retro era," Kaye says.
"The Simpsons did a box that's cool: It looks like the couch and then their heads are coming off the couch made out of rubber." Interesting personalities (Kaye gave the example of Lady Gaga) also frequently make for a collectible theme.
So this back-to-school season, choose a lunch box that works and that the child likes. It won't stay in collectible condition toting sandwiches to school everyday anyway. But if you spot an interesting one that makes you smile, it couldn't hurt to buy it and see what happens.


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Gold star for my cousin Daniel, who made an exciting discovery when studying the 1940 census page showing our great-grandparents and fam in Carter County, Tennessee (click on the images for larger versions):
Nothing too unusual in the crop above — the census page lists my great-grandparents William E. and Della (Crow) Hayes, along with their children including my grandma, G. Alma.
Actually, one discovery does reveal itself in the information listed above — I never knew that my great aunt Ruth was born in Colorado until I saw this page — this was confirmed by relatives at a recent family gathering. There will be another blog post on that story later.
BUT, the really super-huge-big-deal discovery was made by Daniel at the top of the page. Check out the name of the enumerator:
The enumerator was Alma Hayes a.k.a. Grandma! You think I would have recognized the handwriting. Kudos, cousin Daniel!


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Texas Government
Hutchison: Texas goes for the Gold
- Details
- Category: Texas Legislature
- Published on 04 August 2012
- Written by Lillie Bush-Reves
Texas goes for the Gold
by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
It didn't take long for Texans to share in a breathtaking Olympic moment as the 2012 summer games got underway in London. On the first weekend of competition, Dana Vollmer of Granbury set a new world-record in the 100-meter butterfly, becoming the first woman to break the 56-second barrier.
We marvel at the athletic ability of Olympic competitors, but we also take inspiration from their personal stories. Dana was diagnosed with a heart condition when she was training for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. She persevered and won a gold medal at 16. But she almost gave up on competitive swimming when she failed to make the team in 2008. She could have let that setback end her career; instead, she redoubled her efforts and went on to make Olympic history.
That perseverance is part of the indefatigable American spirit that says: never give up. And it is a reflection of the simple equation that hard work plus skill and determination equals success. Our men and women representing America at the Olympic Games offer inspiration and example, showing all of us that we can realize our dreams.
Many of our athletes have been helped along the way by the support of families, coaches, teammates and communities. Marquise Goodwin, of the University of Texas, is a track phenom. At his first track meet, when he was only nine years old, he jumped nearly 14 feet – and won three events that day for his team, appropriately named the Lubbock Olympians. Thirteen years later, in the Olympic trials, he jumped 27 feet, 4 and one-quarter inches.
Marquise's mother Tamina was unable to afford the flight from Lubbock to London, so the community came together to make sure she would get there. Not only did they get Tamina to London, they got her mother there as well. I have no doubt that all of Lubbock will be watching Marquise compete – and be keeping an eye out for his mother and grandmother in the stands as well. The people of Lubbock are perfect examples of why my pride in Texas's athletes is matched by my pride in Texas's community spirit.
The Olympics are a time when the world comes together in the spirit of friendly competition, and give everyone a chance to indulge in some good, old-fashioned national pride. The spirit of international cooperation is wonderful, and I, like everyone, am cheering for our men and women to take home the gold. But I take special pride in the more than forty Texas athletes representing our country in over a dozen sports. I'll be rooting for them over the coming days. I know I won't be alone.
Hutchison, a Republican, is the senior U.S. senator from Texas.


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Info20101 necesitaba un nuevo diseño de otro y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 20 diseños de 3 diseñadores freelance.
On Point Press
Our intention is to get practical information about Asperger Syndrome into the hands of teachers and parents.
Educators, parents, physicians, counselors
1) Cover design for audio program package–front cover, back cover, and spine
2) CD designs– Discs 1-8, Free CD, and CD-ROM
General cover design description: We are looking for a CD package cover design for the audio program, "Asperger Strength: How to Best Help Kids with Asperger Syndrome to Thrive". The eight CD program (plus one data CD-ROM) will be packaged for sale in a media album and will also be available as downloadable MP3 files. The front cover of the CD package will include a photo of a child with a barbell at his feet, the title of the program, the subtitle, and the authors' names.
Back Cover
Note: We are submitting the basic content to be included on the back cover, but would like the designers to recommend a variety of ways that the components might be arranged. We are open to any suggestions about how the information may be presented in order to maximize both readability and aesthetic appeal. We like the orange and white color scheme on the front cover, and would like a unified color scheme throughout, but would welcome other suggestions for color schemes.
See attached files for information on spine design, CD designs, and additional files.


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They said yes.
AND they offered to make it a review, too.
I picked out my favorite vinyl set, and they sent it to me.
I really, really, really love how it looks.
Plus? It was really easy to apply.
I've never done vinyl before, and for some reason, I thought it would be more complicated and difficult.
Nope. It was simple. And it looks stunning. Even without the post processing.
Here's what it looks like in their store:
Now, here is the exciting part.
They are going to give the winner of this Giveaway a $25 gift certificate to their store.
With that, you could get any of these:
Bird Sitting On A Branch)
Chu Chu Train)
Bee World)
Little Forest)
Personalized Ballerina)
Small Bird on a Branch)
Boys Tag)
The Sky is Falling)
One Red Flower)
Fancy Forest)
Plus dozens of others. A lot of the ones I just showed you are so inexpensive, you could even get 2 or more of them if you win.
And these would only cost you a few dollars extra:
Construction Trucks)
So. Let's get you entered.
Mandatory Entry:
Go to the Six Under A Tree Etsy shop, and find your favorite thing. Then come back and tell me what it is in a comment.
Be sure to add your email address, so I can contact you when you win
If you want extra entries, here are some options:
(please try to leave separate comments for each entry, so I don't miss any!)
Follow me someplace (Life in the Pitts, Facebook, Twitter, etc)
Heart Six Under A Tree on Etsy.
Promote this Giveaway (blog post, Facebook, Twitter, email a large group of people (CC me on the email: email@example.com)
I have a lot of ways to enter. But really, you could win with just the comment. No pressure guys.


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The walk-in clinic at 34-33 Junction Boulevard is one of several being closed citywide by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). It was set to close on August 21.
Currently there are three immunization clinics in the city, the one in Corona and others in the Bronx and Fort Greene. The DOHMH has begun steps to eliminate the Queens and Bronx locations, leaving the Brooklyn facility as the lone immunization clinic in the city.
Over 29,000 people were immunized last year at the two facilities that are set to close, including 10,000 children. In 2012, the Corona clinic alone served 4,286 children.
"This is a rapidly growing community where public services, from healthcare to school seats, are already stretched thin," said State Senator Jose Peralta of his Corona district. "The city should be spending on services not cutting them. And it adds insult to injury to close the clinic before the start of the new school year."
DOHMH has said that it will keep the Fort Greene immunization center open four hours a day, Monday through Friday.
"While we are reluctant to close clinics, the agency has decided to restructure and consolidate services to preserve essential functions and reduce overall cost of operations, knowing that less than 1 percent of all vaccinations in New York City occur at our clinics," read a statement from DOHMH. "In addition to the Fort Greene Health Center remaining open five days a week, there are 22 primary providers in Queens that provide free or low-cost immunizations. No staff will be laid off as a result of this."
Ponzella Johnson, who has worked for the Department of Health for over 30 years, said students will miss time in the classroom because they will be unable to get the necessary vaccinations to allow them to attend school.
Some also worry that the Fort Greene location will be overwhelmed.
"The Health Department's proposal to close two of the three immunization clinics that serve families citywide would be a disaster, and implementing such a change right before the new term starts would guarantee many children would not be properly immunized," said Brooklyn Councilwoman Leitia James. "The remaning Fort Greene clinic, which would have limited hours, simply cannot handle this citywide demand."


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Originally released in 1969, the Adidas Superstar is the first low-top basketball sneaker constructed with an all leather upper. They also feature a c...lassic rubber "Shell Toe," signature 3-Stripes, breathable mesh , and rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern. This "Suede Perf" edition also has a monochromatic suede upper with allover perforations. Read More
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Get the sneakers & goods you want, shipped to your part of the globe. Int'l Shipping details.


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After 30 rounds of MLS regular-season play, how many secrets can you really have in terms of tactics and personnel?
So the postseason will be decided on effort, execution and intangibles. Managers can still have an influence through prudent personnel selection and through minor tactical tweaks, of course.
These were three such instances of schematic tinkering from the opening legs of the first-round playoff series, including one that worked, one not so much and one that landed somewhere in between.
One scheme that worked: It really wasn't an adjustment so much as a bend in the mind set and perhaps a few yards of positioning that put Los Angeles in control of their home-and-away set with Seattle.
[inline_node:322285]Simply put, Bruce Arena made a choice to go defensive, to clog up, bottle up, obfuscate and frustrate last Sunday. He had no problem asking Landon Donovan and David Beckham, two of Major League Soccer's premier attackers, to check their instincts for bold attack and become millionaire diggers and grinders for the night.
He asked them to go gritty at Qwest Field—a directive they apparently had no problem buying into, because they basically spent the night tracking back, denying balls into the Seattle wingers, and then working back even further any time Sanna Nyassi or Steve Zakuani did get on the ball.
On the inside, midfielder Dema Kovalenko and center back A.J. DeLaGarza kicked like mules, chasing Seattle's Fredy Montero and Blaise Nkufo mercilessly. On another night, it might not have worked so famously. But referee Ricardo Salazar preferred a few "talking to's" over yellow cards, much to the fuming displeasure of the Sounders pair. (DeLaGarza's presence was interesting on its own; Arena bravely chose the less experienced center back over the slower Gregg Berhalter, denying Seattle a prime mismatch.)
Once Los Angeles had their goal—Edson's Buddle's bomb of beauty from 35 yards—LA's defensive posture was even more effective.
Could Seattle have possibly benefitted by dropping central midfielders Nathan Sturgis and Osvaldo Alonso further back, therefore dropping Montero a little further back to fill the hole and forming something closer to a 4-2-3-1? We'll never know.
One scheme that didn't: Only San Jose coach Frank Yallop can say why he tinkered with something that worked so well.
[inline_node:316560]The Earthquakes blazed into the playoffs on Chris Wondolowski's brilliant recent form. Around the park, the other elements were fairly stable, an injury- or recovery-related personnel alteration here and there notwithstanding.
The formula that worked so well at Buck Shaw Stadium had Geovanni, the Designated Player signed midseason, playing a freeform role beneath striker Ryan Johnson. Geovanni drifted pretty much where he wanted, often retreating back to form, essentially, a five-man midfield out of the Earthquakes' standard 4-4-2.
Meanwhile, "Wonder Wondo" was scoring like he was playing against the local junior college on EA's FIFA 11. He lined up on the right but popped up in places that made him tough to track.
Against the Red Bulls, Yallop retained the basic scheme; however, he rotated the important pieces. Wondolowski played alongside Johnson at striker while Geovanni played wide right. The idea was to attack New York through lots of crosses, with Geovanni ostensibly supplying his share from the right while Bobby Convey did his thing from the left.
But the scheme took Geovanni off the ball as often as we saw him on it before. San Jose's possession just wasn't crisp, which shouldn't surprise anyone since it was Geovanni's introduction this summer that seemed to improve the ball-handling around Buck Shaw in the first place. Unable to possess the ball, the attack often went directly into Johnson, bypassing Geovanni altogether.
Rafa Márquez's smarts and Joel Lindpere's industry for the Red Bulls were just too much in the middle for Sam Cronin and Scott Sealy, the Earthquakes' central pairing. The Red Bulls controlled the center of the park, which actually made it that much harder for the San Jose to find the wide players.
[inline_node:322317]As for Wondolowski, Red Bulls center backs Tim Ream and Carlos Mendes were able to locate him quickly and eliminate most of the opportunities before they arrived into him.
San Jose players and coaches seemed oddly content with the number of crosses and half-chances generated. That's their right. But you show me a team that puts just three shots on goal during a home playoff game, and I'll show you a team that's not long for those playoffs.
One scheme that almost worked: In Dallas, Jason Kreis had a solid plan that very nearly worked for Real Salt Lake. Actually it worked to perfection for a while. Until it didn't.
Kreis knew how FC Dallas like to press up high. The Red Stripes' 4-1-4-1 allows heavy pressing just above the halfway line. So the plan was to take advantage of Dallas' tactics and the natural tendency for playoff adrenalin to kick in and push people toward the ball, further out than they might normally go. They wanted to go right over the top, quickly, looking for Fabian Espindola or Alvaro Saborio—but only for about 15 minutes.
[inline_node:322338]The hope was to get an early goal and then really turn the screws with tight possession. Kreis thought they could sneak in an early strike and then create increasing desperation by keeping the ball away from Dallas.
"The problem was that we never got to what was supposed to happen after that," Kreis explained later. "We wanted to possess the ball for long stretches. But we never got to that. The entire first half we kept trying to do what we were only supposed to do for 15 minutes, which was when we got the ball, to look in behind them right away."
Which just goes to show you: Coaches can study, plan and scheme like diligent bookworms, but the game, as we know, is always decided by the players.
Think you know the game? Test your powers of prediction with MLSsoccer.com's new fantasy game, Pro Soccer Picks. Play NOW!


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OK, picked up the Mega2560 from my friend last night, and tested it out on the Lenovo Win7 32bit desktop and HP Win7 64bit laptop, and it works fine on both. The only variation from the Uno is the driver takes a long time to load (2-3 minutes - OK maybe not that long in the big scheme) and opening the serial monitor takes a while to reset the Mega - maybe 5 seconds. The Mega works well on our LED and LCD shield and takes only slightly longer to load.So the issue looks like a Dell issue. Maybe if anyone has a dead Mega2560, please report the make, model, operating system, and any other details which are show when you right click on My Computer and select Properties.
Hey All, I had a similar issue when I was trying to use an Uno as a boot loader, and I think the trick is that the chip is getting reset part way into the upload. The reasons this seems plausible are : A - someone mentioned it looked like his board had resetB - after a half-assed attempt at uploading, my board just starts up the old code (i.e. looks like it reset)C - It seems correlated to length of code, and I have no issue uploading the blink code, ever. Anywho, the hardware solution to this software problem is to toss a BFC (10uF or so, I used an electrolytic) between the Reset pin and ground. What this does is it stops the device from getting reset by little transients that I believe are associated with the serial printing stuff. Hope this works for Y'all, in the end I got it working with Arduino 023 and a 49K program.EDIT: This worked great briefly but now it has gone back to it's old ways of not working. -Shibbs
I've got this issue today after change my sketch to print three exclamation characters in sequence to the serial port:Code: [Select]Serial.println("!!!");I'm using Mega 256 with a Ethernet shield however this happens in any sketch, even Blink.ino.It looks like to me that this is a kind of reserved word for the compiler or for the firmware.Anyways I've just removed one exclamation character and it is working fine now.


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The 2011 Palm Beach Wine Auction was held on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at The Breakers Palm Beach.
2011 Palm Beach Wine Auction Lots
The wines of Stuart Sloan are, in a word, spectacular. With aromas of melted licorice, mocha, blackberry, cassis, barbecue spice, and sweet chocolate, these are reference point wines that are the hallmark of the very best that California can be.
Here's what critic Robert Parker has to say about this great winery: "Talk about coming out with a Big Bang! Stuart Sloan, the Seattle businessman, has hit both gold and home runs with his extraordinary vineyard perched high on a hill above the renowned restaurant/hotel complex of Auberge du Soleil. A 60-acre estate only partially planted in vines, with David Abreu handling the viticulture and Martha Levy (wife of Harlan Estate's Bob Levy) making the wine, this is as impressive a new operation as I have ever witnessed."
- One bottle of 2002 Sloan Cabernet Sauvignon
- One bottle of 2003 Sloan Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Steven M. Gottlieb and Laurie Raber-Gottlieb
Winning Bid: $1,400
Be the toast of the town when you serve this mixed case of wonderful clarets at your next dinner party. It even includes classified growths from the great vintages of 1990, 1995 and 2000.
- One bottle of 1990 Château Léoville Barton
- One bottle of 1990 Château Chasse Spleen
- One bottle of 1990 Château Pontet Canet
- One bottle of 1993 Château Léoville Barton
- One bottle of 1993 Château L'Arrosee
- One bottle of 1993 Château Pichon Longueville
- One bottle of 1993 Château Baron de Pichon Longueville
- Two bottles of 1994 Château Grand Mayne
- One bottle of 1995 Château Lagrange
- One bottle of 1995 Bahans de Château Haut Brion
- One bottle of 2000 Château Le Bon Pasteur
Donated by:
Guy La Ferrera Italian Clothing and Guy's Wines of Boca Raton
Winning Bid: $2,200
"Oh Honey, I made your favorite dessert to go with that special bottle you promised you'd get for our romantic little candlelight anniversary dinner tonight. You remember, the bottle of Château d'Yquem from 1977, the year we got married."
Talk about breaking out into a cold sweat. Look, it's simple. When it comes to the Mrs., you never, ever want to cross over to the dark side. Anything you can do to stay on the good side, where the force is with you, is a really wonderful thing. Well, just this once, we can help bail you out of this one. Here's the bottle you so desperately need because, unless you can beam yourself to France, you have less than a zero chance to get this rare bottle at Vader's liquor store around the corner. So, put that paddle up and may the force be with you. Success is bliss and best we leave it at that. The alternative just isn't pretty.
Includes one bottle of:
1977 Château d'Yquem
Donated by:
Sandra and Harris Hollin
Winning Bid: $950
The Honig family donates wine to charity auctions all over the country, they host political and community events at their vineyard, and they are active in the sustainable farming movement. Today, with winemaker Kristin Belair, the family produces Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Honig wines, which were once only available in one San Francisco restaurant, are now on the wine lists of hundreds of fine restaurants across the country. And Louis Honig's vision of bringing his family together to share in the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley, while producing outstanding wines, has become a reality.
- A VIP tour and tasting for 4 people
- One magnum of 2006 Honig Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Honig Vineyard and Winery
Winning Bid: $600
You've seen her picture and you've read about both her and her wines in every wine publication you can imagine. We're talking about Ann Colgin of course. Well, thanks to the efforts of Chairman, Ted Mandes, The Kravis Center has been very fortunate to have received an extraordinarily generous gift from Ann, a special edition box containing each of her wines from the great 2006 vintage.
Robert Parker said of this stunning winery "Colgin is one of the reference points for just what heights mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux varietals, and more recently, Syrah, can achieve in Napa Valley. This beautiful estate and winery overlooking Lake Hennessey is owned by Joe Wender and his wife, Ann Colgin (equally renowned for her auctioneering skills), who are assisted by David Abreu, the well-known Bordeaux wine consultant, Dr. Alain Raynaud, and Allison Tauziet, who has skillfully replaced the brilliant Mark Aubert."
Ladies and gentlemen, these are among the greatest wines produced in California today…and believe us when we say that the whole world knows it too.
Includes a special wood presentation box containing one .750 bottle each of:
- 2006 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2006 Colgin Tychson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2006 Colgin Cariad
- 2006 Colgin IX Proprietary Red
- 2006 Colgin IX Estate Syrah
Donated by:
Colgin Cellars
Winning Bid: $3,200
Alex Gambal, one of the few Americans making wine in Burgundy, will greet you at his historic winery in the heart of Beaune. He will give you and three of your guests a tour of his cuverie and an explanation of the wine making process. You will then taste his wines developing in the barrel as well as the finished product from the bottle. You will also receive a tour of Alex's vineyards in his vintage WWII Jeep to see the Côte de Beaune and the unique 'terroir' distinctions between Village, 1er Cru and Grand Cru. Lunch will be at Beaune's famed 'Ma Cuisine' where the loving cuisine and fabulous cellar of Fabienne and Pierre Escoffier will be paired.
Mutually agreeable time and date of tours/tasting/lunch to be determined between recipient and donor.
Donated by:
Alex Gambal
Winning Bid: $3,200
"Brian Talley and his team continue to turn out extremely elegant, European styled wines from this micro-climate at the southern end of the Edna Valley. These are among the very best I have ever tasted from him." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Three pack magnums of Single Vineyard Talley Pinot Noir
- 2008 Pinot Noir Stone Corral Vineyard
- 2008 Pinot Noir Rincon Vineyard
- 2008 Pinot Noir Rosemary's Vineyard
Donated by:
Brian and Johnine Talley, Talley Vineyards
One magnum of 2007 Château d'Esclans Garrus Rosé
Heralded as the greatest Rosé in the world, Garrus' limited quantity (6 barrels per vintage) makes it a highly select wine. Noted for its creaminess and lush minerally finish, this wine is uncommonly elegant and has achieved cult status among the wealthy elite of the French Riviera.
Donated by:
Château d'Esclans
One magnum of 2006 Patz and Hall Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay
"One of the most impressive Burgundian-styled negociant operations in California. Gorgeous aromas of crushed rocks/wet stones, white peach, pineapple, and honeyed citrus soar from the glass of the 2006 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Donated by:
Patz and Hall
One magnum of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV
Ruinart is Champagne's oldest house, with a history that dates back to 1729. The wines are quite well-known around the world. Always an elegant and fragrant Champagne, it is one of the very finest Blanc de Blancs produced.
Donated by:
Coastal Wine & Spirits
Winning Bid: $2,200
Here's the first of two wonderful collections of wines from one of the baseball's most beloved celebrities, none other than Le Grand Orange himself, Rusty Staub. Just like Rusty, these bottles are larger than life. Très, très grand!
Includes one double magnum each of:
- 2004 Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Clos du Prieuré Blanc
- 2004 Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot 1er Cru Le Clos Blanc
- 2005 Domaine Georges Mugneret Clos Vougeot
- 2006 Domaine Georges Mugneret Nuits St. Georges Les Chaignots
- 2006 Domaine Georges Mugneret Ruchottes Chambertin
- 2004 Domaine Georges Mugneret Clos Vougeot
- 2006 Domaine Georges Mugneret Echézeaux
Donated by:
Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub
Winning Bid: $5,200
An extraordinary five course, seasonal tasting dinner in your Palm Beach area home for up to 12 guests, prepared by Café Boulud's Chef de Cuisine, Zach Bell and Executive Pastry Chef, Arnaud Chavigny. As if this weren't enough, we also are including a few bottles of some great wine to share with your friends. World-renowned chef Daniel Boulud needs no introduction to those who appreciate the absolute best in fine cuisine. His culinary genius is responsible for some of the greatest restaurants in the world today. His executive chef, Zach Bell and pastry chef, Arnaud Chavigny, have the same engaging flair and, of course, the same unparalleled skills that place them at the top of the list of great chefs. We feel very fortunate to be able to offer you this wonderful opportunity.
- A five course seasonal tasting dinner prepared in your Palm Beach area home for up to 12 guests
- Consultation with Sommelière, Mariya Kovacheva
Please note:
– March through November only and contingent upon the chefs' availability
– Wait staff not included and must be provided or paid for by the host/purchaser**
– Kitchen equipment and service ware not included and must be provided by dinner host/purchaser**
– Expiration of the dinner is February 23, 2012
**While wait staff and equipment rentals are not included, Café Boulud's Catering Director, Denise Mariani, will be happy to assist you in making arrangements in these areas if you wish. She can be reached at 561.366.4462.
Dinner Donated by:
Café Boulud
One magnum of 2005 Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Garen and Shari Staglin, Staglin Family Vineyard
Winning Bid: $11,000
Unless you were hatched from an egg and were beamed down from another planet, you already know that Screaming Eagle is arguably one of the most sought after wines in the universe. Now, if the 1992 vintage of this wine sells at auction for upwards of $10,000 a bottle, it doesn't take intelligent life on any planet to figure out that this is one super investment.
"The most profound Screaming Eagle since the 2002 and 1997, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (an 800-case blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc) offers up a prodigiously pure, complex nose of cassis, spring flowers, licorice and black currants, the latter component being so intense and lingering that it makes this cuvée stand apart from other Napa Valley wines. Full-bodied in the mouth, like a ballerina on her toes, this wine glides gracefully across the palate with a cascade of purity, equilibrium and compelling complexity. Extraordinary balance and elegance combined with power make for an utterly stunning wine that should drink well for two decades or more." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Includes three bottles of:
2007 Screaming Eagle in a special wood presentation box
Donated by:
Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein
Winning Bid: $6,400
Bring a bit of The Breakers to your home when Master Sommelière, Virginia Philip and Executive Chef, Jeff Simms come to do a five course wine and small plate tasting for 8. What a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the magic world of fine wine.
Please note:
– Valid until February 23, 2012
– Must be scheduled subject to the availability of Ms. Philip and Chef Simms
Donated by:
The Breakers
Winning Bid: $4,400
There is no store in the world with the panache of Tiffany & Co., period. In fact, there aren't any even close. The name Tiffany must surely be one of the most recognizable in the world. It is synonymous with the very highest quality and the utmost in class and prestige. When you're walking down Fifth Avenue after shopping at Tiffany's, that unmistakable turquoise blue bag can be spotted a short cab ride away. No small wonder then that it seems to even make you walk just a little taller and with an enviable air of confidence. Yes, you've arrived. All of your hard work in life has paid off. You're a success. You bought the best you could buy. You shopped at Tiffany's.
Tonight, we're proud to present a collection of Tiffany gems you won't even find on Worth Avenue.
Includes one 750ml bottle each of:
- 2004 Bond St. Eden
- 2004 Bond Melbury
- 2004 Bond Pluribus
- 2004 Bond Vecina
- 2005 Bond St. Eden
- 2005 Bond Melbury
- 2005 Bond Pluribus
- 2005 Bond Vecina
- 2005 Abreu Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2006 Colgin Cariad
- 2006 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2006 Colgin Tyschon Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2007 Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2007 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2008 Talbott Vineyards Pinot Noir
Donated by:
Tiffany & Co.
Winning Bid: $7,800
Dinner for ten in the private wine cellar of David Lambert. One of the very few truly subterranean cellars on the island of Palm Beach will be yours for the evening. Ten guests will enjoy an evening from start to finish of culinary genius accompanied by wines to delight the palate. A mutually agreed upon date to be decided.
Donated by:
David Lambert
Winning Bid: $10,000
In 1996, when food and wine entrepreneur, Leslie Rudd, purchased a 55-acre estate in Oakville, an appellation recognized for its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, he realized his 30-year dream of owning a winery in Napa Valley. Today, the red, rocky soils have been replanted and a stone winery with 22,000 square feet of subterranean caves has been built. This picturesque site is flanked by the renowned vineyards of Dalla Valle, Plumpjack, Harlan Estate's Bond, St. Eden Vineyard, Screaming Eagle, and Phelps Backus. Tonight, thanks to the generosity of Leslie Rudd, we are proud to offer two couples a VIP experience to remember for a lifetime.
- Two nights stay for four (two double rooms) at either Rudd Vineyards or a great inn like Villagio, Calistoga Ranch etc. (mutually agreeable dates)
- Private tastings at Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate, Rudd Oakville Estate and Edge Hill, each catered by either Dean & Deluca or Oakville Grocery
- Dinner at Press Restaurant
- One magnum of 2007 Rudd Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Arrangements to be made on mutually agreeable dates.
Donated by:
Leslie Rudd, Rudd Vineyards and Winery
Winning Bid: $10,500
It's a tied score in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, two out, three and two count and you're up to bat. Now what's it gonna be? Take the next pitch or put your paddle up and swing for the fences. As Yogi would say: "The Fat Lady's Singin'" so, to put it bluntly, it's time to hit or get off the…plate.
Please note: Situated on an 80 acre property in St. Helena with close ties to the luxury resort, Meadowood, The Napa Valley Reserve is a winery founded by Bill Harlan. With a client base including actors, sports stars and affluent professionals, membership in The Napa Valley Reserve is strictly by invitation only. The three and six liter bottles included in this amazing lot were made exclusively for Rusty and so, needless to say, they are extremely valuable because they are unique.
Includes one double-magnum each of:
- 2000 Atlas Peak Pinot Noir
- 2001 Relentless Hernandez Ranch Merlot
- 2003 The Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2004 The Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2005 The Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2005 Qupé Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Syrah
- 2005 Relentless Pasatiempo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
….and one six-liter bottle each of:
- 2004 The Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2005 The Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub
Winning Bid: $6,500
Château Haut-Brion is a benchmark estate for the Pessac-Léognan appellation domaine notable for the grandeur of its wines, its illustrious history and for being the only Graves estate to be ranked in the famous 1855 classification.
"The blockbuster 2003 Haut-Brion (13% alcohol) possesses extremely high tannin, but that component is well-concealed by a cascade of mulberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum-like fruit. There is even a hint of figs under the blue and red fruit spectrum. While broad and ripe with a sweet, glyceral mouthfeel as well as a long, powerful, persistent finish, it retains its elegance and nobility. A wine of both power and finesse, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 25-30." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
One Imperial of 2003 Château Haut-Brion
Donated by:
Madeline and Roderic Fink
Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein
Winning Bid: $6,500
Six bottles of the first release of Batard-Montrachet from Alex Gambal's newly acquire vineyard in Burgundy.
Donated by:
Alex Gambal
Winning Bid: $5,000
If you've ever dreamed of owning some of the legendary wines of the 20th century, now's your chance. Believe it or not there are bottles of the mythical 1959 Mouton Rothschild and much sought after 1966 Lafite here along with a bottle of each of lovely Duhart-Milon and Grand Corbin to enjoy right now while you're drooling to open the others.
"I am always blown away by the 1959 Mouton, one of the greatest Moutons made in the last thirty-five years. Every time I have this wine it is undeniable that Mouton made a richer, more persuasive wine in 1959 than in 1961. Astonishingly young and unevolved, with a black/purple color, the wine exhibits a youthful nose of cassis, minerals, and new oak. It is exceptionally powerful and super-extracted, with the fruit supported by high levels of tannin and some lusty quantities of alcohol. This mammoth, full-bodied Mouton-Rothschild should continue to evolve for another 20-30 years. It may well be a 100-year wine!" Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
There is no hotter, more sought after wine in the world right now than Château Lafite, period. In the Far East, it is revered with a fervor which has never been seen before throughout the long and storied annals of wine history. Any bottle, of any size and any vintage is snapped up in the open auction market at unprecedented prices. Needless to say, connoisseurs would bob for French fries to get their hands on two bottles of the 1966 vintage.
- Two bottles of 1959 Château Mouton Rothschild
- Two bottles of 1966 Château Lafite Rothschild
- One bottle of 1966 Château Grand Corbin
- One bottle of 1985 Château Duhart Milon
Donated by:
Julie and Amin Khoury
Winning Bid: $10,000
The luxurious five star retreat, Canouan Resort at Carenage Bay in the Grenadines, encompasses 200 glorious, rolling acres of nature's very best with facilities and services to the very highest of international standards of excellence, gracefully bordered by breathtaking views of turquoise seas and the coral reef beyond. The resort showcases 30 one and two bedroom luxuriously appointed pool or beachfront suites, hidden coves and beautiful white sand beaches, water sports, signature restaurants and bars, a large freshwater swimming pool, Sugar Palms Kids Club and the magnificent Canouan Resort Spa.
Canouan Resort is on the windward side of the island in a beautiful, protected bay. Three hundred acres set in a natural amphitheatre stretching up the mountainside from the Caribbean Sea. A 17th Century English Church forms the centre of the resort. With three picture-perfect white sand beaches in the resort and a further 5 private, secluded coves and beaches only accessible by kayak, a Jim Fazio designed 18-hole championship golf course, Canouan Resort Spa, gourmet restaurants, Canouan Resort fitness centre, water sports centre.
- 6 days/5 nights for 2 in the fabulous One Bedroom Ocean View Pool Suite (Valid 2/23/11 through 2/23/12 except 12/18/11 through 1/7/12)
- Ground airport transfers
- Welcome amenity
- Golf for one at Trump International – one of The Robb Report's "World's Top 10 Golf Courses"
- Spa treatments for one at The Robb Report's "World's Best Spa"
- Full American breakfast for 2 daily
- One four course dinner for 2
- Unlimited use of the fitness and recreational facilities (including Yoga, Pilates, Mount Royal hiking, tennis lesson and golf tuition)
Donated by:
Canouan Resort at Caranege Bay, The Grenadines
Winning Bid: $7,000
To taste an RSV wine at home or in a restaurant is a good thing; however, to experience a flight of RSV wines, in the place they were made, can be a very enlightening experience.
Find out why RSV was named Sunset magazine's tasting room of the year and the Wine Spectator featured it as a must visit winery in Napa Valley. But don't take their word for it, come see it yourself. Great wine is about good food and good people. You will find all that and more at RSV.
- VIP tour and tasting for up to 6 people at the RSV cellar
- A seasonal and organic four course lunch for 6 thoughtfully paired with wines from RSV
- One magnum of 2009 Robert Sinskey Carneros Pinot Blanc
- One magnum of 2005 Robert Sinskey Marcien Proprietary Red
Donated by:
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Winning Bid: $1,600
"The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown (2,150 cases of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc) is spectacular. An inky/purple color is accompanied by aromas of espresso roast, melted fudge, blackberries, currants, and smoke. Rich, with great intensity, tremendous purity, an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, and good underlying tannin as well as freshness, it should drink well for 12-15 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
One magnum each of the 2005 and 2006 Rudd Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Leslie Rudd, Rudd Vineyards and Winery
Winning Bid: $2,600
Journey to Cognac, France where you'll live the dream of every cognac lover in the world: a private visit at the historic house of Louis XIII De Rémy Martin.
Rémy Martin is the world's leading producer of fine champagne cognac. Centuries of perfecting the art of cognac give their Champagne Cognac an unparalleled richness, flavor and complexity. Each Rémy Martin Champagne Cognac has a distinct and unique aromatic intensity all its own, the rarest by far being the world famous Louis XIII.
Created in 1874, Rémy Martin's mythical Louis XIII has always been a tireless pursuit of excellence. More than 1,200 eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne region of Cognac, all aged between 40-100 years in specially crafted Limousin oak barrels, go into the painstaking creation of this legendary cognac.
- Private tour for 2 of the Louis XIII cellar
- Lunch or dinner for 2 at the family mansion
- Tasting of Louis XIII in the private salon
- Formal service featuring creations by Christophe Pillet
- Complimentary miniature bottle of Louis XIII as a memento of your visit
Donated by:
Louis XIII De Rémy Martin
Winning Bid: $2,600
Château Mouton Rothschild is regarded as one of the world's greatest clarets. Originally known as Château Brane-Mouton it was renamed by Nathaniel de Rothschild in 1853 to Château Mouton Rothschild. It was the first estate to begin complete château bottling of the harvest.
The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was based entirely on recent market prices for a vineyard's wines, with one exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equaling that of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded from First Great Growth status, an act that Baron Philippe de Rothschild referred to as "the monstrous injustice." It is widely believed that the exception was made because the vineyard had recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.
In 1973, Mouton was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential owner, the only change ever in the original 1855 classification.
"The evolution of the 1989 will be fascinating to follow. The superb bouquet offers Asian spice, soy sauce, leather, toasty oak, mocha, and blackcurrant scents." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
One Imperial of 1989 Château Mouton Rothschild
Donated by:
Lewis M. Schott
Winning Bid: $10,500
When Palm Beach Wine Auction Chairman, Ted Mandes, wants something, he knows how to get it. One taste of Ed and Trish Snider's Beau Vigne a few years ago was all he needed before he set out on a personal mandate to obtain as much of this fabulous wine as he could get. In fact, this year, he asked Ed and Trish if they would make a few very special Magnums just for tonight's event. To absolutely no-one's surprise, here they are. Also to no-one's surprise, they wound up getting terrific reviews from the critics.
"Fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon from a winery I need to spend more time checking out, this 100% cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon has an opaque purple color, a gorgeously pure nose of spring flowers intermixed with black currant liqueur, licorice, and some subtle background oak. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Includes one specially boxed magnum of:
2007 Beau Vigne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Connie Frankino
Winning Bid: $1,000
Store Wine Storage is a state of the art wine storage facility located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and is the storage facility of choice for the Palm Beach Wine Auction and chairman Ted Mandes. Store Wine Storage has Biometric access and is open 7 days a week.
At Store Wine Storage even the most sophisticated wine connoisseur will be pleased with the careful attention to detail in our wine cellars. With 10 different sizes, we have the size to fit your needs and to allow your collection to grow. Our staff is always ready to assist you with wine storage, private tasting events, and more.
One year storage in a 4' x 7' locker
Donated by:
Store Wine Storage
Winning Bid: $1,600
Sure, famed architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, coined the phrase "Less is more" to describe his belief that minimalism is the key to true aesthetics in building design. But this is great wine we're talking here and, when it comes to an instant cellar like this one in beautiful magnum bottles, less definitely isn't more. More is more….and that's that!
Just take a peek at these reviews to give you just a sample of what we're talking about here:
"Retasting the 2007 (Spottswoode) Cabernet Sauvignon was a treat as I believe it is the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon Spottswoode has ever produced. Wonderful aromas of black raspberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and flowers jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged Cabernet. As I have stated before, if Château Margaux were in Napa Valley, it would be Spottswoode. The purity, balance and delicacy of this wine are impressive. Perhaps slightly less dense and powerful than the 2008, the 2007 is flawlessly put together with nothing out of place. It, too, should age effortlessly for 20-30+ years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"This wine (2006 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon), which I believe will evolve for 25 or more years, has a gorgeous nose of violets, black currants, licorice, camphor, and a hint of graphite. Layered, rich, and full-bodied, the wine has an opaque purple color as well as wonderful purity and balance. It could be considered the wine world's version of haute couture at a top address in Paris. It's a beauty, perfectly balanced and as flawless and seamless as a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa can be. Drink it over the next 25 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Includes one magnum each of:
- 2006 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2007 Spottswoode Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2006 Calera Mt. Harlan Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir
- 2005 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (specially etched bottle)
- 2004 Schrader-Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – Double Diamond
- 1999 Diamond Creek Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Chris N. Kritikos
Winning Bid: $3,800
Now here's a bottle that's sure to put some lead in your cellar pencil. How about a towering nine liter bottle of 2006 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon for your next dinner party for say…about a thousand people? And then, after it's empty, you can turn it into a Japanese style boutique hotel.
To our knowledge this may just be the only bottle of its kind in existence.
"Bright ruby-red, aromas of cassis, spice cake and bitter chocolate, with a strong component of sweet, nutty oak. Lush, full and sweet, with black fruit, dark chocolate and graphite flavors dominating." Stephen Tanzer, The International Wine Cellar
Includes one nine liter bottle (the equivalent of 12 regular bottles) of:
2006 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Madeline and Roderic Fink
Winning Bid: $7,000
Shangri-La awaits two lucky couples as they will enjoy the best that the Willamette Valley has to offer with a stay at their own private hideaway on the grounds of the prestigious Domaine Serene Winery. With picturesque views from every vantage point and the heart of the valley at your fingertips, you will experience the unique beauty of this unspoiled paradise.
Ken and Grace Evenstad founded Domaine Serene Vineyards and Winery in 1989 when they purchased 42 acres of just-logged land in the Dundee Hills of Oregon to plant, grow and produce ultra premium Pinot Noir. They have been involved in every aspect of growing, producing and marketing Domaine Serene wines. Now celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Domaine Serene, they own 462 acres of land in Yamhill County in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, 150 acres of the land planted to vine. In addition to Pinot Noir, which is about 95% of the wine produced, they also make a little Chardonnay and Syrah. Their wines have won many accolades and awards, including besting Domaine de la Romanée Conti in blind tastings, being called " The Château Lafite of Oregon" by Anthony Dias Blue, The Best Oregon Pinot Noir by The Wall Street Journal, and outstanding (top rating) Oregon producer by Robert Parker.
- Three nights accommodations for two couples at the Domaine Serene hideaway
- A private tour of the landmark, five-level gravity flow Domaine Serene Winery where you'll see first-hand how ultra-premium, hand-crafted boutique wine is made
- A tasting of exquisite Domaine Serene Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah in their beautiful cave
- One bottle each of award winning Domaine Serene Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Donated by:
Domaine Serene
Winning Bid: $3,000
Abacus is ZD Winery's ultimate prize, combining the best qualities of an aged wine with the best of a youthful wine, all together in one sumptuous mouthful.
The concept was born on a de Leuze family retreat, when ZD wine master, Robert and his brother, Brett were enjoying a wonderful old Cabernet Sauvignon. What if there was a way to blend the elegance of an older Cabernet Sauvignon with the intensity of fruit found in a younger wine?
Always eager to accept a challenge, wine maker Robert de Leuze took on the task of creating such a wine, unlike any other produced in the world. The result is a "solera style" multiple-vintage blend of every ZD Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ever produced, which is held in barrel until bottling.
The first bottling, with the 1992 – 1998 vintages, was released November 1, 1999. This is the ongoing cycle of the ever-evolving solera; each year Abacus will increase by one vintage, gaining more and more complexity.
Tonight we are pleased to be able to offer you a very rare double magnum of this mystical wine.
One double magnum of Abacus 11th bottling
Donated by:
Annie and Roger Warwick
Winning Bid: $3,400
From the porch of the Hourglass guest house looking west at sunset, time seems to stand still. The soft waning light bathes one of the most beautiful vineyards in Napa Valley, and compels the soul to drink in the moment. Hourglass has built a reputation over the past 14 years as one of the most sought after red wines emanating from Napa Valley. Three couples will have a time suspending, complete emersion with the experience of being placed in the heart of the Hourglass Blueline estate. A two night, three day stay at the estate will include a comprehensive barrel tasting of newer vintages at rest in the winery and other bottled vintages. Vintner Jeff Smith will lead you through this tasting and a tour of the processes that make these special wines and then prepare a sumptuous lunch for you and your guests to relax and take it all in. So you can relive these memories into the future, your lot also includes a 3 liter bottle of the fabulous 2007 Hourglass Blueline Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
The dates for your Hourglass experience are to be determined at mutually agreeable times for all parties.
Donated by:
Hourglass Wine Co.
Winning Bid: $1,700
"Fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon from a winery I need to spend more time checking out, this 100% cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon has an opaque purple color, a gorgeously pure nose of spring flowers intermixed with black currant liqueur, licorice, and some subtle background oak. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"The top wine, and one with 25 or more years of potential, is the single-vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Aged 20 months in 100% new oak, this is a limited production cuvée of just under 200 cases. With compelling fruit intensity and a saturated purple color, its notes of melted licorice, forest floor, blackberry and cassis linger in the aromatics and in the mouth. Huge, concentrated, and even better than the 2007, this wine needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and drunk over the following two to three decades. This is one of my favorite unheralded producers in Napa Valley. The wines have off-the-charts richness, great balance, and the potential (at least in the case of the Juliet and the Reserve) to be aged for 20 or more years. There is a striking purity and intensity to these wines that merits serious attention. They all come from a small nine-acre vineyard in the Stag's Leap appellation." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"(The 2008) Persuasion Chardonnay offers the subtle and delicate flavors and style that reflect the Russian River region. On the nose there are hints of pineapple, mango and white peach. The layered stone fruit flavors of the body are followed by underlying notes of minerality and limestone. The finish is complex and vibrant, keeping the flavors clean and refreshing." Dave Phinney, Beau Vigne Winemaker
- One magnum of 2008 Beau Vigne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- One double-magnum of 2007 Beau Vigne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Twelve .750ml bottles of 2008 Beau Vigne "Persuasion" Chardonnay
Donated by:
Ed and Trish Snider, owners of Beau Vigne
Winning Bid: $4,100
One magnum of 2007 Continuum
"A tour de force in winemaking, drinkable now, drinkable in ten years and exquisite in two decades, it is not to be missed." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Donated by:
Continuum Estate
One magnum of 2007 Paul Hobbs Cobos Malbec
The wines of Viña Cobos are the result of a shared dream inspired by the passion of American winemaker, Paul Hobbs, and two partners from a wine-producing culture deeply rooted in European traditions.
Donated by:
Paul Hobbs Imports
One magnum of 2007 Pahlmeyer Merlot
"One of the finest Merlots being made in Napa. This sumptuous wine offers beautiful melted chocolate, cocoa, and espresso notes intermixed with black cherry, plum, fig, and blackberry fruit." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Donated by:
Pahlmeyer, LLC
One magnum each of 2005 Antica Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis
Two elegant and wonderfully fruity wines that are absolutely gorgeous for drinking now.
Donated by:
Ste. Michelle Wine Estate
One magnum of 2007 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon
"Not surprisingly, the 2007 J. Daniel Cuvée has a noble sweetness of tannin as well as an extraordinary integration of acidity, alcohol, and wood presented in a seamless, potentially complex style." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Donated by:
Robin Lail
Winning Bid: $3,200
Miner Family Vineyards is a dynamic, family-owned winery tucked into the eastern hills of the Oakville appellation, squarely within the heart of Napa Valley. Founded in 1998 by Dave & Emily Miner along with his folks Ed & Norma, Miner is defined first and foremost by a sensational portfolio of wines, wines consistently characterized by and committed to individualistic style and uncommon quality. In only a few short years, Miner has identified, sought and secured a number of California's finest vineyard sites to produce and showcase a wide array of varietals. Each wine is crafted in a style to encapsulate the distinctive elements and the indelible fingerprints of their respective vineyards. This combination of excellent vineyard sites along with passionate and thoughtful winemaking injects the necessary components for creating profoundly joyful wines.
"90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2007 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon shows impressive depth, richness and refinement on the palate. Generous black fruit flavors are accented by hints of dried herb, mocha and cedar against a backdrop of plush tannins. The bold flavors of an aged sirloin or roast rack of lamb pair well with this quintessential Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink through 2020. Alcohol 14.4%. 853 cases made." Gary Brookman, Winemaker for Miner Family Winery
One specially etched double-magnum of 2007 Miner Family Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Miner Family Winery
Winning Bid: $1,700
From two of our favorite wine collectors, Margaret and Edward Dudnyk. Great French reds for all occassions.
1987 Château Figeac
1994 Château Clinet
1994 Château Latour
1989 Château Margaux
1996 Château Cos d'Estournel
1989 Château Cheval Blanc
1988 Bonneau du Martray Corton
2006 Domaine Arlaud Morey St. Denis
1993 Domaine Bruno Clair Savigny Les Beaune 'La Dominade'
2005 Drouhin-Laroze Nicolas Potel Vosne-Romanée
1993 Chapoutier Ermitage "Le Pavillon"
Donated by:
Margaret and Edward Dudnyk
Winning Bid: $5,500
Look, let's be honest here. Clemenza was right in The Godfather. Some things are just more important than others.
When PBWA Chairman, Ted Mandes, was proven to be right on the money with his assessment of the great potential of Beau Vigne on the heels of the great reviews the 2008 received, he made super-proprietors, Ed and Trish Snider, an offer they just couldn't refuse. Bravo to you, Ted. Bravissimo!
"The top wine, and one with 25 or more years of potential, is the single-vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Aged 20 months in 100% new oak, this is a limited production cuvée of just under 200 cases. With compelling fruit intensity and a saturated purple color, its notes of melted licorice, forest floor, blackberry and cassis linger in the aromatics and in the mouth. Huge, concentrated, and even better than the 2007, this wine needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and drunk over the following two to three decades. This is one of my favorite unheralded producers in Napa Valley. The wines have off-the-charts richness, great balance, and the potential (at least in the case of the Juliet and the Reserve) to be aged for 20 or more years. There is a striking purity and intensity to these wines that merits serious attention. They all come from a small nine-acre vineyard in the Stag's Leap appellation." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Includes one specially boxed magnum of (multiple lots):
2008 Beau Vigne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by:
Connie Frankino
Barbara and Jerome Golden
Steven M. Gottlieb and Laurie Raber-Gottlieb
Craig and Rochelle Menin/Menin Development, Inc.
Sydelle and Arthur I. Meyer Foundation
Jane M. Mitchell
Lewis M. Schott
Winning Bid: $1,000
Donated by:
Michael Troise
Winning Bid: $10,000
Winning Bid: $5,000


text: If you ever find yourself in a situation where you had a little too much fun last night and teetered into the irresponsible zone of condom-less sex and uncontrollable self-control, the morning after pill often comes to the rescue. It's probably a good idea to know how it works and what it does to your body. Easy to understand science is the best kind of science. [Asap Science via Geekosystem</>]


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Stockton, CA
Amelia T. Brown
Feb. 23, 1916 - Mar. 27, 2013
Amelia (Mel) Tavella Brown passed away on March 27, 2013, at the age of 97. A lifelong resident
of Stockton, Mel was born in 1916, the daughter of Italian immigrants Emilia Brassesco Tavella and Ernesto Luigi Tavella.
During her long life she had many careers, including working for Sharpe Army Depot, Montgomery Wards, and Tri Valley Cannery. In 1948 she married Clarence Phillip Brown, and became the loving
and devoted mother to Michele (Randy) Zaragoza and Phillip Brown. She spent many years as a homemaker, and was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church. Mel loved to work in her garden and was never happier than when she was working with growing things. After retiring she took up jazzercise, tap dancing and line dancing at Siefert Community Center and enjoyed all the friendships she made there. The last few years she resided at Rio Las Palmas in Stockton where she was happy and content.
She is preceded in death by her husband Clarence Phillip Brown, her parents, her brothers Charlie, Louie, Fred and Pasquale (Baldy) Tavella, and sisters Mary Piuma, Emily McBride, and twin sister Aurelia Lucchesi. Mel is survived by her daughter and son-in-law
Michele and Randy Zaragoza, son Phillip Brown, grandsons Rossi (Ashley) Zaragoza, Zachary Zaragoza and Johnathan Bertaina. She is also survived by her new great grandson Brady Zaragoza, her younger brother, Ernie Tavella, and many nieces and nephews.
Mel was a kind and loving person with a very positive outlook on life. If you wish to honor her, please perform a random act of kindness in her memory.
Cryptside services will be Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, 719 E. Harding Way, Stockton, California. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California Street, Stockton, California. Online guest book at deyoungchapels.com


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Iraq: Debates over the Constitution's treatment of women
"I didn't even know these people; they could have been thugs," Musawi said of the men who validated the 1979 civil ceremony in a west Baghdad court.
That memory is one reason Musawi, who heads parliament's Women, Family and Childhood Committee, supports Article 41, a clause in Iraq's interim constitution that supporters say will prevent state meddling in civil affairs by allowing Iraqis to marry, divorce, decide inheritances and settle other personal issues according to their religious sect. For example, under Shiite law, no witnesses are required for a marriage, but Sunnis require two.
But a fight over the article's potential effect has presented a stumbling block to lawmakers trying to finalize a constitution by year's end.
Article 41 is just one line in the 16-page document, but to critics, it is the worst.
Opponents, including women's rights activists and legal scholars, say the one poorly worded sentence opens the door to rule by draconian interpretations of Islamic law that could sanction the stoning of adulterous women, allow underage girls to be forced into marriage and permit men to abandon their wives by declaring, "I divorce you," three times.
In the southern city of Basra, there are already signs of religious extremism being used to rein in women. Police say gangs enforcing their idea of Islamic law have killed 15 women in the last month. "There are gangs roaming through the streets . . . pursuing women and carrying out threats and killing because of what the women wear or because they are using makeup," the Basra police commander, Maj. Gen. Abdul Jaleel Khalaf, said this month.
Sometimes notes are left on the women's bodies saying they were killed for violating religious law or social traditions.
"This is a mockery for us, when you speak about freedom," said Hanaa Edwar, who heads the Iraqi Amal Assn., a human rights group opposing Article 41. "There will be no choices for women if a man makes a decision that he wants to live a certain way. Step by step, we will end up in a religious state."
The controversy highlights the broader debate here over how large a role religion should play in Iraqis' lives. It also underscores shortfalls of the original constitution, which was drafted in 2005 by newly elected Iraqi legislators facing a U.S.-imposed deadline. Redrafting the document is one of the benchmarks sought by the Bush administration to set the stage for an eventual U.S. troop withdrawal. But it has been delayed three times as lawmakers haggle over issues such as provincial powers, religious and cultural freedoms, and distribution of oil revenue.
There are only two women on the 25-member committee in charge of rewriting the constitution. They face formidable opposition from the Shiite Muslim lawmakers who dominate Iraq's parliament, including Humam Hamoodi, who heads the panel.
Hamoodi, whose robes and turban attest to religious devotion, scoffs at opposition to Article 41. "You're considering it a big deal!" he said, laughing. "This is a kind of liberty and freedom. This is the age of democracy."
Musawi agreed. A Shiite who wears a prim black tunic and a leopard-print head scarf, Musawi says she does not want non-Muslims to be governed by her beliefs. Article 41 ensures this cannot happen, she said.
But, she said, it also recognizes the reality in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq, where most lawmakers, including many of the 75 women in the 275-seat parliament, represent Shiite religious parties.
"If you ask me if I want a theocratic society, I will tell you no. But at the same time, I cannot ignore the fact that religion is part of our existence, and we have to accept that," Musawi said.
For many Iraqi women, the reminder of what is at stake became clear in May when a video circulated of a 17-year-old girl being dragged through a mob of braying men, who pelted her to death with rocks and paving stones. The girl, whose gruesome death was captured on several cellphone cameras, had violated the rules of her minority Yazidi sect by having a relationship with a Muslim man.Her killing and the reprisal attacks on Yazidis that ensued illustrate the problems inherent in not having a single law covering all Iraqis' domestic affairs, critics of Article 41 say.
Three of the girl's cousins are in prison awaiting trial in connection with her death. Many Yazidis have condemned the incident but also say it is an internal tribal issue that does not warrant attention from the media or outsiders. That attitude troubles women's rights activists, who say that religion and tribal culture could be used as shields for perpetrators of such violence.
"I am sure we will be hearing stories like this over and over again," said Luma Ali, a 23-year-old engineering student who opposes any role for religion in government. "I cannot believe this is still happening to us women."
"It is really an insecure world for women in Iraq," said a female friend, who was afraid to give her name. "Everything is subject to development in Iraq -- everything except the way women should live, marry and die.""
By: Tina Susman (Los Angeles Times staff reporter)
09 October 2007


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Video: Maria Kong's Fling
As usual, there are lots of dance performances happening in Israel's dance scene this month – but as I looked at the calendar, I realized that October is packed with several extra-special events. Below are some teasers for premieres, festivals, foreign tours, online contests, and more. For additional information about the following events and other performances, please visit the Dance In Israel Calendars.


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BRISTOL, Tenn. – Earlier this month, the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WCGA) announced their All-American Scholars for the 2012-13 school year. Of the 644 student-athletes named to the list, which encompasses NCAA Divisions I-III and the NAIA, three King University women's golfers earned the distinction. Esther Gandarias, Elizabeth Swallow and Anna Walker all earned All-American Scholar status by the WCGA.
Gandarias, a Madrid, Spain native completed her senior season with the Tornado with a 3.52 grade point average (GPA) while majoring in management. On the course, she posted two top-10 finishes, including one top-5 finish while finishing third on the team with an 84.61 stroke average.
A Berkshire, England native, Swallow led the Tornado with a 77.78 scoring average during her freshman campaign. She also posted a GPA of 3.96 while majoring in mathematics. Swallow placed in the top-10 in all but two tournaments while finishing the top-5 five times and taking second twice.
Walker, a business major finished the 2012-13 season with a 3.60 GPA. The Marion, Va., native participated in all 18 tournaments for the Tornado and recorded two top-10 finishes, including one top-5 finish. Her 84.94 stroke average landed her just behind Gandarias among Tornado.
The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics. The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.50.