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Linsoni and Riverstone Wine Shoppe present:
Old vintage wine and Old Rock Hits from 1970’s top 100
Don Lampasone, performing with his lap top band
“Taste the musical flavors not present in silent tastings; a better way to taste”
Live Music and Wine Tasting October 29, 2009, 7pm.
2004 Riesling, Gladstone, Wararrapa, New Zealand
Smokey fruit forward nose, a food friendly dryer with honey sweetness wine, tart green apple, soft lemon and lime citrus, long creamy finish
Music: Three times a lady, Lionel Richie
CHATEAU DORIEN 99 SHIRAZ. Barossa Vallley, Australia
Full mouth fruit, black purple color with blackberry and licorice evident in the nose and the palate. Very smooth, vanillin on the nose with lots of berries and herbs. Great now and even better after cellaring
Music: Hotel California, The Eagles
CHATEAU DORIEN 97CABERNET , Barossa Valley, Australia
The Fruit Forward blackberry characters with oak evident, aged 15 months in French and American Oak. Lingering berries with a hint of licorice, rich tannins and the color is deep and dark red with purple tinges. Very good now and excellent cellaring potential
Music: Just the way you are, Billy Joel
MUNARI 2000 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Terrific fruit flavors, spice of the region, licorice, mint, richness, depth and fantastic length, full bodied wine.
Music:
MUNARI 99 SHIRAZ, Heathcote, Central Victoria, Australia
Munari 1999 Shiraz, “Delightfully deft and polished, with lovely plum and berry flavors, on an airy frame, echoing nicely, finishing almost creamy. Full of flavor, brown sugar, black pepper, liquorices, black raspberry, deep purple."
Music: You are the Sunshine of my life, Stevie Wonder
GEORG SCHLEGEL 2001 PINOT NOIR BARRIQUE
Magnificent red fruit with meats, bacon, roast beef, spices from heaven.
These wines have been hailed by every knowledgeable wine enthusiast we know. All are absolutely wonderful; the barrel is "charred" through a unique process which contributes to the unique spicey flavors.
Music:
Smoke on the water, Deep Purple
Past Events
Riverstone Wine Shoppe and Linsoni Importers present:
A Fall fine wine Tasting event.
September 25, 2009; 7PM.
Taste Six Wines, Gladstone New Zealand, Silver Fox Perricoota,
John Porter Pinot Noir, New Zealand, and Munari Heathcote, Australian boutique wines not available in stores. This event is an enormous value.
LINEUP
Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 05
Velvet sweetness on the nose jumping from the glass, fresh crisp fruity flavors of mango, peach, white grapes, grapefruit evident throughout, long finish with creamy ending.
Silver Fox 2003 Shiraz
Big licorice nose, red and purple fruits, licorice and soft coffee flavors evident, long finish.
Silver Fox 2002 Cab-Shiraz
Big red nose, full of fruit, big tannins, red and purple fruits, blueberry, blackberry evident, heavy coffee and some licorice, ready for steak.
John Porter Pinot Noir 2004
Fruit forward nose, big cherries, very soft and elegant, a ladies drink, ruby red color with many flavors, gunpowder and light smokey flavors with a long smooth finish.
Munari 2001 Cabernet
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc. Deep youthful purple red in color with perfumed violets and tobacco leaf over dark fruits and finishing with subtle smoke and malty tones. Full, soft and silky tannins, further black fruits with savory beef stock overtones and finishing long, sweet, and gently smoky
Silver Fox Beer Barrel Tawny
A favorite at Riverstone, Oak Beer Barrel aged for six years before bottling, great beer flavor to enhance your “fort” experience, caramel, chewy nut flavors, long finish.
Hurts and feels so good, 1974 Don Lampasone Info@riverstonewine.com
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Past Events
This event was a sell out, full house, the wines were fabulous, see you next time.
Riverstone Wine Shoppe and Linsoni Importers present:
A “Down-under” Tasting event.
August 14, 2009; 7PM.
Taste the best New Zealand and Australian boutique wines not available in stores. This event is a huge value.
Wellington is the official name for the large region which occupies the southern section of the North Island. Wairarapa, on the lower eastern side of the region, is Wellington's only wine district. Martinborough, as well as being a town, is also the oldest and best known wine area within the Wairarapa region. Pinot Noir is the region's most planted and certainly most acclaimed grape variety. The Gladstone whites of the region also are luscious and the “Auld Alliance” is a Bordeaux blend indigenous to this region that is huge but light and creamy.
1. Gladstone Pinot Gris; A full body fruit forward nose, rich with citrus, apple and melon. For the discriminating Pinot Gris drinker who wants full body flavor and creamy finish.
2. Gladstone Reisling; Very fruit forward nose, a food friendly dryer not sweet wine, with honey sweetness, tart green apples; soft citrus with hint of lemon, long finish.
3. Gladstone Auld Alliance; A Bordeaux blend, balanced and easy to drink, big nose, big red fruit, coffee, with long lingering finish.
Adrian Munari, is a true passionate wine maker from the Heathcote region of Australia. This region is very distinct and these wines show the evidence of this new appellation recorded in 2001. Munari started making wine in 1992 and his first vintages won prizes all over Australia. “We discovered this wine in 1998 and it was one of the first we imported to Florida. This Schoolhouse Red is a blend that is so distinctive you must taste it to understand its complexity. The cabernet and shiraz are equally distinctive” Don Lampasone.
4. Munari 2000 Cabernet; Terrific fruit flavors, spice of the region(eucalyptus) , licorice, mint, richness, depth and fantastic length, full bodied wine. Decant to serve.
5. Munari 2001 Shiraz; This is an opulent fruit driven wine. The color is deep black red with crimson hues. The nose is smoky with a cherry aroma infused with spice and earth. The palate is fleshy; displaying red fruit, charred wood, and is extremely well balanced
6. Silver Fox Beer Barrel Tawny; aged six years in an old oak beer barrel this is the Tawny the folks who do not like Tawny pick along with the experts, hard to resist after the first taste.
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July 22, 2009 This event sold out, 44 enjoyed the fabulous food and wine.
"This is a special place to find authentic Italian food. Very friendly people here, you will love it". Check it out.
Tavolino Della Nonna
Wine and Food Pairing
Wrapped Asian Shrimp
Jumbo Shrimp Wrapped In Prosciutto w/ Asian Glace & Sweet Potato Noodles
De Conti Prosecco 2007, Mapale, Veneto, Italy
Premium rare Prosecco from finest vines of Valdobbiadene, Italy,
Prosecco Land. Apricot, dry peach, fruity front with dry champagne-like finish.
Duck Confit Salad
Frisee, Watercress, Baby Spinach, Bartlett Pears, Pecans,
Gorgonzola Cheese & Berry Vinaigrette Reduction
Mauro Veglio 2005 Dolcetto D’Alba, Piedmont, Italy
Light and refreshing with ample ripe berry fruit, a forward and fragrant nose, and a fresh acidity
BBQ Scallop
Grilled Sea Scallop, Saint Andrew’s BBQ Sauce& Crispy Potato Gallete
John Porter’s 2004 Pinot Noir, Martinboro, New Zealand
Ruby red fruit flavored, very soft and elegant with many light smoky flavors,
big cherries, gunpowder, a long smooth finish
New Zealand Rack of Lamb
Grilled Rack of Lamb, Mint Risotto & Blackberry Sauce
Munari 2001 Schoolhouse Red, Cabernet Blend, Heathcote, Australia
Big spicy nose, hints of mint and eucalyptus. Big, rich, chewy, full flavored with ripe
dark berry fruits, generous alcohol adding serious palate weight and warmth. Fruitcake,
stewed plum flavors, minty vanillin oak and firm tannins combine to produce a complex wine.
Cream Caramel
Caramel Glazed, Whipped Cream
Silver Fox Bourbon Barrel Tawny Port, Perricoota, Australia
This aging in a bourbon barrel yields a hint of sweet caramel
and orange flavors with a long creamy finish.
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This event was a sell out, the wines showed marvelous, and we had many requests for another live music event; we are planning a new program for a live music event, check back for dates .
Riverstone Wine Shoppe and Linsoni Importers present:
An International Wine Tasting Event
June 26, 2009, 7 PM
Cost is $10.00 get $5. 00 back with purchase
Address:
7391 North State Rd.7,Parkland Fl. 33073 Tel: 954.753.9905Email: Info@riverstonewine.com
Taste these rare boutique wines only found in fine restaurants.
1. De Conti 2006 Cartizze, premium prosecco, Venito Italy.
From the Cartizze region, center of the finest vines, blended and slightly sweet with dry finish. Fruit forward, peach, apple, lingering lemon, marvelous as an aperitif, or for sipping anytime.
2. Chateau Dorian 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley, Australia
The Fruit Forward blackberry characters with oak evident, aged 15 months in French and American Oak. Lingering berries with a hint of licorice, rich tannins and the color is deep and dark red with purple tinges. Very good now and excellent cellaring potential
3. Munari 2001 Shiraz, Central Victoria, Australia
This is an opulent fruit driven wine. The color is deep black red with crimson hues. The nose is smoky with a cherry aroma infused with spice and earth. The palate is fleshy; displaying red fruit, charred wood, and is extremely well balanced.
4. Georg Schlegel 2002 Pino Noir, Jennins Switzerland
Magnificent red fruit with meats, bacon, roast beef, spices from heaven.
5. Corte alla Flora, 2000 Vine Nobile, Tuscany, Italy
Aged in oak 18 months, intense with fruity notes of raspberry, sweet violet, followed by vanilla & coffee.
6. Silver Fox, NV Beer Barrel aged Tawney Port, Perricoota, Australia
Aged in an old Beer Barrel for six years, this aging gives a hint of beer flavor to the sweet caramel and hint of orange, long sweet creamy finish.
Linsoni Importers and Riverstone Wine Shoppe present
May 15th, 2009 Wine Panoply
all wines from small producers, less than 500 cases
1. Bortolotti’s 2006 premium prosecco; Venito Italy
This is one of the finest Prosecco in Italy, the cream of the crop. Hand selected by the Don himself after drinking hundred of gallons of others. This wine is remarkable for an aperitif and for casual drinking. Another pick by the Chefs. This wine has been a terrific hit everywhere it has been presented,. Anyone can drink this wine with any kind of food.
2. Gladstone’s 2004 Reisling, Wairarapa, New Zealand
Truly unique with a huge nose jumping from the glass, honey sweetness, tart green apple evident, citrus lemon, with a long creamy finish.
3. Silver Fox, 2004 Sangiovese, Perricoota, Australia
Big red fruity nose, cherry, strawberry, spaghetti sauce wine, fruitier than the Italian version with long finish.
4. Mauro Veglio, 2004 Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy
Intense ruby color. Fresh aromas of roses and red fruits, medium bodied, round and delicate, uniting the complexity typical of nebbiolo with the pleasing freshness that results from the brief time in bottle and wood.
5. John Porter 2004 Pinot Noir, Martinboro, New Zealand
Bright ruby color, fruit forward with gunpowder on the nose, big cherries, very soft and elegant, a ladies drink, light smokey flavors and a long smooth finish.
6. Munari, 2001 Shiraz
This is an opulent fruit driven wine. The color is deep black red with crimson hues. The nose is smoky with a cherry aroma infused with spice and earth. The palate is fleshy; displaying red fruit, charred wood, and is extremely well balanced.
7. Silver Fox Whiskey Barrel Tawney
Aged in an old Whiskey Barrel for six years, this aging gives a hint of whiskey flavor to the sweet caramel and hint of orange, long sweet creamy finish.
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Linsoni Importers and Riverstone Wine Shoppe present:
A live music and wine event
“A rare evening in Switzerland”
The Wine Maker Story
Wine Maker Georg Schlegel is a young family man who exemplifies the new vogue winemakers in Switzerland. "Mr. Schlegel's winery runs like a fine Swiss watch. One of the cleanest wineries I have ever seen." "This is one wine that every Chef and wine critic has raved over; Schlegel is a passionate wine maker, who is the new generation of artisan wine makers in Switzerland." Don Lampasone.
This is a wine selected for and by Chefs, you will not find these wines in stores and retail purchase is limited. Schlegel's storage area is actually an old Post Office in the very small village of Jenins. To picture where Jenins is, think of driving south easterly from Zurich about an hour and you will find Jenins if you know where to turn. You walk down into his cellar which is always very cool, less than 50 degrees. Schlegel has devised his own "charring method" to the oak barrels his Pinor Noir is aged in. This special "charring" adds the special meaty and smoky flavors to the huge cherry and red berry flavors in this highly acclaimed wine. The major reason one does not find much Swiss wine in the USA is because less than 1% of all Swiss wine is exported. Schlegel opens his doors to sale of his new vintage each year and sells out his entire small production to his neighbors leaving little reason to export. We are privileged to have these remarkable wines to offer our friends.
1. Georg Schlegel Chardonnay 2006, Fruit forward, light hints of lemon, tropical fruit with some spices, buttery lingering long finish, an extraordinary chardonnay.
Music: My Angel, ballad by Don Lampasone
2. Georg Schlegel Pinot Blanc 2006, Buttery old world with classic fruity flavors evident, melon, white grape, hint of lemon, with long lingering finish; extraordinary drink.
Music: Many Many Kisses, country pop rock, by Don Lampasone
3. Georg Schlegel Pinot Noir 2001,
Magnificent red fruit with meats, bacon, roast beef, spices from heaven.
Music: Hurts and Feels so Good, latin rock, by Don Lampasone
4. Georg Schlegel Pinot Noir 2002, you will find similar qualities in each vintage.
Music: Runnin on the beach, pop rock, by Don Lampasone
5. Georg Schlegel Pinor Noir 2003, when comparing the 01 with the 03 the cellaring advantages become evident, this fabulous wine will drink well for years.
Music: My Gals Wine, blues rock, by Don Lampasone
Tidbits paired with these wines will be served.
Requests as time permits. And please note, if you have a request, try to email it prior to the event.
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This event was a sell out, pics are below:
  
 
 
Riverstone Wine Shoppe and Linsoni Importers Present:
Cante Italiano
Italian Night at Riverstone, Wednesday March 11, 2009, 7pm.
Don Lampasone sings Italian Classics
An evening of live music and fine wine, tidbits shall be served.
1. Lot 203 2007 De Conti Prosecco
Very rare, small quantity from lot 203 in the finest vines of Valdobbiadene, Italy, Prosecco Land. Apricot, dry peach, fruity front with dry Champagne like finish. Superb with a light Italian meal.
Come Prima
2. Mauro Veglio 2005 Barbera
Light and refreshing, lots of ripe berry fruit, a forward and fragrant nose, a fresh acidity.
O solo Mio
3. Mauro Veglio 2004 Nebbiolo
Intense ruby color. Fresh aromas of roses and red fruits, medium bodied, round and delicate, uniting the complexity typical of nebbiolo with the pleasing freshness that results from the brief time in bottle and wood.
Non Dimenticar
4. Corte alla Flora 2000 Vine Nobile
Aged in oak 18 months, intense with fruity notes of raspberry, sweet violet, followed by vanilla & coffee
That’s Amore
5. Fernando Martino’s 1999 Chateau Dorian Shiraz
Full mouth fruit, black purple color with blackberry and licorice evident in the nose and the palate. Very smooth, vanillin on the nose with lots of berries and herbs.
Volare
6. Silver Fox Bourbon Barrel Tawney
Now being called “fort” in Australia, this port gets aged in a Bourbon Barrel and the Bourbon flavor is evident making this a very interesting Tawney Fort.
Eh, Cumpari
Requests as time permits.
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February 12, 2009 at Riverstone, vintage wine and jazz.
"97 Dorian Cab, wonderful, with the music the wine mellowed"
"97 Dorian Cab, great nose, overall great taste, mellowed with the music"
"97 Dorian Cab, lemonish, with the music a touch of honey appeared"
"99 Munari Shiraz, the music made you want more"
"99 Munari Shiraz uniqure nose, tasted the same with the music"
"99 Munari Shiraz, earthy, coffee, carmel, chocolate, with music cheesy, fresh"
"00 Munari Cabernet, minty nose, the music smoothed and added pepper"
"00 Munari Cab, big, intense long finish, pepper, calmed down mellower with the music"
"00 Munari Cab, woody, smokey, rich berry, with music milder, fresh cigar"
"01 Munari Merlot, uninque nose, just got fantastic with the music"
"01 Munari Merlot, oak dominant, big, mellower with the music"
"01 Munari Merlot, berry, mud, with the music floral but not flowery"
"01 Georg Schlegel, wonderful nose, with the music a really great pino"
"01 Georg Schlegel Pinot, beautiful, great, no change with music, still great"
"01 Georg Schlegel Pinot, burnt marshmellow, bitterish, with music very smooth wood burning"
"Silver Fox Beer Barrel Tawney, not your typical tawney, much better with the music"
"Silver Fox Beer Barrel Tawney, sherryish, with the music like a hershy kiss"
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Linsoni and Riverstone Wine Shoppe present:
Old vintage wine and Old Vintage Jazz
Music and Wine Tasting February 12, 2009, 7pm.
1. 1997 Chareau Dorian Cabernet
Huge full mouth flavors, portlike blackberrys, coffee, liquorice, long lingering finish.
Satin Doll
2. 1999 Munari Shiraz
Munari 1999 Shiraz, “Delightfully deft and polished, with lovely plum and berry flavors, on an airy frame, echoing nicely, finishing almost creamy. Full of flavor, brown sugar, black pepper, liquorices, black raspberry, deep purple
When Sunny gets Blue
3. 2000 Munari Cabernet Sauvignon
Terrific fruit flavors, spice of the region, licorice, mint, richness, depth and fantastic length, full bodied wine. Desifinado
4. 2001 Munari Merlot
Lovely fragrant nose with rich cherry and plums. Typically plush and rich but wonderfully structured tannins that will take ageing. the palate has more plums with lingering length and intensity.
Fly me to the moon
5. 2001 Georg Schlegel Pinot Noir
Huge Magnificent red fruit with meats, bacon, roast beef, charred barrel creating spices from heaven.
The Days of Wine and Roses
6. Silver Fox Tawney
Chocolate, miele, sweet flavors with spices, wonderful with any desert.
My Gals Wine, blues
Requests for Sweet Caroline, and guest artist trumpeter Peter Lampasona played
"all the things you are", the evening ended with everyone singing along.
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Linsoni Importers and Riverstone Wine Shoppe presents:
The finale wine tasting Big Reds; January 28, 2009, 7pm.
Mauro Veglio 2005 Dolcetto, Piedmont, Italy
Light and refreshing, lots of ripe berry fruit, a forward and fragrant nose, a fresh acidity
2. Mauro Veglio 2005 Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy
Black cherry, blackberry fruit, black earth with fresh floral aroma
3. Gladstone 2004 Pinot Noir, New Zealand
Fruity nose jumping from the glass, big red berries, strawberry, elderberry, cherry evident. Smokey spices in complex big flavors with a long finish
4. Chateau Dorian 1999 Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia
Full mouth fruit, black purple color with blackberry and licorice evident in the nose and the palate. Very smooth, vanillin on the nose with lots of berries and herbs. Great now and even better after cellaring
5. Chateau Dorian 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley, Australia
Fruit Forward blackberry characters with oak evident, aged 15 months in French and American Oak. Lingering berries with a hint of licorice, rich tannins and the color is deep and dark red with purple tinges. Very good now and excellent cellaring potential
6. DeConte 2007 Prosecco Cartizze
From the Cartizze region, center of the finest vines, blended and slightly sweet with dry finish. Fruit forward, peach, apple, lingering lemon, marvelous as an aperitif, or for sipping anytime. Refreshing finish.
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Music event, sold out.Linsoni Importers and Riverstone Wine Shoppe
Presents:
A live musical Wine Tasting Event
Wine tastes better with live music, come check it out.
Food tidbits will be paired with each variety.
January 15, 2009, 7pm, $25.00 RSVP, Prepaid Reservations only.
Have your credit card ready to make your reservation.
Special huge discounts this night, in addition get back $15.00 from your admission with your purchase. For huge discount details contact Riverstone Wine Shoppe at;
This is a fabulous night out with food, wine and live music, see you there!!!!
A word about the wineries.
Gladstone
located on the south side of the north Island where many small 5 to 10 acre winemakers are producing on artesian wines. One of the few Women Wine Makers in the world, these are some of the finest wines from New Zealand.
Silver Fox,
from the Perricoota Region of Central Victoria, Australia, this small winery got our attention with its full mouth softer wines which reflect what the local Australian’s were asking for as they take smaller portions at dinner and want a lighter easier to drink wine. The Tawney from this small winery has been widely loved and accepted even by those who normally to not like Tawny.
Mauro Veglio,
this award winning wine maker is becoming world renowned and makes as fine a wine as the Piedmont region of Italy has to offer. A small family producer, these wines are excellent, and have had ratings 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 from the wine spectator. This is a rare chance to taste these expensive wines, and as stated above get huge discounts.
1. Gladstone’s 2006 Pinot Gris, New Zealand
Minuet from Anna Magdalena Bach, Jazz arrangement
2. Gladstone’s 2004 Riesling, New Zealand
My Angel
3. Silver Fox 2004 Sangiovese,
My Love forgive me
4. Silver Fox 2002, Cabernet, Shiraz
All shook up
5. Mauro Veglio Barolo 2001 Castelletto
Return to me
6. Silver Fox, Beer Barrel Tawney
My gal likes wine
Encore requests time permitting
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Tasting notes from the Riverstone event:
"at first the Pinot Gris had a bite at the end, with the music it became fruity and smooth".
"at first the Pinot Gris was green, acidic, nice bouquet, biter finish, with the music it was sweeter, fruity, smooth with a nice finish".
"at first the Pinot Gris was earthy, and tart, with the music it was fruity, and smooth".
"at first the Pinot Gris flavors where subtle, with the music the flavors became floral, deeper".
"at first the Pinot Gris was very sweet, with the music it became softer".
"at first the Pinot Gris had citrus, with the music it became more intense with a longer finish".
"at first the Pinot Gris was fruity, with some sage, with the music it became mellow".
"at first the Riesling had grapefruit and citrus, with the music it became sweeter with pear flavor".
"at first the Riesling had grapefruit and citrus, with the music it became softer, more mellow, not as acidic".
at first the Riesling had grapefruit bouquet and taste, with the music pear and apple became evident and a sweeter taste".
"at first citrus then with the music seemed like more citrus".
"at first the Sangiovese was a bit bitter, with blackberry, with the music it became sweeter with a lingering finish".
"at first the Sangiovese had currant, and earthy flavors, with the music it was fruitier, lighter, acidic long finish with tannin on the tongue".
"at first the Sangiovese was spicy, with the music the finish seemed to linger longer".
"at first the Sangiovese had pomegranate and with the music came grape juice, kosher wine flavors".
"at first the Sangiovese was fruity with currant, with the music a lesser degree of fruit".
"at first the Cabernet Shiraz had red raspberry, with the music it seemed tastier".
"at first the Cabernet Shiraz was light and dry, with the music is was not as dry".
"at first the Cabernet Shiraz was light, with the music it became smoother".
"this Cabernet Shiraz is a big wine either way".
"at first the Barolo was spicy with some liquorice, flavors intensified with the music".
"at first the Barolo had a nice bouquet, licorice, smooth long spicy finish, with the music more intense oak".
"at first the Barolo was spicy, smooth, anisette flavors, with the music came out the oak".
"the Barolo was fabulous both ways".
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Cucina D'Angelo
Wine Tasting October 22, 2008 6:30 PM, Italian foods with
four New Zealand and one Australian varieties.
$35.00
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Musical Wine Dinners-Do you like music?
Linsoni is the first in this area to introduce musical wine tastings.
The first event which was considered a "dress rehearsal" on July 15, 2008, paired wine with silence, music, and food. The order is at this point arbitrary, however we intend to document all this in future tastings and present considered musical suggestions for certain wines to taste their best.
Do the flavors change with music?
Yes, and for many in many different ways. This is very personal, and one must taste and listen and find out what the personal experience is to answer this question for one's self.
To know how your personal taste buds react to different types of music, simply start listening to music during your tasting experience.
Here are some comments from guests at this first private Musical Wine event:
"Lets do it again",
"the music made the wine sweeter, mouth feel was less crisp",
"the music brought out a ginger flavor note evident with the music",
"the music just made the moment, not worried about flavors",
"I enjoyed the music and wine together",
"the wine seemed stronger more powerful with the music",
"the flavor of green apples came out of the Prosecco when tasting with the music",
"tasted dryer with the wine",
"I got a romantic effect, the music made the wine taste better",
"it made me reminisce over the evening, mellow",
"with the music everything came out",
"the wine had more of a bite with the music",
"the music made the wine smoother and kick started my appetite",
"this is the way to taste wine, with music and food".
Recently reading and learning about how music and wine go together, and with amazing computer advancements, he is again venturing out into performance to add a "personal touch" to musical wine dinners, as he is performing most of the music during these new musical events.
With modern computers, it is possible to bring a small portable keyboard, a laptop, and two small speakers that fill any wine tasting room with hi fidelity sound; Do a complete performance in an area of 34" by 30". Many times a microphone is not needed for vocals as the rooms are small enough to accommodate the human voice projection without additional amplification. This is sort of a return to the parlor concerts that were very popular in the 18th and 19th century.
"We intend to bring in other artists, invite those in attendance to sing, play and participate, and further the development of Musical Wine Tastings." Don Lampasone
Don Lampasone, owner and founder of Linsoni Importers in 1998,
Don has a broad background in music. He studied piano and keyboard instruments since age 5, spent his college days (8years at three universities) as a Theory and Composition, Piano and Voice major. He started performing professionally at age 12, in a mid 50’s country rock quintet. He has performed with the Firestone Conservatory Jazz Lab Band, and Septet, the FAU Jazz Lab Band, and Quintet, and Miami University Jazz Lab Band and Quartet. He kept his trio, quartet, and quintet busy for 20 years in the northeast prior to migrating to Florida in 1978 when he retired from performance, raised his five sons, and went into the Real Estate and Construction business, then later also wine importing.
Plan on attending our first musical wine dinner this summer. In the meantime, if you have a favorite song, please forward it to this e-mail address, for consideration at the next event.
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Other Past events sold out.
July 25, 2008; 6:30 pm
Wine Watch in Ft. Lauderdale, 901 Progresso Drive
$35. per person
Taste eleven of our wines this night with snacks prepared by Chef Saperstien.
This event was sold out, everyone had a great evening and took home lots of these fine wines.
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This event was a testament to Oliver Saucy's creative abilities, "everything was fantastic", from everyone in attendance.
Thank You Chef Oliver for your culinary gifts.
July 24, 2008, Thursday 7pm.
$140.00 per person, all inclusive.
Linsoni Importers and Café Maxx Present:
An International Summer Wines Event
Traditionally wines taken in the summer months are lighter and go well with lighter summer fare. The wines presented on this summer evening are some of the lighter full flavored wines hand selected for Chefs, from very small producers in Italy, Australia, and New Zealand
Summer wine Dinner 2008
Pass arounds:
Calamari tempura with lemon pepper and basil
Conch ceviche with pickled onions and mango
Sushi terrine with cucumbers and soy
Canapé of eggplant and beef tartare, tomato relish & porcini
De Conte 2007 Premium Prosecco, Mappale lot 203. Venito, Italy.
Very Rare, from lot 203 in the finest vines of the DOC region in Valdobbiadene, Italy.
Apricot, dry peach, fruity front with dry Champagne like finish. Superb light summer fare.
First course:
Coriander seared venison carpaccio, Galoni olive oil, petite greens
apricots and candied walnuts
John Porter’s 2004 Pinot Noir, only 300 cases made.
Martinboro, New Zealand.
Fruit forward nose with gunpowder, big cherries, very soft and elegant, a ladies drink, with many flavors, light smokey flavors and a long smooth finish. “The Barolo of Pinot Noirs”, Don Lampasone.
Second Course:
Duck confit gnocchi with sweet sausage, and tomato-saffron ragout
Silver Fox 2004 Sangiovese, Perricoota Australia.
Red fruity nose, dark cherry, strawberry,
fruitier than the Italian version with long finish.
Third course:
Beef two ways: tenderloin with cippolini onion and short rib over
parmesan polenta and truffled natural sauce
Mauro Veglio, 1999 Barolo Casteletto, Piedmont, Italy.
Intense herbs, plums, berries, medium bodied, with long luscious finish.
Fourth course:
Peppercorn wild boar chop with sweet potato au-gratin
chanterelle mushrooms and cinnamon-apple jus
Munari 2001, Schoolhouse Red, Heathcote, Australia.
A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, big, rich, chewy, full flavored, ripe dark berry fruits
and generous alcohol to add serious palate weight and warmth.
Fruitcake, stewed plum flavors, minty vanilla in oak and firm tannins.
Dessert:
Warm hazelnut chocolate cake with chocolate sorbet and spiced strawberries
Bortolotti’s Sparkling Moscato, Venito, Italy.
Light sweetness from fruit forward, melts on our palate with a dry finish.
A sipping or dessert wine. Distinctively marvelous.
About Linsoni:
We have been importing wines to Florida since 1998, each and every variety gets tough scrutiny prior to our purchase. When we find these interesting small producers, we bring back a few cases of each, lay them down to rest and begin tasting for months prior to deciding if the wine can travel well, and if the wine is a consistent product. Only then does the winery get our order. Sometimes we taste hundreds of wines only to select one or two for purchase and shipment to Florida.
It takes 6 months after ocean travel for most varieties to rest and drink their best. The one other very important part about the wines we select is the environmental aspect of the winery. Each and every winery we represent is using minimal if any pesticides, and more grapes in each bottle to insure the high quality we look for.
About the Winemakers:
Francesco DeConti, is one of the smallest producers of Prosecco in all of Italy. A true artist dedicated to making only the best; a family man, world class business man, and a great guy. “This Prosecco is the most like Champagne I have found, and one of the most enjoyable.” Don Lampasone. Take this wine with almost any food. In very small quantities, with only 48 cases coming to Florida, you will not find this anywhere except fine restaurants.
John Porter, is by profession an attorney from Martinboro, New Zealand, by passion one of the most respected wine makers in New Zealand. “I call this wine the Barolo of Pinot Noirs because it has a marvelous nose very complex, a ruby red color, and a very light wine full of interesting flavors.” Don Lampasone. John made only 300 cases of the 2004 vintage and 100 cases came to Florida.
Anthony Clark, owner and wine maker of Silver Fox Winery in Perricoota Australia is dedicated to creating the softer style of wines now emerging from Australia. This Sangiovese is one of the first to be grown in Australia and is fruitier than its Italian cousins. Also in very small supply, only 30 cases of this wine came to Florida.
Mauro Veglio, is the owner and wine maker of these fine Barolos from the Piedmont in Italy. Mauro is a young family man who is the neighbor and student of one of the most famous wine makers in the Piedmont. These wines have won high scores in the Wine Spectator and like most fine Barolos, take some time in the bottle to be at their best. This 1999 vintage is fabulous, and although it will continue to improve with age, it is drinking just wonderful right now.
Adrian Munari, is a true passionate wine maker from the Heathcote region of Australia. This region is very distinct and these wines show the evidence of this new appellation recorded in 2001. Munari started making wine in 1992 and his first vintages won prizes all over Australia. “We discovered this wine in 1998 and it was one of the first we imported to Florida. This Schoolhouse Red is a blend that is so distinctive you must taste it to understand its complexity.” Don Lampasone.
Bruno Bortolotti, is a growing winery, we discovered in 1999. Since then his wines have won world wide acclaim and his winery has grown in production. This sparkler is not too sweet, excellent for a light summer dessert or just sipping any time. It’s in very short supply with only a few cases left. Do not miss it.
This event was sold out to standing room only, Wine maker Christine Kerhonan signed
bottles, and they went flying out the door. Great night, thanks to Riverstone and their staff.
May 30, 2008_Riverstone Wine Shoppe in Parkland
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This was a great event, Oliver did some marvelous pass arounds and these wines showed well.
May 29, Cafe Maxx coctail hour tasting, pass arounds and New Zealand with the Wine Maker
$35. per person call for reservations
Thai Spice Wine Dinner, May 28, 2008, 7pm. This event was a sell out, the five wines were paired
and raved over by all the guests. Thank you Thai Spice, watch for the next one.
Michael Tatton is preparing a sumptuous menu for this event,
and will personally tend to your entire dinning experience tonight.
He has pared the wines of the evening for your pleasure.
Linsoni Importers and Thai Spice Restaurant Presents:
A Menu for “An evening in New Zealand with the Winemaker”
1st Course
Fresh crispy calamari, wok tossed with fresh garlic, sweet Thai basil, home made light chili sauce served piping hot.
Thai lobster spring rolls with fresh spring vegetables sautéed with chopped Maine lobster, then rolled in a light crispy wrapper, and a chili infused sweet and sour sauce with crushed peanuts.
2005 Sauvignon Blanc from Gladstone in New Zealand.
2st Course
Rock shrimp salad with wild fresh rock shrimp, sautéed with Thai herbs, tossed with organic mixed greens, arugula, candied walnuts, red onions and goat cheese with a light balsamic vinaigrette and coconut drizzle.
2004 Riesling from Gladstone in New Zealand.
3rd Course
Ashley Farm free range chicken chicken breast marinated with coconut milk, lemongrass, herbs, then skewered and grilled. Served with Thai cucumber relish and peanut sauce.
2005 Pinot Gris from Gladstone in New Zealand.
4th Course
Siam Long Island Duckling, oven roasted, trimmed and de-boned, crisped to perfection with a lightly spicy coconut red curry cream sauce and fresh kaffir.
2004 (Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc) Auld Alliance from Gladstone in New Zealand.
5th Course
USDA Prime Delmonico steak, lighty rubbed with a Thai ginger garlic soy, grilled over open fire. Shallot fried Jasmine rice buttercup with Steamed asparagus.
2004 Pinot Noir from Gladstone in New Zealand.
6th Course
Asian flan (Asian custard pie) infused with caramelized Silver Fox Tawny, and fresh berries
NV Tawny Port, aged in a Whiskey Barrel 6 yrs., from Silver Fox Winery in Perricoota, Australia
About the Winemaker
“After traveling the world for almost 30 years it is always a pleasure to meet
people of immense character like Christine Kernohan, She is a great wine maker of the
Feminine Class. Don Lampasone”
About the Vineyard.
Gladstone Vineyard is one of the most beautiful vineyards in New Zealand, situated on the old riverbed terrace of the Ruamahanga River. The Gladstone district in the Wairarapa is a fast growing wine area, as winemakers realize the potential of soil and climate that produce low yielding rich concentrated grapes.
Established in 1986, Gladstone Vineyard has been owner operated by Christine and David Kernohan since February 1996. Both born in Glasgow, Scotland, they emigrated to New Zealand nearly 30 years ago. Christine is Chief Winemaker and Managing Director while David is an Architect, running his own business, Architecture Diagnostics, from the vineyard.
There are 10 acres of vines on the home blocks. A further 25 acres of vines planted at nearby Dakins Road in 2001 started producing in 2004.
Christine Kernohan is chief winemaker, involved in all stages of winemaking, and manages the business.
One of only three Scottish women winemakers in the world (it not being a common career aspiration
where or when she grew up!), Christine fell into the wine industry
after a happenstance visit to Gladstone Vineyard with husband David one spring weekend in 1995.
Christine previously worked in the computer industry in business analysis and project management,
and was also involved in social research and agriculture industry research. She has an MBA from
Massey University and farming experience from involvement in a goat, sheep and beef farm at
Hunterville.
Gladstone Vineyard was the opportunity to run her own business,
bring together the rural life with business, and apply her scientific bent from way back!
Christine is an inveterate hard worker, and is passionate about always looking to do things better.
The focus at Gladstone, unquestionably, is to make premium wine. We have a professional
approach to everything we do, and pride ourselves on our wine, our people, our customer
and supplier relationships and the presentation of our winery and vineyard.
Close attention to detail in the vineyard and the winery results in wine that is sought after both here
and overseas.
Away from the business, she is a passionate (and sprightly) grandmother (and mother), keen(ish) cyclist and enjoys gardening, music and reading and traveling
The New Zealand Wine Region at Gladstone
Wellington is the official name for the large region which occupies the southern section of the North Island. Wairarapa, on the lower eastern side of the region, is Wellington's only wine district. Martinborough, as well as being a town, is also the oldest and best known wine area within the Wairarapa region. Pinot Noir is the region's most planted and certainly most acclaimed grape variety. The success of Martinborough Pinot Noir has to a large extent driven the rapid development of this very dynamic and quality-focused region. Climatically Wairarapa is more aligned to Marlborough than to any of the North Island regions. The success and style of its Sauvignon Blanc is evidence of this alliance. Officially New Zealand's sixth largest region, Wellington is small in production terms but makes a large contribution to the country's quality winemaking reputation.
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Cafe Maxx April 23, 2008 "An Evening in Switzerland"
This event was a sell out, Georg Schlegel's 2006 Chardonnay, 2006 Pinot Blanc,
2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 Pinot Noir, again raved over by the guests along with the fabulous menu by Chef Oliver Saucy.
Menu
Pass arounds shellfish four ways - Crab & wasabi caviar with scallion, Crispy oysters with mango salsa, Sea scallop and green apple cevicheShrimp crostini & lemon aioli, Georg Schlegel Chardonnay .
First course - Almond flour dusted and sauted hog snapper, sweet corn flan, red Swiss chard and almandine butter sauce,Georg Schlegel Pino Blanc.
Second course - Grilled organic salmon with braised beets, six onion melange and grilled bread, Georg Schlegel Pino Noir Barrique 2000
Third course - Duck and wild mushroom pappardelle pasta with red wine, confit duck, Provincial herbs and tomatoes, Georg Schlegel Pino Noir Barrique 2001.
Fourth course, - Prairie farms pork tenderloin with green peppercorn jus, cheesy polenta gratinee and opal basil carrots, Georg Schlegel Pino Noir Barrique 2002
Fifth course - Ancho & coffee crusted filet mignon, Yukon gold mash, roasted spring, vegetables and natural sauce, Georg Schlegel Pino Noir Barrique 2003
Dessert - Chocolate hazelnut mousse cake with chocolate caramel sauce, Silver Fox Whiskey Barrel Tawny Port, This port is aged 6 years in an old whiskey barrel.
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