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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>The Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintages</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/spirits/" rel="tag">Spirits</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/books/" rel="tag">Books</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/the-classicist/" rel="tag">The Classicist</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/distvint1.jpg" alt="" /> French luxury goods conglomerate <a href=" http://www.luxist.com/tag/LVMH/">LVMH</a> is best known for its marquee property <a href=" http://www.luxist.com/tag/Louis+Vuitton/">Louis Vuitton</a>, but the company has also amassed the world's most amazing collection of top-class wine and spirits brands under its Mo&euml;t Hennessy group. The incomparable portfolio is celebrated in a suitably lavish new book called <a href=" http://www.amazon.com/Distinctive-Vintages-French-Wines-Spirits/dp/2080304941/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1223752654&amp;sr=1-1 "><em>Distinctive Vintages</em></a> ($200, right) just out from Flammarion. <br /><br />Mo&euml;t Hennessy owns too many luxury brands to list, but to name a few: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/tag/Hennessy/">Hennessy</a> Cognac; Mo&euml;t &amp; Chandon, luxe Dom P&eacute;rignon, Krug and <a href="http://www.luxist.com/tag/veuve+clicquot/">Veuve Clicquot</a> champagnes; Belvedere and Chopin vodkas; Glenmorangie and deliciously smoky <a href="http://www.luxist.com/tag/Ardbeg/">Ardbeg</a> single malt Scotch whiskies; and the famed Chateau d'Yquem wine, synonymous with the finest money can buy. <br /><br />The book focuses on the collection of fine French wines and spirits, personified in three regions that are "as noble as they are prestigious": Cognac, the ancestral birthplace of Hennessy; Champagne, home Dom P&eacute;rignon and its confreres; and Bordeaux, graced by the magical <a href=" http://www.yquem.fr/yquem.php?lang=uk">Ch&acirc;teau d'Yquem</a>. It offers both a practical guide to the three regions as well as an explanation of the different vintages and results produced by the famed houses. <br /><br />%Gallery-34288%<br /><br /> <em><br /></em><p><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Classicist: LVMH's Distinctive Vintages</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1339422/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/13/the-classicist-lvmhs-distinctive-vintages/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>champagne</category><category>cognac</category><category>Dom Perignon</category><category>DomPerignon</category><category>France</category><category>hennessy</category><category>Louis Vuitton</category><category>LouisVuitton</category><category>LVMH</category><category>Moet</category><category>Moet Chandon</category><category>MoetChandon</category><category>veuve clicquot</category><category>VeuveClicquot</category><category>Yquem</category><dc:creator>Jared Paul Stern</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-13T09:01:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Ecole du Vin et des Terroirs </title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/ecole-du-vin-et-des-terroirs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/ecole-du-vin-et-des-terroirs/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/ecole-du-vin-et-des-terroirs/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://www.ecolevinterroir.org/index.php"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/ecoleduvin.jpg" /></a><br />A unique wine school has been founded in the Puligny-Montrachet France to help deepen the knowledge of wine professionals as well as devoted amateur wine lovers. The<a href="http://www.ecolevinterroir.org/index.php"> Ecole du Vin et des Terroirs</a> is a non-profit organization created by members of the Burgundy wine world to broaden wine and viticultural knowledge with an ecological, environmental and humanistic approach. The Ecole du Vin et des Terroirs holds seminars (one half-day to two days long) which focus on understanding soils, wine techniques, biodynamics, tasting, botany, and many other topics. The seminars are limited to just 12 people and are taught by a variety of people including an ethnobotanist, a creator of tasting glasses, authors, engineers and of course, winemakers. The seminars are taught primarily in the vineyards and are resuming now that harvest season is ending.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.ecolevinterroir.org/index.php>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/ecole-du-vin-et-des-terroirs/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1329529/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/ecole-du-vin-et-des-terroirs/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>france</category><category>wine</category><category>wine education</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-11T15:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Annika Sorenstam To Launch Pricey Syrah</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/10/annika-sorenstam-to-launch-pricey-syrah/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/10/annika-sorenstam-to-launch-pricey-syrah/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/10/annika-sorenstam-to-launch-pricey-syrah/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Sports</a></p><a href="http://www.wentevineyards.com/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/83094948.jpg" /></a>Golfers and wine seem to be a natural match. Greg Norman, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo are just a few of the golfers with a label to their credit. Now the list swells to welcome one of the best female golfers to play the game, Annika Sorenstam Sorenstam has been working with fifth generation Winemaker<a href="http://www.wentevineyards.com/"> Karl Wente of Wente Vineyards</a> on her own namesake Syrah, Annika, which will be released in May 2009. The ultra-premium Central Coast Syrah will sell for  $75.<br />%Gallery-17881%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wentevineyards.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/10/annika-sorenstam-to-launch-pricey-syrah/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1337937/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/10/annika-sorenstam-to-launch-pricey-syrah/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>annika sorenstam</category><category>AnnikaSorenstam</category><category>syrah</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-10T18:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Champagne Sales Down </title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/08/champagne-sales-down/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/08/champagne-sales-down/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/08/champagne-sales-down/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article4901657.ece"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/10/56508049.jpg" /></a><br />Another grim sign of the global economy comes from the Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, the Champagne producers' professional body. <a href="http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article4901657.ece">The Times Online reports</a> that the committee has released its most recent figures which show that Champagne sales are down for the first time in almost a decade. In eight months, global sales have fallen by 2.6 percent. Exports to the States have really plummeted, down by 22 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2007. Sales in the UK are also down but only by 4 percent, and the French consumption of Champagne fell by 4.2 percent. This may actually be a little bit of good news for Champagne producers who have been struggling to keep up with demand for the past few years. Also it may allow time for vineyards in the<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/03/18/champagnes-big-expansion/"> newly assigned Champagne districts</a> to flourish before an increase in cork popping begins anew.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article4901657.ece>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/08/champagne-sales-down/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1335917/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/08/champagne-sales-down/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>champagne</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-08T19:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Sopranos Wine</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/sopranos-wine/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/sopranos-wine/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/sopranos-wine/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/sopranoswine.jpg" /><br />The HBO show may be long over but the branding power of "The Sopranos" lives on. A new Sopranos branded wine group has been launched featuring Italian wines from several different wineries in Italy including s<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-854-Tuscan-Living-Examiner~y2008m9d24-HBO-and-the-Sopranos-tap-Tuscany-for-the-best-wine">everal Tuscan labels.</a> The wines include a Chianti D.O.C.G., Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir and are already on sale through <a href="http://mondoliquor.storesecured.com/items/wine-shop/celebrity-wine/sopranos-wines/list.htm">Mondo Wine onlin</a>e priced from $14.99 to $33.99. There will be a multimedia national campaign for the wine which will start in New York and expand coast-to-coast throughout the fall and holiday season.<br /><br />[via <a href="http://www.winespiritsdaily.com/2008/09/southernodom-purchase-mcclaskeys-wine.html">Wine Spirits Daily</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/sopranos-wine/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1329213/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/sopranos-wine/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>chianti</category><category>sopranos</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-05T18:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Four Napa Wineries Join For Friends At Harvest Event</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/four-napa-wineries-join-for-friends-at-harvest-event/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/four-napa-wineries-join-for-friends-at-harvest-event/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/four-napa-wineries-join-for-friends-at-harvest-event/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://www.salvestrinwinery.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=view&amp;category_id=41"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/prod_thumbnail_184.jpg" /></a>On October 18 in Napa Valley <a href="http://www.juddshill.com/juddshill/news/show_event.jsp?id=1040">four wineries are joining forces for a day of harvest-themed open houses</a>. Visitors can visit Judd's Hill winery, Salvestrin Estate Wines, Schweiger Vineyards and Titus Vineyards in any order between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. At Judd's Hill Winery visitors will have the opportunity to sample different "press-cuts" from the 2008 harvest, tasting samples ranging from "free run" juice all the way to "heavy press," to experience the difference a little pressure can make. At Salvestrin, visitors can enjoy an educational barrel tasting of Salvestrin Estate Wines and taste Salvestrin's current release wines paired with cheeses. The Schweiger family offers a vineyard tour, winemaking discussions and homemade food pairings with the wines. At Titus Vineyards, wich is usually closed to the public, guests can go on a guided walk through the estate vineyard along the Silverado Trail and the winery will be offering food fresh from the grill. <br /><br />Visitors will have the opportunity to buy <a href="http://www.salvestrinwinery.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=view&amp;category_id=41">one-time-only mixed cases of wines</a> from the four small producers. The Cab Lovers mixed case contains three bottles each of 2004 Judd's Hill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Salvestrin Winery Estate St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Schweiger Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 2005 Titus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and sells for $465 while the Hidden Gems mixed case contains three bottles each of 2005 Judd's Hill Winery Old Vine Zinfandel, 2005 Salvestrin Winery Napa Valley Retaggio, 2004 Schweiger Vineyards Merlot and 2006 Titus Napa Valley Petite Sirah and sells for $349.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.juddshill.com/juddshill/news/show_event.jsp?id=1040>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/four-napa-wineries-join-for-friends-at-harvest-event/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1326990/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/four-napa-wineries-join-for-friends-at-harvest-event/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>judds hill winery</category><category>JuddsHillWinery</category><category>napa valley</category><category>salvestrin estate wines</category><category>SalvestrinEstateWines</category><category>schweiger vineyards</category><category>SchweigerVineyards</category><category>titus vineyards</category><category>TitusVineyards</category><category>wine</category><category>wineries</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-05T10:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Champagne Bollinger James Bond Edition</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/01/champagne-bollinger-james-bond-edition/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/01/champagne-bollinger-james-bond-edition/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/01/champagne-bollinger-james-bond-edition/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/spirits/" rel="tag">Spirits</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/bollingerbondbull.jpg" />As my colleague Deidre Woollard <a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/29/smirnoff-gets-a-james-bond-makeover/">reported earlier</a>, the product tie-ins to the upcoming James Bond flick, <a href=" http://www.luxist.com/tag/quantum+of+solace/"><em>Quantum of Solace</em></a>, are beginning to hit the market. <br /><br />The latest is from famed French champagne house <a href=" http://www.bollinger.fr/">Bollinger</a>, founded in 1829. Bollinger has been featured in Bond films as 007's favorite celebratory tipple since <em>Moonraker</em> back in 1979.<br /><br /> Conceived by French designer Eric Berth&egrave;s, the lockable steel bullet-shaped case engraved "Bollinger 007" holds a magnum of Bollinger's Grande Ann&eacute;e 1999 champagne. <br /><br />Packaged in a wooden box, the whole weighs over 50 pounds and costs about $5,800; only 207 numbered Bullets will be produced. <br /><br />[via <a href="http://www.bornrich.org/entry/bond-007-inspired-champagne-bollinger-offering/">Born Rich</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/01/champagne-bollinger-james-bond-edition/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1327453/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/01/champagne-bollinger-james-bond-edition/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>007</category><category>Bollinger</category><category>Champagne</category><category>James Bond</category><category>JamesBond</category><category>Quantum of Solace</category><category>QuantumOfSolace</category><dc:creator>Jared Paul Stern</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-10-01T14:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Did The Brits Invent The Bubbly?</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/did-the-brits-invent-the-bubbly/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/did-the-brits-invent-the-bubbly/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/did-the-brits-invent-the-bubbly/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/72308726.jpg" alt="" /><br />For years the invention of Champagne has been attributed to Benedictine monk Dom Perignon, shown above. Now new research suggest that it was British scientist Christopher Merrett who first invented the process and bottle for making Champagne. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1062553/Pardon-Messieurs-champagne-BRITISH-invention-claims-new-research.html">The Daily Mail reports that Merrett</a> used techniques from the cider industry to control the second fermentation which adds the fizz and he also pioneered the use of stronger glass needed to prevent the bottle exploding. He gave a paper to the Royal Society in 1662 describing a process of adding sugar and molasses to make a wine taste sparkling. This was over 30 years before Dom Perignon's work at the Abbey of Hautvillers at Epernay. The research comes from author James Crowden, <a href="http://www.james-crowden.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.product_details&amp;flypage=flypage.tpl&amp;product_id=34&amp;category_id=7&amp;option=com_virtuemart&amp;Itemid=27">whose new book, Ciderland</a>, looks at the history of cider in the West Country.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1062553/Pardon-Messieurs-champagne-BRITISH-invention-claims-new-research.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/did-the-brits-invent-the-bubbly/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1326244/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/did-the-brits-invent-the-bubbly/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>champagne</category><category>christopher merrett</category><category>ChristopherMerrett</category><category>methode champenoise</category><category>MethodeChampenoise</category><category>sparkling wine</category><category>SparklingWine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-28T18:03:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Wilson Daniels Wine Documentary Films</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/wilson-daniels-wine-documentary-films/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/wilson-daniels-wine-documentary-films/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/wilson-daniels-wine-documentary-films/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><object width="400" height="225">	<param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />	<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />	<param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1792569&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" />	<embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1792569&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1792569?pg=embed&amp;sec=1792569">Wilson Daniels Films Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wilsondaniels?pg=embed&amp;sec=1792569">Wilson Daniels</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&amp;sec=1792569">Vimeo</a>.<br />Bret Lyman, a Napa Valley-based filmmaker has created an <a href="http://www.wilsondanielsfilms.com/">interesting series of short documentary films o</a>n the vineyards, wineries and principals of Wilson Daniels Ltd.'s French and Hungarian properties. The individual films will premiere online over the next six weeks, beginning with the October 2, 2008, debut of "The Renaissance of Tokaji," showcasing Royal Tokaji. Wineries Lyman profiled in the series of Wilson Daniels films include: Royal Tokaji of Tokaj; House of Champagne Delamotte and House of Champagne Salon of Champagne; Domaine Faiveley of Burgundy; Domaine Leflaive of Burgundy; Domaine Pierre Morey of Burgundy; Domaine Philippe &amp; Vincent Jaboulet of northern Rh&ocirc;ne; and Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss of Alsace and southern Rh&ocirc;ne.<br /><br />The films can all be downloaded as well as viewed online. The goal of the series is to give U.S. wine lovers a look at the Wilson Daniels properties in Europe and foster interest in their wines. Each mini-documentary explores the history, setting, and distinct personality of the properties through lush imagery and interviews with winery principals. It's like a five minute wine vacation. Check out the trailer above for a small taste.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wilsondanielsfilms.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/wilson-daniels-wine-documentary-films/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1325808/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/wilson-daniels-wine-documentary-films/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>documentary</category><category>films</category><category>wilson daniels</category><category>WilsonDaniels</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-28T14:04:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Stolen Kisses: Sylvie Fleury Collaborates with Dom Pérignon</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/stolen-kisses-sylvie-fleury-collaborates-with-dom-perignon/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/stolen-kisses-sylvie-fleury-collaborates-with-dom-perignon/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/stolen-kisses-sylvie-fleury-collaborates-with-dom-perignon/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/art/" rel="tag">Art</a></p><a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/080902-sylvie-fleury-glasses.aspx"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/fleury(2).jpg" /></a>Swiss sculptor and mixed media artist Sylvie Fleury has turned her talents to a pair of <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/080902-sylvie-fleury-glasses.aspx">limited edition crystal wine glasses for Dom P&eacute;rignon</a>. Each glass is marked with a seductive hand-painted lipstick stain, hence the title "Stolen Kisses." Each pair is signed and numbered and comes with a bottle of Dom P&eacute;rignon's Ros&eacute; Vintage 1998. <br /><br />Produced in a limited edition of 999, these are bound to disappear quickly, unlike Fleury's beguiling statement. The set will be available in November for $600.<br /><br />[via <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/080902-sylvie-fleury-glasses.aspx">Vogue UK</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/stolen-kisses-sylvie-fleury-collaborates-with-dom-perignon/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1326020/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/28/stolen-kisses-sylvie-fleury-collaborates-with-dom-perignon/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>champagne</category><category>crystal</category><category>dom perignon</category><category>DomPerignon</category><category>slyvie fleury</category><category>SlyvieFleury</category><dc:creator>Tracy Chait</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-28T08:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The Skybar Wine System Does It All</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-skybar-wine-system-does-it-all/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-skybar-wine-system-does-it-all/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-skybar-wine-system-does-it-all/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/gadgets/" rel="tag">Gadgets</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?item=35039&amp;maincatcode=null&amp;subcatcode=null&amp;itemID=17926&amp;itemType=PRODUCT&amp;path=1%2C2%2C130%2C133%2C4201&amp;iProductID=17926"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/picture-skyws3.png" /></a><br />Wine connoisseurs come in all shapes and sizes, from the old-fashioned purists to the cutting edge trend setters, and this product would definitely be for the latter. The <a href="http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?item=35039&amp;maincatcode=null&amp;subcatcode=null&amp;itemID=17926&amp;itemType=PRODUCT&amp;path=1%2C2%2C130%2C133%2C4201&amp;iProductID=17926">Skybar Wine Preservation &amp; Optimization System</a> is designed to do it all. It <strong>chills</strong> up to 3 bottles of wine at once (all in separate compartments with individual temperature controls), <strong>dispenses</strong> the wine smoothly and without disturbing the natural sediment, <strong>preserves</strong> open bottles of wine for up to 10 days with vacuum technology, and <strong>displays</strong> the bottles attractively with LED lighting.<br /><br />I don't know which type of wine drinker I am (old fashioned or trendy) because although I think this wine system is great I also think I would miss pouring the wine from the bottle. $999<br /><br />Via <a href="http://www.acquiremag.com/life/drink/skybar-wine-system.php">acquire</a><br />%Gallery-32447%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?item=35039&amp;maincatcode=null&amp;subcatcode=null&amp;itemID=17926&amp;itemType=PRODUCT&amp;path=1%2C2%2C130%2C133%2C4201&amp;iProductID=17926>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-skybar-wine-system-does-it-all/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1319859/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/24/the-skybar-wine-system-does-it-all/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>skybar</category><category>skybar wine system</category><category>SkybarWineSystem</category><category>wine</category><category>wine system</category><category>WineSystem</category><dc:creator>Rigel Celeste</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-24T12:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Lux Tip: Wrap Your Wine Bottles Like a Pro</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/22/lux-tip-wrap-your-wine-bottles-like-a-pro/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/22/lux-tip-wrap-your-wine-bottles-like-a-pro/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/22/lux-tip-wrap-your-wine-bottles-like-a-pro/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/lux-tips/" rel="tag">Lux Tips</a></p><a href="http://lifehacker.com/5046804/how-to-wrap-a-wine-bottle-restaurant+style"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/2008-09-08_121120.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />I'm not savvy at all to the nuances in what makes a dinner party a success, but I hear that entertaining in your home is as much about the presentation as it is about the company -- the homes that people feel most relaxed in and want to go back to are usually the ones that have are enjoyable for both the company and the dining experience. And the key to making a dining experience enjoyable is in the details of food and presentation. <br /><br />Makes sense to me, which is why <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5046804/how-to-wrap-a-wine-bottle-restaurant+style">this how to lesson on how to wrap your wine bottles like the fine restaurants do</a> could come handy the next time you have friends over. I would certainly be impressed.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://lifehacker.com/5046804/how-to-wrap-a-wine-bottle-restaurant+style>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/22/lux-tip-wrap-your-wine-bottles-like-a-pro/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1309518/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/22/lux-tip-wrap-your-wine-bottles-like-a-pro/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>how to</category><category>HowTo</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Rigel Celeste</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-22T16:03:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The Table that Delivers Wine and Dessert on Command</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/the-table-that-delivers-wine-and-dessert-on-command/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/the-table-that-delivers-wine-and-dessert-on-command/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/the-table-that-delivers-wine-and-dessert-on-command/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/decor/" rel="tag">Decor</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://www.switchedonset.com/2008/09/gorenje-smartab.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/gorenje_smartable.jpg" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.gorenje.co.uk/3583">Gorenje SmarTable</a>: It's a sleek, albeit fairly plain, dining table that turns into an all-inclusive wine and dessert mini-bar at the press of a button. <br /><br />Awesome. <br /><br />I think this is the perfect furniture/gadget for a sleek outdoor gathering on the patio -- after dinner is finished and everybody is relaxed but too lazy to get up you can have a cool glass of wine ready with just the flick of a finger. And clean-up, at least for that moment, is as easy as pressing a button and closing it all up again!<br /><br />I want one.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.switchedonset.com/2008/09/gorenje-smartab.html">&pound;1000</a><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.switchedonset.com/2008/09/gorenje-smartab.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/the-table-that-delivers-wine-and-dessert-on-command/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1309487/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/the-table-that-delivers-wine-and-dessert-on-command/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>furniture</category><category>gorenje</category><category>smartable</category><category>table</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Rigel Celeste</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-20T12:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The Reserve Collection, Fractional Real Estate For Wine Lovers</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/18/the-reserve-collection-fractional-real-estate-for-wine-lovers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/18/the-reserve-collection-fractional-real-estate-for-wine-lovers/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/18/the-reserve-collection-fractional-real-estate-for-wine-lovers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/real-estate-developments/" rel="tag">Real Estate Developments</a></p><a href="http://www.thereservecollection.com/home-page.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/residenceclub.jpg" /></a><br />A new private residence club has chosen a vineyard in the Okanagan valley region of British Columbia as their first offering. Bellstar Hotels &amp; Resorts and Olympus Resorts are creating <a href="http://www.thereservecollection.com/home-page.html">The Reserve Collection</a>, a club that will offer fractional ownership opportunities in vineyard locations around the world. The<a href="http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=ae7a6881-19fe-4448-8f2f-1998f8385c14"> Calgary Herald reports</a> that the exact spot hasn't been chosen yet but that the company is looking for a place in the south part of the valley, especially wineries in Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Penticton, Naramata, the Similkameen Valley and Osoyoos.<br /><br />Other potential vineyard destinations for the club may include Argentina, New Zealand, Europe, California, Oregon and Washington. Owners will also become members of the Vintners Club which will include access to wine and food-related events such as winemakers dinners, members-only barrel tastings, viticulture, activities and culinary programs. They can participate in the winemaking process, assisting the vineyard crew in tending, pruning, picking and crushing. Cost of membership ranges from $200,000 to $1 million, plus annual homeowner association fees of $5,000 to $15,000.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.thereservecollection.com/home-page.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/18/the-reserve-collection-fractional-real-estate-for-wine-lovers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1313710/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/18/the-reserve-collection-fractional-real-estate-for-wine-lovers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>canada</category><category>okanagan valley</category><category>okanagan-wines</category><category>OkanaganValley</category><category>the reserve collection</category><category>TheReserveCollection</category><category>vineyards</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-18T08:01:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The Wall Street Journal Now Sells Wine </title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/the-wall-street-journal-now-sells-wine/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/the-wall-street-journal-now-sells-wine/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/the-wall-street-journal-now-sells-wine/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="https://www.wsjwine.com/index.aspx"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/wjswine.jpg"  alt="" /></a>The Wall Street Journal has created a new website just for selling wine. The newspaper has joined with Direct Wines to create <a href="https://www.wsjwine.com/index.aspx">WSJwine</a> which will offer wine from all over the world. Customers will have the option to purchase individual bottles, full cases or receive ongoing shipments of mixed cases. The wine website is separate from the Wall Street Journal an<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/12/AR2008091202893.html">d isn't connected to the Journal's wine writing at this point.</a> The introductory rate for the Discovery Club offers a 12-bottle case of quality wines, including Rioja, French Chablis, Californian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for  $69.99 and includes tasting notes on each of the wines and a binder in which to keep them as well as a corkscrew in wooden presentation case. After this morning's rough stock market, I'm sure a glass of wine sounds pretty appealing to many WSJ readers.<br /><br />The Wall Street Journal's move follows recent reports that <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122109786881722079.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">Amazon.com is ramping up their efforts to get into the wine busines</a>s.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/12/AR2008091202893.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/the-wall-street-journal-now-sells-wine/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1314610/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/the-wall-street-journal-now-sells-wine/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>wall street journal</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-15T15:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>$150,000 Perrier-Jouët and Van Cleef &amp; Arpels Casket</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/12/150-000-perrier-jouet-and-van-cleef-and-arpels-casket/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/12/150-000-perrier-jouet-and-van-cleef-and-arpels-casket/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/12/150-000-perrier-jouet-and-van-cleef-and-arpels-casket/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/jewelry/" rel="tag">Jewelry</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/spirits/" rel="tag">Spirits</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/perrierjouetcask.jpg" /><br />The ultra-luxe <a href="http://www.byblos.com/byblos_sttropez.php?lg=gb">Byblos</a> hotel in St. Tropez is selling ten limited edition $150,000 wood and leather caskets containing an oversized bottle of <a href="http://www.perrier-jouet.com/">Perrier-Jou&euml;t</a> Belle &Eacute;poque champagne and a <a href=" http://www.vancleef-arpels.com/en/">Van Cleef &amp; Arpels</a> jewelry set. The casket, available from the hotel's exclusive club <a href=" http://www.lescavesduroy.com/">Les Caves du Roy</a> and made to celebrate the Byblos' 41st anniversary, contains a Salmanazar of the vintage 1999 Belle &Eacute;poque, which is 9 liters or the equivalent of 12 standard bottles. In addition to the Van Cleef &amp; Arpels jewelry set, which is designed to resemble the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anemone">Anemone</a>, the flower that adorns the Belle &Eacute;poque bottle, there are four hand-decorated champagne glasses in the casket.<br /><br />[via <a href=" http://www.elitechoice.org/2008/08/28/limited-edition-150000-casket-befits-perrier-jouet-belle-epoque/">Elite Choice</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/12/150-000-perrier-jouet-and-van-cleef-and-arpels-casket/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1311557/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/12/150-000-perrier-jouet-and-van-cleef-and-arpels-casket/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Anemone</category><category>Byblos</category><category>Champagne</category><category>Les Caves du Roy</category><category>LesCavesDuRoy</category><category>perrier-jouet</category><category>Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque</category><category>Perrier-jouetBelleEpoque</category><category>St. Tropez</category><category>St.Tropez</category><category>Van Cleef Arpels</category><category>VanCleefArpels</category><dc:creator>Jared Paul Stern</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-12T11:01:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Gift Set</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/laurent-perrier-grand-siecle-gift-set/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/laurent-perrier-grand-siecle-gift-set/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/laurent-perrier-grand-siecle-gift-set/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/spirits/" rel="tag">Spirits</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/laurpergrgb.jpg" /><br />Here's a rather elegant and understated alternative to some of the more <a http:="" www.luxist.com="" the-veuve-clicquot-globalight="">ostentatious</a> champagne accessories and gift sets we've reported on in the past. The Grand Si&egrave;cle Coffret is designed to showcase <a href="http://www.laurentperrierus.com/">Laurent-Perrier</a>'s delectable multi-vintage <em>prestige cuvee</em>, <a href="http://www.laurentperrierus.com/video/index.htm">Grand Si&egrave;cle</a>. The limited edition set contains a magnum of Grand Si&egrave;cle and six hand-blown <a href=" http://www.baccarat.com/intro.htm">Baccarat</a> crystal champagne flutes, of a design specially commissioned by Laurent-Perrier in 1965 to mirror the upturned shape of the Grand Si&egrave;cle bottle, all in a custom black case with pull-out drawers. The Coffret costs $3,100 and will be available in time for the holidays. Laurent-Perrier, founded in 1812 and located in <a href="http://www.laurentperrierus.com/about/house.htm">Tours-sur-Marne</a>, France, is the world's largest family-owned champagne house. <br /><br />[via <a href="http://getkempt.com/blithe-spirits/black-magic.php">Kempt</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/laurent-perrier-grand-siecle-gift-set/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1286870/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/laurent-perrier-grand-siecle-gift-set/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Baccarat</category><category>Champagne</category><category>France</category><category>Laurent-Perrier</category><category>Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle</category><category>Laurent-perrierGrandSiecle</category><dc:creator>Jared Paul Stern</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-08T16:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Rare Tasting of "The Vintage of the Century" In New York City</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/rare-tasting-of-the-vintage-of-the-century-in-new-york-city/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/rare-tasting-of-the-vintage-of-the-century-in-new-york-city/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/rare-tasting-of-the-vintage-of-the-century-in-new-york-city/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/dining/" rel="tag">Dining</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/events/" rel="tag">Events</a></p><a href="http://bordeaux1990.squarespace.com/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/73636060.jpg"  alt="" /></a>If you have $4.000 to spend on a wine tasting, this might be the one. On September 25, the Ninth Annual benefit "Once-in-a-Lifetime Blockbuster Wine Tasting Dinner" will take place in New York City. It will showcase the 1990 Bordeaux, a year important for its hot, dry weather followed by  some thunderstorms and scattered showers in September and October. The stressed grapes which stopped ripening and then quickly started again once the rains came, were a healthy bumper crop that ended up producing one of the best vintages in recent history.<br /><br />The dinner will include a horizontal tasting of The Vintage of the Century: 1990 Bordeaux with a dozen different wines rated 96 or higher by Robert Parker including  five that have been rated a perfect 100. This is a chance to enjoy the type of wines that make even the most experienced tasters go a little week in the knees. Each flight of these offerings from one of the most extraordinary vintages of the 20th century is paired with a matching gourmet dish.<br /><br />All wines will be donated and the dinner is limited to just 40 participants who will gather in a private townhouse in Greenwich Village. The meal will be prepared by a renowned New York chef, and the wine will be served by members of the Windows on the World sommelier staff. The $4,000 fee will be donated to a "highly respected" 501(c)3 organization and is therefore tax deductible. Participation is by invitation only.<a href="http://bordeaux1990.squarespace.com/"> More details can be found here.</a><br /><br />[Thanks, David]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://bordeaux1990.squarespace.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/rare-tasting-of-the-vintage-of-the-century-in-new-york-city/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1306237/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/rare-tasting-of-the-vintage-of-the-century-in-new-york-city/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>bordeaux</category><category>new york</category><category>wine</category><category>wine tasting</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-08T12:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>World's Most Expensive Champagne at $275,000 a Bottle</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/worlds-most-expensive-champagne-at-275-000-a-bottle/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/worlds-most-expensive-champagne-at-275-000-a-bottle/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/worlds-most-expensive-champagne-at-275-000-a-bottle/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/spirits/" rel="tag">Spirits</a>, <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/champglass.jpg" alt="" />Some vintage 1907 <a href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidsieck_&amp;_Co_Monopole">Heidsieck</a> champagne that's been sitting on the bottom of the ocean for the past 80 years is being sold for $275,000 a bottle at the <a href=" http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Moscow/Default.htm">Ritz-Carlton</a> in Moscow. <br /><br />Over 200 bottles of the long-lost, perfectly-preserved bubbly were salvaged from a shipwreck off the coast of Finland, Russian newspaper <em>Komersant</em> reports. At the time of the accident in 1916 the wine was on its way to the Russian Imperial family. <br /><br />The Ritz-Carlton, where top suites go for upwards of $15,000 a night, is now offering them at $275,000 a bottle, making it the world's most expensive champagne. Sounds like the perfect drink for all those <a href=" http://www.luxist.com/tag/Russian+billionaires/">oligarchs</a>.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/worlds-most-expensive-champagne-at-275-000-a-bottle/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1305961/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/08/worlds-most-expensive-champagne-at-275-000-a-bottle/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Champagne</category><category>Heidsieck</category><category>Hotels</category><category>Moscow</category><category>Ritz-Carlton</category><category>Russia</category><category>Shipwreck</category><dc:creator>Jared Paul Stern</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-08T10:02:00 00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>M by Michael Mondavi Wine</title><link>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/m-by-michael-mondavi-wine/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/m-by-michael-mondavi-wine/</guid><comments>http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/m-by-michael-mondavi-wine/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.luxist.com/category/wine/" rel="tag">Wine</a></p><a href="http://www.decanter.com/news/266691.html"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/09/mmondavi.jpg"  alt="" /></a>After reading the ins and outs of the Mondavi clan in The House of Mondavi book, I'm even more intrigued to see what former Mondavi CEO and chairman Michael Mondavi has cooked up with his first wine. The  2005 M by Michael Mondavi  is<a href="http://www.decanter.com/news/266691.html"> made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from his Animo vineyard in Atlas Peak, Napa</a>. The wine was aged for 22 months in French oak and bottle aged for a year. <br /><br />You can pick up M by Michael Mondavi this fall for a steep $199. In a recent <a href="http://steveheimoff.com/?p=272">interview with Steve Heimoff</a>, Mondavi explained how he reached this price. He explained that his team bought a bunch of top cult wines and did a blind tasting asking themselves how much they would pay for each wine. Because their wine came out strong they prices it below some of the super-pricey cult wines and above some of the ones it showed better than. Of course the costs of managing the 15-acre vineyard were also a factor.<br /><br />Heimoff's interview also reveals that Mondavi has learned his lesson about rapid expansion. He says that at his<a href="http://www.foliowine.com/"> Folio Wine import and production company</a> they have just two rules, only work with those they respect and want to spend time with, and only sell wines they would like to serve to family and friends.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/m-by-michael-mondavi-wine/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/forward/1302073/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/m-by-michael-mondavi-wine/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>cabernet sauvignon</category><category>michael mondavi</category><category>napa valley</category><category>NapaValley</category><category>red wine</category><category>RedWine</category><category>wine</category><dc:creator>Deidre Woollard</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-09-04T12:03:00 00:00</dc:date></item></channel></rss>