Here’s my list of suggested highlights of the wines offered at the Reserve Tasting this year. I’ve  listed by normal tasting order. Comments may be totally out of order.

Sparkling

Dom Pérignon Blanc, Épernay, Champagne, France, 2002

Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France, 1998 – Ruinart is one of Champagne’s underrated producers

Krug Grande Cuvée, Reims, Champagne, France, MV – predicted Best of Tasting

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rosé, Épernay, Champagne, France, 2002

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc, Épernay, Champagne, France, 2002

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame, Champagne, France, 1998

White Table Wines

Sauvignon Blanc

Robert Mondavi Reserve Fumé Blanc, To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville District, Napa Valley, 2008 – Fumé Blanc. The wine that saved Sauvignon Blanc in Napa and one of the late Robert Mondavi’s greatest contributions to California.

Quintessa “Illumination” Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2010

Chardonnay

Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “Clavoillon”, Cote du Beaune, 2009 – the sole white Burgundy in the tasting should nonetheless impress.

Red Table Wines

Pinot Noir

Wild Horse “Cheval Sauvage” Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, 2007 – we are Cabernet heavy in reds, so I hope this satisfies Pinot Noir lovers.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends

Beaulieu Vineyards Private Reserve Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2008. – a classic Napa Cabernet . See how it is fairing up?

Charles Krug Family Reserve “Generations”, Napa Valley, 2008

Cheval des Andes, Las Compuertas Lujän de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2007. Made by Pierre Lurton (Cheval Blanc) and Nicolas Audebert (Cheval des Andes). A French-style Argentine Malbec. This is the wine for those brave enough to buy a Hyundai Equus. No label cachet, but the smart choice of insiders.

Clos Apalta, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2008. – Greatest wine in Chile? Possibly. It alternates with Concha Y Toro’s Don Melchor. One thing I know. After a decade of ageing both of these wines are sublime. The Clos Alpalta is  mainly Carmenère grape as well –  but no pronounced green pepper in the bouquet.

Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, 2008

Newton Vineyard, “The Puzzle”, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, 2008 – Venerable Newton’s approach to a Bordeaux blend.

Numanthia “Numanthia”, Toro, Spain, 2008 – Numanthia. Just a glass or two of these old Tempranillo vines makes it possible to hold up your end of the conversation when discussing string theory with Paris Hilton. Ferran Adria put Spain on the world culinary map. Numanthia is one of the producers putting her on the viticultural map.

Quintessa, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2008. — Respected Napa Cabernet producer. Recommend you cf. this with the Robert Mondavi Oakville. The AVAs are next door neighbors.

Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville District, Napa Valley, 2008 – classic Napa Valley floor wine. Treat this as a reference point when comparing with other Cabernets, especially the Quintessa and the Mount Veeder 2006 to be served at this tasting.

Zinfandel

Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Gnarly Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, 2009

Rosenblum Cellars Maggie’s Reserve Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, 2009

Dessert Wines

Fuqua Winery Cavalier Tawny Port Vat #13, Madera, NV – a California wine made in Texas, but the fact is clearly declared on the label. Kudos for full disclosure. This wine won a ‘Best Of Class’ at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port, Douro Valley, Portugal, NV

Inniskillin Winery Icewine Cabernet Franc, VQA Niagara Peninsula, 2007 – a good example of the refined dessert wines coming out of Canada.

Savor Dallas announces the 8th Annual event will be held March 30-31, 2012, and expands regionally. Participants can enjoy wine, food, spirits and the arts in the Dallas Arts District, and the new Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.

Hey, Jim White! What is up? Are you changing the name to Savor Dallas and Irving? Have you ever heard of a basketball tournament called “The Final Four?” Dude, give us the news.

UPPITY DATE:  Savor Dalling Irvas Dallas organizer, Jim White, responds below. He is on top of the whole situation. All good. Jump for it.

If that is just not enough to satisfy your wine and food palate join the dynamic Jim Severson at Sevy’s Grill  on March 22nd for wine dinner featuring August Briggs.  The four course dinner will feature the current releases of August Briggs, paired with delicacies including seared California halibut with Cioppino broth, Dungenous crab and crispy fennel, paired with crisp Leveroni Chardonnay; mushroom ravioli with Humbolt Fog Cheve cream paired with an earthy Dijon clones Pinot Noir and a Strube Ranch strip steak paired with the bold and elegant Monte Russon Cabernet Sauvignon.  Reservations recommended, 214-265-7389.

March 22nd is also a special night for the Secchi family, as Stefano Secchi, formerly the executive chef at the family restaurant, Ferrari’s Italian Villa  in Grapevine, visits from his new home in Los Angeles to cook a special dinner with his father, Francesco.  The duo will prepare Sardinian and Italian favorites from Francesco’s childhood growing up in Sardinia, including Zuppa di Arselle – little neck clams with red onions and rapini, Burate con Guanciale Enoci with Trufflebert Farm hazelnuts, Gnudi con Arragosta – ricotta gnocchi with lobster and fennel, Agnello al Forno – oven roasted lamb chops, and ending with spectacular Crepes Flambe.  Each course will be paired with one of Francesco’s favorite wines from Sardinia.  Reservations recommended, 817-251-2525.

Starting March 21st at The Capital Grille  guests can order a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, created for their second annual artist series with $25 of every bottle sold going to Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America.  This year’s Cabernet was created by wine maker Thomas Peffer of Atalon Vineyards in Napa, with help from Capital Grille Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, with the label designed by Patricia Timbrook, a Florida based artist that created a piece called Pairings, apearing on each individually numbered bottle.

Join Brian and Courtney Luscher at The Grapeon March 29th as they welcome Washington State wine making superstars, David “Merf” Merfeld from Northstar Winery and Marcos Notaro from Col Solare for their monthly “Come as you are” 3 course wine dinner.  Both of these wineries are known for making stellar red wine from rich Washington soil in and around Columbia Valley.  Reservations recommended, 214-828-1981.

There are a handful of tickets left for a tasting of 40 different Pinot Noirs from Central Coast, Oregon, Napa and Sonoma that Sigel’s  is hosting on March 15 from 5:30pm-8pm at The Park City Club.  This looks like an incredible tasting from some of the best Pinot producers in these regions, including Miner’s incredible Gary’s Vineyard and Rosella’s Pinot Noir, Patz & Hall Chenoweth, Archery Summit Premier Cuvee, Melville Carrie’s, Fess Parker Ashley’s.  Beautiful Pinot Noir for a great tasting price, $40.  Call 214-350-1271 for reservations.

March 24th Bailey’s Prime Plus on Park Lane will host a tasting of six wines, 3 white varietals and 3 reds, paired with a selection of cheeses to help demystify different tasting descriptors associated with wine.  Led by Wine Director and Sommelier LA Perkel the tasting will include 2008 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, one of my favorites from California, 2005 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, 2009 Schools Vollards Riesling Kabinett from Germany and more.  The tasting is $45 with reservations available at 214-750-8100.

Savor Dallas celebrates their 7th annual weekend event March 18th and 19th with tasting events around town, including the Arts District Stroll on Friday night through the Dallas Museum of Art, The Nasher Sculptor Center, The Meyerson Symphony Hall and The Winspear Opera House;  the Ultimate pARTy Friday night; wine seminars or a special cooking class with Stephan Pyles on Saturday afternoon; and the Grand Tasting Saturday night at the downtown Sheraton.  Tickets and information available here.

Two. Savor Dallas is just around the corner. The dates March 18 and 19. One of the most popular events is the Savor Dallas Wine Panel Tasting Seminar which will take place on March 19 at 3:00PM. This year the interactive tasting will feature some of the great names in the Texas wine industry: Dr. Richard Becker, proprietor of Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg, with his Cabernet Sauvignon, and Kim McPherson, from McPherson Cellars in Lubbock sampling his Viognier. Winemakers from all over the country will also be on hand. All of the details, including where to get tickets are below.

Savor a world of wines and meet the people responsible for making them at the popular Savor Dallas “Wine Panel” tasting seminar on Saturday March 19th, at 3 p.m. at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Seminar Theatre.

Two leaders of the Texas Wine Industry will be on hand for the interactive tasting:  Dr. Richard Becker, proprietor of Becker Vineyards in Fredricksburg, with his Cabernet Sauvignon, and Kim McPherson, from McPherson Cellars in Lubbock sampling his Viognier.  Winemaker David Hopkins from Bridlewood Estate Winery will be showing off his California Central Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (this is “Sideways” country after all).  Farther up the coast in Livermore, The Concannon Family Vineyards has been producing great wines for over 125 years.  John Concannon will be pouring his family’s Heritage Petite Sirah, which is only made in select years, with exceptional grapes from the very best vintages.  Delicious wines from Ribera del Duero round-out the tasting.   The region’s international wine ambassador April Cullom teases your taste buds with Tinta de Toro (adapted for this region of Spain from Tempranillo).  The session will be moderated by Karla Barber who is president of the Dallas Chapter of Women for Wine Sense.

The comfortable Seminar Theatre is the perfect setting for this wine adventure.  A limited number of tickets remain for this great tasting.  You’re also invited to stay and enjoy the full Savor Dallas wine and food experience following the seminar.  There is a special ticket package that combines the Reserve Tasting (5 p.m.) and the International Grand Tasting (7 p.m.)  Visit SavorDallas.com for full details and to get tickets to all events.  It’s “the most delicious wine and food festival in Texas” –March 18-19, in the Dallas Arts District.  Bring your friends.

A few selections really stood out over the two days. 
I am always on the look out for great bubbly and the opportunity to compare two of my favorites side by side at the Wyly on Friday was fun. 

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc- From one of the oldest Champagne houses in France, the Blanc de Blanc is a classic.  100% Chardonnay grapes, the golden sunshine colored bubbly is fresh, fruit filled and refreshing, it begs to be drunk on a summer afternoon with lemon tarts or fresh chevre. 

Moet and Chandon Imperial- The first sniff reveals an intensely toasty aroma, this is a blend of the three traditional Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  A hearty sparkler, and yet still light, approachable and delicate.  For me personally, the Moet was my choice.  My friend and bubbly loving enthusiast, Ellen Winspear, did not need to go beyond the Ruinart. 

Grgich Hills Chardonnay- If you have heard the story of the Californians beating the French in their own game, when the California Chardonnay beat the French at the 1976 Judgement of Paris, you need to try Grgich Hills Chardonnay. In 1973 Mike Grgich was the wine maker for Chateau Montelena, and created a clean, crisp, light and very French style classic Chardonnay for the American palate.  After the success of the Judgement of Paris, winemaker Mike Grgich opened his own winery that today is certified organic and Biodynamic.  His Chardonnay is lively, with appropriate acidity matched with stone fruit, minerality and citrus flavors. 

Black Bart Stagecoach Vineyard Syrah - I love this vineyard, the land produces great, great grapes.  The Krupp Brothers create a Syrah filled with berry, spice, smoke and bacon fat…one of the attributes that I love in Syrah but is not always common.  Only 700 cases of the 2006 were made of this bold wine so grab one if you can. 

The American Airlines display on Saturday was an interesting approach for the airline, with two flight attendants pouring one of their First Class Service wines, the Hall Cabernet Sauvignon.  Filled with dark cherry, cola and spice this is representative of why Napa Cabernet is so well respected and so good, Hall consistently shines.

Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages - I am a fan of Chateau St Jean Chardonnay (the Sonoma Chardonnay is usually around $12-$14 a bottle and is a solid every day Chardonnay.)  Their reds are proving to be a bit more interesting and delightfully tasty, as with the Cinq Cepages.  A blend of predominantly Cab Sauv (85%),  with Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, each varietal is aged separately for 2 years in small French and American Oak barrels and then blended.  After blending the wine stays for an additional 6 months in the bottle prior to release, leading to a refined, elegant blend filled with berry and black licorice. 

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- Sometime you drink a wine that is just like butter….smooth, silky, well rounded and earthy, representing the 7 estate vineyards the grapes are gathered from throughout Napa Valley.  Pleasant aromas of sweet spice, currant and cherry, with currant, berry and chocolate flavors, this is a beautiful wine from one of Napa’s oldest wineries.

The Reserve Tasting, where the best wines of the weekend were served, took place on Saturday night at Savor Dallas 2010. Here is a quick recap of some of the finer wines poured. I’m happy to report that there was a precious bucket of Champagne. The Krug Champagne mentioned at the beginning of this video was priced close to $200 in the go-go days of 2007. The recession has brought it down to a more approachable $130.

One of the best wineries in Texas, Becker Vineyards poured at both tastings on Saturday night.

Jump for more of Andrew Chalk’s joy.

Over the past three years, the food and beverage folks the Pyramid Restaurant Bar and Grill at the Fairmont Hotel have been working on some fairly edgy projects. One of those is a 3,000-square-foot rooftop herb garden where they grow 1,200 types of plants. Another is serving Peking Duck at Savor Dallas.

Just when you worry that everyone’s tastes are going towards comfort food, two local restaurants, Tei-An and Steel, served seaweed salad at Savor Dallas. Here is Steel’s executive chef, Gary Medrano.

Mike Grgich was the maker of the 1973 Chateaux Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting in which California wines beat their French counterparts. He went on to found his own winery, which continues to this day.

If you love chocolate, there was only one place to be this weekend: Savor Dallas 2010.

The Real Ale Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Blanco, Texas.

Scotch has regional flavor variations just like wine. Ed Kukol talks about the island of Islay in Scotland.

Paul was serving in the Winspear Opera House but explains that Brooklyn Brewery beers also pair with food.

Gary Kelleher, Master Distiller at Dripping Springs vodka explains how he turns potatoes into vodka.

Friday night, Savor Dallas 2010 started with the Arts District Wine Stroll. Wines were poured at five locations in the Dallas Arts District. At the Nasher Sculpture Center, I ran into Barton O’Brien, owner of Napa winery O’Brien Estate. He will also be pouring at the Reserve Tasting on Saturday night.