John Marshall Chapter of the American Wine Society

AMERICAN WINE SOCIETY
A non-profit corporation

John Marshall Chapter

MAY MEETING: Hot Time, Summer in the City, presented by Mike Schlosser

Michael ‘The Slosh’ Schlosser stepped up to the dais in May and unveiled a plethora of vinifera for the assembled panel’s consideration. The central topic for discussion was, What’s to sip in the summertime? Mike’s offerings included six whites and four reds from all over the map. To wit:

Varietal	Year	Producer	Apellation	Cost
Cava Brut	2004	Montsarra	Montsarra, Spain	$ 14.00
Chardonnay	2003	Washington Hills Winery	Washington State, USA	$ 9.00
Sauvignon Blanc	2004	Dashwood	Marlborough, New Zealand	$ 11.49
Sauvignon Blanc	2004	Cooper Creek	Marlborough, New Zealand	$ 12.00
Viognier	2004	Genesis Hogue Winery	Washington State, USA	$ 14.00
Viognier	2004	Yalumba Hill Smith Family	Angaston, South Australia	$ 11.00
Pinot Noir	2003	Maple Ridge	Oregon, USA	$ 11.00
Pinot Noir	2003	Ropiteau Freres	Cote D'Or , France	$ 8.00
Chianti	2001	San Michele a Torri	Colli Fiorentini, Italy	$ 12.00
Chianti Classico	2001	Gabbiano	Gabbiano, Italy	$ 12.00

Contrary to expectations, the Viogniers turned out to be disappointing while the Chiantis emerged the heroes of the evening: great tasting, reasonably priced. Just maybe not the hot setup for midday sippin’. Incredible edibles were proffered by our dominatrix of the dining room, Jan Beakley, whose cuisine skills are legendary. She sure knows how to whip up something, er, tasty. Yup. 

JUNE MEETING: Picnic South of France with a Virginia Slant, presented by Guy and Jan Beakley with George Wilson (PLEASE RVSP if you plan to attend!)

Summer began this past weekend and, don’t you just know it, your wine club has a summer surprise in store for you. Check this out:

Where: Jan and Guy Beakley’s Humble Cottage in the Hamptons of Marshall, Virginia
What: Your Guess... Might-Could Be... Say Wha?
Food: Bring a sidedish, appetizer or dessert. Call Jan to coordinate.

Here’s the note that was thrown over the transom. It was wrritten by Jan in a panic:

Guy and George checked out the wine stash on Saturday and made decisions regarding the wines to serve on the 12th. We're excited about hosting the tasting. Weather permitting, we'll be tasting on the patios; otherwise, we'll move to the basement. Could we change the time to 6 p.m.?

Regarding food, Guy and I will be preparing the meats, both white and red. If everyone could then bring a side dish, appetizer, or dessert, we should have a fabulous spread. It would be terrific if folks could contact me to let me know what they'd like to bring so we can avoid duplicates.

The George mentioned above can be no other than that rascally rogue and raconteur, George Wilson. Anyway, his presence always signals a right-good time, so plan your Sunday around this not-to-be-missed meeting. Whatever George and Guy have come up with, it’s gotta be good and great fun. Bring a dish, bring a camera, wear a silly hat. See you there! Here’s your To Do list:

Mark your calendar: THIS Sunday, June 12 at SIX p.m. !! [30 minutes early]
Call Jan to figure food: 540-364-3908
Do not get lost! Study the directions below to 7743 Old Carters Mill Road, Marshall, VA 20115, and call Jan if you need to be talked in.

Directions From I-66 Going West:

Take exit 28.
Turn right at the end of the ramp.
Continue past McDonalds on your right and cross over Route 55 at the traffic light in Marshall.
You are now on Rectortown Road.
From the traffic light, continue on Rectortown Road for 4 miles.
At the 3.5 mile marker, you will pass an elementary school on your left.
Turn right onto Atoka Road.
Continue on Atoka Road for approximately 2 miles.
Turn right onto Old Carters Mill Road.
The house is 3/10 mile on the right, the 2nd mailbox. (Do not get confused with the neighbor whose number is 7773.)

Directions From Route 50 Going West:

Take Route 50 towards Middleburg.
At the traffic light in Middleburg, continue west on Route 50 for approximately 4 more miles.
Moving into the left turn lane, turn left onto Rectors Lane.
The general store will be on your right.
Almost immediately, turn left onto Atoka Road.
Continue on Atoka Road for approximately 3 miles.
Turn left onto Old Carters Mill Road.
The house is 3/10 mile on the right, the 2nd mailbox. (Do not get confused with the neighbor whose number is 7773.)

Your RSVP can work wonders. Knowing how many are coming makes for better planning and better meetings all around. It’s just a Martha Stewart good thing. So do it. Mary Anne has automated the process. Simply click on this link and be whisked to where all you do is enter an email address with your member name(s) and guest name(s).

JULY MEETING: From the Heart of My Bottom, presented by Mary Anne and Mike Wassenberg (PLEASE RVSP if you plan to attend!)

I’m just joshin ya. Sike. The real title is Wines From the Heartland, and no, the presenter is not Woody Guthrie, but rather our own American icons, Mary Anne and Mike Wassenberg. The wines will come from – suspend disbelief now – Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio. How more heartland can you get!

If anyone else was presenting them, I’d be thinking of maybe a movie that night; I’m not a fan of fermented Concord grape jelly. But, the Wassenbergs introduced us to Missouri wines a few years ago, and Lebanese wines last year, and some other misbegotten asterisks on the map, and left us drop-jawed. So I’m more than curious about what they’re going to spring on us come July.

Sketchy details have leaked out: there may be blind tasting. Varietals may include Chardonnel, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Vignoles, Chambourcin, Cynthiana, and Norton. The evening may involve a picnic. But, these are all rumors. Flacks from the Wassenberg camp are keeping mum. Mark your calendar just to be safe: Sunday, July 10 – our last meeting until September.

And as the clock hovers at 2 am and another work day looms, let us put this sucker to bed. Call Jan, make your plan, don’t be an also-ran.

See you Sunday f’sure!. Do your RSVP now and be there Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Your humble scribe,

~ Bruce ~

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