What Can Wine Tastes Teach You About The Caps?
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 14, 2010 5:29 PM EST
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PrintLast night I paid a visit to one of my favorite haunts, The Capital Grille, to grab an impromptu steak with my wife and a friend. Coincidentally, this famous steakhouse also is frequented by some of our hockey heroes. Nick Backstrom lists it as a favorite spot, as does Coach Bruce Boudreau. I sat next to Coach in the bar area one night during the off-season and he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself.
We had to wait a little bit for a table, so I took a stroll around the wine lockers that are available for lease. It turns out that, in addition to Backstrom and Boudreau, Mike Green and Alex Ovechkin also seem to think they'll dine there often enough to keep several bottles of wine on hand.
After the jump, I'll take a look at what type of juice each of these guys likes to swirl. Apologies in advance for the crappy iPhone photos (the lighting sucked).
Let's start with Coach Boudreau:
What is it?
This appears to be several bottles of Robert Oatley red wine (either Shiraz or a Cab/Merlot blend). This Australian wine costs less than $20 and is not particularly complex. A fine wine for a casual pizza dinner (and maybe a garden salad!), but an awful pairing for a $45 porterhouse.
What does it say?
Boudreau is cheap? Nah. Like the finish of this wine, Boudreau is short? Too easy. I think this wine epitomizes why we love the Coach: Both Boudreau and these wines are simple and easy-to-like. They are slightly sweet, but pretty straightforward, and there's a hint of something smoky lying just beneath the surface.
What should we hope it doesn't say?
These are not particularly age-worthy wines, perhaps suggesting that Boudreau's window of opportunity to win a Cup may only be a couple years.
Next up, The Captain:
What is it?
Well, the bottle on the left isn't even wine -- it's a fifth of Russian Standard Vodka (probably the Platinum -- $20-30). On the right is a bottle of Cabernet from Merryvale, one of Napa's oldest and most famous labels. This particular wine, however, is a single vineyard bottling of a collaboration with Andy Beckstoffer. Let's say it's from Vineyard X (can't see the label real well, but that's my best guess). If so, it's a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that retails for around $70/bottle.
What does it say?
The Cab is rich, dense and powerful, just like Alex. It also finishes well, but some people describe it as being a bit over the top. Sound familiar? The winemaker states that it will develop complexity with up to ten years in the bottle. I certainly hope we can say the same for The Great Eight over the course of his contract. Andy Beckstoffer is essentially the MVP of Napa (2006 "Grower of the Year"), so I guess it takes one to know one.
The website for Russian Standard describes the Platinum vodka as (emphasis mine):
Uniting a passion for perfection with a daring energy and confidence, Platinum has become the favorite vodka among Russia's booming generation of successful urban professionals, who work and play hard enough to put even 1980s New Yorkers to shame.A vodka of unparalleled energy and clarity, Platinum is sure to meet the demands of the most dynamic, yet discerning drinkers, wherever they might be in the world—as a symbol of achievements past, present and future.
Sounds like someone we know!
What should we hope it doesn't say?
The inclusion of vodka in his locker means Alex is yearning for a taste of his homeland. He'll obviously bolt for the KHL next year.
Let's pivot to our crafty Swede:
What is it?
The bottle on the right is Opus One (a boring, expensive, over-rated red Bordeaux blend from Napa). The bottle in the middle, though, is a Sine Qua Non Raven series! This is most likely a Grenache-based red blend costing somewhere between $150-$200 per bottle. That's if you can find it! SQN is a "cult" winery that only sells their stuff to the lucky few who happen to be on their mailing list.
What does it say?
Nicky is a cult hero, of course! SQN prides itself on mixing it up every year, giving wines new names with new profiles. Similarly, Backstrom seems to be adding a different dimension to his game this year: a scorer's touch and a bit of feistiness. The wine and the center both have strong cores, and are very serious, but beautiful in action. They're both great right now, but will only improve as the years go by.
What should we hope it doesn't say?
Backstrom bought some Opus One, perhaps because he thought that's what he was expected to do. Let's hope on the ice Lars doesn't feel the need to conform, and he keeps pushing himself to get better rather than rest on his laurels or the names of his famous partners.
And bringing up the rear:
What is it?
From left to right: Opus One again, Dom Perignon, and a Caymus Cab. Dom Pérignon, of course, is a high-end Champagne produced by the famed house of Moët et Chandon. It costs over $100 and is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The Caymus is a $70 bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
What does it say?
While Moët has been producing sparkling wine since the 1700s, the first vintage of Dom wasn't until 1921--the first prestige vintage cuvée. Defensemen have been around since the founding of the sport, but Greenie the offensive dynamo is a trailblazer. Similarly, Caymus represents the "new Napa character." Like Green's skating, Dom is smooth as silk, and the bubbles make it both a joy to watch and experience. The Caymus is big, rich and satisfying, but some people think it needs to calm down a bit, like Green joining the rush and allowing a break the other way.
What do we hope it doesn't say?
Well, Dom says Gangsta is a little bit too hip-hop. Dom also is not released every year, so let's hope Greenie doesn't disappear periodically in inconsistent years. Caymus is not quite as age-worthy as many Napa Cabs. Is Green built to last, or will he peak early?
So that about does it for our trip through the Caps Cellars. We finished dinner last night just in time to watch the shootout in the bar area. A great way to cap a great evening! Rock the Red (Wine)!
If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's editors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.
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This is so good. Rec’d the highest degree. I wish I knew half as much about wine as you do.
"It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 14, 2010 6:20 PM EST reply actions
Guess we're just car bomb guys
I loved the write up, and I assume all the characterizations are accurate, but I’m a complete novice with wine. (I take mine with ice.) Great job SiS.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I feel sommeliers would be much more effective if they used hockey metaphors to describe various wines.
“This wine has a tenacious backcheck.”
“This wine is more effective taking shots from the point.”
“This wine cycles well and opens up scoring opportunities.”
“This wine is a stay-at-home defenseman.”
These are the things the common man can relate to.
"It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 15, 2010 7:49 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
So good. That would definitely work better for me, though in my experience any red wine is nearly a lock to open up a scoring opportunity. It requires a more controlled test to determine whether it’s my sex appeal or the red wine that’s doing that. (And the ice comment was a joke.)
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
(And the ice comment was a joke)
Like your scotch and your sex appeal. I caught the joke.
"It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 15, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Ovi’s bottle on the left looks like Russian Standard vodka. I recognize the Cyrillic on the label, and it’s also a personal favorite of mine.
Awesome job on this, btw.
Good call.
It looks like you’re right. I’ll edit the post when I get a chance.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
Edited. I think it’s the “platinum” vodka.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
It'll get you drunk!
I’ve had this vodka. It was a hot gift a while back. It’s pretty good. You wouldn’t take it over Gray Goose, but it ain’t fire water.
Something something Semin.
by Holt Worth on Jan 15, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I read something somewhere that if you just put shitty vodka through a household filter, you get something equivalent to Grey Goose. It was a whole thing about how among alcohols, the difference in quality between bargain vodka and premium vodka is the slimmest among all alcohol types.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Just make sure you keep you pitcher of filtered water and pitcher of filtered vodka separate in the fridge…a friend of mine once made that mistake to much hilarity.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jan 15, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Mistaking booze for water is never a good thing. I had a pretty terrible experience with that.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Mine was on the bench at a hockey game. I thought it was safe.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
They tested that on MythBusters, but like all myths they do on that show, I don’t remember the outcome. Also, you may retract your last sentence if you ever try Zelco vodka. Disgusting.
"It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 15, 2010 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Fully considering buying another Brita just for vodka.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think they concluded that a filter will make a bad vodka pretty-good-for-mixing, but it won’t turn anything into a superpremium. So it’s all about the cost of the filters vs. the cost of the good stuff.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 15, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
It’s less expensive to just buy good vodka compared to buying filters over and over.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Is it? A filter is like $7. High-quality vodka can be like $40/bottle. Seems close.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Kettle One is 23$ a bottle. What are you drinking?
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
*that’s $40 a bottle? Also, what is your time worth filtering Rubble’s Vodka 4 times through a filter?
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
I don’t drink anything that’s $40 a bottle. I’ve been getting Svedka a lot lately, which is fine for me.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Svedka is great, that’s my normal choice since I like sipping and I don’t feel bad mixing it either.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Smirnoff is just as good as Grey Goose.
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
honestly, by the time I get around to the post-game celebratory vodka shots, I can’t tell the difference.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
by RedBirdie on Jan 15, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Actually, you’re right. The NY Times slipped it into a taste test of premium vodkas and it won!
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Grey Goose is just a pretty bottle. I know people either A. haven’t tried a lot of vodkas or B. are very susceptible to marketing when they say that’s “all they drink” (I shiver when it’s being used to make screwdrivers)
Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.
Holy shmoly, I just used Grey Goose as a standard of measurement. I know Vodka. Most people use vodka to get drunk. Very few people use it to enjoy a beverage. I usually use it to get drunk unless it’s in a martini. I then I use it to get drunk in a suit.
Of all the liquors, we’re gonna get up in arms over vodka?
Something something Semin.
Smirnoff seems to burn a little too much for me, Skyy is around the same price and I love it though
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Skyy was our go-to for fraternity socials/mixers, so it will forever hold a special place in my liver.
Found the NY Times article, by the way.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Gabby – His book said it best – he’s a Botany 500 man.
AO – Clearly the choices of a damn dirty no account caveman. I’m pretty sure he’s holding on to the Ukrainian wine Russian Standard for the next time Maria Sharapova is in town. I trust it’s better than the swill I was served at Russia House a few years ago.
Backis – Absolutely his game and his taste are evolving. Nicky surely took the sommelier’s advice on the Opus, but Lars chose the SQN on his own.
ThugLife52 – Just take a cab home, ok, sweetie?
IS KEPTIN NOW
This snob weeps at the lack of fine Italian wines!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Do you give wine lessons?
Oh, and rec’d.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I second this! Wine is rapidly becoming my favorite beverage and I’ve gone to vineyards for wine tastings, but they usually just want to shill their own goods and not really educate.
Best thing you can do is find a good local wine store, particularly one with free weekly tastings. (You should almost never pay for tastings, since most tastings are just distributors shilling their products, but they do tend to try to educate sometimes.) Tasting many many wines is the best way to start to build your own palate. If it is a good store, you should be able to build a relationship with the people there and eventually they will know your likes and dislikes and will be able to make suggestions that you’ll appreciate.
Alternately, similarly some good stores/restaurants will have something like a wine 101, to get you started. Here they will give you a chance to taste a few different things in a more controlled environment where you can start to learn about the tasting and drinking process.
This requires time of which I don’t seem to have. haha
There is one good wine store around my parts, but I rarely get over there. I should check and see if they do something like this. My best friend has caught my bug, so it could be something we do with our group of friends. Thanks!
Since your in Arlington, I would recommend Arrow wine, and a relatively new place in Falls Church, Red, White, and Bleu, its on 29 just past route 7.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
There actually are a couple of shops near me that advertise tastings every day. I’ve been in one, and just haven’t had to opportunity to go in often. I also haven’t been drinking much wine lately. Must change that.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
These are all good suggestions. Renstar is right — the best way to learn to appreciate wine is to try as much of it as you can. So yeah, free tastings and such are great. Get to know a guy at your local wine shop. Buy a bottle or two, then go back and visit and let him know what you liked and didn’t like about it and get a new recommendation. Rinse and repeat until you both learn your tastes.
Also, I started a wine club with friends in which we work our way through a great book by Kevin Zraly, a well-known sommelier/wine educator. It pretty much teaches you everything you need to know about grapes and locales, but it can’t replace the act of actually tasting the wine (although there are suggestions for what to taste with every chapter).
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
good stuff above, Scott. Zraly is one of wine’s few great everymen. What I find intriguing about this metaphor is how great vintages of wine can compare in complexity to great years for players. “I wish I still had a case of that Mike Green 2008,” or “My whole vertical of Nylander just went to shit…”
Support your local bakery!
by bigonetimer on Jan 15, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
There’s always a few off bottles in a case of Theodore.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Awesome! So rec’d
Would have loved to see Olie’s collection back in the day, he was born in South Africa which has a damn good wine region itself.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 14, 2010 8:23 PM EST reply actions
Good stuff!
Personally, I have a fondness for icewines – I had one that I tried from the Niagara College Teaching Winery last year when I was up in the Niagara Falls area that was just wonderful – unfortunately, it’s no longer available; they sold out, so I’ll have to pout and try their new one… if I can ever get up north of the border to get it myself, since Maryland’s stupid blue laws won’t allow me to have it shipped to me directly, and they don’t have a distributor… !$%!
Then again, I like the sweeter varieties anyway, and I’m partial to meads as well…
I need a snappy signature...
Don’t get me started on the stupid blue laws!!! When I went to Europe, all I wanted to do was bring back wine, but it was easier (because of the stupid liquid rules on airplanes) to ship it, which I was prohibited from doing.
Next time I go, I’m going to have my wine shipped to my out-of-state friends! lol
Most airlines do provide shipping bags so that you can individually package bottles and send them back… and you can ship wine to yourself; you just can’t have the place you bought it ship it to you. It’s weird as hell. But yeah, having it shipped to an out-of-state friend is probably a good idea, even if you do have to buy them an extra bottle!
I need a snappy signature...
This I didn’t know. I didn’t do much research beforehand (at least on wine shipping). I just assumed I couldn’t send it to myself because of the crazy laws. Although I’ve heard horror stories about the postal system in Italy, so it’s probably a good thing I didn’t send wine to myself. I might just be getting it now (over a year later) – empty and broken.
My parents did this coming back from Australia. Only one of the bottles broke, and the ruined shirts were a reasonable price to pay.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 14, 2010 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve luckily never had a bottle break on me. Southwest sells wine bags for $5 a bag that inflate around the bottle and hold it in cushioned luxury in the middle of your suitcase all the way home. I have brought wine back from Canada this way (OK, back from Buffalo) with no breakage in a soft-sided suitcase before. They’re really nice bags.
The one drawback is that some icewine bottles are very long, so checking with the airline on the length of the bag is probably a good idea.
I need a snappy signature...
Love ice wine! Pricey stuff, especially now that the exchange rate isn’t what it used to be. I just realized it’s been over five years since I last was in Canada, so that’s the last time I bought a bottle.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
There are one or two varieties I’ve seen around here from Canada – Magnotta isn’t bad. I about laughed my butt off in Florida, though – they had Tampa Bay Lightning Icewine at the arena. Yes, I’m serious. It was $15 a bottle, German-made… I thought about it. For about 15 seconds, then said, “naah!”
Even for a 325ml bottle, $15 is dirt cheap for icewine, and 10:1 says it’s nasty.
I need a snappy signature...
Sounds nasty. For $15, they pick the grapes and then freeze them.:-) I think the bottle I bought five years ago was about $35 US, and at the time the exchange rate was about 65 cents to a Canadian dollar. And that was an inexpensive bottle.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Exactly...
They claimed it was German, and Germany does have the cold climate required to make icewine, but you’re right; they do probably pick the grapes first and then freeze them.
And it didn’t say what type of grapes were used… I like Vidal and Riesling types, but for all I know, they could have used regular old white grapes you get in the grocery store, for all the detail that was on the label. I didn’t look closely enough to make sure of the German origins, either… “made in” is required labeling these days…
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 14, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Your official Northern Californian (who spends a few weekends a year up in Napa, Sonoma, and my favorite, Alexander Valley) wholeheartedly agrees with all of your assessments — especially about the Opus One.
It’s funny — these wines absolutely make sense given the people involved. Backstrom with the impeccable and unquestionable (perhaps a little too unquestionable) choices. Boudreau, who knows what he likes and doesn’t see any reason to pay more for it than he has to. Ovechkin with big, big, BIG tastes. And Green letting someone else pick out the best brand names for him. Hilarious. Awesome.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 15, 2010 4:34 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Also about Boudreau — his time with the Caps is the first time in his life he’s made real money. At this point in his life, his tastes are pretty established, and while he might be driving that free Mercedes (which is not 100% free), if he needed to buy a new car right now, it might be an upgrade over what he had, but it probably wouldn’t be a Mercedes.
But I’d wager he’s open to tasting suggestions.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Exactly so.
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 15, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks and agreed.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
By the way, I forgot that you were our man in Northern California! I love Napa/Sonoma and was just there in September.
We need a Caps wine! Maybe when they finally get to play in a Winter Classic? There are already a bunch of NHL wines…
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
I’d like to see them choose a good Virginia wine. My buddy swears they’re starting to come into their own.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 15, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Virginia wines are pretty good, from what I’ve tried…
But do not drink the “Medieval Mead” stuff that is made in Maryland. It’s vile.
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 15, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I love mead, but I’ve never had a commercially produced mead that i particularly liked, only stuff that was homebrewed by people that had been doing it a long long time.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
there’s a tiny little place in northern wisconsin that does some nice meads. Out in the middle of eff’ing nowhere, though.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
odd, especially since i don’t really picture wisconsin as being a big beekeeping haven
Aim for the head baby Jesus
strangely enough, extreme northern wisconsin (Bayfield Peninsula area) does have beekeeping. It’s an apple growing region, too.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
oh in that case i bet it does make some good mead, honey gets its flavor from the type of flowers the bees feed on, and I do like apple blossom honey. Damn, now i really want to dig up the elderberry mead kit I have and make some.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
White Winter Winery, in case you’re interested.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Thanks!
Now I just need to find a friend in Virginia…
Stupid Maryland blue laws…!
I need a snappy signature...
I live in Virginia and I love mead. Seriously, I’ll buy some and split the box with you.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 16, 2010 12:08 AM EST up reply actions
I am also in Virginia, and having SCA friends in college got me hooked on good mead
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Awesomesauce!
E-mail me at irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com and we’ll figure it all out!
I need a snappy signature...
Redstone Meadery...
It’s made in Colorado, and every variety I’ve tried has been very very good.
Yes, they do have a distributor in Maryland.
I need a snappy signature...
Lindisfarne Mead is very good, and we can get it in California (not sure how widely it’s available across the country). They use grape juice, which cuts a lot of the syrupy/cloying flavor, but the taste is all honey. It’s light and delicious.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 16, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
There are many good Virginia wines. Linden, which is less than an hour from DC, makes some great reds (a Claret and a lower blend) and a real nice Riesling. Barboursville outside Charlottesville is also quite good.
But most surprising is a Virginia sparkling wine called Thibaut-Janisson — it’s as good if not better than any CA sparkling wines you can get for the price (less than $30). Made in the Champagne style.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve heard alot of wine people say that virginia is one of the best places in the world for growing Cab Franc
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Indeed. And New York also produces some good Cab Franc. I don’t know why, but it does better as a standalone grape here on the East Coast than in CA, where’s it’s mainly used in blending.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
There’s almost 30 wineries out in Loudoun County (one of which my in-laws own and my wife works at).
Nice! Which one?
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 20, 2010 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
It’s Casanel Vineyards, just off of Rt 7, about 2-3 miles west of Leesburg. It took over a year and a half, but we finally got our VDOT signs a week or two ago.
Awesome — good luck! I’ll have to make a trip out there sometime.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 21, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I find it somewhat amusing that Nicky and Green have their numbers on their plaques
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
I don’t know. i think there might be enough Mike Greens in the DC area that an additional identifier was needed.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 15, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
No idea what you just said, but I enjoyed it none the less. Well done.
PuckDaddy be damned, I'm putting CincoCinco on the back of a Schultz jersey!
by Chris meet Alex on Jan 15, 2010 10:36 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Not pictured:
Fifth of Jack and bucket of nails
- MATT BRADLEY
Support your local bakery!
by bigonetimer on Jan 15, 2010 10:55 AM EST reply actions 6 recs
Also in his wine locker:
A can of kick ass and a bottle of awesome sauce.
"It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 15, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
And a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, a styptic pencil, and a huge roll of gauze
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 15, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
If Mike Green doesn’t have Jagermeister hidden behind those wine bottles I’ll eat my hat.
Something something Semin.
by Holt Worth on Jan 15, 2010 11:03 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Matt Bradley's Locker?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 15, 2010 2:31 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Is that a picture of Tom Poti’s locker?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Only if you want to play the “bum wine” angle instead of the “mad dog” angle.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 15, 2010 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
That’s what I’m playing. Do we even have a mad dog on the team?
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
SDR?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 15, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
many nights have been forgotten because of these, my records 19 seconds for a bottle
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
Gross. I’m pretty sure drinking 2 is an automatic black out.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Yep.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
that’s the first stuff i ever got drunk on in high school
only it was the teal colored “hawaian blue” flavor
A Ridiculous Wine Story
So a few years back my boss tells me to order a couple of cases of $10 wine to hand out to all the employees for the holidays. I find a fine Australian red that fits our budget, place the order at a respected NYC distributor, and wait.
A week later the delivery guy drops off two cardboard boxes and one wood crate. CRATE? Whaaaaa?
After finding a CROWBAR, I pry the crate open and see a dozen wax-dipped bottles of french wine. There wasn’t one word of English on the entire bottle.
Hmmmm…oh crap, I think, did I screw up the order?
Thanks to my rough style of play in a multiple of sports I’ve been known to have my Lindross moments. A few too many dings in the head, I guess. But still, did I magically figure out how to mangle a one item order? Nah, no way.
Well, okay, it was time to see what we had in that case. I went to the distributor’s website to look it up. The brand of the wax-dipped bottles had dozens of different types wines – apparently, they were a pretty big company in France – but it wasn’t hard to find what I had on my hands: a crate of $1500/bottle fine french wine. Oh.
OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH…
I was sitting there staring at basically the fermented grape version of the remainder I owed on my college loans. Since it was on my company’s tab, specifically my bosses company card, I had to call him. Realistically, if this ended badly, it would come straight back to us and then me…We talked it over and, our conscience overcame our desires, called the wine distributor to let them know about the error.
Later that day the delivery guy returned. With a smirk on his face he informed my boss and I that we got this magnificent crate due to a ridiculous clerical error. Apparently, the cheap ass Australian wine we ordered and the fancy French wine we received had nearly identical warehouse ID numbers, and apparently someone just grabbed the wrong bottles. If we hadn’t reported the wine they wouldn’t have noticed the discrepancy until their post-holidays inventory review. And still they wouldn’t have known what happened to that special case because, in their records, we got OUR wine as order. No one would have ever known we had that French wine.
In thanks for being honest(and dumb, by delivery guy’s tone) they let us keep two of the bottles. My boss took one and let me keep the other.
It wasn’t bad.
Something something Semin.
by Holt Worth on Jan 15, 2010 3:00 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Awesome.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
+1 for Sound Ethix
That’s someone’s job you saved. Just curious, but do you recall the label?
Support your local bakery!
Holt — would you have done the right thing if you hadn’t seen the “Coach – I touched the ball” commercial?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 16, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What kind of wine was it?
Just wondering, since I am into wine…
by The Road Warrior on Jan 19, 2010 5:48 AM EST up reply actions
At $1500/bottle, it pretty much can’t be anything other than a first-growth Bordeaux, either 2005 or 2000 (depending on how old the story is).
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 19, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
I held a $400 bottle of wine and was TERRIFIED of dropping the damn thing. I can’t imagine $1500 a bottle!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
There is a Safeway between Tyson’s and Mclean that has a ton of stuff that between $250 and $500 kinda ridiculous for a safeway
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I know that safeway! My poor little chevy looks so out of place in the parking lot. I look out of place schlepping down the aisles at 8 am on a Sunday in flipflops and running pant.
anyways…..I’m headed to Dino’s for dinner and will gaze longingly at their expensive wins and then be lame and order something in the $30 range. Sigh.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Here’s a better idea: go to a store and buy a $30 bottle of wine, which will surely be better than the $30 wine on their list (which probably retails for $15). Dino will happily open and serve it for you at no cost (free corkage Monday through Wednesday!).
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 20, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
good idea! I always forget they have free corkage! The trick, of course, is trying to find something not on their wine list.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Get their wine list in advance? You probably can.
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 20, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
you can, it’s just supremely extensive! If its Italian, they probably have it.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
I look out of place schlepping down the aisles at 8 am on a Sunday in flipflops and running pant.
Brown flipflops? It is, after all, Northern Virginia
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 20, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Scott:
An extraordinary fanpost, of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic Japers fanpost of its variety. Posts of this caliber are worth a special effort to find and consume.
Sincerely,
R. Parker
Haha. Excellent. Hey, he lives in MD — maybe he reads the Rink?
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
In DC: Wine Specialist (ask for Mo) or Bell Wine & Spirits. Both are on M Street and have regular tastings. Bell tastings are every Sat from 12-3pm (10-12 wines), a smaller tasting (3-5 wines) on Fri to catch the after work crowd and a big tasting (40ish wines) with distributers on the last (usually) Wed of the month 5-8pm. Next big tasting: January 27.
Trader Joe’s in DC and VA also have tastings, not to mention great prices.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I don’t know jack about wine. I think the most expensive bottle of anything i’ve EVER bought was probably makers mark.
Goes to show you how classy I am. I took my fiance out for her birthday to this great steak place in historic Elicott City, Jordans (magnificent place by the way). I figured I’d try to be fancy for once. So I sprung for some 50+ dollar bottle of chamagne. I rarely order wine or the bubbyl when I go out so when I do I’m used to the waitress just popping off the cork but they rolled the sucker out in a giant bucket of ice and then the waitress proceeded to show me the bottle.
I don’t know WTF they do this at fancy places, curling the bottle up in a little blankie like its a newborn baby and showing you the label.. so when they did my response to the waitress was.. “Um… yea.. that’s a bottle alright”
Heh...
They show you the label so you’re sure you have the right bottle of wine.
I need a snappy signature...
And if they hand you the cork it’s to smell it (to see if the nose/bouquet is off), so don’t eat it or put it in your ear. Also, for champagne, the cork can tell you if the bottle has been on the shelf for a while, thus less fresh. Bottled a while ago the bottom of the cork won’t flair out after being removed from the bottle, bottled more recently the cork will flair out after removal – think of how a mushroom flairs near the bottom of its stem.
When opening champagne, hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle, put your other hand over the cork and bottle neck and hold securely, turn bottle instead of turning or pulling the cork. As the cork comes loose it should “sigh like a contented woman,” not pop like a premature ejaculator.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Jan 15, 2010 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
LOL — rec’d for the (accurate) description of how to open sparkling wine!
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 15, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
Jason Pominville?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 16, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Such a big blade isn’t needed just use a good sized knife and hit the bottle neck at the seam.
As for buffaloes, a stampede might destroy the bottle and leave nothing to drown your sorrows.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
But when you sabre a bottle, you lose a fair amount of lovely liquid and even more gas.
Not a fan.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 17, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.13.2012 at 1:00 PM EST)
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