Chilled cabernet??

Not to be contentious, but how would you know at what temperature "Americans" serve wine? For my part, I find more fruit-forward reds taste better a little chilled, but I prefer the earthier wines a little warmer. With whites, I try to take note of the temperature at which a particular wine drinks best, so that I can treat it the same way the next time. I agree that many whites are served too cold; I just don't think it's an "American" thing. Rather, I think it's something done by the uninitiated - wherever they may be. :)

Best,
rex

kingrex in Wine

The Rascal House and Pumpernik's (Miami)

Well, according to that cat, man, Wolfie founded Pumpernik's, but I'm not sure he has the right info - probably wasn't even born at that time. FWIW, nobody in my house remembers Wolfie owning Pump's. (and please note the hep lingo - I'm definitely groovy)

My wife was riding with 2 girlfriends one night on The Beach, and Sammy Davis pulled up next to them at a traffic light. They went nuts, rolled down the windows and started carrying on. Sammy rolled down his window and invited them to the party he was headed to. Unfortunately, the girl driving lost Sammy's limo at a traffic light!

rex

kingrex in Florida

$20-$40 Great wines at respectable prices

My wife and I just enjoyed a bottle of 2003 Chateau Mazeris ($23) with lambchops. A good value, I think, and a decent Bordeaux.

rex

kingrex in Wine

The Rascal House and Pumpernik's (Miami)

<< Yeah, the bread baskets at Wolfie's places were truly a wonderment - particularly the breakfast bread basket at his Pumpernik's restaurants, which included little danishes and muffins, all for free. >>

Actually, Wolfie's and Pumps were competitors - Pumpernik's was owned by the Linksman family.

Rascal House was always a bit of a hype - they used to close down rooms to ensure a long line outside, which made the place look busier than it actually was. This went on for years, even during its peak.

I was always a Pumpernik's guy...ate there, later worked there and even met my wife there (through her mother). We used to get all the stars from The Deauville during the season - Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jan Murray, etc. The place is gone now, and a Walgreen's drugstore resides on the block where Pump's once stood.

rex

kingrex in Florida

Tasting Oak in Red Wines?

I have no difficulty detecting the presence or absence of oak-aging in white wines, but I'm struggling a bit with reds. In some cases (and I suspect it's new American oak), I can taste it on the roof of my mouth, but I'm unclear on the general effect of oak, in particular French oak, on the palate and on the overall taste of the wine.

Can anyone shed some light on this subject?

Thanks,
rex

kingrex in Wine