Consider Donating to Benefit the Franciscan Hospital for Children

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Franciscan Hospital For Children in Brighton, Massachusetts is hosting its 9th annual fundraising gala, Friends Ball on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston. I attended this event last year and I can tell you that not only do the proceeds benefit the great work that goes on at the hospital, but the businesses showcased at the event are highlighted nicely.

The theme this year is Paris: City of Lights. France is home to so many great wines so it seems only fitting to encourage readers to consider making a donation to the evening's auction. Consider a donation of:
  • A case of French wine or champagne.
  • Private wine lesson with a Sommelier or wine educator.
  • Tickets to an in-store or in-home French wine tasting event.
  • Tour of a winery with private tour of cellar/vineyard.
  • A chef's table dinner featuring French cuisine.
Not only is your donation tax deductible, it will allow you to familiarize the more than 350 attendees with your product or service.

For our part, The Wellesley Wine Press is donating a trio of 90+ point red wines from three of the most important regions in France: Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape:

  1. 2005 Chateau Pipeau (Bordeaux)
    Wine Spectator: 92/100
    "Beautiful blackberry, cherry and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full body, with coffee, smoke and berry character. Long and stylish. Velvety and balanced. Best after 2013."
    (purchased at Blanchards West Roxbury, MA)
    My notes: 90/100
    Parker calls this a fruit-bomb, but I doubt Napa Cab drinkers would consider it fruit forward at this point. It's big for sure, but quite tannic with classic Bordeaux graphite aromas and flavors. Patience will be rewarded with this wine- a great introduction to the category.
  2. 2005 Nicolas Potel Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens (Burgundy)
    From Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 91/100
    "A supple, sweet midweight with an insidious floral quality to its intense red berry and bitter cherry flavors. Finishes with big, broad, dusty tannins and tangy, lingering fruit. Very aromatic and sexy Rugiens."
    My notes: 92/100
    I thought this was a little closed on those nose. However, it came through big time on the palate with dark black cherry flavors, minerality, and medium-high acidity. A very elegant wine to enjoy with a sit-down dinner.
    (purchased at Bin Ends Wine Braintree, MA)
  3. 2007 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape
    Wine Spectator: 93/100
    "This delivers a very large core of crushed currant, plum and blackberry fruit, all held in check by hints of maduro tobacco, bittersweet ganache, black tea and graphite. The long finish has ample grip, lending further length and definition to the impressive range of fruit. Best from 2010 through 2025."
    My Notes: 93/100
    This wines brings layers of flavors but has an elegant air to it. Red berries on the nose, along with some graphite and tar I more readily associate with Bordeaux. Spice on the palate and fine tannins. Firm at this young age, but very enjoyable. Fantastic stuff. Would like to buy more for enjoyment over the next few years.

    (purchased at The Wine Cellar of Stoneham)
Retail value of the package: $150

Happy bidding attendees!

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or making a donation, visit their website or contact:

Marisa Podolski, Director of Events
Tel: 1(617) 779-1414
Email: mpodolski@fhfc.org

Thanks on behalf of me and my wife who works at the hospital.

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