Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 23, 1995 TAG: 9508230029
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETH CRITTENDEN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The wine auction and gala will be held Sept. 8 in The Crystal Ballroom of the Hotel Roanoke. For a $60 per-person fee, Mill Mountain Theatre supporters and guests will participate in a pre-dinner wine tasting with hors d'oeuvres and live music, a seated wine dinner and a live auction of wines and other items. The ticket price also includes a commemorative "Cork & Curtain" glass, bidding paddle and $15 credit towards the auction.
Board member and auction co-chairman Richard Macher suggested the auction as a fund-raiser early in 1994 when he heard of the success of a similar event in Boise, Idaho.
"We wanted to create something new," said Macher, "making it a high-visibility annual event to promote Mill Mountain Theatre. This was just an idea not long ago, and now I can't believe how well it's going."
Co-Chairman Howard Beck became interested in the auction idea after hearing about Virginia's only other charity wine auction, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic, held in Virginia Beach to benefit the local public broadcasting stations. Once the idea was approved and the date set, Beck agreed to help organize "Cork & Curtain" and is credited with pulling all the details together, setting the meetings and following everyone's progress as items are donated, menus are planned and publicity is generated. Beck said that a recent announcement in the auction calendar of the nationally distributed "Wine Spectator" has generated interest and calls to the Theatre from around the state.
"We've learned a lot this year in planning an event of this magnitude," Beck said. "We'll probably stub our toe a couple of times before it's over, but I see this becoming a signature event in years to come."
Macher credited the MMT staff and board of directors for making this grand scale event a reality. "This is an amazing group," he said. "An idea is presented and they jump on it with enthusiasm. I've never before been involved with such an active, interested and energetic bunch of people."
The board first believed it would need to purchase much of the auctionable wine at cost from local wholesalers, then auction the items for a profit. With the approval and blessing of Virginia's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Chateau Morrisette donated the use of its wholesale and retail ABC licensing for this purpose. But private wine donations, as well as nonwine items, have been pouring in (no pun intended) from private collectors and wineries.
"We started with one bottle just a few weeks ago, and now we have an impressive collection for casual wine lovers as well as serious collectors," said Beck.
Local wine aficionado William Rock has been advising on the wine donations and soliciting private donations from other collectors in the Roanoke area. Some of the special wines and wine packages available for bidding include a private wine party for eight people with tastings of select vintage Bordeaux; a case of 1991 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve; a case of 1988 Prince Florent de Merode Corton-Charlemagne; 1983 and 1988 Chateau Margaux; a magnum of Fess Parker 1993 Chardonnay, topped with a coonskin cap and accompanied by a signed photo of ol' Davy Crockett himself; a case sampler of fine German wines; a tasting for eight people of 1966 Bordeaux; a 5-liter bottle of Robert Talbot 1990 Chardonnay; a magnum of 1991 Arrowood 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon and a magnum of 1992 Arrowood Vineyards Chardonnay, both signed by Dick and Elise Arrowood; a few consecutive-year vertical collections and more.
Board member Kathy Oelschlager is overseeing the auctionable nonwine items, which include donated vacation getaways to the Boar's Head Inn, including a balloon ride with wine; and weekends at Wrightsville Beach, Wintergreen, Snowshoe and several local hotels and bed and breakfast inns. Also up for bid will be men's and women's jewelry, a stereo system, a formal cherry entertainment center, a Waterford crystal wine decanter, a gourmet picnic basket and wine dinners at various restaurants and resorts.
Auctioneer Jim Woltz and his staff will collect bids and keep track of acquisitions the night of the gala. "Festive," semi-formal attire is suggested.
To make a tax-deductible donation or obtain other information, call Mill Mountain Theatre director of development Linda Webb at 224-1219. To reserve your seating, call Mill Mountain Theatre at 342-5730. Cheers!
The Bid List
For wine recommendations this month, we've highlighted a few current-release items that will be auctioned. The review and rating notes are from several issues of "The Wine Spectator." The wines - some of the best of their class - are available locally, although they may be difficult to find.
Arrowood Vineyards 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon: "Supple and elegant, with a wide range of spicy cabernet flavors. The herb, currant, wild berry, coffee and cedary oak overtones blend in together, yielding complex and satisfying notes. Offers delicacy and finesse. Can be enjoyed now or cellared; best around 1997. 91 rating, highly recommended. About $27."
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 1991 Reserve: "Firm, tight and concentrated with spice, currant, tobacco and berry flavors and a good dose of oak on the finish. The tannins are firm, but fleshy. 87+ pre-release rating. About $60."
Robert Talbot 1990 Chardonnay: "Ripe, intense and concentrated, with rich, spicy pear, peach and pineapple flavors that are smooth and polished. Reveals more depth and finesse with each sip, and gains complexity and grace on the long, smoky finish. Simply delicious to drink now. 93 rating. About $28."
THE WINE LIST runs once a month in the Extra section. Beth Crittenden is a local wine wholesaler as well as wine educator, writer and founder of the Roanoke Valley Wine Society, which meets for wine-tasting programs on the Fourth Thursday of each month. Call 992-3285.
by CNB