Holiday Entertaining Tips from an Ambassador Vintner

By April MacIntyre Dec 9, 2010, 3:26 GMT

HALL Rutherford at 56 Auberge Road in Rutherford, CA

Kathryn Walt Hall is the proprietor of Hall Wines, and has been a respected part of the California wine industry since 1972.

The Walt family owns 63 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in the Redwood Valley and has sold their grapes to such wineries as Fetzer, Parducci and Beringer.

Her distinguished career has taken her from business to a position as a United States Ambassador to Austria from 1997 to July 2001.

Ambassador Hall shared with Monsters and Critics some tips to make the most of your wine collection, and entertaining tips for the holidays.

Storage

Store bottles horizontally.   "This ensures the corks are kept in constant contact with the wine, keeping the cork from drying out, the arch enemy of wine storage."

Store your bottles in moderate temperature.  "55 degrees is optimal.  Don't store your wine in the kitchen near your stove or out in the garage where temperatures will fluctuate dramatically.  If you can, invest in a small wine refrigerator.  However, if space is a factor, find a cool, dark cupboard or closet in a temperature stable place in your home.  Heat can kill your wine!"

According to Ambassador Hall, some wines are meant to be enjoyed young; pay attention to which wines should continue to rest and which are ready to uncork. 

Tannins act as a preservative, yet many wines have soft or no tannins and are made in a style that is meant to be drunk within a couple of years.  "Keep your big, beefy, tannic reds in the back of your closet and keep your early-drinking wines in an easy-to-get-to spot," shares Ms. Hall. 

Those who visit Napa Valley can arrange a tour and wine tasting at Hall Vineyards where Craig and Kathryn Hall also have an astounding personal art collection on display (by appointment) at their Hall Rutherford which include paintings and sculptures throughout the grounds and wine caves and a bronze grapevine dripping with Swarovski crystals.

Ambassador Kathryn Hall is constantly accommodating visitors at her acclaimed winery.  She shared her expert tips on how to survive the holiday season without any flubs:

Ambiance:

Make guests comfortable with a warm, welcoming environment.  Inspire holiday cheer with a lit fireplace, candles, festive place settings and inviting decorative elements.  If you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, create seating arrangements in advance so as to avoid any potentially awkward pairings.

Preparedness: 

Always be prepared for the unexpected gift or a last minute invitation - have a case of wine on hand for hostess or reciprocal gifts this holiday season.

Observe:

Don’t overstay your welcome.  Don’t linger or reach for another drink when your hosts are already cleaning up; take the hint if you’re being shooed out or if the crowd is beginning to thin.

Variety:

Bring two different wines.  Not everyone likes red or white, so bring a selection if you can.  Gifting two different varietals will satisfy tastes and spark a dialogue about preferences.

Gratitude:

A thank you note is currency in today's fast communication style. A hand-written note or a phone call to your hosts shows your appreciation for the invitation, while acknowledging all their hard work.  Always make your note personal, it matters.

Monsters and Critics was fortunate to try the 2007 Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, a dense, rich Cab made from grapes of the Sacrashe vineyard that finishes velvety smooth with hints of tabac and subtle blackberry notes. 

It is truly an exceptional pour and makes for a great gift.  One of the best reds I have ever tasted.  To me, this wine is ready to drink now, yet some experts write this particular vintage is lovely to drink now, but better to buy and sock away for 4-6 years (The Wine Enthusiast).

Another noted wine critic, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, gave it 91-93 Points “The gorgeous 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up notions of bay leaves, new saddle leather, black currants, blackberries, and Spring flowers. Dense, full-bodied, and opulent, with superb purity and length, but no hard edges, it should age effortlessly for 15+ years."

Whether enjoyed now or tucked away, it makes a brilliant gift and a superb accompaniment to a fine Holiday meal.

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