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Biography |
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Home > People
> David LeClaire |
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David LeClaire
Founder,
David LeClaire creates and presents a wide variety of exclusive
events for small wine and food groups in private homes and
restaurants, wine tastings for corporations, including conference
receptions, product launches, client appreciation events, as well
as fundraisers, art openings, holiday parties, etc.
He is also the founder of the "Best of the West," a series of
wine events throughout the U.S. which feature selections from
amongst the best wineries of California, Washington, & Oregon.
David is a certified sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers
who served as wine director at Seattle's prestigious Alexis Hotel
& Library Bistro (formerly the Painted Table Restaurant) where he
was employed for ten years.
Mr. LeClaire is an instructor at North Seattle Community
College and often serves as an "ambassador" for Washington
wineries. David is also a free-lance writer for NW Stir & Scopes
Magazines. Those who attend his memorable events inevitably leave
with valuable "real world" information and an increased
appreciation for wine and wine making.
For information about scheduling private events, please email
David at
winelover99@comcast.net. |
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Personal
Picks |
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Dunham Chardonnay “Shirley Mays” 2006 (Washington) $25
This Chardonnay has the perfect balance of fruit, acid, and just
a hint of subtle oak, creating an elegant wine that can easily
be paired with food. The 2006 is very close in style to a
Burgundian Chardonnay and would be perfect for many Northwest
seafood dishes.
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Campo di Sasso “Insoglio” 2005 (Italy) $22
An unusual wine from Tuscany, this rich and intense red has no
traditional Italian varietals. Instead, the blend is 30% Syrah,
25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5%
Petit Verdot. Without Sangiovese to make it a Super Tuscan, it
is heavier and has good structure and balance.
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Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 (Italy) $27
An outstanding Chianti that would please any fan of old world
wine. Light dusty tannins, significant but not overdone fruit,
traditional 13.5 alcohol level, silky smooth and just a hint of
earthy notes. Perfect for a holiday feast or sipping alone on
cold winter night by the fire.
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Chateau Laffitte-Teston "Reflet du Terroir" 2003 (France) $16
There are many wines on the market that are simple, fruity,
and smooth, but have no earth, no edge. This wine is a perfect
combination of the new world density and richness that so many are
fond of, but has the Southern French rustic appeal that old world
lovers can appreciate. A fantastic wine made primarily from Tannat,
for enthusiasts who want fruit, tannin, and earth!
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Brian Carter "L'Etalon" Red Blend 2002 (Washington) $35
Finding a wine that is balanced with great fruit, soft dusty
tannins, and perfect acidity is becoming harder to find these days
in Washington State. This delicious blend of 51% Cabernet 28%
Merlot, 12% Cab Franc, 5% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot is one of my
favorite wines of the year! This is a rich, elegant wine worthy of
aging - too bad I didn't save any! And only 13.5% alcohol!
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Stonecap Syrah 2004 (Washington) $12
In my opinion, one of Washington's biggest challenges isn't making
good expensive wine, it's making good inexpensive wine. While this
Syrah has no real structure, it's a very satisfying, dense, fruit
forward wine that for $10 you may want to go buy a case and make
it one of your "house" wines! I did!
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David Frost Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000 (South Africa)$12
While many find South African wines to be a little too "aromatic,"
this Cabernet is an elegant expression of the grape and just has a
slight touch of earth and subtle, dusty tannins. This wine has
structure and packs a great deal of fruit as well. One would think
it's a bordeaux, not a South African wine!
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Baer Winery “Ursa” 2003 (Washington) $30
This blend, dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is a silky and
smooth wine with just the right amount of soft tannins. While this
wine has the ability to age, it's very drinkable now, although
will show best with food.
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Maryhill Red Rock Blend 2002 (Washington) $12
Amazing balance, concentration, and value in this red table wine
blend. Tastes like a $20 bottle for $12 or less. Make sure you get
the '02 though, the '01 is a whole different animal and not nearly
as friendly. Buy a case for everyday wine you can open anytime.
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Reininger Helix Pomatia 2002 (Washington) $20
"Helix," Reininger's second label, is a sure crowd pleaser with
the '02 Pomatia's blend of Bordeaux varietals and Syrah. Rich with
fruit and yet balanced by just the right touch of soft tannin and
earth, this wine is a great value at $20. Expect hints of plum,
coffee, and chocolate. |
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Links |
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