Personal Time

By Carole Buia Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002
    • Imbible
    Fall Vintage
    Trying to find the perfect wine for a big occasion? We asked three experts — MADELINE TRIFFON, wine director for Detroit's Unique Restaurant Corp.; JAY JAMES, wine director for the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas; and KEVIN ZRALY, author of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course — what they would give or serve for the following occasions:

    $15 or less
    A 21st-birthday bash, at which 40 to 60 guests are expected, most 21 or older


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    TRIFFON: Chateau de Segries Lirac Rouge Cuvee Reservee, 2000

    "A gorgeous Cotes-du-Rhone, sophisticated enough for the seasoned wine drinker yet gentle enough for newbies."

    JAMES: Roederer Estate sparkling wine, nonvintage

    "This is an outstanding American sparkling wine, perfect for celebrating."

    ZRALY: Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett

    "A great introduction to wine: light, easy to drink, semidry and low in alcohol. The past five years have been excellent vintages."

    $35 or less
    A thank-you gift for a job or client referral from a casual friend

    TRIFFON: Bodegas Muga RiojaReserva Seleccion Especial, 1995

    "People love the idea of maturity in a quality red. An earthy and complex alternative to Bordeaux."

    JAMES: Laetitia Pinot Noir Reserve, 1998

    "It's full of flavor and complex, with a light smokiness."

    ZRALY: Veuve Clicquot Brut, nonvintage

    "It's a no-brainer. Everybody loves champagne."

    $100 or less
    Close family members' 50th-wedding-anniversary celebration

    TRIFFON: Siduri Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2000

    "Nobody gives Pinot! A drop-dead crowd pleaser, plush and decadent."

    JAMES: Krug Grande Cuvee Brut, nonvintage

    "Since in most of the world 1952 was a lousy vintage, I recommend this above-average champagne because it's full of depth."

    ZRALY: Taylor Fladgate, 30year-old tawny port

    "Its rich, sweet flavor is perfect in cooler weather. What's more, it will make the happy couple feel 20 years younger!"

    Reasons to Go Dutch
    For serious gardeners as well as apartment dwellers with teeny window boxes, planting bulbs is one of autumn's sweetest pleasures. And just like fall fashions, bulbs are subject to crazes (as in the Dutch tulip bubble, circa 1630). Horticultural gurus say that this season, black, orange and fragrant bulbs are the ones to plant. While a truly black tulip has not yet been created, Black Hero (a deep crimson, below) and Black Parrot (a dark maroon) come close. If you want aroma and color, try Orange Princess or candy-striped Carnaval de Nice. Most bulbs can be bought from online florists such as brentandbeckysbulbs.com or johnscheepers.com . For best results, plant tulips as soon as night temperatures drop to about 40, before the ground freezes. Choose bulbs that feel hard all around, and plant them in direct sun, 4 in. to 6 in. apart in well-drained soil. Bonus tip: to fend off hungry squirrels, rub the bulbs in hot sauce.

    Batch Test
    LOVELY AT A DISTANCE
    With marathon season upon us, time put three of this season's new running shoes to the test. To help, we enlisted two marathon men in their mid-30s with similar profiles: each runs a weekly average of 30 miles, both have a neutral gait and a medium build, and both have tried many shoes. Over the course of two weeks, our racers performed short and long runs with each shoe. Here's what they reported:

    NEW BALANCE 831, $85

    New Balance says: Introduced especially for the Chicago marathon, this shoe is for long-distance runners who prefer a lightweight ride.

    Runners say: Yes, it's lightweight, with solid stability and control, an adjustable tongue and uniform cushioning. But while Runner A lauded the "good toe room," Runner B thought the square toe was not snug enough. Runner A sees this as a racing and training shoe, but for Runner B it's "strictly for marathons."

    NIKE SHOX D, $125

    Nike says: It has the same responsive cushioning of the original Shox but with a lighter and more breathable mesh upper; comes in stylish black.

    Runners say: The most cushioned of them all — especially kind to the knees and ankles — but also the heaviest. The elevated Shox heel "pushes your foot forward. It's almost an insult to the shoe to walk," says Runner B. They both found that it forced a "straight line" run, which left Runner A "worried about sprinting with this shoe. I kept thinking my ankle could turn." Purely for training, say both.

    ADIDAS SUPERNOVA CONTROL, $90

    Adidas says: New high-tech mesh makes the shoe breathable and flexible, ideal for long runs in all weather.

    Runners say: The ventilation system is "superior." Not so light as New Balance, but light enough for training andshort races. Runner B thought it had "the best arch support," and Runner A liked its "crafty reflector system, agood safety feature for those who train at night or after work."