Lauber on Times Square

Lauber Imports puts on a grand tasting event in an enormous space at the Marriott Marquis right on Times Square pretty much featuring their total portfolio. They are also noted for putting out a nice spread of food, though the lamb chops were noticeably absent this year, no doubt in a measure to cut costs.

Since being bought by a major distributor, Lauber has become more mainstream in their section. The main reason I wanted to attend was not so much to find exciting new labels, but to revisit with some popular brands and to stay in touch with what the masses are drinking. Amongst the pleasant surprises were the Henriot Champagne with its delightful crisp texture and mellow, balanced finish. A new table of Loire wines from Guy Saget were exceptional. Bright, delicious sauvignon blancs and a Muscadet.

Many of the popular brand names that proliferate corporate restaurants were there, including Jos. Phelps and Jordan. Neither offered interesting wines, either because they were overwhelming or because they were poor values or both.

I found that I munched on enough appetizers that I decided to skip any in-town meal and caught the express train home.