Since it was first introduced to Acadiana 16 years ago, the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana's Golden Gala wine auction has become known as one of the most spirited social events of the year. Since it was first introduced to Acadiana 16 years ago, the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana's Golden Gala wine auction has become known as one of the most spirited social events of the year. PASA offers great wines, art, dinners and fabulous get-aways. Pick up a Christmas gift for a friend or a special bottle for your cellar. This year, "Viva la PASA" Wine Auction presented by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and IberiaBank and sponsored by Glazer's of Louisiana will take place at 7 p.m. at River Oaks Center on Sunday, October 30. Tickets are $75 and are on sale now through the PASA office at 237-2787 or online.
Here are some of the highlights of the auction:
One Bottle 1990 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux from Pauillac, France
A Bordeaux Blend Dry Red Table wine from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Medium garnet-brick color. Earthy, Provence herb seasoned aromas of warm cassis and stewed plum with nuances of smoked duck, cracked black pepper and dark soy. The palate leads with structure medium to high, finely grained tannins and medium to high acid. Plenty of complex fruit to flesh out the mid-palate with a long, layered finish. Drink now 2030+. Robert Parker rating: 97
Luxury California Getaway for two
This three-day, two-night getaway will land the lucky high bidders in luxury accommodations at the Michel-Schlumberger Winery. This organically-famed estate lies off the beaten track in Wine Creek Canyon, a sylvan side pocket of Dry Creek Valley, near Healdsburg in Sonoma. Associated Travel flies your party of two to San Francisco, where you'll pick up a rental car sponsored by PASA board member Mary Neiheisel--and head up Highway 101 to Healdsburg, CA. You'll spend two special nights in accommodations available only to friends of the winery, as the guest of Jacque Schlumberger, president of Michel-Schlumberger Winery. Youll also be the guest of PASA fans Cindy Daniel and Doug Lipton, and enjoy a tour of their 15-acre organic farm, located on West Dry Creek Road, and no doubt enjoy something delicious to eat and drink. Muscat grapes, fruit trees, poultry, veggies and more thrive in this beautiful garden environment. If you wish to extend the trip, Robbie Bush at Associated Travel is happy to provide professional advice.
Original Artwork by Melissa Bonin
Bayouscapes are Bonin's speciality. Her work evokes the depth and mystery of Bayou Teche, a place where land and water merge into pure light. Bring Louisiana's evocative landscape into your home with Bonin's gorgeous painting.
One Bottle 2005 L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol
Saturated ruby-red. Superripe, deep aromas of black cherry, mocha, bitter chocolate, licorice pastille and menthol; almost porty in its ripeness. Hugely concentrated and sweet, with perfectly integrated acidity giving shape and verve to the dark berry, violet and licorice flavors. A very powerful, ageworthy wine with terrific grip and flavor definition. The serious but fine tannins arrive very late and coat the front teeth. It will be fascinating to taste this alongside the great 1998 in a decade or so. Robert Parker rating: 100
Tennis Lesson and more with Lafayette's Own Professional Tennis Star, Chanda Rubin
A one hour tennis lesson with Lafayette's own, Chanda Rubin. A professional on the WTA Tour with a career high ranking of #6 in the world in singles and a Grand Slam Doubles champion. This is your opportunity to hit like a pro. This tennis package includes court fees at City Club for one lesson with Chanda Rubin, lunch with Chanda at City Club Grill & Bar, and a 30-minute massage at River Spa.
One Bottle 2002 Integrity Marquis Philips Shiraz McLaren Vale
The virtually perfect, limited production (1,000 cases) cuvee of 2002 Shiraz Integrity is a 100 percent Shiraz fashioned from four specific vineyard blocks (surprisingly young vines of 4-6 years in age). It boasts terrific minerality, structure, definition, and prodigious levels of concentration as well as perfume. An inky/black color is followed by aromas of melted road tar, licorice, Asian spices, sweet creme de cassis as well as blackberries, and a hint of acacia flowers. There is compelling density, great purity, and tremendous viscosity, yet it is not over the top. There is real definition/delineation to this large-scaled Shiraz. It was aged in 100 percent new American oak for 13 months. Robert Parker rating: 99
To peruse the entire auction offering, click here.