Criticism of the White House’s wine cellar

Last week, on the occasion of the state visit of the British Prime Minister David Cameron in Washington, the wine list remained secret only until about 12 hours before the dinner; then they were revealed to the public by Eric Levin, founder of “Cellar tracker”, an online wine portal.

According to Mr. Levin, to the canapés a “N.V. Thibaut-Janisson Brut” from Virginia (30 US dollar per bottle) was served. To the starter, halibut fried in a potato crust on a bed of steamed greed cabbage (from the White House’s garden) and a hint of smoked bacon, a “2009 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille (80 US dollar per bottle) was served. Then, to filet Wellington, a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley (65 US dollar) was served. To the dessert, a steamed lemon pudding with Idaho Huckleberry sauce, the guests enjoyed the “2007 Iron Horse Russion River” champagne cuvee (30 US dollar).

Eric Levin commented those wines in a rather reserved manner on his blog: “Those white wines still seem to be fairly refreshing, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t present itself too civilized but has a rather dry and prickly finish.”

And Mike Steinberger, author and wine columnist at the Slate political online magazine, which belongs to the Washington Post, states: “Unfortunately, President Obama has not been and is not willing to accept criticism, particularly concerning the bad state of the White House’s wine cellar as well as concerning the wines being stored there.” And he adds: “President Obama adopted his preference for fruit bombs from President Bush. This continues to shock the guests, and it is not rewarding for the foreign policy.”

The White House ignores the wine scene’s criticism of President Obama’s “wine cellar policy”. After the dinner, a spokesman from Downing Street said: “We were invited guests but we were not invited to comment the wines served.” The next state dinner will take place in June. Then, Angela Merkel is visiting President Obama. The menu has already been revealed publicly, but the wine list is not. According to Eric Levin, it is only a question of time until this “secret” will be revealed, too. (red.yoopress)