Of course, we wanted to see every movie vying for Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards, but we're willing (in fact, pleased) to settle for experiencing the Oscar contenders in, well, drinkable form. So we turn to sommelier Caitlin Stansbury--whose company, Wineocology, has consulted on some of the best lists in town, including Bastide and Brix@1601--for wines inspired by the year's Best Picture nominees. The envelope please ...
For Slumdog Millionaire: "Such a triumphant and celebratory film needs Champagne. Try Nicolas Feuillatte Premier Cru Brut Rose ($45), which has a hint of warm Indian spices like cloves and cinnamon. You'll feel like a millionaire just drinking it." (moesfinewines.com)
For The Reader: "For this exploration of evil, passion, morality and reconciliation you need the cold, searing acidity and heartbreakingly delicate fruit of German Riesling. The sweet quince, orange and lemon in 2005 Bert Simon "Serrig Würtzberg" Spätlese Riesling ($16) stays with you for days. (lawineco.com)
For The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: "While trying to grasp this (long) story on time, love, and the impermanence of life and youth, you need something decidedly uncomplicated, like the charming 2006 Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir ($19). It's as smooth and pretty as Brad Pitt." (winehouse.com)
For Milk: "A legendary Californian deserves to be matched with nothing less than California's unique viticultural gift to the world, Zinfandel. The 90-year-old vines that produce 2006 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel ($30) are persistent and wise, like Harvey Milk himself." (klwines.com)
For Frost/Nixon: "Only a powerful and polished Bourdeaux can match Richard Nixon's intense craftiness and David Frost's European intelligence and charm. Like the dynamics between the two, the 2005 Château Lafon Rochet ($50) displays both grip and finesse." (wallywine.com)
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