So...a few weeks late.....but here it is!
April 20th saw another wonderful collection of friends, wines, and of course.....food!
Spring has definitely Sprung!
As guests arrived, they were greeted with Jeff Streka's incredible Field Day (ONX).. 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Viognier, this is aptly described as "a beach vacation in a bottle." True enough! Light, tropical fruits, citrus, well balanced acidity and floral notes...closing your eyes your could just imagine yourself as an 8 year old, walking home on a summer day passing by the honeysuckle. A wonderful way to begin the evening, get everyone in a relaxed mood, as we sat outside on a pleasantly warm Spring evening, sipping and eating appetizers, as the breeze lightly stirred the wind chimes and the birds sang.......
My Special Tasting Cup
Moving inside.....we were ready to eat, and as is our routine, taste one brown bagged delight after another....reviews, rate and finally add up our scores, unwrap the wines, and see what bottle was rated first.
The Table is Ready
Tonight was RED wine night! No specific varietal or geography, just bring a really good red wine...and good wines abounded!
Tonight saw a little more wine than normal....as our special guest this evening, Chris with his lovely companion Trang....brought two bottles!
Let the meal, the sipping, the laughter and fun begin!
Finally seated....we are now in wine tasting mode....for the next few hours!
Sated and Saturated....Successfully so, if those smiles mean anything!
It was now time to see what was what! We unwrapped the wines in no particular order; here was our collection of incredible wines for the evening!
Of course, no one had to guess who brought the 1997 Paleo, a classic Italian red Bordeaux Blend from Tuscany....unavailable of course, bought and aged over a decade ago, and shared by Paul from his eclectic and varied wine cellar!
Next up...what's this? Another Italian red? A 2004 Tignanello, another Tuscan red blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Knowing how Mike and Paul have been conspiring of late, this bottle had to have been provided by Mike....and it was!
Both of these Italian beauties being soft, silky, subtle and ohhh sooooo food friendly!
After re-tasting these two Italian gems, I closed my eyes, and the flavors brought back my memories of Tuscany in springtime, staying in a 500 year old mansion, a view of the vineyards budding, the hillsides planted with vines and the sound of the river rushing through the valley below........Memories are made of this.....
No surprise to see a Paso wine next unwrapped, a 2008 Barrel 27 Bull by the Horns. Vibrant and fruit forward, with just the right kick.....donated by Dana and Matt!
Next, a red blend from Oakville! A 2008 Bevan Ontogeny. One of Russel's creations. The definition of "ontogeny" being: The development of an organism. A unique and different treat!
The next to last bottle unwrapped, a 2008 Jada Vineyards Jack of Hearts. Big and bold with lots of heart, this is a vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot blend.
and finally to be exposed, a 2009 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. The king of grapes which displays all that is expected from a great Cabernet. Both the Caymus and Jada graciously provided by Chris.
The Final Line-up
Suffice to say, that all the wines were in a word (or more): Elegant! Tantalizing! Mouth Watering! Delightful, and just plain: YUMMY! The two Italian blends being so different from the California wines. And, the final ratings being separated by less than 2 points. However, as is our habit...there is ALWAYS one wine to score more than the others...and tonight's high point scorer.....went to Bevan's Ontogeny!
Finally....the evening comes to a close....Time for bed....clean up can wait till tomorrow....
And to all...a good night!
I hope you have enjoyed sharing another eclectic evening with your group! Please, feel free to comment, post on your blog, forward to your friends, email me.....and have a glass of wine!
Cheers,
Don
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