by YossiD » Sun Jun 10, 2018 2:26 pm
Started off the weekend at Tulip for the launch of two 2017 whites: Espero White (first vintage) and Net Sauvignon Blanc.
The Espero White is a blend of Colombard, Chardonnay, and Marsanne, but I, for one, would never have guessed. The wine is light, crisp, and refreshing, and to my taste, actually a bit lacking in body. Hardly what one would expect from these varietals.
The Net Sauvignon Blanc, so named as it is a 100% varietal, and also because the vineyard is shaded with netting to limit direct sunlight, is a perfect hot weather white wine - crisp and refreshing.
For our simple Shabbat dinner of chicken wings and vegetables on the grill, I dug out a Chillag Carignan 2009 that I figured needed to be drunk. Alas I had waited too long; the wine was definitely past its prime - just about drinkable.
On Shabbat morning we were surprised by a number of unexpected visits from some relatives who were passing through. A perfect opportunity to break out some wine and cheese. The wines were Chillag Chenin Blanc 2013 and Margalit Riesling 2016. The former was very good and the latter outstanding. Both were delightful in the hot weather. The cheeses were an international mix: a semi-hard Polish goat's milk cheese, a mild South African goat's milk Cheddar, and a Danish blue.
For dinner it was back to the grill with marvelous veal chops. To go with those I opened a Seahorse Antoine 2013 (blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise). I was afraid it might overpower the veal, but I needn't have worried - it was actually just right.
All in all a very successful weekend on all fronts.
