It was a game of crazy bounces, bad breaks and more offsides by one team (Nashville) in a period than I’ve witnessed in a long time, eh Blackie? Your Preds were playing my Red Wings tough through two, but seemed to wilt badly in the 3rd period, when Detroit was dominant. Speaking of dominant, Dominick (The Dominator) Hasek was a giant in goal for the Red Wings; he kept them in the game when Nashville was pressing. And how about Darren McCarty getting the first goal of the game? What a comeback story that is!
Since it was Saturday, we enjoyed two wines from one of our favorite producers, both during and after the game.
2003 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvée Azalaïs, 14% alc., $21.60: Showing good dark color, this offers plum, prune and cola on the nose, fleshing out in the mouth with a smoky character and an earthy base; as it opens with air, a hint of Brasso ® and some subtle underbrush emerges. Well structured, with ample tannins (most apparent on the slightly astringent finish) and good acids, this is already drinking well, turning smoother and richer with some aeration, but its best days are obviously some years down the road. These are always nice at around 10-years of age, so cellar accordingly.
2005 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvée Doucinello, 14%, $27.50: Another one with deep, dark, not-quite-opaque color, with black olive, iron, earth, leather, black plum, blackberry and a little bit of the barnyard all mingling on the nose and carrying over onto the palate with big structure and a full-bodied frame. Approachable now, this is easily a 10-15 year wine, and a very good one.
So, Nashville’s back home, down 2-0 and hoping that the friendly confines of the Sommet Center will be a boost to their game. I’ll look for you in the stands Monday night.
Ciao 4 now,
geo
