...(theme song from 70's TV show Here Come The Brides)
And so it was true for the last four days which I spent in that town. Glorious weather. Drank a little while there, too!
1995 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select Stags Leap District
Ron's bottle. Napa perfection--absolutely stunning. Amazing for a 30 yr old bottle--it's profound and it lacks for nothing, but there's really no sign of aging per se.
2017 Andremily Mourvèdre Santa Barbara County
Ron's bottle. Intense nose powered by 15.5% abv, with deep, saturated notes of violets, spice, blueberries, cedar and asphalt. Dense and full-bodied. A cocktail wine, not a food wine but fortunately served after the splendiferous Shafer.
2000 Alain Voge Vielles Vignes Cornas
On Mercer Island, an unfair review as this was pop'd n poured from the host's cellar. That said, it didn't even hint at the magic we expected, nor did it develop in our glasses vs. lurking dark and reticent throughout.
2017 Sine Qua Non White Blend
Also Ron's. 15.2% alcohol, extracted fruit, slick and unctious. Not my thing.
2011 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac Grenache
From my cellar, took to Le Pichet to pair with their fabulous roast chicken. Another perfect bottle at a pretty perfect moment in middle age. That chicken could not have asked for a better pairing.
2012 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut Millésimé Champagne Blend
Very little color with attributes involving flowers and sweetness. Drinks like a much younger wine, and there are a zillion producers I'd prefer at half the price. Sorry I have four more to go home to.
2022 Pistus Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese
Ordered from a restaurant wine list. Medium red fruit, not much depth (I compare all NMs to Terre Nere) but deliciously so with modest tannins and acidity. Paired well with a variety of dishes at How To Cook A Wolf.
NV Jacquesson & Fils Champagne Cuvée No. 745 Extra Brut Champagne Blend
This was also my bottle. Deep amber gold. Disappointingly more mature-ish and less energetic than a bottle opened exactly one year ago, though still drinkable.
2022 Foradori Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
Nose with hints of pear, peach, flowers, honey. Palate follows the nose, with nice minerality...the highlifht of the wine lies in its texture and mouthfeel. Improved with air. Highly enjoyable.