Wine Tasting January 30, ’10
It was a quiet day in the wine shop, only about five guests till around 4:30. Then there seems to be some kind of Happy Hour Wine Tasting evolving, as suddenly cars pull up and within the space of a few minutes a small herd of stalwart aficionados thunder up the stairs. As if on some kind of Secret Signal, possibly the same energy that makes the birds start singing at some particular moment in the pre-dawn.
Years ago, when I was trying to be a serious Zen student, that first chirp would come after what seemed a long time sitting still in a dark and very quiet hall, a very welcome sign of Morning, magically unfolding out of the stillness, something being born out of Nothing, which supposedly is what All of This is about anyway, but as usual I digress. Oh yes, secret signals…
It’s probably just everyone at once checking their watches wherever they are and realizing that if they don’t stop what they are doing right now, they will miss the Party, and that would be Unthinkable, and after all, they have gotten something done on a Saturday afternoon and so deserve a little break, and that’s what Happy Hour is all about anyway, so let’s trip on down to the wine shop and see what’s up.
The tasting was interesting last week because all the wines showed pretty well, and each one a bit better than the previous one, with the Chappellet Mountain Cuvee rounding out the show with a certain suave elegance, making it feel like a journey of the palate in a certain direction, no switchbacks or surprises, just a gradual elevation gain, an increasing complexity and allure with each pour.
If you missed last week, please note again the CHOCOLATE ANNOUNCEMENT!
TRUFFLE NOTE! TRUFFLE NOTE! TRUFFLE NOTE! TRUFFLE NOTE! TRUFFLE NOTE!
FOUR new truffles for your Valentine Day celebration. Order up boxes of 4 lovely truffles, boxed and beribboned by calling 758-2559 (Janice) or 758-2959 (Pat) to place your order. Deadline for ordering is February 8, Monday. Boxes are $5. each and will be available for pickup on February 13, Saturday, at the wine shop between 1:00 – 5:00 or by special arrangement. As usual, the truffles will be made of only the finest chocolate, organic cream, and real flavors…Island-made and delectable!
This week’s wines:
Avanti Pinot Grigio 08 Italy $9
Delicate aromas of fresh peach, wildflowers, and crisp mineral notes with a light touch in the mouth.
Terre antiche montepulciano 08 Italy $8
Stylish, medium to full bodied, has essence of tarragon and rosemary on the nose, and violets, raspberry jam and black cherry on the palate.
Telmo Rodriguez Deheso Gago 07 Spain WA89pts $13
Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an excellent bouquet of pencil lead, violets, incense, and blackberry. Ripe, medium to full-bodied and nicely concentrated.
Panther Creek Pinot Noir NV Oregon WA89 $16
Alluring nose of cinnamon, clove, cherry, and raspberry. On the palate it has plenty of lively sweet fruit, good acidity, and enough structure to ensure a 5-year lifespan– a super value in Pinot Noir.
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2072 Granger Way