All of us looked forward to the next offering, the 2008 La Rochelle Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Michael called this “a Pinot for Cab lovers and I like Cab.” Amy loved the color, mouth feel and flavor. Ken commented on the garnet color and full nose of raspberries and dark cherries.
I had seen Phil Baily earlier and he sent me off with a bottle of his Baily Winery 2008 M & M, 60% Merlot/40% Malbec blend. Tony wasn’t shy with his opinion: “Super great nose!Awesome taste! Drinks like a $100 bottle.”
As a final course, we were treated to a coconut macaroon torte served with a luscious white chocolate Grand Mariner crème. (Now you must be salivating.) What could make this dish more wonderful? A bright ruby Chocolate Strawberry wine that was full of fruit and strawberry aromas, yet on the palate had a mild chocolate taste that was only slightly sweet and did not overpower the delicious dessert
First sniff – acidity. Had the Riedel glass allowed the acids to escape more readily? Sniff-sniff. Where are my pleasant layers? In fact where are any aromatic sensations? Now this wine is totally off-balance and I don’t have the slightest desire to taste it, or even recommend it.
From Sonoma County we meandered to Spain via the 2010 Robaliño Albariño from Rias Baixas. Albariño is a delightful Spanish varietal and this one didn’t disappoint.
Much to our delight, the next stop was a visit to Anette’s Chocolates and a tour from co-founder Anette Madsen-Yazidi. She and her brother Brent Madsen have been in business together for nearly 20 years. Wine infused chocolates and sauces are their signature, but I couldn’t get enough of the Chili Lime Tequila Tortilla Brittle or the Fiery Beer Brittle with Spanish peanuts.
Of all the wines I tasted, the barrel sample of 2010 Pinot Noir from Frostwatch Vineyard & Winery blew me away. I had a nice visit with owner and winemaker Brett Raven and wound up ordering a case of this wine at a special futures offering. Trust me, that’s rare for me.
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