Kim called it a big, bold California style wine and enjoyed the blend. It sells for $38. Last up was Bel Vino's 2011 Zinfandel. Tony said it was like a spicy Tootsie Roll. "Yum!" Brain said "I like this. It's soft and coats the tongue with a velvety dark fruit. The Barry Manilow of wine."
We took a tour of the estate and walked through the caves, stacked floor to ceiling with bottles of cava. At one point I said to her that there must be several hundred thousand bottles. She turned to me and said 'No. Three and a half million.'
I looked forward to trying the new 2012 Pinot from Frost Watch in Sonoma County, after being blown away two years ago with a barrel sample of the 2010 vintage. The 2012 was also extremely impressive. It was also a treat to meet and visit with Monty Paulsen, son of the late Pat Paulsen, who is carrying on his dad's legacy as winemaker and promoter for Pat Paulsen Vineyards.
I remember co-owner Gray Hartley telling me years ago that a guy came in, ordered a glass of wine and then a bottle and his world turned upside-down. The man was Rex Picket, author of the book Sideways. I sat with Frank Ostini, Gray's partner, who told me he knew something was up when director Alexander Payne walked in.
There were choices of gumbo, jambalaya, bouillabaisse, salmon and sea bass. More traditional chicken, strip steak, king crab legs and lobster rounded out the menu. By far the most flashy presentation was the Crispy Red Snapper, an entire fish elegantly plated.
With the help of Wine Pleasures, not only did we taste exceptional Cavas, visit remarkable places, meet unforgettable people and taste divine food, we came home with memories that will last a lifetime.
The fruit simply exploded from the glass. I thought this was an exceptional wine. Ken called it "luscious all the way through." Sue called it the perfect Merlot.
Al gave it a perfect five-star rating for both taste and value. Ken called it "big, hey there, slap you in the face." Chris liked the earthy nose with big dark berry fruit and long, creamy, lingering finish.