An Evening with RASA wines - My first IYI Event

For almost five years, I have been a monthly wine club member at my happy place. Earlier this year I decided to progress to an upper level quarterly membership, called IYI (If You Insist).

Believe it or not, I was not satisfied with the quality of the wines I was receiving with the standard monthly membership anymore. I was also receiving more wine than I could drink. This statement may shock some but it shouldn't. I tend to be a "quality over quantity" girl, in most things. I definitely am when it comes to wine!

One of the many perks of being an IYI member is the special quarterly free events for members and a guest. My first quarterly event occurred recently and it was with Rasa Vineyards from Walla Walla, Washington. I had the coolest guest of the night - my dad!

The owners and winemakers of Rasa are Pinto and his brother, Billo. They are from India and have engineering degrees. However, they lost their passion for engineering and decided to become winemakers in 2007.  On this special evening, we were enlightened and entertained by Pinto and tasted some fantastic wines with unique names and interesting and beautiful stories. They make all of their wines from new world fruit, strive for elegance and claim all of their wines will easily cellar for 20 years.


We tasted eight wines and were able to purchase from the lineup that are shown in the photos.

 2012 PB Wines Chardonnay - 100% Chardonnay with aromatics of pear, white peach and hazelnut.  Aged in oak and stainless steel barrels. I enjoy Chardonnays but this was too buttery for me. I was interested in the reds tonight anyway so I didn't put much thought into this one. It is not your typical California Chardonnay. Why should it be? It's from Washington after all. I, however, tend to be a Napa Chardonnay snob. I call it like I see it, what can I say?  My friend and dad, who lean towards the white side and are big Chardonnay fans, didn't even care for this one.

2008 QED - (Here's where we start to realize that we're dealing with science guys)  Q.E.D. stands for the Latin phrase "quod erat demonstrandum"  meaning "which had to be demonstrated". The initials QED are traditionally placed at the end of a math proof or philosophical argument when what was specified has been exactly restated as the conclusion. QED signals the completion of the proof.  Or as Pinto explained, QED represents that the "proof is in the bottle" and that he and his brother had proven what they set out to prove!

83% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 5% Mouvedre, 2% Viognier

I was surprised to see Vioginier in a red wine and was told just a tiny bit of Vioginer is used to enhance the aromatics.  This wine has an aroma of earth, vanilla and blackberries. The taste was smokey and earthy but just too tannic for me.  The write up mentioned
"cashmere-textured" tannins. I beg to differ. More like burlap-textured tannins. I needed water after this one. Many enjoyed this wine. To each his own. On to the next one please!

2010 Occam's Razor - 100% Syrah - Aromas of raspberry and sage. While I would haved like to have found the espresso, dark chocolate, wild mint, truffle and bacon fat that this wine claims to have, I did taste the scorched earth that is mentioned. It does have a very elegant hue of dark purple.  If cellared properly, this wine should mature in 7-8 years and hold for another 10 years after. Impressive.

Occam's Razor is the principle that states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected. If there are multiple possible explanations for an event or result, the simplest is almost always correct. As Pinto stated, "Given all things are equal, the simplest choice is the right answer."

Simple. Nice. It's almost as if he knew Occam's Razor would be included in a post on my simple pleasures blog.  I'm impressed with the story and the names, but not with the wine as of yet. I know it's coming though and I'm being patient.

2010 Principia Reserve Syrah  - "Celebrate Excellence"
100% Syrah but sourced from a different vineyard than the Occam's Razor's grapes.

It has nice aromatics of crushed rocks, blackberry, tar, bacon fat, pepper and hints of vanilla and espresso.  It has a beautiful soft and silky finish.  It was very easy to see that this wine will continue to improve for the next 10-12 years and hold for about 20-25 years.

Now, we're getting somewhere, Pinto! What's next, my friend?



2010 Creative Impulse - 67.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32.5% Merlot. This wine has fantastic aromatics of cassis, spice, smoke and gravel.  It is not as silky as the Principia but has rich layers of tobacco, smoke, earth and bell pepper with dark chocolate on the finish.  This wine should reach maturity in 10-12 years and will evolve over 20 plus years. I received this as one of my two IYI quarterly wines and now that I have tasted it, I will definitely let it age. It is already delicious but I am excited about putting it away and forgetting about it for at least 10 years. Maybe this will be my "celebrate 50" wine!

2009 Plus One - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon - A friend who had tried these wines before, and who knows my taste buds pretty well, told me weeks ago that "Plus One" would be my favorite of the night. As much as I (and his mother) hated to admit he was right, boy WAS he RIGHT!! I love everything about Plus One - from the label on the bottle (I'm a big heart girl) to the smell, to the taste, to the story behind the name. 

It has a deep ruby color with intense notes of cassis, black cherry, cigar box and graphite. Add those same flavors with roasted coffee beans and lush silky tannins and you have an unbelievable wine. It has a long finish with hints of leather and tobacco. Definitely elegant.

Pinto explained that ever since his daughter was a little girl when he would say, "I love you" she'd say "I love you plus one" back to him.  He'd try to outdo her and she'd always add "plus one" even when he countered with "infinity".  Now that she's older and it's not "cool" to say "I love you" back she just replies with "plus one".  I love a fabulous-tasting wine that has a name backed up with an even better story - especially one of love between a parent and a daughter.

When I first arrived that evening, I noticed there were only four bottles of "Plus One" on the tasting table. That alarmed me because even though I hadn't tasted it, I was told it would be my favorite and there were rows of bottles of the others available for purchase.  After tasting the "Plus One", it was announced that the bottles of the "Plus One" on the tasting table were the ONLY ones available - period - even back in Walla Walla!!! In what seemed like a split second, I saw the girl sitting at the table in front of me ask Arthur a question very softly and then she got up and grabbed two of the bottles. My friend looked at me and he said, "Go!" and I ran and grabbed the other two bottles - one for him and one for me. Thankfully, I was sitting on the aisle and the only person in front of me was the girl who already grabbed what she wanted. WHAT A RUSH!! I know everyone in that room hated me, even if just for a moment. The early bird gets the worm, right?

Below is my bottle signed by the winemaker. So exciting!




I will, one day, share my "Plus One" with my plus one of that evening.  This wine will gracefully evolve over the next 15-20 years but I have a feeling Dad and I are not going to be able to wait that long. We will, however, make sure it is opened for a very special ocassion and savored.

 

2009 In Order to Form a More Perfect Union - 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc.  This wine is Arthur's favorite and the wine that caused his "aha moment" with Rasa Vineyards last year.

There were only two of these available for sale with four left in the warehouse. I am on the list to get one of the four at the warehouse. Deep rich purple, almost black in color with aromatics of cassis, blackberry, cedar, tobacco and earth.  Full-bodied silky tannins with layered flavors of blackberry, black plum, lead pencil, exotic spices, earth and gravel.  The lengthy finish is resonant  of earth, dark chocolate and vanilla notes.  This is a wine that I hope to have soon and will definitely cellar for many years to come.



After the amazing event, we decided to share a bottle of 2012 Force of Nature Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California and decadent chocolates.

  “A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover.”
- Clifton Fadiman, N. Y. Times, 1987



One of the best decisions I have made in a long time - becoming an IYI member! Thanks, Happy Place!!! Can't wait til the next one!

 

 



Simple pleasures when searching for "LOVE"

I like small towns.

 I like corner bars.

I like window shopping in bookstores, antiques stores and the giggling when you happen upon an adult toy store. 

 I like one-way streets and saying hello to passersby as you stand on a corner waiting to cross.

 I like town squares where families are ice skating.

I like walking across an open field and a random, happy shelter dog catches a ball and instead of taking it back to his owner, brings it to you and wants you to play. 

 I like crossing railroad tracks but hesitating just a moment and looking down the tracks hoping to see a train in the distance.

I like strolling around Main Street USA on a Sunday afternoon, smiling and holding hands just because it feels like the most natural thing to do. 

 I like the warmth of the sun shining on my face in early March while the air still has a chill.

I like when my heart smiles from the simplest things.

I like sitting at a bar at a
Nawlins-style bistro. I like a nod and "hello" from the older gentleman perched at the corner seat as we approach the bar. I like overhearing the conversation between the tattooed rocker dude and his biker chick girlfriend.  I like sitting close and not feeling nervous. I like talking about whatever comes to mind.  I like laughing. I like sharing golden fried okra. I like that he would feed me each piece if I really wanted him to do so.

I like the Ratatouille that I always crave from this place. I like the simplicity of how sauce, a few vegetables and angel hair pasta can be so delicious. I like how pretty it looks in the bowl! I like that we share the ratatouille. I like the fact that snow peas are the edible garnish. I like that one time we were here Sarah, the bartender, gave me an entire plate of them to munch on. I like how he remembered and asked if I wanted him to get me some. I like remembering and I like that he remembers as well.

I like whiskey, particulary rye whiskey. I like that I am learning more about whiskey and that I have a lot more to learn. I like that bourbon and water was my grandfather's drink of choice. I like that the first time I ordered whiskey at a bar it was at this same place in the form of a Sazerac. I like that I have been to a whiskey distillery and that I have three different types of whiskey in my home now to enjoy. I like that the Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey shown above in my glass almost matches my mardi gras beads bracelet.

 I noticed the Makers Mark 46 was on the shelf at this bar and commented that I had tried it once before the Avett Brothers concert in February. I had ordered Makers Mark on the rocks and for my second glass the college bartender asked me if I wanted "the 46". I had never heard of the 46 and he gave it to me for the price of the standard.  It was incredible.

When I saw the 46 in front of me this Sunday afternoon I was pleased. I like that a 46 goes a long way and is incredibly smooth and easy to drink.  I like that he asked the bartender to see the bottle because I commented on how beautiful it looked. I like that she humored me and displayed it with her

"Makers Mark Red" fingernail polish to satisfy the crazy photographer in me.

"Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly."

- M.F.K. Fisher

 Simple things are really what mean the most in life. I like the simple pleasures that are often overlooked by most. Perhaps even falling is one of those simple pleasures........ I like falling.... when it's in the right direction, for the right reason, toward the right person who's eagerly waiting to catch me.
 

I like that I remembered the LOVE sign being in the area and wanted to find it.  I like that we walked around town, hand in hand, across the railroad tracks into the beautiful sun, searching for LOVE.

I like the way I felt that afternoon.

I like smiling and laughing and living.

I like that something always brings him back to me.

I like that something always takes me back to him.

You never know what simple pleasures you may come upon when you are simply....

 searching for LOVE.

Focused on Quality or the Luck of the Irish?

 

A few years ago, I went to Chateau O'Brien winery in Markham on a cold, dreary, snowy Sunday in January. Why I haven't returned until now I don't know but at least I returned, right?

 

 



 

There are many compliments to give Chateau O'Brien:

 

1.  Buddy, the dog (who passed a while ago but I was able to meet on my first trip), is the official mascot.

2.  The owner is arrogant and Irish. I don't mind men who are arrogant and can back it up. What I don't like is men who are cocky. There's a difference to me - a big difference.

3.  No limos, buses or anyone under 21 is allowed. FINALLY! People!! Your children do NOT belong at a winery. Get a babysitter or take a bottle of wine home from your local grocery store. I praise Howard for making it very well known that unless you are of age to purchase and consume wine, you are not welcome. Besides, what's the point?

4. "His principles are founded on giving the customer a quality experience from the destination to the wine."

5. They grow all their own grapes, yes even ones that you wouldn't think would work in VA!

6. The beautiful landscaping, even in the winter, when everything is brown and blah

 

Even when the weather is cold, the climb to the winery is rocky and muddy, and the wind is blowing, I still love being in a vineyard. There's something about being out in nature, with rolling hills and blue skies that make my blood pressure decrease and a smile come across my face.

 

Railroad tracks and a run down barn don't hurt either....

What better time to go to Chateau O'Brien than on St. Patrick's Day weekend? An Irish trio was playing, cottage pies were being served, a bagpiper showed up every once in a while to play and the owner greeted us outside in a kilt and graciously agreed to take a picture with me.

 

Chateau O'Brien is classy and laid out beautifully. When you enter through the copper doors you have the choice of going to the right for the classic tasting of white wines or to the left for the cellar collection tasting of red wines. No reason why you can't do both, but they are known for their reds, I didn't want to waste my time on the whites and I was accompanied by the "Evil Red Genius". Maybe one day, in the summer, I'll venture to the white side.  Maybe.

 

Chateau O'Brien focuses on quality and it's even written on their labels. It is obvious to me in tasting their wines. You won't taste 10 to 12 wines here. You'll taste 4 on each side. You will most likely love all 4 that you taste. You won't be rushed. You'll have a new glass for each wine that you taste and you'll feel right at home. I've said for years I'd rather a winemaker focus on 4 to 6 wines and make them fantastic then make 10 to 12 and they are mediocre. It's not about quantity with me; it's about quality.

 

The Cellar Collection Wine Tasting

1. 2009 Malbec - CO'B is the first winery I've been to that offers a Malbec. When I hear Malbec I think Argentina or Chile. I found that there is also a French Malbec and Howard's is made in the French style. It smelled of cocoa and had a very spicy/tangy kick on the end. Very nice. Didn't taste like a typical Malbec to me and that's because it wasn't a typical Malbec!

 

2.  2010 Cabernet Franc - Cab Franc grapes grow well in Virginia. Every VA winery, I believe, has a Cab Franc or at least a red blend with Cab Franc in it. I don't care for them. We bought a bottle of this one to share. Need I say more? Quality over quantity. Howard takes the time to do it right. Ahhh, to have patience. A virtue I do not possess.

The Cab Franc was just released this month.  On the nose, as odd as it sounds, I was reminded of a plump, home grown tomato. Makes no sense, I know, but it is what it is. It had a rusty red color, almost burnt looking, and I didn't get any spicy notes at all. However, it was "supposed to be" spicier than the Malbec. My taste buds disagreed with that information. Tobacco and dirt were also present and no, that's not gross.
 

3.  2010 Petit Verdot - also released this month. Tends to grow well in this area of Virginia as well and while I enjoy blends that have Petit Verdot grapes, I'm usually not a fan of it on its own. However, we both agreed that with a huge piece of chocolate cake or some dark chocolate brownies, we wouldn't have turned a glass of Petit Verdot down.

 

It has a very heavy feel with a sort of thickness on your tongue.  It smelled like fudge to me and was a beautiful deep purple color.  Maurine said it tasted "muddy" and I said I needed something to scrape the roof of my mouth off. 

 

4.  2009 Limited Reserve Tannat -  We have a winner!!! SOLD!

 

Tannat grapes are from the southwest region of France. Tannat is also the national grape of Uruguay.  So it's growing in Virginia? Fauquier County? Really? Yeppers and it is DEE-LISH-US!!!!At least the one made by Chateau O'Brien is delicious. I was told it was unusual to grow Tannat grapes here but it was "worth the risk." Well, yes, I must agree!

 

While the first whiff of the Cab Franc made me think of a big juicy tomato, the first whiff of this Tannat made me think of that same tomato but rotting, fallen off the vine, laying in the dirt of the garden after a rain storm. I could even visualize it the minute I smelled the wine for the first time. Why was I not repulsed by that smell? Who knows but it seems as if the "funkier" a red wine smells to me, the more I like the taste. This was no different.  Such a smooth wine with just enough of a bite at the end to make you want more.

 

Naturally, it's the most expensive one at $79 a bottle but it is worth it - especially for a special occasion. The grapes were from 2009 when my dad turned 60. The year, I purchase a bottle is 2014 and dad will turn 65 in June. Sounds like the perfect special occasion to me!

 

Look at me with my four leaf clover shirt on!! Yes, I am part Irish!

 

We decided to get the $29 bottle of Cab Franc (still can't believe I liked it!!) and take it out on the back deck. We lasted long enough to take this picture and chat with the ladies at the table next to us but then the wind forced us inside.

While inside we shared a meat and cheese plate, cottage pies and chocolates. We had a great view of the mountains as well as the train wreck late 40-somethings acting like they were 20-somethings drinking Rose and wearing unsightly green pants that no one should ever wear on the deck.

 

To our surprise, this wonderful gentleman came through the winery playing the bagpipes. He was phenomenal and was such a nice touch!

 

Don't bother going to Chateau O'Brien if you want cheap wine and your goal is to get drunk. Don't go to Chateau O'Brien unless you want to try good, quality Virginia wine only 45 minutes down 66 West from the DC area.  Don't go to Chateau O'Brien unless you want to find a slice of Ireland in the hills of Fauquier County.

The Irish Trio!

"I'm a rambler. I'm a gambler. I'm a long ways from home. If you don't like me, just leave me alone! I'll eat when I'm hungry. I'll drink when I'm dry. If the moonshine don't kill me, I'll live 'til I die! "

 

 

Until next time, Chateau O'Brien..... it was our pleasure!

 

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

J.R.R. Tolkien

Tomato Basil Soup for my Ladybug

I bought a basil plant at Wegmans last weekend and while I always end up killing each one I buy, I'm determined this one will survive.

 

This time last year was a very difficult period in my life. My grandmother, my best friend, my biggest fan and the one who held (and still holds) the majority of my heart suddenly was admitted to the hospital and three weeks later went to be with the love of her life in heaven. While I am blessed to have had her in my life for almost 40 years, I am still grief stricken and my heart and life will never be the same.

When I worked in Old Town Alexandria I would often get the tomato basil soup from a little French cafe and bring it home. Grandmother enjoyed it as well and every Christmas I would put a jar of it in her stocking. She looked forward to it every year. It only made sense to try to make my own tomato basil soup since I had a basil plant and since it was a year that my ladybug's nightmare began.

So for my grandmother, here is a quick and easy creamy tomato basil soup recipe:

Quick and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

1 - 28oz can of no/low sodium crushed tomatoes
1- 15 oz box of vegetable broth/stock
1 cup heavy cream
fresh basil - as much as you like sliced thin as garnish

Combine broth and tomatoes in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. When soup bubbles, stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Season with a little sea salt and black pepper and simmer gently 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once poured in the bowl, add the basil.

Now it wouldn't be tomato basil soup without bread for dipping!
Often I just grab a baguette but this time I wanted a grilled cheese sandwich. I bought sliced sourdough bread and gruyere cheese for a little twist. So delicious by itself and dipped in the soup!

 

While cooking I always like to listen to music. Because I was in a somber mood while making this and wishing that I had thought of making this when Grandmother was alive, I decided to put on music that I hadn't listened to in a long time - the "One Cell in the Sea" cd by A Fine Frenzy. A Fine Frenzy, also known as Alison Sudol, grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald and swing music. Naturally, I would be drawn to her music.

Upon hearing the song "Last of Days," a few tears made their way into the tomato basil soup. I wouldn't recommend this ingredient but sometimes it's just necessary and it surely won't hamper the taste any.

Last of Days

 

Something causing fear to fly
Rising like a dark night
In silence
Traveling like a broken boat
Heading for the sky
And I'm an island

I watched you disappear into the clouds
Swept away into another town

The world carries on without you
But nothing remains the same
I'll be lost without you
Until the last of days

The sun is in the east,
Rising for the beasts
And the beauties
I wish that I could tear it down,
Plant it in the ground to warm your face

I built myself a castle on the beach
Watching as it slid into the sea

The world carries on without you
But nothing remains the same
I'll be lost without you
Until the last of days
Until the last of days

Through walls and harvest moons
I will fight for you

The world carries on without you
But nothing remains the same
I'll be lost without you
Until the last of days
Until the last of days

 

Friday night, just right

 

Most Friday nights I like to just go home and collapse. The work week has usually been long, I'm tired and truthfully, I want to be anti-social. However, some nights I enjoy going to my happy place, especially if there is one of my specials on the menu. Even after much contemplation throughout the day, I still wander there aimlessly in hopes that my spirits will be lifted along with my taste buds.

My happy place has never failed me.

 

Last Friday, I made reservations for dinner with one of my dear friends.  After happy hour with the PWC Big Bang Theory crew (yes, I'm Penny. I'll save that story for another time.), I went to Winestyles for the weekend tasting of Jacuzzi wines and then, to my delight, I found that my second favorite special was on the menu - Lamb Youvetsi!

All of a sudden, all was beginning to be right with my world.

 

 I have only had two Jacuzzi wines and was not impressed. The tasting proved to be unimpressive as well, until we arrived at the 2010 Barbera (Cali wine made in the Italian style).  Arthur knew that I would like that one and he was spot on. Lucky for me, I was able to also try the 2003 Barbera from a private stash which was DELIGHTFUL!!  What a nice little touch to start off the evening.

 

We were shown to our table for dinner and I immediately knew that I wanted the Lamb Youvetsi. I also saw that Stuffed Cabbage and Dolmathes were also on the menu and I ordered one to go. It is such great comfort food and reheats exceptionally well so planning ahead for Saturday dinner already proved successful!

 

When I first started frequenting Giorgios I had two favorite dishes that I always rotated.

Chicken Picatta (there will be a picture and post eventually) and the Bolognese - substituting penne pasta for the linguine.  You get a plentiful portion and it is even better warmed up the next day. Nothing beats Giorgio's bolognese sauce.. except when it is stuffed into handrolled crepes and covered in cheese (my first favorite special).

 

My request to Arthur: Please find us a big red wine that will go well with both of these dishes. 
Upon asking if we were up for trying something different and our response being yes (because Arthur has NEVER steers me wrong), we were presented with the Esporao Reserve 2010 from Portugal.

 

Sometimes I don't feel like analyzing and taking notes.

Sometimes I just like to take it all in and enjoy.

That is just what I did with the wine and my lamb youvetsi this fine Friday evening!

 

 

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own

 

Well, indeed!