One Family. One Estate. One Passion - Trefethen Family Vineyards

Most Wednesdays I never know what time I'm going to get out of work. I always strive for 5pm but there are often things out of my control.  However, for weeks, I knew that my happy place was having a special evening tasting last night with a family vineyard from Napa. In the back of my mind, I planned to go; however, I didn't "sign up" until noon the day of the event. THAT is definitely out of character for me but it paid off because I was not only able to attend, but I was able to leave work a tad bit early!

The Evil Red Genius and I definitely needed this night out. We've had a hell of a couple of days this week and haven't been to my happy place in quite a while. Good things come to those who wait, I suppose.

In 1973, John Trefethen met Janet, they married, and began Trefethen Family Vineyards.  Last night, I was fortunate enough to taste seven wines from this 46 year old, 500-acre estate in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. The East Coast representative of 15 years was very informative about not only the wines but the entire family business.  He explained this area is the "sweet spot of Napa"; having the coolest climate in Napa.

The first wine of the night was the 2013 Dry Riesling ($22.99).  Trefethen's Dry Riesling is one of the only dry style Rieslings in Napa.  I am not a fan of sweet Rieslings or overly dry Rieslings like this one.  Had I not been told this was a Riesling, I would have sworn it was a Sauvignon Blanc. It smelled of grapefruit and green apple.  It was definitely too tart for my palette. Perhaps with food, a nice cheese, it would have been tolerable. Of course, I drank it, because one of my rules in wine tasting is not to waste. If you don't like it, then give it to a friend. However, this wasn't THAT bad so I drank it.

Next on the list was the 2012 Estate Chardonnay ($34.99). Trefethen's first vintage of this wine was in 1973 and this is the wine that "put them on the map".  In fact, while white wines don't age well and shouldn't be laid down to age like you can most reds, the rep told us that he had tried one of theirs from the 80s or 90s and it was shocking how wonderful it still tasted.  Yet, that is not the norm.

While the Evil Red Genius was pleasantly surprised exclaiming, "it was better than I thought," I felt as if this wine was just acceptable. Aromas of cream, vanilla and light pastry with a rich finish and light butter aftertaste. It had a creamy smell but not a creamy taste which disappointed me.  This wine definitely begs for food. Not the best Chardonnay I've ever tasted, but definitely not the worst either.


To our delight, next up were the reds......

The first red was the 2011 Merlot ($34.99). I must admit, I am partial to Washington State Merlot and trying this wine didn't change my mind.  The smell did not appeal to me - petroleum, burning wax.  The taste of this wine was overwhelmingly cherry with maple syrup or molasses. It was not smooth at all.  I find it interesting when people pronounce Merlot "mare-LOW". Perhaps, I'm saying it wrong, "mur-LOW". Oh well.

Seeing the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.99) as next on the list, we were getting hopeful. It was a deep, dark color and better than the Merlot but still a little tart. It smelled of dark berries, coffee and chocolate but still didn't win me over. I thought perhaps it was still young and needed to age or that a decanter would help. However, Arthur told me later it had been decanted for 2 hours already so there went that theory! When the rep told us that if we liked big, bold Cabs then we wouldn't get that from Trefethen then I knew what the problem was! We like big, bold Cabs. Trefethen focuses on making well-balanced wines which is admirable and I'm sure many people think fondly of them. I just prefer the bigger ones. When it comes to Cabs, size DOES matter! 

However, the Evil Red Genius and I were satisified because we finally were moving in the right direction for our taste. I reached to toast her and didn't clear the six empty glasses on our table, and made a pretty obnoxious clinking sound as if something had broken. Naturally, this happens at the quietest moment of the evening and everyone then has all eyes on us. However, I made it clear that not a single thing broke or even fell over!!! Phew!

 

At this point, you're probably thinking, what a snob. Or she's soooooo picky. Is there anything there that she liked? Why did she even bother going? She must have been miserable. Well, hold on for a moment because it's about to get better.  We all have different palettes and know what we like. It's ok not to like something. The more you try the more you realize what you like and what you don't.
It's all about experimentation!
 

My taste buds started to get excited with the last three wines. First was the 2010 Dragon's Tooth  ($94.99) which is 58% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot. So far, it was the darkest in color and it had the smoothness that I had been longing for!  It had a burning smell and the Evil Red Genius mentioned that it smelled like a pretzel. Combine them and you get "burning pretzel". How's that for a new red wine descriptor? I like it!

While it had a smoky, tangy taste, it also reminded us of a Pinot Noir. Very interesting and complex. My favorite quote of the evening, "I need a big ole hung of chocolate cake with this one.... or maybe just a big ole hunk with chocolate in his hand." Yep, yours truly.

Where did the name Dragon's tooth come from? It's best explained from the winemaker himself, "The Red Dragon on the label of our Dragon's Tooth Napa Valley Red Wine originated in ancient British legend where two dragons—one red, one white—fight in the sky. The boy Merlin watches them with King Vortigern and when the red prevails, driving the white across the sea, the boy foretells the coming of King Arthur who will lead Vortigern's people, the Welsh, to victory over the invading Saxons. Catherine Trefethen, our First Lady, was Welsh. Her loves for wine, gardens and family were the inspiration for our estate in Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District, and though she has departed, her spirit is still felt, especially in the cool foggy mornings when mist envelops the vineyard and our minds tend towards whimsical imaginings."


By far, my favorite of the evening is the next wine we tried, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.  90% Cab which would also most likely explain why it was my favorite. Very smooth on the nose and the palette. At this point in the night, I wasn't taking as many notes. Once I find something I like, I tend to throw caution to the wind and just enjoy it!





 At $124.99, this wine is going to do nothing but get better with time. This wine was decanted for almost three hours and I could tell it would just get better. It was definitely not at its peak and most likely could be laid down for a good five to 10 years and be delightful down the road. A good special occasion wine. Buy three now. Try one in five years - see how you feel about it. If it's good, then lay the next one down for 5 more or even 10. I probably could have bought one and saved it for my 50th birthday but honestly, at this price, I've had better. I've definitely had better at less (any Orin Swift red). 




HaLo is the flagship wine of Trefethen Family Vineyards. It is named for their two kids (or their next generation of winemakers) Hailey and Loren, who grew up in the middle of the Hillspring Vineyard in the Mayacamas foothills of western Napa Valley, the source of this red wine. The family claims that the vineyard’s rocky, shallow soils, coupled with a climate protected from fog and wind, make Hillspring the perfect spot to grow exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.

HaLo is one of Arthur's "aha wine moments" and I always love to hear those stories. Naturally, my first aha wine moment was with an Orin Swift wine many years ago. Oh Orin... but I digress.  Arthur had decided to sell a 2006-2007-2008 vertical (3 pack of consecutive years) of HaLo and not sell them individually. He also did not plan on opening a HaLo for us to try but he surprised us and opened the 2006!! The vertical is priced at $899.99 and a girl I know there bought two of them. What she does for a living, I have no idea, but you know what? Maybe I don't want to know!         

While I photographed the 2007 HaLo that the rep brought around for us to see, we tried the 2006 HaLo at the tasting. The nose was amazing - earthy, the cherry that was prominent in the previous Cabs went away and it was very smooth. I could have enjoyed smelling that wine for hours without even being tempted to taste it. It smelled that good! It had a peppery taste and while it was good, to the dismay of most, it didn't knock my socks off! Fortunately, the Evil Red Genius agreed with me.

 

 

We both liked the Dragon's Tooth and Cab Sav Reserve better. In fact, after the official tasting, we went back for more tastes of both of those. Arthur even saved a sip of the HaLo for me just to make sure I didn't change my mind, and I didn't. While I greatly appreciate it, it just didn't blow me away. At $300 a bottle, I'm not too upset about it not being my favorite. 

I love these special tastings that my wonderful happy places holds. I try my best to go to them when they are held because most of the time they involve wines that I'd never normally get to taste. To my surprise, my work scheduled didn't conflict with this event and all the stars aligned so that I'd be able to participate. I'll gladly pay $25 to taste wines that I may never know about otherwise and at prices that I definitely wouldn't just nonchalantly pull off the shelf on any given Wednesday!

After this tasting, and writing this post, I am left with this very appropriate quote by Janet Trefethen....

 "Food and wine: two things that bring people together. And much like the best relationships, together they can take each other to heights neither can achieve alone.

Each of us has a “treasure chest” of sensory delight based in our noses and mouths, just waiting to be opened, bringing pleasure to an otherwise ordinary day, or adding the crowning touch to a splendid party."

 -Janet Trefethen

To Arthur -

Thanks for bringing pleasure, a simple pleasure, to our otherwise ordinary Wednesday!

An oaked Chardonnay that even unoaked fans will enjoy

Wandering around Harris Teeter to pick up a few things on my lunch break yesterday, I was happily greeted with three shopping carts of discounted wine! The prices ranged from $7.99 to $12.99.

The shocking part is that I only bought one bottle because only one began to remotely appeal to me.  To my delight, I was very pleased with my bargain find!

 

2012 Discoveries Vineyard Chardonnay

West Cape, South Africa

 

 

 

 

 With aromas of light toasted oak, honeysuckle and creme brulee, I was already satisfied with the "bargain wine".  The taste was more of the same and very pleasant; not overly oaky or full of citrus. 

 

 I have found there are two kinds of Chardonnay lovers - the ones who love the oak Chards and the ones who love the "mineraly" Chards. I believe I have found that this wine would appeal to both. It is a very pleasant and easy to drink light Chardonnay.

 

 As I had hoped, this South African Chardonnay went fantastically well with shrimp tacos!

How do you make quick shrimp tacos, you ask? All of the ingredients I used are pictured and listed below.

 

Saute shrimp in olive oil, black pepper and little bit of minced garlic

I like to use the fajita style whole wheat tortillas; not as big as a burrito but bigger than a soft taco shell.

Your choice of salsa. I try a different kind almost everytime I buy salsa. This one is Newman's Own medium and chunky which was delicious.

A couple of sprigs of fresh cilantro (Yes, I think cilantro makes EVERYTHING better)

half of an avocado (that was enough for 2 tacos for me)

Definitely cheese - this time I used Mexican shredded cheese

 

It really is all about what you like and how much of it you like.

I just threw it all together - no real recipe. I must say that it was quick and delicious!

The Chardonnay just made it even better!

 

 

As I finished my second glass of this Chardonnay, I wanted something to cleanse my palette.

A square of Ghiradelli white chocolate was absolutely magical!

 

 

When I try a new wine, or one that I'm not familiar with, I always like to research it a bit. I enjoy finding out what the winemaker thinks it smells and tastes like, why he's chosen certain names for the wines and the vineyard, the history of the vineyard, etc.

 

In researching this vineyard, I found the following:

 

The Road Less Traveled

It’s not always the journey that changes our lives.

It’s often the Discoveries we make along the way.

It might be a humble-looking restaurant that serves the world’s best crab cakes, or maybe a gentle bike trail that ends with breathtaking views of the coastal mountains, or perhaps that perfect wave waiting to be ridden off the coast of Ventura.

Great discoveries may be hard to find but we guarantee they are well worth the journey.

 

 

 

Thank you, Harris Teeter, for putting this lovely wine in the discount cart yesterday.
It really isn't about the journey, is it?
It truly is all about the simple discoveries that we find along our journey which change our lives and make each moment worthwhile!

 

 

 

 

 

Can the right wine and the right music help make any man the right one?

I hadn't drank wine all week long. Shocking, right? Not really. Believe it or not, some days I just don't feel like "wine-ing". Now whining, yes, but not "wine-ing". There's a big difference.

I came home last Thursday evening in the middle of thunderstorms that proceeded to continue all night long. In the morning, I found water seeping through the foundation of my house. But let's not focus on the negative, let's focus on Thursday night with wine, music and men. Men, you ask? Well, ok, maybe not plural. Maybe not physically sharing wine and music with men.

Maybe just in my head and hopeful dreams.

I had been conversing with a friend from my past all week. Someone who I hadn't spoken to in a few years. Someone I hadn't seen 16 years! Someone I spent every day with for almost two years until it all blew up in my face. But time heals all wounds, right? Well, not really, but wine and music help the healing process, even if only for a little while.

Sometimes I just "feel" like a certain wine. I can't really explain it. It's just a feeling for a certain wine; a craving perhaps. To my surprise, I found that I still had the Cabernet Sauvignon made by the band, Train, in my cellar.  With the opening of this bottle, that leaves only the "Hella Fine" Merlot left by this fantastic band to try.

2010 California 37

With aromas of farm and dark berries, the taste bursts with fruit. While it's lighter than a typical Cab from California, it was soft, smooth and easy to drink.

It paired well with tuscan eggplant tomato pasta, garlic ciabiatta bread and the 1970's radio on Spotify that I was enjoying. More specifically, it tasted even better when the Bee Gees came on.

Most importantly, and to my surprise, it also paired wonderfully well with Southern Maryland conversation.

 

Music and men and wine are alike. Not all are spectacular but there's something for everyone. 

With the right music and wine, it might just help make any man the right one. 

 

What's exciting is when it's the one that you least expected and you don't overanalyze it because it  just feels right!

 

"It's really this simple. Does it make you happy?"

Zin, anyone?

I was going to my parents new beach house on Saturday morning for the day. My mom was making barbecued pulled chicken in the crock pot for dinner. I couldn't travel there for dinner without having a bottle of wine in hand.

 

Sure, I could probably have found something in my home to take with me but I wanted something new and that would pair well with dinner. After some research and a trip to the store, I decided to take a chance on a Zinfandel.

The last Zin I tried was on Super Bowl Sunday and it tasted like vomit and I couldn't even fathom smelling it. But I figured I'd try a different one and if it was disgusting then I only wasted $10.  They can't all be bad, right?

 

 

2011 Sterling Vintner's Collection

Central Coast, California

 

 

Aromas of dark berries, plum and damp forest started us off and we were delighted. It was absolutely superb with the bbq pulled chicken. In fact, the smokiness in the bbq brought out the vanilla taste in the Zin and made it very enjoyable.

 

 

My first meal at the new house!

 

If you want a bargain wine that is bigger than a Pinot Noir but not as big as a Merlot, I would highly recommend this Zinfandel.

 

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”

― Paulo Coelho

No Obligations....

The older I get the more I don't feel obligated to do anything I don't want to do. Let's face it, we all have things we HAVE to do that we'd rather not - one of those being work. Unfortunately, we need a job to pay the bills and for all the pleasures that require money in this world.   We have to cut the grass when it grows too tall, we have to shovel the snow.  We have to go to the dentist and we have to have annual medical checkups. We have to do typical things in life that we would rather not do but unfortunately just must do.

Because of all the things that I HAVE to do, I am finding it much easier, and I'm much happier, to not have obligations in other aspects of my life. If it doesn't make me happy or benefit me, then I'm not doing it. Now, I know that sounds selfish, but those of you who know me, know that I am definitely NOT a selfish person. However, experiences in life, relationships and my own well-being over the last few years have forced me to live my life with no obligations; unless they are obligations that I set for myself and I WANT to uphold. 

I have always lived my life putting other people first; making others happy. There's nothing wrong with making others happy, but there is something wrong if your own personal happiness and contentment suffer as a result.

Following this line of thinking, I decided to have a "no obligations" afternoon last Friday. There was somewhere some think I "should" have been.  Others think I should have gone because it was just "the right thing to do". Still others think I should have "been the better person." Well, guess what?
I don't really care what any of those "someones" think because they are not me, do not live my life, do not know my feelings and also are not aware of the past circumstances which made me, without a doubt, decide that I did not belong there, was not wanted there, and had no intention of being there.

I did do the RIGHT thing, with the RIGHT people at the RIGHT place - with MY friends at MY happy place. ' Nuff said!

We needed deliciousness in the form of a big red from California to commemorate this moment in time. After much deliberation, we decided to share the

2009 Hidden Ridge

Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 

Kurt (aka Butta) so graciously decanted it for us and left a tad bit in the bottom of the bottle because there was some sediment there.  Once he was out of earshot, we looked at each other and thought, "Sediment? Do we care about that?"  The Evil Red Genius proclaimed, "We can drink the sediment! It's fiber!"  As if there was any doubt, right then, I knew that I made the right decision to be where I was at that given moment. No obligations.

 

We didn't analyze this wine too much; we wanted to enjoy it. However, we came up with combined aromas of cocoa, tobacco, plum and smoke.   The taste descriptors were interesting, if not amusing, but relevant, and consisted of smooth, cocoa, lemon citrus, tangy and the best of all, "BURNING BUSH!!"

 



 

 

I left work early that afternoon and hadn't eaten lunch so by the time I got to my happy place I was starving.  Too soon for dinner though (although I did take lasagna home for later). I decided upon the open-faced chicken souvlaki platter. I've had the sandwich before but the platter with the most amazing soft pita chips and tzatziki sauce was divine! Just what I needed!

The weekend tasting line-up included three wines from FLO (For The Love Of....) Wines.

While I wasn't impressed with the wines (or the fact that the owner/musician was late showing up to perform), I did like what was on the back of the label.

It was relevant to this "no obligations celebration".

 

 

 

 

Even though the decanter reminds me of a urinal, it sure made the wine delicious! 

I know, did she just say that? Yes, I did.

There are so many different varieties of decanters and I absolutely hate this one.

Oh well, it works and I suppose that's all that should matter.

 

We had to splurge and each have a sea salt and chocolate caramel before all the

Hidden Ridge disappeared.

 

However, this chocolate should be savored and appreciated.

So, we admired it and pet it a little before we devoured it.

 

 

 I would be remiss if I didn't announce that The Evil Red Genius and The Velvet Devil now have coined their wine amigo as Flo, the Purple Angel. Someone has to temper out the dark side, right? Who better than an angel, adorned in purple?

 

 

 

 

A few memorable quotes:

 

 1. "We're our own personal wine cards." Who needs Table Topics cards to get the party started with the three of us?

 

2. "Not having wine every day would not work." There are a lot of things to give up when on a diet but giving up wine is not an option.

 

3. "Ding dong, the bitch is gone!"

 

 

 

 

 

“There are two ways to get enough.

One is to continue to accumulate more and more.

The other is to desire less.”
― G.K. Chesterton

 

 

 

 

It was time.....

About four years ago, I fell in love with a wine after having dinner with my parents and my boyfriend at my happy place.  I can remember the moment as if it was yesterday, wondering why all my friends were congregating around the corner of the bar. What was all the fuss about?

All the fuss was about the 2007 Kent Rasmussen Chardonnay from Napa Valley. This Chardonnay had just arrived and everyone was going literally insane over it. One of my friends let me try it and I instantly fell in love. 

 

 

I remember one of the guys, who later became a good friend of mine, bought an entire case and it just arrived in the shop that day! I went months, close to a year, without knowing/remembering his name, so I just referred to him as Kent.

As time went on, my boyfriend and I became very accustomed to this wine and both enjoyed it immensely.   We bought a bottle and I stored it properly, saving it for a special occasion.

Soon this Chardonnay was sold out and I believe Arthur got it back in stock one other time a year later. However, I found out last year that Kent was no longer making a Chardonnay and my heart truly sunk. How grateful I was to have that one bottle of the 2007 vintage.  Oftentimes over the years, I thought of opening it but then I had the dilemma of once I opened it, I'd never have it again.

 

As a result, I didn't open it.... until last night, May 7, 2014.

May 7 doesn't represent a birthday or an anniversary or a death. I didn't get a promotion. I didn't buy a house. I didn't get married. May 7 has no real significance. 

May 2 does and May 8 does but not May 7.

Last night, I decided to sautee shrimp with zucchini, squash, tomatoes and onions in olive oil and serve it over angel hair pasta. I decided I wanted to enjoy my dinner outside on my deck and I'd like a nice white wine as well.

I decided that last night was the time to open up that bottle of Chardonnay once and for all.

 

Sometimes songs invoke a memory or a feeling. Music can literally take me back to a moment in time and make me feel exactly as I felt at that moment. That is exactly what the Kent Rasmussen Chardonnay did to me last night. With every sip, it was like a trip down memory lane. I became very nostalgic; longing for a time ... and a love...that I couldn't get back. Just as with every sip of wine I knew that it would soon be the last sip I'd ever have, the memories also were flooding back but I knew that I had to finally release them as well.

 

A few years ago, half of my heart was taken from me. In April of last year, I lost the other half.

I have never loved so deeply with all that I am - heart, body, mind and soul - as I did with both of those individuals. Unconditional with no regrets.

 If only I could bottle those feelings and moments of my life.

This 2007 Chardonnay represents one of those loves. 2007, the year this wine was produced, is the same year that we fell in love. How ironic? Or is it.....

 The opening and enjoying of this wine last night on my own represents a release that I needed.

As I opened that bottle, knowing how special it was and knowing that I'll never be able to have it again, it felt as if I was letting go of a part of my past - a part of my past that needed to be released so that I could finally allow myself to move on.

It was extremely cathartic. 

I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that no matter how badly I may want it, things don't happen when I want them to. There is a plan for me and I am only here to do the best I can do with the life I've been given. Every person, every circumstance, every feeling, every decision is part of a plan that is truly out of my control.

 

Something told me to open that bottle last night and I didn't know why. But it was the best thing I could have done because it gave me "me" back and the tremendous feeling of hope that surrounded me was astounding.

 

As I finished my meal and walked back into the house, I was stopped in my tracks by one of my favorite songs - a song I don't hear often and a song that made perfect sense at that moment. 

Again.... everything happens as it should.....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0XJCJ1Srw&feature=kp

Nature Boy - Nat King Cole

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love...

 and be loved in return.

A Trip to The Wine House

Sometimes you have to try something new just to prove to yourself that you've already found the best.  I'm always up for new adventures in wine and food though so no regrets!

 

The Wine House is a wine bistro and shop on Main Street in Fairfax; not far from George Mason University. I went there a few years ago and was not impressed but didn't have a bad experience. A few months ago when I saw a Groupon come through for $40 worth of food, I decided to give it a second chance.  A few weeks ago, I took the Evil Red Genius there for her birthday lunch.

 

 

 

It was a very nice spring day and we decided to sit outside on their patio, soak up the sun and share some yummy food and a bottle of wine.

First, we ordered the cheese plate which was delicious.  Then again, we're very easy to please when it comes to cheese and bread.

 
Second, was a quiche with tomatoes, spinach and goat cheese on a mixed greens salad. I have found in life that there are two kind of people - those who LOVE goat cheese and those who DESPISE goat cheese. There is no in between. Thankfully, the Evil Red Genius loves goat cheese, as do I.

 

Next on the menu was the Steak Frites platter - hanger steak with pommes frites and black peppercorn cream sauce. The steak was perfectly cooked, could be cut with a butter knife and the sauce was divine.

 

 

 

Lastly, for dessert was a chocolate terrine. Not as thick as fudge, but thicker than a brownie. It was rich but paired well with our wine.

 

 

Speaking of wine......

When we arrived at The Wine House, there were two tables with customers on the outdoor patio and no customers inside. Similar to the last time, I feel that, while their food is delicious, their customer service is lacking. When I walk into a neighborhood place that is small and it's obvious I'm not a "regular" I expect someone to acknowledge me and want to "win me over".

 

Now, keep in mind, no one was rude but they weren't jumping for joy to help us either. Am I spoiled at my happy place? Of course I am, to a certain extent. However, even though I am a "regular" there, I am still treated as a customer and even more so because they know how highly I think of the establishment.  They know how happy I am and want to keep me that way.

 

The wine selection at The Wine House is limited but the typical regions are represented - California, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Virginia with a few others thrown in here and there. However, what I did not like was that there are no descriptors of the wines. If the staff was willing and friendly, perhaps they wouldn't need little placards with descriptions. But at this point, I'd like to have one or the other.

 

We ended up asking one of the gentlemen that worked there what he recommended for a big, bold Cab in our price range. He suggested a few but didn't go into much detail. He seemed like he didn't want to be there and I'm all for not wanting to be at work some days, but you learn to "fake it til you make it." Or you should.... When he said one of my favorite all-time cabs was overpriced and wasn't very good, I knew right then and there we weren't going to see eye to eye on wines.

 

 

We chose the 2010 Stratton Lumis from Napa. Like I always say, when in doubt, you can't go wrong with a Napa Cab.

 

 

This wine had soft tannins with layers of dark fruit, mocha and cassis.

 I enjoyed it but it wasn't as big of a Napa Cab as I am used to and typically favor. 

 

However, it is amazing how good company, sunshine and good food can improve the taste of the wine!

 

 

 

“A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover!”
― Clifton Fadiman

 

 

 

I love you too, Canneloni Bolognese....

"There is no love more sincere, than the love of food."

 

It would be difficult to find many dishes that I love more than my happy place's

Canneloni Bolognese.

 

 

 

Two handmade crepes filled with homemade bolognese and smothered in cheese with a side of pasta

 

Words cannot do this dish justice.

The first time I tried it, almost five years ago, I fell in love and I have stayed in love.

In fact, each time I have it, I fall more in love.

If only I could find a man that I loved that much!

 

There was a time (but staff has come and gone) when one of the chefs, the waitresses and the wine bar employees would all text me, call me and post on my facebook page when this would be on the menu. It is my crack. There is no doubt. It didn't take long for other customers to catch on and when this is on the menu, it often is sold out on Friday. I order one to eat in the restaurant, and at the same time, order one to take home. I want to savor it as long as I possibly can - all weekend long.

 

Each time, even now, when I heard that it's "Canneloni Bolognese weekend", I get excited.

 My mouth starts watering and I cannot wait until 5pm so I can rush over there to enjoy it!

 

 

 Above is another shot of the heavenly dish from a previous evening at Giorgios. You can see the crepes better in this picture - not as much cheese on top - yet just as delicious.  Typing this post is even making me hungry and longing for my favorite special....

 

A couple of weeks ago, when Canneloni Bolognese was the special, my parents joined me for dinner and one of my favorite waitresses and friends knew what I wanted. When it was time to take orders she didn't even need to take my order. "I know what YOU want". Gotta love it! They take such good care of me!

 

My mom was also excited because her favorite special was also on the menu that evening - baked ziti.  She had mentioned to me the previous time that she wished it had meat in it. Well, this time my sweet Sarah asked her if she wanted a meatball on it. She was thrilled and hence, below is the baked ziti with a boulder meatlball on top! When Mom's happy, everyone's happy!

Dad ordered the chicken meatloaf which was also on the specials list for the evening. I am not a meatloaf fan... AT ALL. I have always despised meatloaf and think that no food but bread should be in the form of a loaf. Dad enjoyed it, and that's all that matters. Still, looking at this picture, I start to cringe.
Meatloaf is not my friend.

 

 

Then came the feat of which wine will go with heaven in the form of crepes and meatloaf?

Arthur to the rescue and, once again, he did not disappoint.

 

 

2009 Northstar Merlot

Columbia Valley, WA

 

 

 

81% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot

 

Rich aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, blackberry, and maple with flavors of blueberry and chocolate.

 

As Arthur, said, "This is a Merlot, that tastes like a Cab."

It is a beautiful Merlot that just gets better if you have the patience to let it decant. Arthur knows I don't always have patience but for the right thing, I have all the patience in the world. As this meal went on, and the wine decanted, it just got better.

 

When we ordered the oreo cheesecake to finish off our Merlot, and Dad tasted the chocolate sauce, his reaction was epic,

"Sweet Jesus! That's good!" 
 

Yes, friends, if you didn't know it by now (even though I keep telling you), chocolate and red wine are a match made in heaven.

As the years have gone on, our mutual friendship has grown, and while Mike is the jokester and Arthur is the more business-minded of the two brothers, Arthur has learned that he can not only get away with joking with us but he can enjoy it.  When he was pouring our wine to taste I noticed that some of it dripped down the bottle and I had to comment. I couldn't let that go!! I really could care less but I take every chance I can to "get him". His response, got me, and I was proud because it was so unexpected. 

Me: "Excuse me, sir but you dripped wine down the side of the bottle."
Arthur: "It's ok, because you're my homies."

So, to the right, is the picture of the couple now known as "Arthur's Homies".

 



Did I mention jokes? Yes, jokes abound in my happy place and I love it. They surprise me every time with something new.  I always want more water and over the years Mike usually finds new and interesting vessels for my water. Some of the wait staff have caught on. On this evening, it was Will, who was mad because Sarah was our waitress and he wasn't.  He brought me out water in a pitcher with an extremely long straw.  In fact there were about 8-10 straws molded together to make one long straw. As you can see it was long enough for Will and I to share my pitcher of water.


 There's no place like home!

I am fond of this quote by Elizabeth Gilbert; however, I would use Canneloni Bolognese in place of pizza. 

 

"I love my pizza so much, in fact, that I have come to believe in my delirium that my pizza might actually love me, in return. I am having a relationship with this pizza, almost an affair."

 

 

 

One more to go please.....

 

I love you too, Canneloni Bolognese.

I always will.

 

Helix and Chicky Chicky Parm Parm

Well, that title should have encouraged you to read this post!!  If you have ever watched the show "Parks and Recreation" or know who Aziz Ansari is, you'll know what I'm talking about. When the show first aired, Aziz' character referred to Chicken Parmesan as "chicky chicky parm parm". For whatever reason it was hilarious and has stuck with me. Years later, I still laugh hysterically whenever I see this yummy dish on a menu or, as in this case, when I make it myself at home.

While the Helix Merlot and the chicken parmesan I made did not pair well together, I'm still blogging about them together!!  Helix was fantastic while I was cooking and again after I ate my meal so all is not lost!

Chicken Parmesan

This is one recipe in which I don't really use specific measurements.  I have made it so many times that I can "eye ball" how much I need depending on how much I want.

 

You'll need three shallow bowls - one for flour, one for a beaten egg (with black pepper) and one for bread crumbs. Sometimes I put parmesan cheese in with the bread crumbs - your choice.

In this case, I had chicken tenderloins already at home so I used them. Usually I use four chicken breasts. Regardless, pound the chicken to flatten it out some and tenderize it.  Then coat the chicken on both sides in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs. With a tablespoon or two of olive oil heated on medium in a skillet, sautee the chicken no more than three minutes on each side until it reaches

165 degrees.  Use a paper towel to pat the cooked chicken dry.

 

Place the chicken on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet with spaghetti sauce

(I use Wegmans Seasoned Tomato Sauce) and mozzarella cheese.

 

 

After baking in a 350 degree oven for about 8 minutes, the chicken will be ready!!

I usually eat it with a side of angel hair pasta and add more sauce and cheese to the pasta before enjoying!

 

 

 

 

Now to discuss the yummy wine enjoyed before and after the delicious Chicky Chicky Parm Parm.....

 

 

2010 Helix Merlot

Stillwater Creek Vineyard

Walla Walla, Washington

 

 

 

 

About four years ago, I came upon Helix out of sheer luck. To my dismay, I never found it again. I don't even remember what vintage it was but I know it wasn't this one. Last year, Helix came back to my happy place, even though it was a different label and vintage, but I grabbed a bottle anyway.

 

Helix wines have a label featuring an image of a snail.

 Helix, the genus name for the Burgundian snail, is the creme de la creme of “escargot.” 

The winemaker's grandparents also met, married and owned a farm near Helix, a rural farming community near Pendleton, Oregon. With his granddad’s approval, he sold the Helix farm in order to build a new winery and create a second label (Reininger is the first label).  By naming it Helix, he feels he is honoring his grandparents and the agricultural heritage of his family.

 

 I'm such a sucker for family and definitely for honoring grandparents! Cheers!

 

 

Upon first sniff, I sighed a very calming but vocal "mmmmmmm".  This beautiful ruby-purple wine has aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, spice, dark berries and jam.  I also enjoy a wine that I want to continue to smell. I was in no rush to taste the wine; savoring the lovely aroma with anticipation of its taste. My nose doesn't get this treat very often but when it does it is very appreciative.

When I tasted Helix, I had flavors of cocoa and dark fruit with a smooth tannins but a quick tartness on the finish.  Perhaps decanting it would have smoothed it out even more but I didn't bother.

 

The 2010 Helix was nice; a very unassuming wine.  I do wish I knew which vintage I had previously though because, although this was good, I still long for that one.

Well, if Helix didn't pair well with chicky chicky parm parm, what did it pair well with? Aside from Jason Mraz tunes and Alex Preston on American Idol singing "Sweater Weather", it was absolutely divine with Hershey's chocolate pudding!  They even look good together!

I don't know if it was the music, the spring weather, the chocolate or the story behind the name, but this wine made me feel hopeful!

 

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tunes without the words...

and never stops at all."

 

- Emily Dickinson