Mini ESTG at Asadero Kent

Mmm, smoky steak. Chimichurri. Cheesy side dishes. Smoky and hot salsa. Big red time!

Doesn't get much more interesting than a classy Champagne and one of the world's greatest Rose wines.

• 2008 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare

  France, Champagne

  Mmmm, smoky, bruised apple, creamy texture. A very complete and delicious Champagne.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2011 R. López de Heredia Rioja Rosado Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Salty, oxidative, amazing acidity. This is such a unique and special wine.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

Just before the steak, let's contemplate a great, young, ripe-vintage Bordeaux.

• 2003 Château La Mission Haut-Brion

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Mmm, smoky, chicory, deep and ripe fruit. It gained some funky and a moldy edge that made me think of a touch of TCA. Still a truly impressive wine.

  Read 1 Comment / Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

Time has not rewarded these...

• 2001 Two Hands Shiraz Ares

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Decent. Quite big. Went back a few times after the meal to really focus on it. Chocolate covered cherry. Very high octane. Absolutely no Syrah character to be found. Just a big, ripe red wine.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz Integrity 79 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Wow, just pure cough syrup. This thing is an utter disaster. Just terrible, really one of the worst things I have tasted in years. I kept going back, tried it three times. Nope. Simply awful.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

Time also does not seem to work here. Younger SQN Grenache is darned impressive!

• 2016 Sine Qua Non Grenache Dirt Vernacular

  USA, California, Central Coast

  Huge, young, raspberry cocoa. It is unabashedly massive with a balanced yet utterly ebullient character. It did spark an extended debate about the virtues of aging SQN Grenache. And I can say, compared to the 2007 SQN EBA Grenache, this was largely more pleasurable and impressive.

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Sine Qua Non Grenache Dangerous Birds

  USA, California, Central Coast

  Mmm, very polished, silky, surprisingly delicate. It's not tired, but it lacks the raw energy and intensity of the 2016 Dirt Vernacular. It makes one ask, should you age SQN Grenache or just pounce on it when young? (I have no doubt on the Syrah side, those reward aging endlessly.)

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

Super fun, meat doesn't get a lot better than this!