Russ and Mike's Tapas Party

Paradise Valley, AZ
Tasted Monday, March 26, 2012 by brigcampbell with 1,248 views

Introduction

Russ and Mike have been trying to organize a dinner party for everyone and with Sam visiting from New Jersey this seemed like the perfect time. Well, not quite. They sold their house shortly after confirming the dinner, ouch! But no problem for them, just buy another house and change the location! After moving into the house just a week before, the party took place without a hitch. Russ and Chris worked on the menu and decided on tapas which is great for guest because there are lots of samples to taste and pair with the wine. Not so much fun if you're in the kitchen cranking out all the snacks though!

Here is a beautiful view of Camelback and the Praying Monk right from the backyard.
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Flight 1 - The Line Up (1 Note)

Here is a quick snapshot of a few of the wines we tasted, I didn't write up notes on everyone.

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  • NV De Margerie Champagne Grand Cru Brut

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Light nimble bubbly. Fine bubbles and citrus nose with yeast. Palate is apple and bread. Mouthfeel is interesting, there is a foamy finish, not bad, just extremely light.

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Flight 2 - Cheese Platter (1 Note)

Fontina, Guyere, and White Cheddar.

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  • 2009 Clavo Cellars Viognier Apparition 88 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    Hum... This is a good wine and a good price. Served after sitting on ice for hours but that didn't seem to stop this wine because the tree fruit came blasting through with a nice clean finish, almost clipped.

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Flight 3 - Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce (1 Note)

These were delicious, lightly broiled which really brings out the flavor.
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Flight 4 - Guyere and Crab Meat Dip (1 Note)

What can you say about crab and cheese in a casserole except "yum".
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  • 2009 Cherry Pie (Hundred Acre) Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch Vineyard 85 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    OK, let me start this off with the fact that I was wildly disappointed by this wine. Except for the color which is beautiful, it lacks anything resembling a first class pinot noir.

    C: light cranberry, crystal clear
    N: Sweet red fruit/berry with a touch of funk
    P: Very sweet cherry and cranberry, like maraschino cherry juice
    F: very mild, no structure and thin body.

    Now that I have that out of my system, others really enjoyed the wine.

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Flight 5 - Papadew Peppers Stuffed with Goat Cheese

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Flight 6 - Foccia with Onion, Sage, and Mozzarella Cheese (1 Note)

Homemade foccia is always a favorite of mine and the sage baked into the bread, amazing.
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  • 2008 Witness Tree Vineyard Pinot Noir

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    Surprised at how delicate this wine is compared to others, I was expecting it to be much tighter. Nose is muted, cherry/raspberry flavours. Mouthfeel on the thin side. OK overall but not a repurchase for me.

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Flight 7 - Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables (1 Note)

When was the last time you were at a party and people were talking about the veggies?
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Flight 8 - Marie's Italian Meatballs (1 Note)

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  • 2009 Trinitas Old Vine Petite Sirah 88 Points

    USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County

    Everything about this wine is concentrated, color, aroma, and palate which creates a big bang for the buck. Nose hints at smoked berry compote. Flavor profile is extremely fruit forward with smoked meat. Fruit is sweet raspberry, almost if residual sugar might exist. Structure exist to last in the cellar which the wife already committed to purchasing more. We have enough PS in the cellar already to let a few of these age, hopefully.

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Flight 9 - Beef Gorgonzola Toast with Aoli Cream Sauce (1 Note)

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  • 2006 Bodegas Muga Rioja Selección Especial 86 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    The nose is the best part of this wine, offers a glimpse at a promising experience. But unfortunately the palate did not back it up. Middle of the road wine, dark muted fruit on the attack and then not much follow through to the finish. Not a very good QPR.

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Closing

It wouldn't be a roadtrip without stopping at the culinary mecca for grilled meat. We tried stopping at the Palm Springs In n Out but were forced away when the line was out the door and the wait was 20 minutes for a burger.

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