Take me out to the Ballgame

A few of the CWM got together at Anwar and Trigirl's home last weekend. The theme for the offline dinner was "take me out to the ballgame". In attendance was Anwar, Trigirl, LostVerse and his wife, Jcubed and my wife and I. Here are the courses and wines:

Amuse Bouche - A spin on "peanuts and cracker jack". Candied walnuts with a side shot of liquified caramel corn. (Anwar and Trigirl)
Roasted spiced and buttered nuts (LostVerse)
"Curse buster" goat cheese, fig and carmelized onion crustini (LostVerse)

• NV Marguet Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut Tradition 92 Points

  France, Champagne

  (4/7/2012)

  Opened by Anwar. Last time I had this was in 2009. No formal notes. 92 points.

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• 2003 Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 89 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (4/9/2012)

  Opened by LostVerse for the "take me out to the ballgame" offline. He picked this because it was the year of the "Bartman" game. No formal notes. 89 points.

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• NV Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Brut 89 Points

  France, Champagne

  (4/7/2012)

  This estate is a neighbor of Billecart-Salmon in Mareuil sur Ay. 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Meunier. From the 2005 vintage with 23% of reserve wine added. Drank at the "take me out to the ballgame" offline. Moderate bead. Rather clean with some peanut notes but muted flavors which kept this out of the outstanding category. 89 points.

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• 2003 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (4/7/2012)

  Opened by LostVerse. Rich and full bodied. Pear and vanilla notes. A little too rich and creamy for tastes. 88 points.

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Deconstructed "hot dog". Pressed pork belly with beer braised onions, pickled celery, smoked tomatillo relish, and candied tomatoes served on a small roll. (Anwar and Trigirl)
Sides of homemade macaroni salad and handcut fries with a parmesan/herb dusting. (Jcubed)

• 2001 Clarendon Hills Syrah Clarendon 91 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon

  (4/7/2012)

  Opened by Jcubed. Creamy texture. Still a big wine after 11 years. Notes of cocoa, herbs and plum. Drank alongside the 2001 Dead Arm which I liked slightly better. 91 points.

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• 2001 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 93 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  (4/7/2012)

  Took my last bottle to the "take me out to the ballgame" offline. Showing very well. Still rich and deep at 11 years old. Notes of dark chocolate and black fruit. 93 points.

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• 2004 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  (4/7/2012)

  Opened by Anwar. Deep red color. Notes of smoke, red berries and pepper. Full bodied with moderate tannins. Thought this was showing some glycerin. 91-92 points.

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• 2001 Château Côte de Baleau 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

  (4/9/2012)

  This was served blind next to a 2001 Arns Napa Cab. 2nd time Anwar has opened this for me. Not as bright and lively as 3 years ago. Smoother texture now. still showing plum notes with some charcoal on the finish. The tannins seem to be well integrated now. 90-91 points.

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• 2001 Arns Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa Valley 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (4/9/2012)

  Opened blind by Anwar next to a 2001 Bordeaux. This was my favorite red of the night. Very lively for a 2001 Napa Cab. Rich texture and loaded with fruit. Medium to full bodied. Deep berry, currant and tobacco notes. The best Napa Cab I've had in the last 5 years. 93 points.

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A takeoff on the "Crosstown Classic". Red, white and Cubbie blue cupcakes with a miniature black and white russian White Sox milkshake. The cupcakes were red velvet shaped like a full size baseball, white butter creme frosting with red piping to resemble a baseball with a bittersweet chocolate ganache center. The milkshakes were served in a clear glass with dark chocolate ganache strips on the side. The shakes were made with vanilla ice cream, kahlua and creme de cocoa. (Mrs. Vino Me)

VM