Q4 2014 Wine Dinner

Got together with Robert and Rachel for one of our quasi-quarterly wine dinners. This was the first one in our new home, so we pulled out some great stuff.

Pulled together a tapas-style menu. Started with a cheese plate, then progressed to a parmesean tulip with goat cheese mouse and shaved black truffle. Ashleigh made a lovely scallop and cilantro dish in filo dough. Then we had pork and veal meatballs Albigondas style. We finished up with a smoked prime beef tenderloin with a red pepper sauce and a cabrales cheese sauce. Dessert included Christmas cookies and treats, as well as Marscapone-stuffed Medjool dates.

We enjoyed a white and a rose while finishing of early rounds of food and enjoying a cheese plate.

• 2012 Blackbird Vineyards Arriviste 90 Points

  USA, California

  Consistent with prior experiences, this is becoming my go-to rose. Full bodied and dry, a great wine to enjoy while you are out on the patio or finishing up dinner prep. This is always a hit with guests.

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• 2013 Becklyn Cellars Sauvignon Blanc McGah Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  Consistent with prior notes, this is a great Sav Blanc that drinks beautifully. Full bodied, but very lean and no oak/butter characteristics (which is a good thing in my book).

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A tandem of Colgin cabs were popped. The 2000 Herb Lamb slo ox'ed in the bottle for an hour, and the 2009 IX Estate was decanted for two hours.

• 2000 Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  This is classic stuff. Has aged gracefully, and secondary notes are present. Drank side by side with a 2009 IX Estate. This was the more delicate, caressing of the two. But I found that I preferred this one (slightly) over the IX Estate. It's just in a better drinking period. And great balance. No need for heavy food accompaniments on this one; enjoy by itself or with some lighter fare. Medium finish. This is drinking well now, and I'm not sure that it has the stuffing to cellar for a lot longer.

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• 2009 Colgin IX Estate 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  A powerful beauty, this is a big wine that is in its infancy. We decanted for 2 hours and it continued to open throughout the evening. Bold flavors of dark fruit and tinder box. Tannins were present, but grip was not a negative factor. Long, brooding finish. Drank side by side with a 2000 Herb Lamb Vineyard. Two very different wines at this stage, but both were classics. This one could use more time, and is packed for the long haul in the cellar if you are so inclined. Do think this score will improve with time. Stood up solidly to smoked beef tenderloin with red pepper and bleu cheese sauces.

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The 2006 SQN dessert chard was incredible. Was dessert in its own right, but also nice with Christmas cookies/treats and marscapone stuffed dates.

• 2006 Sine Qua Non Chardonnay Mr. K The Noble Man 96 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

  The is liquid gold in a glass. Darker in color than expected. Pure honey with a touch of citrus acid. This will get your attention right off the bat, and make you go "hmmmm" as you enjoy the remaining sips.

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Great experience combining good company, a fun array of foods and some very tasty wines. Fun to try the old vs. the new Colgin side by side and enjoy their unique qualities. And the SQN dessert wine was particularly incredible. Cap the evening with a little Rhetoric bourbon from Orphan Barrel and you've got yourself an evening to savor.