It was great to have another favorite Seattle Wine Brat (SWB) visiting recently. Though she took over Rain Man’s legacy of bringing down the sky, abundant good times did not elude us. Effects of Hurricane Ike plagued Bay Views two biggest festivals on Saturday but we managed to take advantage of the one break in the rain to enjoy dancing a full set by Beat Nation at the Global Union World Music Festival. It started to rain again just in time for the next band, so we decided it was a good time to find a nearby wine bar. The next morning we hit as many of my favorite places around town as possible before heading back home to finish cooking and set up for the dinner party, which featured Middle Eastern cuisine and wines from all over the world. The MWBs did an excellent job of supplementing the main course dishes and sides with appetizers and salads. As we enjoyed each others good company and conversation, there were many moments of that most exquisite pleasure of making a perfect match between the wine you’re drinking and the food you’re eating. There were some reds that had the old world earthiness that blend so well with the gamier flavors of lamb and the eastern spices that dressed the sides. Others were big, bold, deep, dark fruit reds that are the perfect complement for a hearty, harvest-time meal on a cool, rainy evening. Memorable labels included Coppi Primitivo Riserva 1997, Italy, Arcturus Astrale 2002, Napa, and Midnight Cellars Gemini Reserve Red Wine 2004, Paso Robles.
Those hearty reds were in abundance once again, this time at TNT’s birthday party and wine tasting. The theme was “old vine” or “late harvest” any region or varietal. The “darling” of the evening was by far the Tschark 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia, a blend of tempranillo and graciano. This wine softened as it opened and yielded hints of leather, chocolate, and the slightest bit of dark cherry.
One more wine to mention is Hegarty Chamans 2004, Minervois, France. This blend of carignan, syrah, and grenache is one of the most memorable due to a striking note of mint dominating the palette. My only other experience of that was with a high end Australian blend by Penfolds. To try this one by the glass, head out to Trocadero Café.
Those hearty reds were in abundance once again, this time at TNT’s birthday party and wine tasting. The theme was “old vine” or “late harvest” any region or varietal. The “darling” of the evening was by far the Tschark 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia, a blend of tempranillo and graciano. This wine softened as it opened and yielded hints of leather, chocolate, and the slightest bit of dark cherry.
One more wine to mention is Hegarty Chamans 2004, Minervois, France. This blend of carignan, syrah, and grenache is one of the most memorable due to a striking note of mint dominating the palette. My only other experience of that was with a high end Australian blend by Penfolds. To try this one by the glass, head out to Trocadero Café.
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