Okay, we HAD to drop by last night because I had to finalize the menu for my B-Day Bash. I started with a glass of the 2009 Maestracci E Prove Vermentino (3.75/5) which had refreshing citrus and mineral right up front and a clean flow over the palate while the Mrs started with glass of the Litchi Gin Fizz from Hiroshi's side of the bar. We then sampled the special Bruschetta with Crab, Corn and Red Jalapeno with an Arugula and Tomato Salad. Nice rich crab and mayo cut every so often by the slight jalapeno spice. I sampled this with a glass of the 2010 Fillaboa Albarino (3.5/5) which had good acid to cut through the rich crab spread but also with nice fruit to match the sweetness of the crab.
Since the Spring specials may soon be replaced and since zucchini blossoms are also a seasonal thing, we ordered the Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Hamakua Mushrooms. Richness and crunch atop toasted bread is always good...
Since I opted not to serve the Waialua Asparagus with Roasted Mushrooms and Truffled Egg (just because it doesn't look as appetizing once the broken egg yolk starts to cool), I ordered it last night and it was as good as ever.
At this point, we asked Chuck to "blind" us with a red wine - we ordered the Mary's Organic Chicken and Vintage Steak as entrees. Chuck brought the carafe out - I initially got a hit of black olives, raspberry, pebbles and violets. Because the earth wasn't pronounced and the fruit initially came through, I assumed this was a cold climate New World Syrah, perhaps from Anderson Vally or Mendocino. As the wine had more time to air, the black olive and mineral notes were still there and since it wasn't very heavy on the palate (but had a seamless flow), I changed my mind to Old World. Perhaps a younger vintner from Cornas or something just outside of Hermitage. At least this time I got the right grape, yes it was Syrah but it was a 2006 Patrick Jasmin Cote Rotie (4.25/5).
The crisp chicken skin and the succulent meat was as good as ever...
While the vintage steak also pleased (both entrees paired well with the Cote Rotie).
The Mrs finished dinner with a Lemon Cake with Adzuki Ice Cream.
While I sampled tasting portions of the 2008 Ripanuda Chianti Classico (3.75/5) which had loads of leather and tobacco and a medium finish, the 2007 Kenneth-Crawford Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir (3.5/5) whihc had muted cherry, dried spice and mineral notes and a medium mouth feel and the 2009 Joncier Lirac Classique (4/5) which was like a toned down CdP but with great balance and a great palate flow.
Next week, start moving the party supplies to Vino.
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