We attended the Littorai tasting at Vino this past week (like we did last year) mainly because we were on vacation but also because I consider vintner Ted Lemon one of the top winemakers in the Golden State. His Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the "true" Sonoma Coast express the terroir of the rugged coastline and he creates wines with finesse and restraint. Chardonnays that aren't overly ripe, alcoholic or oaked and Pinot Noirs that aren't alcoholic fruit bombs. The way these Burgundian varietals were meant to be vinified.
The evening's menu and wine pairings looked like this:
Reception and Amuse Bouche
2013 Thieriot Vineyard Chardonnay
Crispy Shrimp
with fennel and garlic-clam jus
2012 Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay
Braised Shinsato Pork
with butter bean and ham hock stew
2013 Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir
2013 The Pivot Vineyard Pinot Noir
Shredded Organic Chicken Pizza
with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, Mary's organic chicken
and bay leaf chimichurri
2012 Roman Vineyard Pinot Noir
At this point, I also uncorked a bottle of 1998 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir and despite 1998 being an off vintage, it was still drinking beautifully with a touch of funk on the nose then ripe fruit and an almost seamless palate flow. In fact it was drinking so nicely, two other diners asked Littorai National Sales Manager Rachel Dixon if it was available for purchase... (nope, it's not a Littorai wine)...
Vino Apple Tarte
As the tasting wound down, I also uncorked a 1990 Domaine Bachelet Pommard "Les Chanlins" which despite having that classic Burgundian funky nose, had a slightly thin mid palate and short finish...
Then to end the evening, Monsieur K ordered a round of Negroni for Rachel, moi and himself...
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