Great Fall Wines

Summer may be officially over, and there are some great fall wines to compliment the mood.  I attended a wine tasting at one of my favorite restaurants, recently.  The wine was divine and the food, MUAH!  Scrumptious.  The experience ushered in the new season with a bang.  I share that experience with you.

Truxton's

The place: Truxton's American Bistro  The Event: Wine and Food Pairing  The Ambiance:  Great Friends and Great Food  The Result:  Outstanding!

The wine featured on this night was Demetria Winery of Santa Barbara.  Truxton's Sommeliers worked seamlessly to pair food that showcased this wine like I'd never tasted before. I've traveled up the coast on several occasions and in the past hadn't been a fan of Santa Barbara Wines.  After this night, I am now a fan.  This night shows me that rarely is there a bad glass of wine, it is just a wine that has to be paired with the right foods and moods.  With that in mind a skeptic like me can be enlightened. 

First Course:   Lobster, Fava Bean and Frisee Salad with Truffle Yuzu Vinaigrette served in a steep Martini Glass 

Lobster Martini

Wine:  Demetria Chardonnay '09

This Chardonnay was buttery, smooth and reminiscent of an unoaked Varietal that gave a superb Orvieto a run for its money when pairing with seafood.  Notes of honeyed pears, orange blossom and marmalade with nuances of vanilla and lemon curd.  It mellowed the sharpness that shadows Frisee Salad.

The Second Course:  Spicy Red Curry Chicken Skewers with Lemongrass and Opal Basil.  The Lemongrass and Basil was the star of this dish, with the chicken skewers left a little dry and in need of a little more curry intensity.  However, the Cuvee Papou, 09 a blend of Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, pale, lemon-straw colored with aromas of peach, wet stone and melon and dry excited the skewers to come alive. I tasted bright citrus, green apple and minerally components in this complex and flavorful wine.  It was crisp and refreshing.

Cuvee Papou 09

Third Course:  Cauliflower, Bacon and Manchego Fritters with Smoked Paprika Aioli.  Outstanding flavorful, fun gnosh food.  I couldn't get enough and the Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir.  I am a die-hard fan of Edna Valley Pinot Noir, it is my favorite, but I've never tasted a Pinot that came close.  This one did. Not only did it compliment the meal exceptionally well, it is a great sipper alone as well.

Fourth Course:  Rotisserie Lamb Sandwich, with Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic Rosemary Spread.  By now, I said my fav restaurant is trying to hurt me.  And hurt me well, they did.  I love lamb but to present it as with the accessible fun of a Roast Beef Sandwich and then pair it with a Syrah, this my friends was the business.  I am not a Syrah fan, a little too peppery & leathery for me, however if you are a lover of Syrah, this one rivals our Argentinian counterparts.  "North Slope" '08  Hints of black cherry, leather and dark chocolate.  This wine has your tongue to endure a long even finish.

Final Course:  Wagyu Beef Slider with Fig Jam, Cambezola Cheese and Arugula  In the immortal words of Prince...Baby, you're a Star!!!!!!!!!  This dish accompanied the Bell of The Ball...Cuvee Constantine, '08.  A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah which captivate aromas of lavender, violet, allspice and kirsch.  Herbs, white pepper and licorice round out this formidable treat with just hints of bittersweet chocolate and dried fruits. A sure winner to impress a complex Syrah/Shiraz lover.

Cuvee Constantine '08

Now most of these wines, complex and when paired correctly, flavorful.  However most retail at the top of our price range, slightly exceeding with the two stars of the show far exceeding by as much as fifteen dollars.  However, who's to say a girl can't treat herself every once in a while.  I say, try them before you buy.  If you find yourself in the Santa Barbara, California area stop by the Estate with its vast green land and Castle like decor.  If not in Oprah's S.B., definitely take advantage of any event or establishment showcasing this well developed wine.  Either way, you won't be disappointed.  It will always be worth it.  Cheers!

Share with me your most recent Wine Tasting!