THE WINES

Flight #1:

Clos Nardian Blanc 2005  (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 90-92)
Thick and powerful, with lots of vanilla, apple and honey aromas that follow through to a full body, with a lemony, waxy and ripe appley finish.

Beaurenard Chateauneuf du Pape 2003 (Wine Advocate 94; Wine Spectator 94)
Notes of chocolate, cocoa, smoke, crème de cassis and black cherry liqueur.

(Gourmet Morsel: Grilled Red Chili Brined Quail, Goat Cheese Polenta, Barbeque Glaze)

Flight #2:

La Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape 2001 (Wine Spectator 93) 
Sophisticated, showing vanilla, mocha, chocolate and smoke, ripe and sweet fruit.

Brewer Clifton Pinot Noir Rio Vista 2005 (Wine Advocate 93)
Rose petal, dried cranberry and white sage aromas, flavors of dried plums, silky.

(Gourmet Morsel: Pocini Braised Beef Short RIB,Roasted Beet Mash, 3 Shroom Reduction)

Flight #3:

W. H. Smith Pinot Noir Maritime 2007 (Wine Enthusiast 94) 
Elegant structure, intricate flavors of baked cherry, cherry skin, red currant, root beer, licorice and cedar, with elaboration of Asian spices and a sprinkle of cocoa.

Aalto 2006 (WA 94)
Packed with blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors. Licorice, chocolate and tobacco notes.

(Gourmet Morsel: Pepper and Cinnamon Rubbed Duck Breast,Herb Rillette, Tart Cherry Demi)

Flight #4:

Kalleske Shiraz Greenock 2004 (Wine Advocate 94)
Blackberry, cassis flavors intermixed with notions of raspberries, camphor, and graphite.

Donnhoff Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Spatlese 2005 (Wine Spectator 94)
Vanilla, apricot, lime and a fireworks of mineral get a lift from the vibrant structure. Long and complex, with a gingerbread aftertaste.

Juniper Estate Shiraz Margaret River 2002 (Wine Advocate 93)
Splendid nose offering up pepper and Asian spices. Elegant on palate, blue and black fruits, hint of chocolate.
Long finish.

(Gourmet Morsel: Pulled Pork Spring Roll, White Bean/ Andouille Cassoulet)