Wine recommendation for tonight?
I’m going out to dinner tonight and I’d like a wine recommendation off this list (see link)
http://www.postinorestaurant.com/menus/wine.html
I usually like sweet, fruity stuff. My favorite is Napa Cellars Chardonnay & Ponzi Pinot Gris.
I like a good red also as long as it’s not too dry or oak tasting.
I’ll probably be pairing it with an appetizer like bruschetta or a vegetarian marinara or pesto based pasta.
See anything I might like?
I grew up in Lafayette. I have not been to this restraint. They have very impressive wine list. They are doubling the price of their wines. This is not uncommon. Just be aware that when the wine is listed for $50.00 it is $25.00 in the store. They do have some wines to get extra excided about!!
My first choice is the DR Stevens. These guys make outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. It will probably be the best wine you will ever have. You will need them to decant it and plan to spend at least two hours drinking it. Most of the big reds on the win list are not ready to drink. They need some time in the bottle. Probably true of the DR Stevens, but it would be hard to turn down.
Next is another small producer called Paulmeyer. Pahlmeyer are different: lots of flavor, Smooth, full body and outstanding. The Merlot will probably be the best merlot you have ever had. It is a very difficult to find wine, and I love these wines. I have found that Paulmeyer wines do not need aging.
The rest of the stuff is good, but not to get excited about. It is hard for me to spend a lot of money for white wine. Many wineries over oak and over butter Chardoney; thus, the fruit gets lost. Ferrari Cerrano makes some good top end Chardonnay, but they are not on the list. I would choose a Sauvignon Blanc over a Chardonnay for that reason. Most wineries have success with this grape.
Zinfandel: No on Ridge, Seghesio, and Montelena. Rombauer makes a lot of different Zinfandel; thus, you cannot keep track of them. Probably the top one is good. Gamba I have heard good things about. I have the Lamborn in the past. Some of the past Brown (1999. 2001) was some of the most enjoyable wines I have ever drank. It was like drinking liquid chocolate. I do not think it would be good with food.
Pinot Noir – I do not know these labels. This is a very difficult grape to make wine out of, and there are a lot of bad pinots. I usually proceed with caution when choosing a Pinot, and particularly the least expensive ones.
Meritages: No on Opes. Although it is the most expensive win listed, it is not ready, and there are better choices. Most of the big cabs I would not choose for the same reason. No one the Groth, Plumbjack, Montelena and Far Niente. The Stages Leap Petite Syrah may be fun. I believe Honis doe good stuff at the lower end. Have fun
What Makes a Great Wine
