Jan 27
1963 Averys Special Reserve Vintage Port
I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but who doesn’t love port? This admirable 1963 vintage port bestows alluring notes of dried black currants and cola on the nose. Full-bodied and retaining its delightful tannins, it seduces the palate with raisin, boysenberry preserves, black tea, black licorice, and dark chocolate. With a lingering peppery finish, this cheeky port leaves the palate wanting more. -Juju
After a long and entertaining Sunday Funday, we found ourselves sipping on some wine while waiting for our table at RN74 in SOMA. Another amazing establishment from the legendary Michael Mina, this restaurant also features Chef Jason Berthold and James Beard Award-Winning Author Rajat Parr. For starters we shared the Burgundian Escargots, and for my main I had the Liberty Farm Duck Breast “A L’Orange”. For dessert, we shared the luscious Milk Chocolate Pot De Crème. Every part of the meal was, in Layman’s terms, pretty damn awesome. Whether you’re a local or just visiting SF, I highly recommend you book a table here.
Both of us ordering the duck as our main (I know, lame. Who gets matching meals? But I chose 1st :p), we decided to pair it with some Burgundy. Here were my thoughts…
2006 Hudelot-Noellat Nuits St. Georges
Although the 2006 vintage is completely overshadowed by its world-famous predecessor, I thought that this wine was quite pleasing. This deep ruby colored wine had rather bold aromas of juicy red cherry and incredibly fresh menthol. On the palate, this wine showcased notes of red cherry, red plum, leather, black pepper, and a bit of eucalyptus. With its elegant tannins and bracing acidity, this wine leaves the palate with a delightful cedar and smoky finish. Not an absolute jaw-dropper, but most definitely a charismatic wine that’s well worth a taste.
- Juju
Last night, a friend of mine and I stopped by Barrel Room in the Lower Nob Hill area of San Francisco. Tucked away inside of a boutique hostel, this cozy Victorian styled wine lounge offers an eclectic list of small production wines from all over the world.
My favorite wine of the night was from the heel of the Italian boot; better known as Salento, Puglia. Here were my thoughts…
2008 Valle Dell’Asso Terra S. Giovanni Primitivo, Salento IGT
This primitivo is striking on the nose with juicy red plum, red cherry, violet, balsamic vinegar, and band-aid characteristics. On the palate, this wine perfectly reflects the nose while adding in hints of cinnamon, pencil shavings, and smoky cedar. Powerful tannins are beautifully harmonized with the wine’s medium body and zesty acidity.
-Juju
I can’t deny that I have always been a massive fan of Austrian reds. Well priced and often overlooked, there is very little risk but so much to gain from exploring these amazing wines. Here is one of my favorites lately and what I thought about it…
Zantho Blaufränkisch 2008- Burgenland, Austria
This extraordinarily interesting red starts the nose off with the aroma of burnt sugar, similar to the top layer of a warm crème brûlée. Hints of red cherry and raspberry are nicely intertwined with the sugary characteristics. The palate closely mimics the nose, while adding notes of forest floor, leather, a bit of herbs and even some green cardamom. This well balanced wine is medium in body and acidity, making it easily drinkable while allowing the taster to have an exhilarating experience on the palate. -Juju
Decanter Magazine News FeedTheme: Linen by The Theme Foundry
