2 quickTakes: one hit/one miss
First the miss (just a slight miss) -
Treana Central Coast 'Mer Soleil Vineyard' '01 ($23). This big 'un is 39% Marsanne and 61% Viognier. Smells delicious - apricot, peach, honey, flowers. Yet, as a food wine it's a bit overthetop. That said; it's a-OK by itself. The reason? Full-body, lots of alcohol, and lowish acidity. It clashed with my meal, but was perfectly fine (and mouthiflling) as a solo sip.
Now the Hit -
Montes Alpha Syrah, '00 ($17). Not an XL Syrah; yet not a wimp by any means. One of my favorite Chileans to date. Black plums, pepper, and some sweet spice. Solidly balanced in the mouth with pro-food tannins and a luxurious finish. Would that more sub-$20 Syrahs could be so lovely.
Hey Beau, what did you drink the Treana with?
Bill
Posted by: thecaveman | 25 April 2005 at 04:01 PM
Bill -
I tried it with a very mild Pad Thai: didn't work; made the mouth feel a little hot.
I also tried it with roasted chicken: passable, but I couldn't say that it complimented the food. In fact, I couldn't say I really tasted much of the chicken.
However, alone, it was a nice exotic sip. But to have wine w/o food? That's kind of sad.
Posted by: Beau | 26 April 2005 at 08:10 AM
lobster perhaps?
Posted by: thecaveman | 26 April 2005 at 05:07 PM
Hmm. Lobster..what a good idea. Bill you should run a restaurant or something! :)
Posted by: Beau | 27 April 2005 at 08:14 PM