Tobin James Made In The Shade

[Innkeeper]

2000 Tobin James, Made in the Shade, Paso Robles, Merlot ($16). Came in the spring '03 shipment and was listed two bucks less than the '99. Surprise! Far superior to the '99. Along with the plums and oak, this one showed some earthy complexity. At times like this when I'm trying a wine that I didn't like in a previous vintage, I don't say a word to Mother; not even what kind of wine she is drinking. With no prompting she said, "Give me a little more, I like this one." It also seemed fuller than the '99 though the alcohol (14.2%) was the same I think. Matched nicely with broiled mock fillets of beef, and salad with Russian Dressing.

MOCK FILLET OF BEEF:

1 lb Lean ground beef
2 tbl Minced shallots
1 tbl Butter
1 Egg (beaten)
2 tbl Red wine
1/4 tsp Granulated garlic (garlic powder)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
3 Slices bacon

Nuke shallots with butter. Add to meat with everything else except bacon. Form into three patties; wrap each with bacon rasher secured with toothpicks. Grill over high heat/coals for fifteen minutes or broil for ten minutes, turning once.

RUSSIAN DRESSING:

1 C Mayonnaise
1/4 C Ketchup
1 tbl Prepared Horseradish
1 tsp Granulated onion (onion powder)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Barbeque Seasoning (see below)

Whisk all together.

BARBEQUE SEASONING (GENERAL BARBEQUE RUB):
1 tbl Sweet paprika
1 tbl Salt
1 tsp Allspice
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Granulated garlic (garlic powder)
1/2 tsp Red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground thyme

All spices should be ground. Whisk all together, and store in a dry, opaque container and place.