Fat Bastard

[Innkeeper]

Well, we uncorked one last night. Officially it was a 1998 Thierry and Guy, Fat Bastard, Syrah, Vin de Pays D'oc. Beautiful purplish red to the eye, and beguiling to the sniffer. Lots of fruit and spice upfront, smooth tannin and a hint of oak in the middle, and slightly rough on the finish. Matched it with grillpanned stip steaks that were marinated in cabernet, patted dry and rubbed with olive oil and Morton seasoning rub beforehand. Steaks were covered with white mushrooms sauteed in butter and olive oil, heavily seasoned, and finished with Worchestershire and cabernet. Served with salad of greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes with raspberry-hazelnut vinaigrette. Not enough acid in the wine to wash well with the salad, but it married smartly with the steak and mushrooms. Don't think the wine would improve much with age, but it is fine the way it is.