Brett's Restaurant, Charleston, SC (IK, thanks for tip)

[wondersofwine]

IK has written about this restaurant, so I had to try it. Got there from Myrtle Beach without making any wrong turns. Arrived a little early for my reservation, but they were able to accommodate me.
Had grilled calamari with slab of Reggiano Parmesan cheese and Ciabatta bread and herbed broth for dipping the bread. (Have decided I like fried Calamari better than grilled.) Second course was wild mushroom risotto--not sure if sage or rosemary was used as the principle herb (probably sage). A nice, crisp salad with lettuce, tomato, thin-sliced radish and Italian vinaigrette was free with the dinner.
With the calamari and salad I ordered a glass of Sancerre, Fornier, Cuvee '00 Sauvignon Blanc. Pale straw color, very nice and crisp without tasting acidic. Very slightly lemon-limey. Light body, pleasant aftertaste. I think Sauvignon Blanc does quite well with vinaigrette dressings.
With the wild mushroom risotto I ordered 2001 Torii Mor Pinot Noir (from Oregon). It was slightly translucent, burgundy color with red glints at edge. Nose and taste suggestive of cherries jubilee. I thought I caught a whiff of earth in the nose but it was indiscernible in the taste. It did not taste of over-extraction or too much wood. Instead, it was smooth, almost velvet texture. Light to medium body. No cherry cola or cough syrup effect. Left slight sediment at the bottom of the glass. A new Oregon favorite P.N. to add to my growing list. (The waiter also is enamored of the Torii Mor Pinot Noir.)
Looked up Torii Mor Pinot Noir on winery website after posting. It sells for about $17 which I think is very reasonable for the quality. (They also have more expensive single-vineyard wines.) I disagree with the wild melange of flavors they describe (orange peel, red to black fruits, strawberries, etc.). They say it will peak 2006 to 2008 but I would have a hard time setting it aside for that long when it is so enjoyable now.


[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 07-14-2003).]