Birthday Wines

[wondersofwine]

(also posted on another forum)
Complimentary glass of NV Jacquesson "Cuvee 728" Champagne
Medium straw color in dim restaurant lighting.
Steady stream of medium to large bubbles. Flavor of baked bread edging toward toast. Nice.

3 oz. pour of 2002 Zilliken "Saarburger Rausch" Riesling Kabinett
Pale straw color--lighter shade than the Champagne. Quite chilled. Crisp wine but Riesling flavor came through. Peach flavors noted as the wine warmed a bit in the glass. Medium to long finish. Very nice.
Paired with arugula salad with caramelized figs and Laura Chenel goat cheese.

An "ah ha" moment--going back to the glass of Champagne, it tastes bitter after the Saar Valley wine from Zilliken, indicating that the Saarburger Rausch may be slightly sweet although not noticeably so on its own.

With pan roasted halibut with wood ear mushrooms and truffled white corn mixed with pimiento and green onion or chives, a 2001 Benoit Ente Puligny-Montrachet "Champ Gain" (3 oz. pour). I noticed the oak after the Saar wine but it enhances rather than weighs down the Chardonnay. Rich, textured Chardonnay with a mild spicy element. Again very nice. Dinner up to this point was at Enoteca Vin (Raleigh).

Then I went across the street to Zely and Ritz run by my friends Nancy and Sarig Agasi. For dessert I ordered the superb creme brulee and a glass of Graham 10-year Tawny Port. The Port was more ruby in color but tawny in nose and flavors. Plum morphing to prune. Definitely shows some alcohol but not disproportionate. I like the Graham Tawny Port but not as much as Cockburn or Niepoort.

After the creme brulee I opened a bottle I brought with me from Oregon--Argyle Minus Five simulated ice wine from Pinot Noir grapes (grapes picked at very ripe stage and then frozen). This was a half-bottle (with screw cap) for $25 at the winery and has 24% residual sugar. Only 75 cases made and I bought five bottles. Pale rose color or pale blush. Smells and tastes of rose hips with crushed strawberries. Very sweet like strawberries in a sugar syrup.

[Innkeeper]

Yum, yum!!!!

[hotwine]

And happy birthday to yoooouuuuuu, Wonders!

[dananne]

Anne and I join in on the birthday greetings!

Hope you had a lovely time, and I know you enjoyed that Minus Five, as we still remember that one fondly from the offline dinner!

[Kcwhippet]

Happy Birthday, WoW!! Sounds like you celebrated in grand style.

[winoweenie]

HAPPY....HAPPY...WOW. I'll raise a glass tonite fer youse. XXXs'&OOOOs'. WW