2000 Praxis Pinot Noir and Mark West P. N.

[wondersofwine]

My sister bought me the Praxis after failing to find Steele or Echelon Pinot Noir. It was fruity and enjoyable with hors d'oeuvres but nothing complex or memorable. 13.5% alcohol; a pale garnet color--see-through wine. Cherry nose and flavors.

The Mark West (Edna Valley) I had by the glass at Tapenade Restaurant in La Jolla. The vintage wasn't noted on the wines by the glass list. Darker color than the Praxis and more flavor. Stood up fairly well to the wild boar with carmelized onions although a Rhone red or Bordeaux might have been an even better match. For those visiting the San Diego-La Jolla area, we had very nice meals at both Crabcatcher on Prospect Avenue and Tapenade (French Provencal) on Fay Street in downtown La Jolla. Family members raved about the soup, salmon and service at Tapenade and we really enjoyed sharing crab cakes and wild mushroom-stuffed ravioli appetizers. We decided to order wines by the glass since we were going different directions on the entrees (chicken, salmon, boar and some just sticking to appetizers and soup). There was a fair variety of wines by the glass including Bogle Merlot (my brother-in-law's choice), Pinot Grigio for my sister, Mark West Pinot Noir for me, etc.

[winoweenie]

Hi WOW I Love the CC. Most of the time we do the appetizers/glass bit and then head to Arterra for entrees and bottles. Great scenery and ambiance. WW

[wondersofwine]

Yes, Crabcatcher is a charming restaurant with good food. My mother and I both love artichokes so were pleased with the "hearts" salad (hearts of artichoke and palm and shaved fennel in a vinaigrette). I added crabmeat stuffed mushrooms which I shared with my mother and one nephew. After two breakfast omelettes with artichoke hearts as an ingredient, I was ready to pass on artichokes at some later meals. Didn't get to Arterra--maybe another time.