DE-CHILLING THE STORM

David writes from New York:

Two Great Wines on the Eve of the Storm

A friend could not go Upstate because of the impending blizzard, so he invited he over for dinner. Wonderful Risotto followed by Veal Chops with Sauteed Vegetables.

I brought the '04 Pride Mountain Viognier. He supplied an '86 Pichon Lalande. We sipped both wines, alternately, during the course of the evening. The Pichon had been decanted for an hour before I arrived. Both wines were in perfect condition and were wonderful.

The Viognier was rich, flowery, perfumed and balanced. Their best yet. Stood up to both dishes and the chesses, as well. And just plain delicious by itself.

The Pichon was huge, starting out unexpectedly tannic. It smoothed out as the evening progressed, and became silkier and more complex. Not a "young" wine but clearly a long life ahead.

Walked ten blocks in the snow, not minding it at all. Turned out to be the biggest snowful in NY's history. The Blizzard of the Century. (So Far.)

Thanks to Tom and Eileen for introducing me to Pride and their Voignier at Mustard's a few years ago.

FLORA SPRINGS WINERY

Festival Celebrating
4TH ANNUAL TRILOGY RELEASE PARTY
@ Flora Springs Winery
St. Helena, Ca
Feb. 4, 2006

WHITE WINES
2003 Soliloquy
--too earthy, grassy. Lacked richness of flavor. But crisp. Nice balance. Well-made but nothing special

2004 Barrel Fermented chardonnay
-- our favorite of the whites; it's what we bought. Nice character. Not over-oaked. Had a slight off-smell at first but it wasn't troublesome given the rest of its character.

2003 Select Cuvee Chardonnay
--good but just okay. The nose was closed, though, so it may have been closed today. It should be re-tasted in about a year from now where it may be more rich.


RED WINES
2002 Poggio Del Papa
--lovely. Fragrant. Delicate. What a sangiovese absolutely should be.

2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
--little rouch and not as rich as it could be. Just an okay cabernet

2003 Trilogy
--Very good. Rich, dark, deep, ripe cherry fruits. But pushing the envelope with that $45/bottle price.