by EY Han » Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:18 pm
bsd
Hi Harry,
I brought out a total of 6 bottles this Shabbat, carrying them in a regular bookbag no problem this time…
Friday evening I supplemented the cashew chicken dinner with the Recanati Reserve Chardonnay, 2006, Tzuba CS, 2006 (my second tasting of it; in my opinion an outstanding investment for years to come, especially considering the QPR!), and the Ella Valley Vineyard's Choice CS, 2003 (also my second tasting, following the 12 bottle CS, 2003 blind tasting I hosted before the month of Av; it shows quite well, balanced, and full of life after sitting in the glass a bit). I originally brought a bottle of the Yatir Forrester-Lodge, 2004 as a backup bottle to the Ella Valley CS, because its source brought me at least 2-3 spoiled bottles, but this one was perfectly fine so we were happy to save this one for the afternoon.
In addition to the limited addition Yatir red blend (more Merlot than CS, I think), Shabbat lunch started off with the Carmel Sha'al Vineyard Gewürtztraminer Dessert Wine, 2004. The Forrester-Lodge I felt was getting slightly beyond its peak, but nonetheless well enjoyed by all still and having some relatively minor sediment. I think the Carmel Ice Wine was also slightly over its peak, and mostly still holding its "sweet-tooth" characteristic while not having so much of the complexity that it showed just a few months ago. No one else really drank it during lunch, however some additional guests stopped by for the "Third Meal" during late afternoon and they preferred finishing it off more than the wine that I started them off with -- the Tabor Rosé, 2007. I simply cannot find a single excuse not to have this wine during a late, hot Shabbat afternoon this summer. However, I did not bring in any of my Rosé wine glasses this time, and I didn't enjoy it with any ice. I also did not have more of the typical Rosé appreciating friends on hand that I usually do…
Best wishes and a good new week to all!
E.Y.