Sockpuppets Don't Blush

For the Sock puppet rose` tasting, the puppets enjoyed the 2007 Maipe Malbec ("smells/tastes like 'wine'" was the brilliant observation offered by Bill); enjoyed far less was the 2007 Clear Bottle Bay White Zinfandel (believe Opie said it was "soda pop-like.")

Bill (being the girl that she is) liked the "pretty pink colors"; that said, everybody knows color doesnt mean a whole lot re wine!

[Note: no sock puppets were mistreated during the filming of yesterday's cinematic extravaganza...]

Lydia's Birthday - REDUX

Yes, drinking fans, we re-did Lydia's 50th with the crew while trying to recreate the menu for that was offered at Wildfire. True to her core, the guest of honor managed to be sick again but like a Marine she gutted it out. Much to my surprise the crew did NOT drink me out of house and home. Actually they were quite tame and picked some reasonable selections which I will review further.

They did pretty well on the test and I might have some hope considering their love for Charles Shaw or anything that is cheap at Trader Joe's.

What we drank:

1. Kirkland Brand Champagne - Surprisingly good. Nice bubblies with a toasty notes that were quite pleasant.
2. Chandon Napa Brut - As one great reviewer of bubbly commented on most bubbly, it was kind of doughy but did was slightly reminiscent of of Fuji apples on the nose and palate.

At this point, I began to worry because KB and Julie were in charge of picking the dinner wine. I told them that they could have run of the place as far as what wines we would have with dinner. Not only were they reasonable but, I dare say, thoughtful.

3. Chateau Corbin St. Emilion 2005 $43. It was definitely dark garnet in color and had aromas of blackberry and tabacco. While I disagree with the WS on being full bodied it did have sliky extracted tannins. It was big and juicy for a St. Emillion but question whether it could go to 2015.

4. Domiane Font de Michelle Chateauneuf do Pape 2004. A marked change after the Bordeaux. Actually almost unfair. The grenache showed through with the candied Life Saver like cheeriness to the palate. A nice wine which would have show much better had it not come second.

5. Mill Creek Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2001. A counterpoint to the Corbin. A spicy plum and vanilla note drove this wine. It reminded me of how good a Sonoma Cab could be and is.

Lastly the menu -

Snacks:
- Roasted tomato bruschetta
- Prosciutto wrapped peaches with basil and balsamic
- shrimp
- triple cream cheese and French bread

Main
- wild salmon with terriyaki glaze
- petite beef tenderloin wrapped in back with port/balsamic gravy
- mashed Yukon golds with coarse grain mustard
- green beans with lemon, pine nuts and parsley.

Dessert
- Toffee cheesecake
- Amaretto cheesecake