Grape of the Night is staff writer Rusty Sly’s invention. He owns the name and brought it with him to us all the way from a wine bar in Florida. And we’re grateful.
We meet once a month or so, over wine, with new and old friends at Valencia Wine Company. It’s always a Monday, 7pm, and the deal we have there is that if we bring in a bottle we need to purchase a bottle. No charge and food is available for purchase. Last month we shared our favorites, next month we share our favorite….weird….finds.
I actually can’t even get the wine pictured above. It’s from one of those states with the pesky wine laws, can’t get CA wine in and can’t get this turquoise wine out.
Anyway, you get the idea. If you want to join us you can just show up, e-mail me at ebushman@earthlink.net, or click on the Facebook invite. It is on Monday, 9/13/10, 7pm at Valencia Wine Company.
GOTN
Usually Rusty’s wife Tracy takes notes during GOTN that he later transcribes into his column. These notes are mine so they are not what you’re used to. Tough luck for us all…
06 Wildhorse Merlot had nice strawberry on the nose but not jammy, tannic taste, unbalanced, 13.9% alcohol. 85 Eve pts.
J Dusi Carignane had a nice fruity nose, better than our first wine and far more balanced though a 14.9% alcohol. 90 Eve pts.
07 Pulchella Syrah was black in color, a beautiful nose of blackberry jam and not “hot” for what I expected with a 15.9% alcohol. 95 Eve pts.
06 Cass Syrah gave a beautiful ripe nose, very nice balance, ready to drink now, 15.5% alcohol, the owner of Valencia Wine Co, Guy LeLarge, liked it very much. 90 Eve pts.
07 Venteux Petit Syrah had a moldy nose, alcohol burn, high tannins, 14.8% alcohol, 85 Eve pts.
05 Lone Madrone Barfandel was a blend of 50% Zinfandel, 25% Petit Syrah and 25% Barbara. Coffee on the nose, nice developed fruit on the palate, someone called it “unrestrained”. 90 Eve pts.
