Yesterday we visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial for the first time. It really brought the tragedy and history home in a personal way. I’ve read about that day in countless articles and novels (Herman Wouk among many others) but being there made it far more immediate and personal.
In the evening we spent time with some new friends who have known the folks whose house we’re watching for years. I brought a 2011 Larmandier-Bernier VV du Levant. I open this wine often and post about it frequently, so I risk sounding like a broken record (a phrase that definitely dates me). It’s a beautiful Blanc de Blancs that transcends the vintage’s reputation and remains one of my favorite wines.
Our hosts cut their vinous teeth in Southern California in the 70’s. After we finished the Champagne, he generously opened a 2019 Blankiet Estate Proprietary Red Wine Paradise Hills Vineyard. What a contrast. Big, dense, and lush, with sweet pipe tobacco and cassis. Not a style I typically open, but it was beautifully flavored and scented, and great to try.
