Dinner at Tango in Escondido with non-Wine Geek friends on Friday. Browsed the wine list the night before. A few nice wines in the $100+ range, but nothing remotely interesting in my $40-60 range. Decided to BYO despite a $20 corkage.
Food was very good, and the wines made a good experience into a great evening. No formal notes taken at dinner, but:
2009 Chester’s Anvil Gretna Green. Viognier/Marsanne blend. This was literally off the FedEx truck the day before. Awesome Vio nose, nice acidity, honeysuckle, peach and pear. Wife loved this and asked if we had more at home. My second Chester’s and an awesome QPR at $30. Went well with Calamari appetizer.
2006 Grand Reve Reserve Syrah. Outstanding Syrah. Just loved it and went extremely well with our steaks. Regret that this was my only bottle, but wanted something special to share with friends. Another great nose, good balance, smooth entry, terrific fruit, a little meat and good finish.
These bottles really emphisized to me how wine can enhance a meal. On the other hand, would have loved to have followed both over 2-3 nights as I normally do, but both bottles went quickly at a dinner for four (with only 3 drinking).
I’d highly recommend both Grand Reve and Chester’s Anvil for those who have not tried.
Cheers,
Steve