
Rarely am I home in Atlanta for more than a couple of days in a row. Last week was a rare treat that became somewhat of an excercise in madness. Three of the five weeknights were out with Rowdy (who I'm beginning to feel is Atlanta's Neal Cassidy of food). This man devours food with zeal and fervor. When most of us our completely done in and immobilized from one dinner, he often leaps up energetically and darts off to yet another gourmet feast (in the same night). These meals only make him stronger. It is mind-boggling just thinking of it. Along with meals with Rowdy, I was able to spend time with the wine Jedi's, and Tami H, the legendary photogs el Broderick, and TCPhoto, Chadd B, and Cathy who live's to nibble.
In a quick snapshot, the week started at Holeman & Finch with a killer 2005 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape (courtesy of St Louis "Couch" and his bro' "Gabriel's Dad"- who is in need of a new pseudonym). Though tightly wound and in need of big air time, this 05 Clos des Papes was a major treat. Revealing little at first, this became an almost perverted Grenache that seemed crafted by a Paso Robles winemaker using sun-kissed Southern Rhone fruit. This Wine Spectator Wine of the Year paired phenomenally and appropriately with the H&F Burger that is quickly becoming an ATL legend.
The next night was Tasty China (that was documented in an earleir post)- A ridiculous amount of bottles, countless dishes, and great company. (and Zingo home)
Tasty China was followed by Wed night's $1 Tapas and cheap Mojitos at Fuego, with a free event for my building at Spice Market (which contrary to many reports, I found their apps really good.)
Thursday was Tami's birthday rosé wine celebration- An awesome night of many bottle of pink. From South Africa, France, Italy, and the ol' US of A- we sipped, guzzled and snacked into rose colored glee. I like good rosé. It is refreshing, extremely quaffable, unpretentious and pretty food friendly. These were not your Sutter Home White Zinfandel rosé, but rather well crafted dry wines perfect for summer benders.
----------------------------------
The week's finale- was a full scale Dynamic Dish blowout in honor of our friend Cheryl's journey to the ATL. I'll praise Dynamic Dave until I'm blue in the face- but this is inventive, fresh, delicious- revolutionary food. Dave and crew made our group of 9 feel like we were guests in their home. Great thanks to them again!
(For great shots of the meal- check out Rowdy's post.

-------------------------
Providing notes on all the bottles of the week would be both too laborious, and bordering on smut. So I'll highlight some of my favorites.
From the now dubbed "Yes way Rosé 2008" (or the Tami H, birthday week rosé tasting)
2007 Château Guiot Costières-de-Nîmes Rosé
(France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Costières-de-Nîmes) less than $10 at Green's on Ponce.
An insane bargain. Beautiful fruit (strawberry, cherry), excellent minerals, medium bodied, dry, balanced acids and a medium length, refreshing finish. If money were no object, I'd want this to shoot out of my shower. I've bought a half case since- "My precious, my precious!"
2007 Palmina Botasea Rosato di Palmina
(USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County)
From the Cal-Ital(ian) folks at Palmina. A great boutique rosé. I remember I really liked it. (Earned a Broderick seal of approval!)
2006 Bastianich Colli Orientali del Friuli Refosco
(Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Colli Orientali del Friuli)
Recommended heavily by Chadd B. A brilliant Refosco rosé that was less intense on the fruit and more focussed on minerality and structure. This was nice.
------------------------------------------
At Dynamic Dish, we assembled a comical amount of bottles.
N.V. Stéphane Coquillette Champagne Cuvée des Cles -
(France, Champagne, Chouilly, Champagne)
Terrific Champagne that I wish was available locally. Biscuits, toasty, great palate.
2007 Dry Stack Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Rosemary's Block Dry Stack Vineyard -
(USA, California, North Coast, Bennett Valley)
Inching into the ranks of favorite wines of the year. This was my second round with this wine last week and it was still magnificent. This one was opened for a few days prior, and I think I liked the freshness of the just opened bottle better. I ordered several bottles. DIRTY DIRTY DIRTY DIRTY!!!!

2005 Chasseur Chardonnay Green Acres Hill Sangiacomo -
(USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast)
Killer CA Chard that was in perfect balance- Smoky vanilla meets lemon meringue pie served on a granite plate. Magnifique et DIRTY!
1992 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
(France, Alsace, Ribeauvillé, Alsace AOC)
I had the 2003 a few weeks back and found it closed. The 92 was like filling a lawnmower gas tank with parafin wax and sticking your snoz in it- In a really good way. Oily, waxy, rich, acidic- dense w/ a long finish. At 16 years old, this is still singing loud and clear.
2003 Pride Mountain Vineyards Viognier -
USA, California, Sonoma County
No notes taken. But I liked it.
2005 Littorai Chardonnay Thieriot Vineyard -
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast Approx. $60 at Murphy's.
I've previously raved about Littorai's Chards, and this was no different. Another wine in such great balance. This is great Burgundy just made with Sonoma fruit.
2006 Herb Lamb Sauvignon Blanc EII Napa Valley White Wine -
USA, California, Napa Valley
Unfair to put this in the Dry Stack together. Much creamier than the Dry Stack- I remember little about this except overhearing a story that the wineries dog like's to pee on the vines.
2006 Sine Qua Non Autrement Dit -
USA, California
Huge rose.
Clocking in at almost 16% alcohol (and in actuality, probably over 16%) this was a fun wine to try, but difficult to drink. As it warmed up, the alcohol became even more pronounced, this singed not only my nose hairs, but took my eyelashes with it.
2004 Wolf Mountain Vineyards Plénitude -
USA, Georgia, Lumpkin County
Served blind.
This Chardonnay and Viognier blend got some approving nods. Simple, but tasty. Once unveiled, everyone had nothing but praise for the people and work being done up at Wolf Mountain vineyards. I enjoyed pouring this at a table graced by some of the best wines made in the US.

A few others that didn't register many notes:
2005 Arcadian Syrah Hommage a Max - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
Young- In need of air. Probably will be stunning
2005 Kosta Browne Syrah Amber Ridge Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Heat on the nose, Needs to settle down. I'd like to revisit it in a couple of years.
2006 Kutch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tasty, intense CA Pinot. Could use time.
2002 Arcadian Pinot Noir Francesca's Cuvée - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
I think I missed this one. : (
2006 Costa De Oro Pinot Noir Estate Gold Coast Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Shockingly good. I know nothing about this, except that it is their "Dijon Clone" bottling that is made in miniscule quantities. DIRTY!
2000 Weinlaubenhof Alois Kracher Welschriesling TBA #8 Zwischen den Seen - Austria, Burgenland, Neusiedlersee
Magic dessert wine from the late Alois Kracher.
A total whirlwind week of great people sharing in wine and food joy. It is great being home!

Recent Comments