Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Corkscrewed with Robert Camuto


I met Robert Camuto this evening at his book event in San Francisco where he performed a reading at Books, Inc! Robert shared his chapter on harvesting grapes in Alsace and his book's theme was immediately apparent - the French emphasize all things natural and expression of terroir in their wine.

"There are 4 aspects to making great wine," concluded the author based on his observations in France. Terrior - as an expression of the earth, sun, and geology. Respect for the environment - with minimal use of chemicals and intervention of nature's intention. Wine should be made from grapes - without added acid or yeast; naturally occuring yeast brings out qualities of the wine. People - wine should be made by people (not machines), and is meant to be drunk and shared by people.

"One of the things that most impressed me was how present wine is in daily life," Robert commented on his observations of life in France. "You have it with friends and it is linked with food."

"I always thought of wine as a drink, and now I see it more as a 5th food group." (I absolutely agree! 3 glasses a day, a bubbly, a white, and a red...)

We didn't have quite that formula the evening, as the book reading progressed into dinner at A16. To conclude the book reading, Robert shared a bottle of Domaine Mosse, Le Carignan 2003, that was made from vines over 120 years old. It was a deep red wine, medium bodied, soft tannins, and aromas of tobacco, baked plum, and mineral. Later at the restaurant, we had a bottle of Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2007, which was a lovely silky Italian red that expressed light currant, pluot, and hint of rosehips. Excellent wine shared with great company - C'est la vie!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Silver Oak 2004 Napa Cab Release Party

I love everything Silver Oak. I love the wine for its flavour, fullness and complexity; I love its people for their warmth and being down-to-earth; I love Silver Oak release parties!

The 2004 Napa Cab release party today was not an exception; it was extraordinary! A double celebration for the wine release and grand opening of Oakville, the affair spurred much anticipation. No longer does one see a warming-hut-like tasting room in midst of the vineyard with construction. Today, we step upon a grandiose mansion that houses an oak-inspired tasting room, and a beautiful wine library gleaming from behind glass walls.

Silver Oak 2004 Napa Cab began flowing at 9am (we are in California!) and everyone happily meandered 'round the venue to various activities - to taste the 2004 Napa Cab in the tent, to taste the 1999 Napa Cab in the library, and to taste the Twomey merlot at the mansion's entrance. It was pure rich red wine bliss!

When the clock struck 11am, chef stations fired up their delights - Beef tenderloin bites, pulled pork sandwiches, mushroom pizza slices, braised goat, caramelized onion/fennel tartlets, asian inspired pork ribs... It was a mini-Napa village! Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen, Mustards, Don Giovanni, AKA Bistro, and Barbers Q were all just a stone's throw away, and every bite paired amazingly with Silver Oak.

The party continued through the afternoon with the sun shining brightly, a live band playing, and glasses always full. That's the other thing I love about Silver Oak, they truly live by their motto "Life is a Cabernet".

Tasting Notes

2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Generous and supple, structured with dark currant, ripe black cherry, and Venezuelan dark chocolate, rounded with cedary oak flavours.

1999 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Elegantly seductive with smoky plum and a subtle hint of earth. Anise, wild berry, tannins have softened with age. Long, rich, persistent finish.

2004 Twomey Merlot
A silky merlot with dark boysenberry and blackberry flavours, touch of sage. This wine gave a warmer welcome to the palate when it opened up in the decanter.