Carlson Syrah/Cabernet & Beringer Chenin Blanc & Tuna

On July 20, 2007
WINES
Carlson Cougar Run Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Colorado)
Ken was into a red tonight, so had this chewy Cabernet/Syrah blend (much more on the Cabernet flavor side, to me). Firm tannins, almost a Bordeaux style, but not as smoothly integrated. A Yes/Maybe wine. We got it at the winery at a closeout price, but more recent vintages should retail for about $14.

Beringer Chenin Blanc 2006 California
Francesca finished the rest of a Chenin Blanc we’d opened a few nights before. We think Chenin is a hugely under-appreciated grape, in any of its forms (it’s also the Vouvray of France) and wherever it’s from (South Africa is getting known for Chenin). That generally makes it quite affordable. This Beringer has some definite softness, but is still good with food. It’s also an excellent “adult Kool-Aid” summer sipper. Feint notes of pear, with a floral overlay. A Yes wine (almost a House wine at its price), about $6-7.

Wine note: We generally find that opened but unfinished white wines seem to keep just fine in our refrigerator for several days.

DINNER
Tuna steaks pan braised in a sake-wasabi sauce. Asparagus with a gorgonzola-thyme cream sauce.

Food note: The “wasabi” found in delis and most Japanese restaurants (even some supposedly very good ones) usually isn’t the real stuff. It may have some horseradish powder and green coloring, but it’s not the real deal. Authentic wasabi can be found in some Japanese food stores and through sources online.

DeBeque Canyon Gewurztraminer & Artichokes

On July 17, 2006
WINE
DeBeque Canyon Winery Gewurztraminer 2005 Colorado
A stunner. One of the few times I’ve almost exactly agreed with a label’s description, which reads: “Aromatic, with hints of citrus, orange and spice. Barrel fermented one year to develop an Alsatian style.” Add “melon” to the above, and a very hint of sweetness – almost, not quite, dry. This wine shows that “smaller” appellations can produce great wines. Definitely a House Wine on our list, but may be limited in distribution. Available on-line at debequecanyonwinery.com. $13 (from the winery).

DINNER
Steamed artichokes (gigantic!) with melted butter. Garlic in the steaming water. Had one of our “less-than-healthful-or-natural” sides: Packaged crescent rolls baked with Swiss cheese inside and sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese on the outside. So what.