Mocali Rosso di Montalcino is a perfect foil for picnic
Had a bipolar weekend! On Saturday, all the McDs attended the wedding of longtime friends Matt and Heather West. It was held at the clubhouse in Pot-Nets. What a lovely place to hold a wedding. The ceremony was done in a huge gazebo located in the middle of a large pond, surrounded by well-manicured grounds. To access the gazebo we traversed a boardwalk of about 100 yards. The bride looked so lovely traversing the boardwalk and had the added benefit of seeing family and friends applauding her arrival. I strongly recommend that venue for large receptions. They keep the grounds very well, and the banquet hall was handled professionally. Best to Matt and Heather for a long, happy marriage and thanks for providing a great party.
Sunday was just plain depressing. I don't wish to be political in this somber case. My only comment is a question and my opinion. Was it really necessary to bring so much politics into a memorial event? Memorializing the folks who were struck down or damaged by a murderous bunch of thugs was appropriate and hopefully dispelled some of the pain the survivors suffered. The 24-hour maudlin nattering and the sensationalized coverage and reruns of the depressing event and its aftermath by most media was not.
We completed the sine wave on a high note, though. We turned off the TV and radios, lined the trashcan and birdcage with Krugman's NY Times piece and had a family cookout. Started off with Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2008. Frequent readers are aware I am not a big chard aficionado, but will go for them when they are excellent. This South African gem was a wonderful buy. You can find it under $25. It drinks like the best cool-climate Sonoma and Meursault. The past eight vintages of Russell chard have been rated above 90 points. Recent availability is the 2010. I rate it 93 points. Buy under $25. The nose shows grapefruit and nectarine. On the palate, minerality, hints of oak, hazelnut and lanolin silk. The finish is a taut, clean citrus and keeps on giving. Will benefit from a year in your cellar, but very drinkable now.
Dinner was porterhouse grilled over wood, sautéed spinach with a hint of garlic tossed in butter and EVOO, a fresh garden salad with homemade gorgonzola dressing and a sourdough boule. I thought the Mocali Rosso di Montalcino 2009 would have the guts to stand up - and it did. Rosso is usually made from young vines that will eventually produce Brunello. They are normally aged 10 months in oak barrels, as opposed to the three years for a typical Brunello. You can buy Mocali Rosso around $17. The nose is violets, roses and cherries. These aromas are picked up on the palate, and I thought there was a hint of raspberry as well. An intense, focused wine with a bit of alcohol-driven heat in its finish.
I also opened a 2006 Razors Edge Grenache/Syrah from McLaren Vale Australia. Recommended here December 2009 at $120 per case, the wine is in its perfect window. I'm sad to say it is all gone at my house. The 2006 is a delightful glassful of blackberry, plum, cherry and exotic spices, with hints of leather and brown sugar. Extremely long finish is supported by balanced fine tannins and proper acid. Will cellar through 2016. If you can find some, give it a try.
What better way to end a great cookout but with a small glass of Port and some fresh summer and fall fruit? Peaches, nectarine and the season's first apples go great with Horton's Port or Blanco Xoco.
This Virginia winery also produces a very respectable Viognier for about $20. Lovely honey, pineapple and coconut nose and flavors. Horton will be showing its wares Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Ocean City, Md., at Wine on the Beach. A great event for your calendar. Be there or be square.
