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In the Glass and On the Plate

Before we talk plate and glass, I have to share this series of images. These pictures of two of my favorite beings just make me smile. Breezy thinks she is a lap dog, and Gary loves all the “kisses.” She really wants to lick his eye, but his glasses are blocking her access.

Glass

What Is In My Glass and On My Plate

Glass

Glass – 2016 Daou Soul of the Lion, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California

This wine is an extraordinary sip. And for that, I must thank my sister. She went to a Daou Vineyards and Winery Dinner and ordered this award-winning wine. While she loves red wine, she does not drink much of it because it disrupts her ability to sleep. But she loved this wine so much she was willing to have a restless night now and then to enjoy this elegant wine.

This wine is a blend of 86 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. It is aging in 100% new French Oak for 22 months. And it sits at 14.7% abv.

This first bottle she shared with Gary, Bryan, Craig, and me. She wanted us to experience the sheer joy that she knew would come from drinking this bottle. And she was right.  I understand why this wine is named Soul of the Lion. It is powerful, bold, and elegantly smooth. It understands its place at the top of the kingdom but reigns with grace. The wine is full-bodied as I expect the soul of a lion to be. The tannins are silky, smooth, and in perfect balance with the dark fruit and acidity in the wine. The aromas are many and layered, including licorice, black plum, and cassis. The flavors are equally layered, showing dark chocolate, vanilla, cedar, blackberry, and leather. If you love power and elegance in your red Bordeaux-style blend, then this wine is for you. It will dent your wallet but aren’t you worth it?

This bottle can be special ordered at your local independent wine shop if you live in Charleston, otherwise as at your local shop. You can also buy direct from the winery.

Plate – Ratatouille Tart and French Onion Soup

Plate

For either of these two plates of deliciousness, you will need to head to goat.sheep.cow.north.

Above is the Ratatouille Tart on a bed of red pepper coulis and a quenelle of whipped feta. The tart is composed of vertically stacked layers of eggplant and zucchini baked in a flakey crust.

Plate

It does not matter, I can and will eat French Onion Soup anytime time of year, I love it so much. I do not think that this needs further explanation. It is a classic preparation and is quite tasty.

goat.sheep.cow.north. – go there. go now.

Glass – 2017 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Peay Vineyards, Sonoma County, California

Glassey Chardonnay that seemed to be what everyone was drinking for a while. Fortunately for me, winemaking styles change, and I have found some producers that make some kick-ass Chardonnay.

A few months back, a representative from Peay Vineyards did an impromptu tasting at Edmunds Oast Exchange. Literally, the email went out 45 minutes before it was to start. Fortuitously, I was at my computer when the note came through, and I showered and out the door in record time. I had heard of these folks, so I had to be there.

This is Chardonnay!

Hooray for a crisp, bright, and clean Chardonnay with a medium body and racing acidity. Gorgeous mouthfeel and texture. Long, crisp finish. A palate of mild salinity, wet river rock, and pleasing citrus flavors. This glass could be in contention for one of my top ten wines for 2019.

 

This wine is sold at Edmonds Oast Exchange.

Plate – Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon

Holy Moly, I would never have ordered this because I always thought the avocado toast craze was all hype and no substance. But thanks to my friend Stan; he showed me the way.  This is what it is. EVO Bakery sourdough wheat bread slathered with Avocado spread, sprinkled with scallions and cotija cheese. Next, a generous squeeze of chipotle crema followed by a mound of housemade smoked salmon.

This sandwich is, was and forever shall be beyond incredible, and let’s not forget filling.  I am a big boy and can eat a lot, and I was stuffed after this.

Get this gourmet treat at Mercantile and Mash. Located in the Cigar Factory building at 701 East Bay Street.

There you have it.

That is all for now.

Cheers,

rick


 

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