France. Thank you #2

Syrah.

Again... TL, wow.

Virtually unobtainable on this continent ...My French colleague brought it to us.

From the Rhone Valley, this 100% Syrah was big-bodied, with aroma of violets and spice. The 2008 Saint Joseph was supple, with flavors consisting of red fruits and hints of white pepper.

Syrahs from the Rhone tend to pair quite well with any red meats...especially lamb or veal. This one, and others from the old world, are generally lower alcohol (~12.5%). New world Syrahs (Shiraz) are generally higher alcohol...14 or even 15%.

Elegant and tannic, this well-structured red was quite pleasurable.

Santé!

France. Thank you.

Wow. Thank you, TL. I am honored to have enjoyed this gorgeous bottle with great company. An aperitif on sushi night, it was pleasant and celebratory to start with something very special.

A true Champagne from Chavot, France, this (unobtainable in the US) sparkler is dry, with floral notes and a little citrus and yeastiness. Light and lovely, a perfect aperitif before the best sushi you can get in central PA...

Santé!

Written 3.20.13

Peanut Butter Stout...? Oh my, yes.

I thought "no", but my taste buds said "yummmmm"!

It's called Big Gruesome; if by gruesome they mean delicious, them good name. Thank you, Springhouse Brewing Company. Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout...? Yes, please.

Flavors of peanut butter cups, breakfast blend coffee, a little vanilla, smooooooth. I finished my pint with a few bites of decadent chocolate cake, shared with some lovely folks....a perfect combination in every way.

http://www.springhousebeer.com/pages/beer/big-gruesome

St. Patty, apologies for no Guinness this year ...

I chose Chardonnay instead. In an attempt to be witty with my brand selection today ... I pulled "Shannon" Ridge, 2011 Lake County, CA Chardonnay off the rack. I chilled it a bit, then cracked it open. Creamy, toasty, butterscotchy, pineapples, pears. Oh, how I adore oak-barreled Chardonnay.

I seared jumbo shrimp in a blend of butter and grapeseed oil on high heat, and placed them on a fresh salad, with tomatoes, Castello olives, baby bella mushrooms, tossed in Italian-y vinaigrette.

What a lovely pairing. Buttery gorgeous shrimp with buttery gorgeous wine.

Cheers to a low-key St. Party's day! Thank you, Shannon Ridge.