Le Creuset and Clare Luce: A Boeuf Bourguignon and Cabernet Pairing to Die For

A special day ... the christening of the new Le Creuset!  Mmmm - boeuf bourguignon.  Yes, please.  

So, obviously it was necessary for me to crack open a special Cabernet tonight, to go along with it.  A lovely bottle of 2006 Clare Luce Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon has been hanging around in my cellar for several years.  I bought it probably 4 years ago, and thought it may have doubled in value since then;  after I opened it, I googled it today and found it has since quadrupled in value.

Ryan had just checked on the boeuf bourguignon, and I poured and handed him a glass of Clare Luce Abbey.  He swirled it several times and was immediately intrigued (it takes a lot for him to be impressed by a wine, these days!).   Now, he is begging to find where we can get more.

This delicious, full-bodied Cab has aromas of tobacco, with baking spices like cardamom and clove.  The palate is filled with flavors of blackberry and espresso, and everything Cabernet, just like I like.  It is absoultely smooooooth, with delicate texture and soft tannins, perfect for pairing with braised meats!

I won't be mentioning the 49ers game.      :...(

Santé!

Susquehanna Brewing Company (SBC) - Toboggan!

Dad and June have great taste in brewskies ... this is not new.  In fact, they are probably some of the most serious beer virtuosos in Luzerne County!  Nice job, parents.

Their recent interest in Susquehanna Brewing Company (SBC) has brought holiday cheer to this household!  Toboggan is a chocolate doppelbock, with malty, rich, cocoa loveliness, thanks to a local collaboration with Ah! Some Chocolates, Shavertown, PA.  Good thinking, guys.  

Dad and I searched high-and-low to find a (750 ml) bottle of this gem, finally finding a supply at Antonio's!  What a gorgeous treat to share a ceremonial bottle with Junie on Christmas Eve.  

Thank you, SBC.  Here's to looking forward to Toboggan 2014!

(Written Christmas Eve 2013)