St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1998

What a pleasant surprise this wine was last night! I simply wanted a glass of red wine to accompany my pork chops, with roasted smashed potatoes and roasted fennel. I pulled the bottle of St. Supery 1998 with little hope and no expectations. The cork was a bit dry but then again my storage my fault. I must have had this Cabernet since its original release day. So far it has traveled with me to four apartments and was not always stored under the best conditions.

 

 

This 1998 Cabernet has a deep garnet color, with flecks of orange hues, showing its maturity. On the palate the wine is elegant:  with dry currants, plum and forest berries; then, a hint of leather, licorice and coffee. Nice acidity and yes, still firm tannins on the finish.

 

Lesson learned today: Never underestimate the power of a well-made wine.

 

Cheers

Costas

 

Tasted: January 12, 2010

 

Wine Tasting: Northern Italian Wines February 1, 2010

· Crispy Goat Cheese Ravioli with Caramelized Fennel, Roasted Pears, & Balsamic-Honey Splash

· Stuffed & Rolled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Sweet Peppers & Three-Herb Pesto

· Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Chili

· Lemon & Chive Risotto

· Molten Chocolate Cake with Warm Strawberry Sauce & Vanilla Whipped Cream

Here's a unique evening of hands-on cooking and in-depth wine tasting! First, you'll enjoy a brief hands-on cooking classduring which you'll learn to prepare five fabulous Italian dishes. We'll make crispy goat cheese ravioli laced with basil and lemon zest, served with sweet roasted pears and caramelized fennel; we'll stuff delicate Mediterranean sea bass filets with colorful peppers and scallions, and serve our fish with a side of garlicky broccoli and creamy chive-scented risotto; and for dessert, we'll bake perfect, rich molten chocolate cakes, the ideal indulgence on a cold winter night. As for the wine tasting, our charismatic Wine Director Costas Mouzouras has a secret treat in store for you: Not only will you taste 8 or more classic and innovative Northern Italian wines... Costas will reveal the secrets of professional wine tasting by providing the essential tools that will enhance your tasting ability. You will learn basic aspects of sensory evaluation, appearance, aroma, and flavor. Moreover, Costas will reveal the origins of desirable and undesirable flavors in wine, and discuss stylistic contributions of winemaking techniques. Dinner will be paired with a tasting of 8 or more wines!

Course price includes...

· hands-on cooking lesson

· four-course dinner

· 8 or more wines presented by RUSTICO's Wine Director Costas Mouzouras

· a free apron

 

$150 pp | Wine Tasting: Northern Italian Wines | Monday February 1 at 6PM