I’ve written before of my love for the corkage fee. We take a bottle of wine to a favorite spot with a pretty good idea of what we will be eating. The paring is usually predictable and we’ve taken no risk in ordering a bottle outside our knowledge base or comfort zone. It isn’t my only method for enjoying wine at a restaurant, but it is handy for a special meal.
This holiday season I enjoyed a memorable night out. Before leaving I texted my friend and asked if she’d prefer a safe or adventurous wine. Of course, she replied, adventurous. The decision was between a pinot from Eric Ross and the 2009 Syrah-Viognier Blend. I’d tasted the pinot and was happy to have a few bottles in the cellar, but the Syrah was an impulse buy, perhaps thanks to the label. I’d been saving it not quite sure what to expect. It was delicious. We enjoyed appetizers of roasted beets, pickled onions, spicy deviled eggs and rabbit pate. Our entrees were roasted pork belly and a well-prepared rib eye beefsteak. The next day I called Sami to order a couple more bottles of this delightful wine. They should arrive any day!