This week's What We Drank is pretty diverse, with a couple New York wines, a classic chardonnay from Burgundy and one of least-flavorful beers in the world. Sadly that beer is my contribution.
From Bryan Calandrelli: Louis Jadot 1999 Le Montrachet
This was heavenly with tempting aromas of green apple and buttered toast. What made this wine so memorable had to be its seamless balance, weight and mouth-feel. I can only describe the texture as silk drapery in a weightless environment. Sounds silly, but this wine just felt perfect. Who knows when I'll get to taste another wine with such pedigree and worth.
From Evan Dawson: McGregor Vineyards 1991 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer
From Jason Feulner: Heart & Hands Winery 2007 Brut Rose
The brut rose itself tasted of strawberry with strong honey notes and a bit of cherry, backed by refreshing acidity. The Arbor Hill chocolate wine sauce, also made in the Finger Lakes, was very good and certainly worth a try for those who like a bright chocloate accompaniment to their fruits or dessert.
From Sasha Smith: Beaux Frères 2006 "Beaux Frères Vineyard" Pinot Noir
After last week’s Jeremiah Weed episode, I wanted to class it up a bit this time around. Fortunately I was able to do so—and on someone else’s dime. (See, classy.)
On Saturday I helped a friend throw a BBQ to benefit a charity he started. He snuck a few choice bottles out of his cellar and we dipped into them throughout the afternoon. I’m not going to strain credulity here and say that the 2004 Kistler Pinot Noir plus potato salad represents a magical food wine pairing, or that the char of a Costco burger really brings out the smokiness of the 2006 Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block, an intense Rhone blend from the Western Cape. But I can say that all the wines were very, very good, particularly the 2002 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Beaux Frères Vineyard, which I liked best of all: silky elegance and red fruit, with a lovely thread of acidity racing through it. And guess what? It didn’t taste half bad with a hot dog.
From Lenn Thompson: Michelob Ultra
For Father's Day, Nena bought me a ticket to attend what was supposed to be the final round of the 2009 U.S. Open on Sunday. That was exciting enough, but then I remembered that Long Island wines would be served at the tournament. Even better, I thought, I won't have to drink crappy beer or wine.
Unfortunately, those local wines (and other Long Island-grown ingredients) were not available to the average fan. I walked all over the course, from concession stand to concession stand, looking for them.
I have a friend who was lucky enough to be in a corporate tent. He got to drink the Bridge Vineyard wines. Obviously it was great to have the local wines served, but it sure would have been nice (and more in line with the spirit of Schummer's press conference) had the wines been available more widely. Sadly, I had to drink this crap all day.
Is Michelob Ultra a special Long Island micro brew?
You should have treated yourself to a straightforward Budweiser. Why torture yourself with alcohol-laden water?
Posted by: Jason Feulner | June 23, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Jason: This is a simple one...I'm doughy enough as it is. If I have to drink something that tastes terrible, I might as well go for the lowest-calorie option.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | June 23, 2009 at 12:04 PM