A taste amongst friends

As wines vary, so do wine tastings.  I had an especially enjoyable evening this past week, experiencing one of San Antonio’s least pretentious (and maybe most engaging) wine tasting groups. Though it was my first time attending, I felt right at home.  You’re only a newcomer for a few minutes, once you’re greeted by Clayton and company – you’re family! 

The group meets at Sun Harvest  (I-10/Callahan) twice a month.  It usually consists of about 20 “regulars”.  This week, the turn-out was a bit larger – more like 30 "foodies", though the close knit, comfortable atmosphere was maintained.  The participants range from the mid-twenty-ish age group up towards septuagenarian.  All with a warm, unassuming and excited interest in wines/food paring/and pretty much anything else. 

That evening Pinot Noir wines were featured.  Trina did an awesome job of selecting and presenting 8 different wines for our tasting pleasure. Flecia from Serendipity Wine Imports added her insights.  As we sampled each wine,  Trina discussed the wines specific features.  Thus began the interactive portion of the tasting where audience participation was not only allowed but encouraged.  It was entertaining to hear the different ideas from the group.  D.E.W.’s favorite was when the suggestion was made to pair a certain wine with the chocolate cheesecake.  Oh, yes, of course there was food provided; meats, cheeses, bread, crackers, fruit, veggies, and aforementioned cheesecake samples.  Cheesecake samples were supplied by Zak, co-owner of JacobsCheesecakes. Insider hint: they deliver in Austin & San Antonio. 

   Clayton and Janet did the pouring duty (and a fine job, I must say).  Clayton usually presents the wine but gave his protégé, Trina, the night to shine.

  Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next tasting!

Featured Pinot Noirs:

Dr. Zenzen - Rheinhessen '05

Mirassou '06 (California)

A By Acacia '06 (California)

St. Gregory Mendocino '06

Dom. Du Chateau de Meursault-Bourgogne '02

Terre di Gioia - Friuli '05

Elk Cove Willamette '06

Marchesi Incisa "Rollone" - Piemonte '05

     click images for a larger view

Comments

[Greg and Avril]

Outstanding review of last weeks wine tasting. We've enjoyed attending the Sun Harvest wine tastings over the past year, and every week is another awesome experience.