The Good Life!!
June 15, 2006
I just have to make a quickie report to share
with you the amazing time we all had last Sunday afternoon at
Audelssa Estate Winery's Mountain Terraces
Vineyard high in the "hills" overlooking Sonoma Valley.....and
with a vista to beat all "make out" points! Owner Dan
Schaefer with his family and staff
enthusiastically (understatement!) rolled out the red carpet on his
vineyard's decomposed volcanic white ash soils to host 30 of The
Wine Consultant's biggest Audelssa fans for a true food and wine
frolic.
After everyone made the 4 plus mile trek up
the narrow winding roads traversing the western side of the Mayacamas
range to the "summit", the wines immediately began to
flow......including Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from a newly
acquired winery (to be announced), and the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, and
2003 Summit (Bordeaux blend). The charming Anani Lawson,
Maitre d' of The French Laundry, explained why and how
he masterfully paired each wine with the superbly crafted courses
(prepared by the El Dorado Kitchen's Chef Ryan
Fancher, former sous chef for Thomas Keller at The French
Laundry) that included among others; Whipped Brie on toasted brioche with
melted Endive Marmalade, Truffled Pork Rillettes on toasted walnut bread
with Red Beet Confit, and Roulade of Midwestern Beef Sirloin on Potato
Gaufrette with Arugula Horseradish Cream.
Then while Dan took small groups off in the "Cowboy
Limo" for adventure rides into the steep terrain of the vineyard,
winemaker Erich Bradley gave a quickie seminar on the crush pad
sorting process. Then everyone proceeded to the bottling line where
the '04 Cab (March '07 release) was being serviced and to catch a few sips
before the final corking. By this time, the group was in "perfect shape"
to head to the wine lab where Erich let everyone taste (and taste
again.....) all the individual component wines blended to create the 2004
Summit (release date September '06.....HEY! That's just around the
corner!!) There was lively debate between those who preferred the
Cabernet Sauvignon from the red soil or the white soil. And everyone
swooned over the Malbec, but cried out in disappointment upon learning
there was not enough planted to make a stand alone bottling. Oh, yes,
these wines were served with an Aged Gouda with Parsley Quenelles.....and then
the assorted homemade chocolate truffles and toffee appeared!!!!
Some of us sat around to bask in the glow of the
late afternoon sun and puff on cigars. Everybody said their
farewells. New friendships were bonded. Did I mention that we
had customers fly in from Arizona and Utah? Thanks Karen, Terry and Susan
and everyone else in the group!!!
Dan told me that Renee and I did not have
to stay in the local Motel 6.....instead he "left the light on for us" for
a night of absolute luxury and bliss at
the swanky Kenwood Inn and Spa just a few
miles down the road from Glen Ellen off Highway 12. I can not begin
to tell you how impressed we were with the beautifully landscaped grounds
and architecture that reminded us of a Tuscan villa.....lush gardens,
waterfalls, jacuzzi spas, fountains, swimming pools around every corner.
The richly appointed rooms are spacious with private patio and balcony, and the
amentities reflecting attention to detail can not
be surpassed. Service was gracious and outstanding.
And the superb three course breakfast was creative with a southern
Italian flair. This is the perfect romantic hideaway destination. I
must be slipping, because I can't believe I did not know about this heavenly
spot!! Next time there will be time for a massage! Go
to http://www.kenwoodinn.com/
Don't just take my word for it- check out Trip Advisor at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32554-d112442-Reviews-Kenwood_Inn_and_Spa-Kenwood_California.html
Plans are underway for another food and wine
odyssey to Sonoma. Let me know if you are interested in being
contacted for the next trip.....to include overnight
accommodations!!!!! This was just the tip of the
iceberg!!
From all of us, great memories!!
- THANK YOU AUDELSSA!!!
Whether you are looking
for summer party wines or something special for Father's Day, you can
always shop our inventory at the webstore - www.TheWineConsultant.com
HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS SATURDAY AT THE TASTING BAR -
NOON TO 4 PM. CHECK OUT THE VIRTUAL TASTING BAR PAGE AT THE WEBSTORE EVERY
FRIDAY FOR SATURDAY'S LINEUP! http://www.thewineconsultant.com/tastingbar/
- $10 tasting fee per person is waived with any $20 in store purchase. Be
sure you know the "password"!
Eric Stumpf
The Wine Consultant
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