Last month, I got treated to wines and a home-cooked dinner with an old friend. I got to go back to St. Charles, MO (St. Louis) because my three (grown) children were all in town, along with my two grandsons. On my arrival on Friday evening, I texted my good friend, Dick Deitte, who immediately invited me over to his house. He was cooking dinner for two of his kids, and was opening some wines. Those who know Dick know that he also loves his wines, and loves to share them. They also know what a great chef he is for his family and friends. So, when he said he was making two pastas and sauces, and he had “a few” wines to try, I knew I was in for a treat. Dick and I have shared a lot of great wines over the years…
I ran to the store and grabbed a bottle of wine that I knew would be appropriate for this dinner.
When I arrived, Dick grabbed me a wine glass and filled it with an “opening” wine. Now, when I say a “wine glass,” he gave me one that holds about 16 oz., and truly filled it half-way. I knew I was in for some serious wine drinking. Our starter wine was a treat – a delicious 2012
Jordan Chardonnay -Russian River Valley – Sonoma County ($36). Jordan considers this one of their best vintages of this Chardonnay. Jordan is a fantastic winery to visit and tour – found at the extreme north of the Sonoma Valley. It was a perfect starting wine, and complemented the first pasta course, with the white sauce. Clean and crisp, it set the tone for the rest of the night. The fettuccine with the white/alfredo sauce was delicious. Dick certainly knows his way around a kitchen.
Next, it was time for the second pasta course – an excellent farfalle (bowtie) pasta with a red meat sauce. Now it was time for the bottle I had brought – a 2013 Moss Roxx Lodi Ancient Vine Zinfandel ($32). Moss Roxx comes from the Oak Ridge Winery in Lodi, CA. Of course Old/Ancient Vine Zins go great with a red/meat sauce and pasta. I’ll admit that I
have never been a fan of wines from Lodi. When I lived there 25 years ago, they were really known for their White Zins, and their reds always seemed like they were rushed to the bottle and onto the store shelves. I will say they’ve come a long way, but the old vine Zins can be outstanding. This one was very good.
Once we finished eating, Dick showed me his new walk-in wine cellar, which holds about 800 bottles. We grabbed a few bottles and went back up. We popped open the next bottle – a 2012 Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz
($55) – a Right Bank style Bordeaux blend of 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot. Inky black, this Columbia Valley, Washington wine was young (would be fantastic in 8-12 years) but luscious – 93-95 Points by Robert Parker in barrel tastings! It was about this time that I showed Dick my Wine & Travel Blog, and promised to write an article on this great evening.
Our 4th and last bottle was a 2012 Robert Craig Affinity – Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($55 – 92 Pts.). A delicious way to finish the evening – a deep true Bordeaux blend of the Left Bank Five (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6%
Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc). Heavy on the Cabernet, this is considered Bob Craig’s “entry level” offering, and is drinking well now. Looks like I’ll need to pay a visit to Robert Craig to try the Reserves on my next Napa trip!
All in all, a great evening of food, wine, and friendship. I also got to catch up with Carrie and Sam, two of Dick’s kids, who are friends with my son, Mitchell. Dick and I never did get around to singing – something he and I used to do together in our church in St. Charles. Dick sings in the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, and always wanted be to audition, but I never had the time. Maybe Dick will come to Austin some time, so I can reciprocate at my house…
The following night, after spending the day and evening with my kids and Grandkids, I was also able to go to a party and see many of my other St. Charles friends, whom I have dearly missed since moving away four years ago! Between seeing family and friends, it was a wonderful trip!
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Lastly… grab a glass of wine, and ENJOY!!!
