Down by the river
As I was falling asleep in my cabin at the Steamboat Inn Saturday night, I found myself mentally making a list of the things that make me happy. Snuggling with Pirrie, sharing a great meal with my wife, spending time with my kids, a magical bottle of very old Burgundy, being in Burgundy, and being alongside a wild and roaring river. Those would all be the top of my list. It occurs to me now as I write this that it is possible to accomplish all of those things at the same time (except the being in Burgundy part) – I need to arrange for that to happen soon. I don’t know if I could stand all the happiness, having all of my kids and my wife together, having a fabulous meal and a great bottle of old Musigny in a cozy cabin while a magnificent river rushes by outside the window – but I’m willing to give it a shot!
Our winemaker dinner at the Steamboat Inn was great fun on Saturday night. Our friends Gabe Rucker and Andy Fortgang from Le Pigeon prepared an amazing meal, and the wines were an excellent match. Gabe’s Pork belly with carrot cake, paired with the 2005 Chambolle les Fueés from Sigaut was one of those magical matches that was truly transcendental. Yum!!! It was great to see so many familiar faces – thanks for coming out to join us for a really great night. If you’ve never been to the Steamboat Inn, you really should try to check it out. Besides their great series of winemaker dinners, the restaurant is excellent, and the setting cannot be beat. Did I mention I like being alongside rivers?
Watch your email for news of the upcoming release of the 2007 Audrey in early April – their are a scant few cases available, as it mostly sold-out as futures last fall. We popped one with dinner last night – it is a classic Audrey – pure silk and bright red fruits, very long and lovely, and delicious now – but surely would be at it’s best a few years down the line. I will certainly hang on to some for the library. If you’ve got a 6-pack coming your way, try to stash at least one away for a few years. It’s not until the wines get older and move into their secondary phase that they get their most interesting. Patience will be rewarded!
The Audrey release party is coming up April 18th at our tasting room – details soon! In the meantime, a shot of another of my favorite rivers, the Metolius in central Oregon. Ahhh, bliss…
