Mick and Amy were hosting and we had a special guest for last Saturday night’s dinner as Chris joined us due to his wife Jan being out of town for the weekend. Mick had three dishes on the menu for the evening – Baked Mussels, Satay Shrimp with Rice and Chicken Quesadillas. His wine pairings were 2008 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 2007 Max Ferd Richter Kabinett Riesling and 2006 Seghesio Zinfandel. For this article we’ll just be reviewing the 2008 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay as we have reviewed the other two wines in past.
"Mussels in all their yummy glory"
Here is the 2007 Max Ferd Richter review – http://zippysauce.blogspot.com/2010/09/saturday-night-curried-mussel-bowls-and_14.html
Here is the 2006 Seghesio Zinfandel review – http://zippysauce.blogspot.com/2008/07/saturday-night-amy-isnt-part-2.html
I will say that both of the wines were great pairings for their respective dishes.
"Nice Chardonnay but too expensive"
The first course Mick prepared was Baked Mussels, which with the Arugala, Goat Cheese, Bacon and Mozzarella Cheese, were very good.
The nose on the La Crema Chardonnay was a nice mix of vanilla, lime, lilac and a hint of pineapple in the background. In tasting the wine we noticed vanilla and lime as the main flavours and it has a well rounded mouth feel. This was a very easy drinking wine and it paired nicely with the Mussels. I would describe it as an inoffensive California Chardonnay as it was easy to drink but it lacked character to make it stand out from other California Chards. I was a little shocked when Mick told me that is was a $40 bottle. I’d probably buy more of it at $20 but at its current price point this wine is a skip as there are much better Chardonnays out there for the money.
Here is the group rating for the wine - Mick – 88, Mark - 84, Kathy - 87, Amy -86, Overall – 86.25.
Note – Chris’s rating for the wine was an 84.
"Satay Shrimp with rice"
Here is the LCBO information for the wine -
LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER CHARDONNAY 2008
Vintages 67231
750 mL bottle
Price: $ 39.95
Wine, White Wine
14.3% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: California/Californie, United States
By: Jackson Wine Estates International
Release Date: Nov 13, 2010
Tasting Note - An exceptional effort, the 2008 Chardonnay Russian River was put through 100% malolactic fermentation. It exhibits a more honeyed style with notes of brioche, poached pears, and buttery citrus in its elegant, full-bodied personality. This impressively endowed Chardonnay should drink nicely for 3-4 years. Drink: 2010-2014. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2010).
"Great Riesling at a great price"
"Surprised at how much the cork was pressed into the bottle..."
The next course was the Satay Shrimp with rice pared with the Max Ferd Richter Riesling. Mick nailed this course beautifully as the shrimp were cooked to perfection, the Satay sauce was very good and the wine went great with it.
"Chicken Quesadillas"
The main course was Chicken Quesadillas with 2006 Seghesio Zinfandel. Mick always makes awesome Quesadillas and tonight was no exception. Seghesio is probably one of best winerys for Zinfandel and the 2006 was easily as good as I remembered it being before.
"One of the great Zins"
For dessert Chris made Carrot Cake and he even made a couple of Carrat Cake cupcakes which both of the wives loved. The Carrot Cake was moist and flavourful a perfect way to end an evening of great food and wine.
"Carrot Cake and Cupcakes"
Thanks to Mick and Amy for hosting this week and to Mick and Chris for cooking/baking.
Cheers!
Mark
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