On Saturday, some of us met up at Tracy’s shooting range, donned eye and ear protection, and experienced the magic of fragmenting paper targets. Very fun afternoon. To transition into evening fun, Delaynie heated Beef Dip (family fave!) and arranged a cheese and salami tray. John constructed chicken, beef, and veggie kabobs for the barbie. The game was afoot!
Between the 8 of us and the success of the well aged Cab, Julie quickly opened a Coppermine 2008 Cabernet Franc. John and I had bought this bottle on a romp in the Sierra foothills (mostly the wineries in and around Murphys) with fellow wine-lovers Bill and Laura. We had both forgotten the full-mouth attack of this red. It is what I call a John/Robby/Bill wine — a red full of everything that describes an excellent red: leather, tanins, aged oak, dark fruit, lusciousness. This was the exact right time for this bottle of wine to be opened; we will be drinking its siblings very soon. Robby kindly and avidly traded his glass of Eckert’s Cab for my new pour of Coppermine’s Cab Franc, resulting in matching smiles.
Katie’s glass was empty and Cliff answered her call with Cuda Ridge Wines’ 2010 Sangiovese. (Katie & Cliff are getting married in 2015–hurray!!!) These grapes came in entirety from the Biczkow vineyard in Livermore. I have a propensity for loving to drink the grapes I regularly drive by, and this Sangiovese did not disappoint. Larry and Margie Dino imparted it with their customary complexity and intense flavor. It paired very well with both the chicken and the beef kabobs, and held our sipping interest through the after dinner discussions.
A great blend of people and wines grabbed from the reds section of the wine frig always provides for pleasurable memories. Thank you, Eckert Estate Winery, Coppermine Winery, and Cuda Ridge Wines!!!
About the Author: Judi never does anything short, be it children (even at 5' 10", all 3 kids outgrew her), a voicemail message, a menu for family & friends, a day of visiting wineries, or a wine pour. Especially the latter; wine glasses are large for a reason! Her daughter-in-laws and their friends have a measure called The Judi-Pour. That means we have blessedly good relationships, 'cuz her name could be attached to worse. Sparkling wines are my go-to, but there is always a time for a peppery Pinot Noir or a crisp Pinot Grigio. Or a chill Sauvignon Blanc poolside or a toasty Cab in hand while playing bocce or a frizzante after work or.....
