The Wine Club of Greater Phoenix Met Last Night
A spectacular evening last night with exciting Pinot Noir wines from around the world, tasty appetizers and stimulating conversations – what could be better?
The hosts of this month’s event were Greg and Karen at their home in Scottsdale. The theme was for Pinot Noir wines from around the world, specifically France, Oregon, California and the Rest of the World. Each person or couple brought a bottle of wine covered in a brown bag to be numbered. Greg and Karen as hosts provided two bottles. Each person was given a sheet of paper with appropriate columns and rows to list next to the bottle number, the region, cost being < or > than $50 and any wine tasting notes or observations. Once the brown bags were removed, here was the lineup:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was done while enjoying appetizers that were paired appropriately with Pinot Noir wines that each guest brought. Those included prepared pork tenderloin pieces in a raspberry and chipotle sauce, smoked gouda cheese squares, baked Brie cheese topped with honey and toasted walnuts served with multigrain crackers, and baked Brie cheese with diced three different mushrooms sauteed with a Pinot Noir reduction and served with toast baguette with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Once the bottles were revealed another sip was taken to taste with the same or different appetizers to determine if it made a difference.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then adjourned to the dining room where the balance of the appetizers were placed and joined with a gorgeous smoked salmon and a delicious harvest salad that Greg and Karen prepared for the evening. Some further conversations on the wines, but really a lot more topics getting to know each other.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
All the wines were winners with price points and locations varying widely, and all were decidedly enjoyable. Can’t wait until next month’s get together and theme.
Cheers,
Michael Kelly