Numero Uno

What is actually the third post of the day (i really hope that doesn't happen again anytime soon) should count as the first. At least the first REAL post...

Last night Lauren and I met up with a couple-friend at Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena for some wine and food. We had been there once before and really liked the ambiance, wine list, etc. We arrived at 7pm for our double date and were told that reservations were needed before 8pm ... alas we were relegated to sitting in the bar rather than the dining room. We made ourselves at home while we waited for Kristen & Steve to arrive. But luck was on our side, as a table in the dining room had opened up and we were able to move over. On to the wine ...

I initially ordered a Zinfandel flight, but was denied because they were out of one of the wines. So I settled on the "Wines of the Southern Rhone Valley" flight. This included:

2005 Paul Autard, Cotes du Rhone
2004 Paul Autard, Chateauneuf-du-Pape
2004 Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Lauren went with "The World & Syrah" flight which was:

2001 Zaca Mesa, Syrah (Santa Ynez)
2003 L'Ecole No. 41, Syrah (Columbia Valley)
2003 Jean-Louis Chave, Mauve "Offerus" (St. Joseph)

I was definitely satisfied with my flight. The Cotes du Rhone was a little weak, but the two CdP's were great. I don't have much experience at all with CdP, but if these two were any indication of what's to come, I'm in for a treat. The Jean-Louise Chave was my favorite of the trio. I've heard great things about the 2001 vintage as a whole for CdP ... maybe I'll try to find some next time I'm at a wine store.

Lauren was less satisfied w/ her flight. Nothing impressed her at all while, if forced to choose, the Zaca Mesa was her favorite. She was able to make the conclusion though that she most likely only prefers the California style of Syrah to the rest of the world. She has plenty of experience w/ CA Syrah and it's probably her favorite varietal right now.

For dessert (an apple galette) Lauren had a glass of NV Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine (Anderson Valley, CA) and I had a glass of something. haha.... I ordered a glass of 2004 Tobin James "Liquid Love" Zinfandel ... but they were out of it as well ... I guess I just wasn't meant to be drinking Zin at this moment in time... But anyways, they brought me a glass of something French in it's place and I forgot to take notice on what it was. It was tasty though.

The food was great ... Lauren had the chicken dish and I had the oysters. Kristen ordered the small grilled cheese sandwiches which were apparently fantastic. Overall, we both love this place and cannot recommend it more. The wine and food are both reasonably priced and the atmosphere and service are great.