Cork Poppers Celebrate Autumn Reds

Late in October, we had another Cork Popper gathering, this time at Kate and Mike's house. I honestly can't remember what the theme was but we knew Cheryl wouldn't be there, so all the wines ended up being reds!

 

Rick was first with Mediterra, a Tuscan wine by Poggio al Tesoro (2016) that he bought in Canada. He paid $13.99 Canadian, which came to about $12 US. 

 

Bob was the first to comment -- "This is really good!" Barb seconded it. "This is VERY good!" she said. I noted that it was excellent and said "Let's get this again," while Barb added, "You have the best so far!"

 

Roger was up next with Love Noir, a Pinot Noir from California. He found it at Trader Joe for $10.99.

 

Barb noted "This is excellent," while I said "It's very pleasant" and Rick called it "a remarkable bargain."

 

Next, Barb offered Committee, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville wintery in Napa,  2023. She bought it at Costco for $20. 

 

I immediately noticed its fragrance. Oh, it was wonderful. "That's good, Barb!" Clayton said. Kate noticed it had a "heartier, robust flavor" but Barb observed that it wasn't as smooth as the earlier wines. Clayton noted that it had "more tannins, it's more rubust," but added that this "didn't take away from it, just makes it different."

 

Clayton was up next with Tallax Shiraz 2023 from Southern Australia. He paid $26 for it as a member of his wine club, but the retail was $36. "I thought it was "excellent." Rick said (approvingly, I think) "This IS a $25 bottle." 

 

It was at this point that Rick offered up a toast to our Cork Popper Mike M., who had recently passed. It was so from the heart, I think we were all a bit choked up.

 

Next, Mike S, offered a Valpolicello Ripasso Superiore DOC from Cecilia Beretta, 2023. He explained that Ripasso means passing the wine over dried Amorone grape skins for 10 days and is considered "the poor man's Amorone."

 

Clayton popped up first with "I like this," while Barb said "They're all delicious."

 

Bob seconded that. "This time, every wine is one hundred percent!"

Bob was last with Chronic Cellars red blend from Napa, California, where the winery has been going since 2000. It is a blend of 50 percent Shiraz, 30 percent Syrah, some Temporillo and another I didn't catch. It was $20 at Total Wine.

 

"I bought it because I liked the label!" he announced. I immediately went "Oooh!" and Barb pronounced it "very good." Kate said it as like a deep, winter wine. Rick noted "It has serious tannins too," but thought it was a little too strident. 

 

As we were tasting all these, we were also stuffing our faces with the delicious food everyone had brought. 

 

We love it when Meredith brings shrimp because they're always so good! Kate had made an appetizer "pizza" with puffed pastry, topped with picked onions, cucumber and salmon.

 

Barb made an enormous vegetable tray  

 

There were Mozzarella/Proscuito roll-ups from Kate and loads of crackers and cheese from Bob. Add to that lots of tasty bits like olives, nuts and fruit!

 

Anne and I did our bit with dessert. I brought Nanaimo bars, smuggled in from Canada! 

 

Anne made two remarkable things -- a fabulous apple cake and these little caramel bites topped with nuts and white chocolate chips. I so wished I could have eaten the whole tray! They were beyond wonderful.

 

If you look on the mantel, you'll see a row of little bags. They were filled with Kate's version of trail mix -- several kinds of nuts, M&Ms, and dried fruit. It was a great idea! 

I think it's safe to say that our gang was happy as clams with everything on offer this bright day!

 

 

I know I was.