Good times

[Florida Jim]

First course:

Fresh grilled tuna with wasabi sauce:

2000 Raveneau, Montee de Tonnerre:

Decanted three hours and brought to almost room temperature/

Lime zest, mineral, running water and unripe pear scents/

Medium body, slightly closed but offering solid fruit and mineral flavors with considerable structure, some depth and substantial breadth, concentrated and well balanced/

Long very crisp finish.

Upon opening this was terribly closed and quite acidic; the decanting and warming made all the difference. But this needs 5-8 years in the cellar without question. With the dish it was spectacular, as was the dish. Imported by Vieux Vins, Inc.

Second course:

Pasta with gorgonzola, sautéed shitakes and grilled treviso:

2002 Planeta, Cerasuolo di Vittoria:

100% unoaked nero d’avola/

Expansive black cherry and black raspberry scents with a solid chocolate/soil base/

Medium body, fruit forward but nothing overdone, clean, clear flavors that follw the nose and lend several layers of complexity to the cherry flavors, good concentration and balance/

Long fruit filled finish.

An absolutely perfect match for the dish and a wonderful, fresh, juicy wine, even without food. Imported by Vias Imports.

Third course:

Assorted cheeses and crackers:

2001 Sang des Cailloux, Vacqueyras Cuvee Floureto:

That distinctive salty cherry smell accented with mineral and black fruit opens quickly/

Medium body with a worsted texture and flavors that follow the nose, fairly open, good concentration and structure, nice balance/

Long powerful finish.

So clearly of its place; what a delight to finish the meal with something so authentic.

Imported by Kermit Lynch.

Best, Jim