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[Florida Jim]

Guests from the north came to enjoy our 70 degree days and some of Diane’s cooking.

First:

Salomon spread with crackers

Edamame beans

N/V Jean Milan, Champagne Blanc de Blancs Spéciale:

Crisp, clean, lively and a long lasting bead, good acidity. Perfect with the salmon spread and good with the beans.

Second:

Broccoli rabe with white beans and olives with crusty bread with EVOO

1998 Salomon, Gruner Veltliner Reserve:

One of my favorite producers for their consistency and balance; great harmony from first sniff to clean finish. Outstanding with the dish.

Third:

Pasta with gorgonzola and sautéed wild mushrooms:

2001 Quinto do Infantado, Douro:

Decanted several hours but still quite oaky; until one has a bite of the pasta and the wood just disappears. The food saves the wine.

Last:

Assorted cheeses:

1995 Hoffstätter, Pinot Nero Mazon:

Mature, resolved pinot with cheese is such an easy combination; especially when it also has character.

Best, Jim