Highlight Reel

Every week in Walla Walla seems to be better than the last. This one was particularly memorable.

1) Tasting 3 vintages of Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon from the Seven Hills Vineyard (2001, 2006, 2008) while eating Tagliatelle with Peas, Pecorino, Chili and Mint

My palate for wine is still developing and I am not about to review wine in detail for everyone to read about. I'll get there someday, but until then I'll be VERY brief. Feel free to debate me/school me about any this if you see me in person ;)

2001- Soft tannins, super smooth, less fruitiness due to the age.

2006- blackberries, pepper, herbal note, smoother than the 2008. Beautiful lingering sweet finish.

2008- dark fruits (currants and blackberries), dusty nose with hints of black pepper.

This was an interesting tasting because all of the wines were from the same vineyard. In other words, this was a great way to asses the characteristics of the wines from a single vineyard in the Walla Walla valley. I came away with a greater understanding of how varying conditions in the same place, year to year, result in wine with different tastes and characteristics. Though there was some oak used on all of these wines it isn't so overpowering that one couldn't taste around it... I think the peppery and herbal notes are perhaps an expression of these particular grapes at this site. Overall, it was great experiencing the difference in the fruitiness, color and tannin over the years...

2) Indian FEAST- palak paneer, homemade naan, baingan bhartha, aloo gobi with chicken, basmati rice on a bed of roasted potatoes, one giant blueberry muffin

I seem to have befriended some very talented chefs. This will make for many more culinary adventures this summer. I cannot wait! Stay tuned, recipes for the palak paneer and baingan bharta to come!




3) Dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in the entire world Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen

Carrot and Feta Salad
Roasted Quail- Rhubarb, golden raisin chutney
Flatbread with house cured pork jowl, caramelized onion, fresh local goat cheese & farm fresh egg
Chocolate ricotta cheesecake

Eating all of this amazingness while drinking a Spanish Rosado on the porch at sunset with one of my best friends in the entire world. Heavenly :)

4) Pig Roast + pulled pork sandwiches + homemade South Caroline style BBQ sauce + the best potato salad I've ever had + so much wine + cheesecake bake off (paired with some awesome rose)



Look how excited they are about the crispy pig butt...
My philosophy for the summer is eat everything placed in front of me. For the first time in my life, vegetarianism is on hold in order to live life to the fullest. So far so good :)