I love the holiday season with all the parties , food, wine and merriment. Truth is however much of what we endulge in at these big holiday parties is just ok, low cost and quantity are the driving force. Not so at this party thrown by old New York friends who are now Montclair friends.
It was a great party and very worthy of note was the great food and service provided by Rustic Food the Custom Caterer out of Clifton, NJ. I would also like to share the names of two really good and well priced Pinot Noirs that were served. Permutations Pinot Noir by R Wines of Victoria, Australia and Yealands Pinot Noir form Marlborough, New Zealand.
Both these wines came from Gary's Wines.
RWines"Permutations" Pinot Noir Victoria
"A light, bright and fresh Pinot Noir, well structured, complex, nice texture. Rich plum, red berries, beetroot and herbal notes on the nose, with berries and rosemary following on the palate. Subtle, sweet dark fruit, toasty oak and fruit of the forest. 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
"Bright, medium red. Alluring, spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by white pepper and fresh floral qualities Jay Miller Wine Advocate 86 Points
"Value reds $20 and under .Tasted and recommended, but no tasting note given
Light and tangy, a charmer, with black fruit and orange peel flavors in modest proportions. Drink now. 4,000 cases made."–HS 2009
Yealands Pinot Noir Marlborough New Zealand
"This wine is bright ruby in color. The nose shows notes of red cherry with a underlying savory touch. The palate is supple yet juicy with ripe fruit and soft tannins on the finish." Winemaker
"Most people think of sauvignon blanc when New Zealand is mentioned. But Kiwi-land also turns out a stylish pinot noir." "This pleasant and affordable pinot noir has a brightness that's true to the grape, ruby-toned with strawberry, Bing cherry, cocoa, and easy tannins. But there's also an herbaceous edge I like." Read More Philly Food Craig LaBan
