Sitting in said friend's library/sitting room, we open a 2012 Grgich Hills Fume Blanc. Aromas of Meyer lemon with a grassy undertone and essence of wet sage; on the palate the same flavors, but there is a surprising finish of jalapeño. We revisited the wine after about an hour and noted that the aroma had changed - it resembled the pungent smell of - wait for it - marijuana. Needless to say, this would make the perfect wine to drink with Mexican foods like arroz con pollo, tacos and guacamole.
Then we opened a 2011 Sancerre - Claude Riffault Les Boucauds - very nice aroma of citrus and basil. Dry, light citrus on the palate. Refreshing and aromatic.
We also enjoyed a 2009 Trius White Blend from Niagara Peninsula - White floral aromas, nice stone fruit flavors.
Then we moved on to a Victor Hill 2011 Cinsaut Rose, Sonoma Valley Donohue Vineyard. Rich vanilla and strawberries aroma. Flavors of vanilla, soft fruit - strawberries and creme. A surprisingly beautiful rose from a small production (25 cases this vintage).
Our hostess left us a treat: Sojourn 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - Smokey vanilla aromas with a hint of red berries. Flavors of toasted vanilla and oak, ripe strawberries with a little essence of mushrooms.
Rounding out the evening was a 2012 Orin Swift Abstract - aromas of Mexican vanilla and toasted cedar wood; flavors of dried fruit -raisin, prune and burnt sugar.
The cellar is framed, dry-walled and insulated. Guess we will have to come back tomorrow.
