David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

One of the best value Left-Bank Bordeaux’s out there. You just have to lay down for 10–15 years. It’s not a sexy Chateau but, they do really good work...smartly priced.

Steak wine tonight with friends.

Notes later if I can. — 5 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

@Plate&Bottle

Charles Hendricks Malbec night cap!!!


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 12 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

@Plate&bottle

Beautiful dark & mid red fruits with floral heaven. Both this wines are a yin & yang heaven with this dish.

Stupendous flavors built into this dish by Chef Hedy. Richness with great seasoning.


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 12 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

@Plate&Bottle

Second Course: Green Salad, Shaved Apple, Parmesan, Honey Walnut & Lemon Vinaigrette.

Acid meets acid in a beautiful tug of war. Lemon, nuts, honey and citrus all get along very well. So good!


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 12 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

It has been a few years since our last 2007. It has softened some but, still a beast and picked up more florals. The 2007 has shown the consistent quality of the vintage over multiple bottles.

The nose reveals; dark sweet currants, deeply extracted blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, purple fruit blend, blueberries, poached strawberries on the glass edges, anise to black licorice, limestone minerals, steeped fruit teas, sweet tarriness, leathery notes, dry crushed rocks, dry brush, dry herbs, dark liqueur notes, hints of graphite, volcanic minerals, dry top soil, expresso roast, vanilla, light, dark clove, touch of nutmeg, dark chocolate, coco powder, malt in malt balls with dark, withering & candied florals with violets & lavender.

The body is; ruby, lush and full. The tannins are; round, chewy, meaty, dusty and only 50% resolved. The structure, tension, length and balance have just hit their stride and still climbing. Dark sweet currants, deeply extracted blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, purple fruit blend, blueberries, plum, poached strawberries on the glass edges, anise to black licorice, limestone minerals, steeped fruit teas, sweet tarriness, leathery notes, dry crushed rocks, moist clay, dry brush, dry herbs, dark liqueur notes, hints of graphite, volcanic minerals, dry top soil, expresso roast, vanilla, light, dark clove, touch of nutmeg, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, coco powder, malt in malt balls, Asian spice, splash of soy sauce, a touch of black pepper, wood plank, withering & candied florals with violets & lavender. The acidity is like a fresh mountain stream. The long finish is; elegant, ripe, ruby, well balanced fruit & earth and persistent for days.

The 07 has 10-20 years of good drinking ahead depending on how you store & enjoy wine.

Photos of; their Estate vines as viewed from their patio terrace, the famous Napa Valley sign on Hwy 29 at sunset and a couple different shots of their member party. — 6 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Happy Friday & weekend all. Cheers! 🥂

I don’t often celebrate bad political operatives going to jail but, when I do, it’s for good cause and with a good glass of Rosé Champagne.

My numerous notes still apply. Ruinart is very good and consistent if anything.

Photos of, the House of Ruinart, famous paintings of Dom Thierry Ruinart, their caves and Grand Cru Vineyard. — 6 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

@Plate&Bottle.

Third Course; Sheep Milk Ricotta Ravioli, Lemon, Wilted Spinach.

Richness & round interphase & wrap lemon nicely.


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 12 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

We have waited to find more of this beauty from Arnot-Roberts after our first bottle in Spring. Finally arrived, settled and tasting brilliantly.

The nose reveals more Burgundian than CA qualities. It’s softer and rounded. Sweet & sour lemons, lime not quite candy, green & golden apple, grapefruit with sugar, overripe pineapple, stone fruits, slight burnt caramel, creme brûlée, toffee, honey notes, waxiness, vanillin, mixed greens, slight fresh herbal presence, saline, delicate volcanic minerals, gentle woodiness, limestone with fruit blossoms, yellow lilies, jasmine and spring flowers.

The body is full, round and ruby lush. It a gentle and beautiful glide over the palate. It a nice cross of round burgundy and CA ripeness without the CA more rigid toughness. Sweet & sour lemons, lime candy, green & golden apple, grapefruit with sugar, overripe pineapple, just the right amount of cream & butter, stone fruits, salted caramel, creme brûlée, toffee, honey notes, butterscotch, waxiness, vanillin, slivered almonds, mixed greens, slight fresh herbal presence, saline, delicate volcanic minerals, powdery chalkiness, gentle woodiness, limestone with fruit blossoms, yellow lilies, jasmine and spring flowers. The round acidity is magnificent. The long, round, understated richness, perfect balance is delicious and persists nicely.

Photos of; Arnot-Roberts facilities, their Syrah vines and Owners-Winemakers-Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts crafting their wines. — 6 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

@Plate&Bottle

Dessert Course: Pear Custard Tart Caramelized Almonds, Pear Glaze w/ Creme Fraiche.

Excellent dessert made by Chef Hedy.

Perfection pairing!!!


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 12 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

@Palate& Bottle

One of two wines I am pairing with this dish.

Main Course: Turkey Leg Confit, Roasted Carrot, Parsnip Purée, Citrus Spiced Jus.

There are two different conversations for the wines I’ve selected. This Mets the spice in the dish where the other speaks to the richness & fat in this dish.


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 12 days ago