Brad-Pitt-In-the-Shower Wine
OK, now that summer is on the downside, I’ve decided to climb out of my Sauvignon Blanc rut and try something different. So: L’Ecole 41 2006 Walla Walla Chenin Blanc. What, you expected I might abandon “blanc” completely? Perhaps you don’t understand how comfortable I am with my habits.
The wine has been down in the basement for a couple of years, but is no worse for the wear. My wife took a whiff and said, “Oh, what’s this?” with a sound in her voice like she’d just discovered Brad Pitt in her shower — and Brad Pitt smelled of sweet pears and vanilla.
I’m not going any further with the Brad Pitt metaphor, since talking about mouthfeel and flavor when he’s in the shower with my wife…well, I think you understand.
Anyway, the wine is round and a little oily, not nearly as acidic as my typical Summer fare but crackling a little toward the finish just the same. Brad — I mean, the wine tastes as much of pears as he — I mean, it smells, with some pineapple to boot. If this is Brad Pitt, it’s Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It, fresh and charming in Act 1 but growing more troubled as the story progresses, with a long, lingering and rocky finish that makes me nostalgic for the simplicity of the first few scenes.
Good, yes, but would have been better with something to stand up to. I make an herb-crusted pork loin on the grill this would be perfect with. Alas, tonight it’s sauteed fish. This is too much wine for that.
So we’ll hurry and drink it before the food is ready. I think I’ve got a wimpy Sauvignon Blanc around here that will fit that bill.
The L’Ecole is about $16 a bottle. I’d buy it again.
August 12th, 2011 at 6:24 AM
Chenin blanc.. good for you.
August 12th, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Yeah, I’m growing as a person.
August 12th, 2011 at 5:19 PM
insert cheap shot here