Adult Prom—or The Gala

A couple of different people I ran into at the Gala this past weekend referred to it as “adult prom.” Everyone was dressed to the nines, there was dancing, and the “cool kids” all ditched about nine o’clock to meet at another party. I guess you could say it was like a prom in that respect…just with better intentions.

With regard to the free-flowing wine and tasty little appetizers, it was not at all like a prom. It seemed as if every person I know that is a wine lover (and had the $90 to shell out for a ticket) was there too. And everyone was happy. The wine, of course, was the highlight for me.

The first floor of the museum was the primary feeding ground; the wine was on the second and third floors. And there seemed to be a preponderance of Barbera this year that people were encouraging me to try. One of the Barberas, the Seghesio, out of California was tasty, but still runs a distant second to its labelmates’ Zinfandel.

The other memorable wine I tried was the Rubric. I’m not sure if it was truly my favorite, or I’m remembering this wine because I’m tying it to my teaching, but it was definitely memorable. The wine was an unusual blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Merlot, 2% Teroldego and had most people asking for more.

What was unusual was the last grape mentioned in the blend. The Teroldego grape takes its name from its traditional method of cultivation, trained on a system of “tirelle” or wire harnesses, an explanation that’s more likely, if less pretty, than its legendary association with German dialect for gold of the Tirol.

Teroldego has recently been linked as a full sibling to the Dureza variety of grape from France (a parent of Syrah). It is somewhat acidic in balance and complexity, and there is also supposed to be a bit of oak rounding out the structure. Oddly enough, it is this connection to oak that most people reviewing the Rubric commented on (and they were not big fans).

I would need to sample the Rubric under better conditions but I also suggest that the wine needs a bit of time to mature before it reaches its potential.

Another wine that has the potential to be a standout in the future is the The Show California Cabernet Sauvignon. This new wine from the Three Thieves blends cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petite sirah from Calfornia’s Central and North Coast AVAs [American Viticultural Areas].

A full-bodied, fruit-forward wine with flavors of dried black cherries and dark fruit compote, the wine is boosted by hints of spice and oaken vanilla. This wine is easy on the wallet and fun to drink. The Show would be a great choice for grilling and relaxing in the back yard or by the lake after a long week of work—and you can find it for under $15 a bottle.

A companion white wine for grilling fish or chicken would be the Four Vines “Naked” Santa Barbara Chardonnay. This wine is considered A “Best Buy” from Wine Enthusiast: “With no oak, the pure, brilliantly ripe Chardonnay fruit shines through in this rewarding wine. It’s so rich in tropical fruit, peach, pear and citrus flavors, you won’t even miss the barrel influence. Best of all is the cool-climate crispness that makes the finish so clean and vibrant.” (2/1/2008).

This chardonnay uses the fruit from three vineyards in Northern Santa Barbara: Los Alamos, Loma Verde and El Camino. And because there is no malolactic fermentation there isn’t any of the creaminess that some wine drinkers find offensive in their white wines.

No matter what wine you chose, remember, have fun and stay safe.