Wine for a Sunday night

When you first start seeing someone, every night is special, every event is fun, every kiss is electric, and every moment apart is torture. Some may call this "infatuation". Sure. But in this case, let me tell you, it's more like infatuation combined with mutual foodie bliss-fest, 24-7.

Last night I was invited over for a casual Sunday dinner - smoked salmon, homemade pesto, and fresh mozzarella on focaccia bread with freshly sliced sweet potato chips on the side. (At least three of the things mentioned in the last sentence are, not coincidentally, favorites of mine.) And then, just for fun, out of the wine cooler came one of his favorite bottles. Not because it was the perfect food match. Not because he was trying to impress. Just for fun. Hot.

The 2003 Almus 7 Cuvee was truly dynamite. It's a Bordeaux-ish blend from Napa, apparently a second label for the Miura owner, and has one of the most beautiful bouquets that I have inhaled in a long time. Lavender and dark, luscious berries danced across my tongue, and the finish was clean and sophisticated. At first I was worried that it would be too big for salmon, but the pesto beefed up the meal enough to work with the incredibly well-integrated fruit of the wine. The wine is performing beautifully now - kinda like a young singer making her debut with a stellar senior recital. I'm guessing that with a few more years of age it'll be like a seasoned Met singer - mature and confident, blowing away everyone in the room.

And I swear it wasn't just the company that made the wine so good. Although I'm sure it didn't hurt, either.