With head in hand, I take my sip of coffee and swallow down the enormous portion of Advil I need to start my recovery. It seemed like such a great idea yesterday and today I can only say…ouch. But we had a great night at the Boston Harbor Hotel for the Opening Reception of the 23rd annual Boston Wine Festival. So the pain is worth it.
About 5:45 last night, Howie, John and I started shaking off the dust of an otherwise normal workday. We put on our nice duds and set off for the Boston Harbor Hotel in great anticipation of delicious wines and Chef Bruce’s ridiculously good food.
For once, the traffic gods were on our side and we got to the BHH early. In our world, that means a quick stop at the bar before heading to the reception. Howie, John and I cozied up to the bar and ordered some spirits to “cleanse our palates.” Yeah. Right. Like we really needed an excuse for a pre-game cocktail. Naturally, we weren’t the first ones there. Our friend Donna was one Manhattan in already and she was feeling festive!
After our pre-reception cocktails, we approached the Wharf Room right on the water and I knew we were in for a special treat. In fact, I was so in awe of the beautiful setting that I totally forgot to take a picture. So here is a stock picture I pulled off the internet to give you an idea of what it looked like inside.
As we walked in we were greeted by both Chef Daniel Bruce and a lovely young women holding a tray of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut. Chef enthusiastically welcomed his friends from Bauer Wines and told us to get inside to taste his delicious food.
Chef Daniel Bruce & Howie
Stepping inside, we were wowed by the surroundings but it didn’t take us long to get on task. Heading right over to Tom Vincent’s table we indulged in the 2008 Mica Cabernet from Napa Valley. Silky with rich black fruits, Mica lingered perfectly. We also tried Sean Thackery’s Pleiades Old Vines. A blend of several varietals, it was earthy with rich, mouth filling flavors of bold cherries, raspberry liqueur and a hint of oaky vanilla.
Next we took a quick stop to see our good friend Jacob Jata to see what his table was offering. There we were poured Ramey Chardonnay and Donelan Family Winery’s Venus, a delicate offering of 90% Rousanne and 10% Viognier. If the Venus is any indication of the rest of the Donelan Family’s portfolio, I am guaranteed to have a great dinner with them on January 18 at the BHH (tickets still available!).
Jacob talking wine.
From there on out, it was a blur of good food, great wine and fun conversation. Yes, John and I took a time out to enjoy some of Chef ‘s food. We would have never made it if we hadn’t. Not to mention, who would want to miss out of Chef’s creations? That’s just crazy (Yes Howie…I am talking to you).
Seared Tuna, Calamari, Lobster, Hake Cake and Pork Tenderloin.
The highlights for myself were the Mica Cabernet and both of the Trimbach Wines: 2004 Reserve Personelle Pinot Gris and the 2005 Frederic Emile Riesling. Howie loved the Elio Grasso 2006 Barolo, the Forman Vineyard’s Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Sean Thackery’s Pleiades Old Vine. John agreed with our choices but added in the La Jota 2007 Cabernet Franc and the 2009 Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. We may have had our different favorites, but we all agreed that there were some stellar wines being poured for us. I can’t lie…working in the wine business does help one get a bigger pour than the average person. Perhaps that is why I felt so awful this morning. Yup. That’s exactly why John and I are walking a little slower, head hanging, and intolerant of any noise today.
More pictures of our night for you but first, I must warn you. My camera’s battery died and I was forced to take pictures with my iPhone. So, by no means, are these high quality pictures:
John & Chris
John taking a time-out from tasting
John posing with his wine
Donna, Howie and John
Everyday Glass | Bauer Wine and Spirits 