Exec Team (Reunion) Dinner At Entourage DG
Former SMD and COO (Ret’d) Tom O of our former company, came to town to assist with this weekend’s Wright Plus annual architectural house walk, and to meet up with our former executive management team for a (reunion) dinner. We broke tradition of our regular meetings at Italian Village, Chicago (Team Dinner and Go-to CasalFerro Wines at Italian Village Chicago), and Angeli’s Italian in Naperville to introduce them to Entourage Restaurant in Downers Grove, our new go-to eatery, despite the fact we had just dined there a few days earlier, last weekend - Mother’s Day Eve Dinner - BYOB @ Entourage DG.
Ironically, we attended a Wine Dinner at Italian Village just the night before and I mentioned our regular team meetings there as part of my blogpost feature of the event - Vino Viaggio Wine Dinner at Vivere’ Italian Village Chicago.
And, when not downtown at our (former) office, we would typically meet at Angelis’ Italian, our favorite neighborhood trattoria - as also featured in many of these pages, such as Team dinner at Angeli's Italian.
When I suggested we try this new spot, there was unanimous consent. I think I can safely say everyone found Entourage a hit, giving high marks to the cuisine, service, atmosphere, beverages, sides, and convenience.
As I am so often heard to say, “I’m not selling, just sharing”, in light of my reportage of previous dinners, both Rick K and Stacy selected the popular Seabass entree.
Stacy enjoyed a white wine blend Domaine de Pouy, Côtes de Gascogne, France 2021 from the WBTG - Wine By The Glass offerings on the limited but carefully selected wine list.
The perfect dinner was complete with a limited production Napa Cabernet that I brought BYOB from the home cellar which proved to be an outstanding pairing with our grilled beefsteaks.
Ground Wine Company Steady State Napa Valley Red Wine 2015
Chris Phelps is a well known winemaker, terroir-driven producer of super premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines from specific and illustrious plots of grapes across Napa Valley.
As a relatively new name among the category's leading wines Winemaker Josh Phelps and hisGrounded Wine Co. produce a diversified portfolio of whimsically named wines from across the western states, "Grounded in heritage, grounded in soil, grounded in simplicity". Josh Phelps' Grounded wines are a testament to Josh’s connections with growers throughout his home state and the broader west coast. Phelps new releases from growing regions in Washington State, Oregon, Napa and Paso Robles.
While he strives to produce wines priced to be accessible to younger wine drinkers, don’t discount low priced wines from a young winemaker. If he continues to release wines as good as Phelps’ early releases, this is a winemaker and label you’ll want to follow.
The Grounded collection consists of:
- "Grounded" branded California Cabernet Sauvignon and a California Sauvignon Blanc, "Grounded in heritage, grounded in soil, grounded in simplicity." Grounded wines by Josh Phelps are a testament to Josh’s connections with growers throughout his home state and the broader west coast;
- "Land Form", a Pinot Noir from Oregon Willamette Valley, Landform is a reaffirmation of Josh's commitment to creating wines that evoke a sense of place;
- "Collusion" Washington State Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, his Washington-based project, focused on prohibition and the rich history of West Cost vintners; a tribute to those who kept the wine industry alive by any means;
- "Space Age" California Central Coast Rosé; and,
- "Public Radio" a Grenache based Red Blend, a tribute to the call sign on the front label was that of Josh’s late grandfather who was an avid amateur radio enthusiast;
- And this, his 'premium' label,"Steady State".

I found this at a local merchant with its simple label but expensive ultra-premium packaging with extra heavy glass, deep bung, and quality capsule, and grabbed every bottle available. I wish I could go back and get more. Watch for it and get some if you can. This shows much higher than its pricepoint and provides significant QPR - quality price ratio.
This is a blend Bordeaux varietals, 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It is sourced from vineyards in Rutherford, Oakville, Saint Helena, and Yountville.
This was rated 93 points by Wine Spectrum, and 91 points by Wine Enthusiast.
Tonight, at ten years of age, this remains at the apex of its drinking window, but will not likely improve further with aging, but should hold on for several more years. Fortunately I still have three more bottles.
Deep ruby garnet colored, medium-full bodied, full, round, forward bright expressive but nicely balanced and integrated aromatic black and red fruits highlighted by notes of cola, dark mocha chocolate, tobacco and hints of graphite and expresso with bright acidity and lush gripping but approachable tannins on a long finish.
RM 93 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2871211
https://www.groundedwineco.com/