Sepia Michelin Star Restaurant Chicago

 Sepia Michelin Star Restaurant Chicago for a spectacular food and wine dining experience

Son Sean and D-in-law Michelle invited us to dinner at Michelin Star Sepia Restaurant in Chicago. For the occasion, I pulled from our home wine cellar this ultra-premium birthyear vintage wine for Sean’s birth year. We took this BYOB wine despite the fact we also did the Wine Pairing option with the Price Fixe dinner. 

Sepia in the trendy west loop neighborhood on Jefferson Street is recognized with the coveted Michelin Star. We were fortunate enough to be seated in one of the private dining alcoves off the main dining room, a stylish warm intimate setting with a heavy curtain wall, brick wall, and photo galley wall adorned with Sepia photographs. 

The exclusive price fixe menu offers four courses of four diner’s choice options each, plus additional optional caviar and/or cheese courses. 

The wine pairing serves a select wine for each course selection from their Best of Award Wine Spectator wine list. Even the starter course matched three different carefully and thoughtfully selected sparkling wines with our three different starter selections. 

Prior to the starter first course we were served a delectable amuse-bouche of tartare on brioche with a sweet jam spread.

The First Course selection offerings:

Kanpachi Crudo, toasted rye chili crisp, pickled ramp,smoked cream cheese,

Caramelized Onion Consommé, delice de Bourgogne, sourdough selected by Linda,

Steak tartare toad in a hole, horseradish, brioche, dill, and, chosen by Michelle,

Roasted Foie Gras, ginger consommé, peanut, snow pea selected by Sean and Me.

The wine pairings for this course selections were distinctively different, matching the food selections.

Paired with the Foie Gras was Le Quattro Terre Franciacorte Brut

This is from the Franciacorte appellation in the Lombardy wine region in northern Italy, the Italian ‘Champagne’ district. It is made in the methods champonaise French style from traditional grape varieties Chardonnay 65% and Pinot Noir 35%. 

This label is sourced from five Chardonnay vineyards located in the municipalities of Adro, Corte Franca, Passirano and Ome and one Pinot Noir vineyard located in the municipality of Cazzago San Martino.

https://www.quattroterre.it/en-us/

The pairing with Linda’s Consommé selection was Michel Arnould "Réserve" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne.

This is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, entirely from estate vineyards in the Grand Cru of Verzenay. The hazelnut Pinot character, so unique to the village of Verzenay, is pronounced in this wine. The texture is full and the bead is refined. 

The Brut Reserve Grand Cru owes the strength of its aromas and its affirmed body to the Pinot Noir from Verzenay, and owes its delicacy to the Chardonnay.

Winemaker notes - Hints of soft fruits (peach, apricot, plum) accompanied by a sensation of exotic fruits. A sharp attack on the palate and then transpires an impression of harmony and stability. Once again we find these hints of soft fruits but no longer crystalised, to which we can add flavours of almonds and hazelnuts. 

The Second Course

Lightly Smoked Ocean Trout, kohlrabi, mussel emulsion, selected by Sean,

Gai Yang Chicken Wing Zampone, blood orange, cilantro, smoked chicken jus,

Crispy Ricotta Gnudi, celery root giardiniera, belper knolle, sunflower seed, selected by Michelle, and,

Roasted Scallop, green curry custard, finger lime, english pea, selected by Linda and me.

Sean loved and raved about the Smoked Trout, one of the highlights of the evening, and the best such dish he says he had ever tasted!

The trout was an ideally paired with this crisp white from the Vinho Verde appellation from the Minho River area, close to the Atlantic in Northern Portugal. Known for concentration and depth, both mouth-filling and refreshing, these wines have depth and textures that are both elegant and energetic. The nose carries an airy effervescence with blossoms and fresh ginger, while the mouthfeel is like juicy white-fleshed stone fruits with a long wash of grippy mineral sensations. The only Vinho Verde that could be 100% Alvarinho had to come from Quinta do Santiago's specific area of Menção e Melgaço.

Michelle chose the Ricotta Gnudi for her second course.

It was paired with this Italian varietal Nebbiolo, native grape from the Italian Piedmont wine region. This was an ideal old world classic style with rich earthy notes of Piedmont soil, tar, savory herbs and Shittake mushroom with elegant, refined fruit. Written to be Ghemme at its best, elegant yet powerful. 

Linda and I both selected the Roasted Scallop.

The Scallop was minimally cooked and we both would have preferred pan seared, or, cooked slightly more. The highlight of the dish may have been the English pea, green curry custard with lime. 

The wine pairing with the scallop was a German Riesling Kabinett - Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett, Mönchhof 2021. 

This is produced from grapes harvested from the steepest vineyards along the Mosel River in northwest Germany. The Mönchhof estate has is known for expressing ripe stone fruit and slate flavors that represent the unique terroir of the area. We visited the Mosel River Valley during our trip back in the mid-1980’s. Our tastes in wines have evolved significantly from those days. 

Rather than a sweet full wine such as this, I would’ve preferred a more delicate crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Linda would’ve preferred a round buttery Chardonnay. In any event, part of the culinary journey is experiencing the Chef’s and Sommelier’s interpretation of the wine pairing. 

The third, main course:

Grilled short rib, morel mushroom crab rangoon, smoked béarnaise, crispy nori. This was selected by Linda, Sean and me.

Michelle selected the Lamb Loin, cauliflower, pistachio dukkah, curried jus, lamb belly doughnut,

The Chef’s, Sommelier’s wine pairing with the lamb was a Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon from Frog’s Leap Rutherford Vineyards from the historic 2020 vintage.

Frog's Leap "Estate" Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 

This is from the iconic Frog's Leap winery estate in Rutherford that has been farmed by John Williams since 1981, now in concert with his son Rory.

Frog’s Leap were fortunate to release full production of their flagship wine during the chaotic vintage of 2020. After a very dry winter over 2019-2020 with only half normal rainfall, the deep-rooted vines compensated by naturally producing a light crop, about 25% below average. Major heat waves set in during harvest in mid-August and early September. Vineyard practices helped protect the vines during the high heat. 

The bulk of their Cabernet harvest was complete and ready to be picked when the tragic historic Glass fire broke out on September 28th, just six miles to the north. The remaining five blocks to be picked were harvested within the next two mornings. The fire’s smoke stayed to the north on the 28th and through the the 29th, as they finished picking. 

Unlike many Napa producers, Frog’s Leap 2020 Cabernet was unaffected by the fires. Due to smoke damage from the fires, many producers were not able to produce any crop, or were severely limited to what they were able to pick before the fires erupted. 

The fruit for this release was sourced from Frog’s Leap estate Rutherford vineyards - 34% Red Barn vineyard, Rutherford, 40% Chevez-Leeds vineyard, Rutherford, and 26% from the Williams-Rossi vineyard, Rutherford. It is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.

It was aged 20 months in new to 5-year-old French oak barrels, 10% new.

Relieved and confident that they had produced a fine wine for the vintage, Rory said about this release, “I intend to be opening bottles of the 2020 vintage 40 years from now with my daughter Alma, who was born in 2020.”

This release was awarded 94 points by Decanter and 91 points by James Suckling.

Bright garnet colored, medium full-bodied with classic rustic Rutherford dusty tannins, brambly black currant, raspberry, and black cherry fruits with notes of tobacco, spices and black tea.

RM 91 points.  

The other entree course offerings were: 

Roasted Monkfish, little neck clams, white asparagus, horseradish-hidden valle, and,

Potato and Gruyère Agnolotti, lamb bacon, crispy potato, parmesan butter.

With the Short Rib, we had two fabulous wine pairings, the Chef’s and Sommelier’s selection, a Spanish Rioja Tempranillo Reserva ….

Señorío de P. Peciña Tinto Reserva is from the La Rioja designation of origin produced by Bodegas Hermanos Peciña. It is a blend predominantly made up of Tempranillo (95%), with a small amount of Graciano and Garnacha (5%).

The grapes come from various selected vineyards in the San Vicente de la Sonsierra region. The soils there are predominantly clay-limestone, and the planting density is high to produce rich concentrated wines. 

It was aged for 36 months in American oak barrels with an average age of four to five years, then it was aged another year and a half in the bottle before release.

Luis Gutierrez of RobertParker.com gave this 93 Points.

Bright garnet colored, medium bodied, bright vibrant full concentrated ripe spicy fruits, with notes of earth, leather and vanilla and a touch of smoke and dusty rose, with polished chalky tannins. 

RM 93 points. 

And of course, our BYOB special birth year vintage bottle from our home cellar, 1985 Chateau Léoville-Las-Cases, St-Julien, Bordeaux. The classic wine from the legendary producer is considered a crown jewel of the St Julien appellation. Many consider it on par with the iconic first growths, it is known as one of the ‘super seconds.’

The estate is the largest and highest regarded of the three Léovilles, the greatest in quality and, in the opinion of many, it should be among the first growths. 

This is one of my absolute favorite, revered wines. Our visit to the Chateau was one of the highlights of our trip to St Julien Bordeaux back in 2019. We acquired a case of this wine upon release back in the mid-eighties and have still hold a couple bottles.

At going on forty years, the fill level was high neck, the foil and label were pristine, and the cork was intact but a bit soft and spongy. 

In 2020, Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider wrote, “One of the stars of the vintage, this is drinking perfectly today.” In March 2022 Robert Parker wrote, “My favorite vintage from this château to drink today is the 1985 Léoville Las Cases. More giving than the brooding 1986, and more complex than the 1982, the 1985 is in its prime today.”

Tonight’s tasting was consistent with my last review in 2019 when I wrote:

Deep garnet colored, medium-full bodied, elegant, complex but nicely integrated dark berry and black cherry fruits with notes of floral violets, tobacco, oak and hints of graphite, cigar box and leather on a tangy black cherry lingering finish of supple smooth, polished tannins. Over the course of the evening, it opened more to reveal layers of floral and fruits and accents.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/07/chateau-leoville-las-cases-1985.html

This release was awarded 98 points Vinous and 98 points by Wine Spectator, and 95 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Decanter and the Wine Cellar Insider. 

In their 98 point review, Vinous wrote, “The 1985 Léoville–Las Cases is not just one of the finest vintages from this Second Growth, but one of the high points for the entirety of Bordeaux in this decade. Here it eclipses the 1985 Lafite-Rothschild with ease. A perfect marriage of structure and a degree of elegance that maybe the property has not matched before or since.”

This is a classic Left Bank Bordeaux blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4819

We then chose the optional additional cheese course.

Tête de Moine, corn financier, huckleberry chutney, thyme.

This was an incredible, imaginative artful creation, the thinly and delicately sliced cheese was amazingly formed to resemble a flower.

The pairing was this Italian Moscato d’Asti from Lombardy.

Stefano Perrone is one of the region's large producers. Souring grapes from north-facing sites, limiting yields, annd strict grape selection, he makes wines delicate and balanced.

We then turned to the dessert course. 

I chose the Cannelé de Bordeaux, buttered rum diplomat cream, roasted pineapple sherbet, tarragon, a burst of flavors!

Cloud Cake, frozen sheep’s milk yogurt, rhubarb, chamomile was Michelle’s selection.

Sweet Pea Pavlova, white chocolate, coriander, meyer lemon sorbet was Sean’s selection.

And finally, Linda chose the Manjari Chocolate Torte, buckwheat, caramelized banana, coffee cocoa nib ice cream.

The dessert course wine pairings …

The Sepia team … professional, attentive, accomplished, and in the pursuit of perfection.

executive chef andrew zimmerman

chef de cuisine kyle cottle

sous chef brian daley & jayme cannava

pastry chef erin kobler

pastry sous chef melissa santiago

sommelier alex ring

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4819

https://www.sepiachicago.com/

@SepiaChicago

https://x.com/unwindwine

Two Hands Lily’s Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

Two Hands Lily’s Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

Visiting Destiny Cove, our vacation rental home in Destin, (FL), we enjoyed a relaxing evening by the pool with some artisan cheeses, biscuits and assorted chocolates, paired with one of our favorite sipping wines, a full bodied, flavorful Aussie Shiraz.

This is from Two Hands, the handicraft of two producers, Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz. The Two Hands 'Garden Series' portfolio of single vineyard designated Shiraz’ represents their six ultra premium select bottling Shiraz's from the six key South Australia regions and appellations; Bella's Garden in Barossa Valley, Harry & Max's Garden in Langhorne Creek, Max's Garden in Heathcote, Samantha's Garden in Clare Valley, Sophie's Garden in Padthaway, and Lily's Garden in McLaren Vale. Recognizable for their similar standard style, they are differentiated by different colored typeface letters, the McLaren Vale label blue denotes its proximity to the sea. 

The first vintage of Lily’s Garden was produced in 2000, as one of the first wines in the portfolio and was simply labelled ‘Two Hands McLaren Vale Shiraz’. When proprietor Michael Twelftree’s daughter Lily was born in 2001, the wine was renamed ‘Lily’s Garden, to complete the series with ‘Bella’s Garden’. 

Over time, Two Hand wines have gained a following among wine enthusiasts and critics, establishing a reputation for full round blueberry, blackberry and chocolatey flavours, and the ability to age gracefully. Over the years, the Lily’s Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz has received high ratings and critical acclaim as one of Two Hands’s top wines.

Two Hands Lily's Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012

. 

With alcohol content of 16.5%, to say this big bruiser wine is big is an understatement.

Winemaker notes - “Despite its massive 16.5% alcohol content, this wine is very approachable and easy pleasant drinking, if one is accustomed to the big bold fruit forward select Shiraz's. Typical distinctive dark inky black purple colour and big full body with concentrated forward fruits. This vintage is a bit more subdued and moderate than many yet still has complex concentrated dark berry and ripe plum fruits, with tones of blue fruit, spice, dark chocolate and smooth well integrated oak. finishing with supple fine tannins on a lingering persistent finish.”

“South Australia’s viticultural origins began in McLaren Vale and our region’s Mediterranean climate continues to drive our region’s wine style and diverse food culture.”

“Lily’s Garden is the pick of the bunch from our growers’ McLaren Vale vineyards. Lily’s Garden is a generous wine with cascading blue fruits and a rich long palate, typical of the region.”

At twelve years, the important fill level, cork, and the label and foil were in pristine condition. This was probably at the apex of its drinking window, with several years yet at this level.  

Tonight, this tasting was consistent with an earlier one back in 2016 of this label when I wrote:

Dark inky purple, big, full bodied, plush, rich, concentrated thick tongue coating, black and blue berry fruit compote and coulis accented by a layer of spice, gravelly mineral, tones of mocha and black pepper with oak on the chewy tannin laced lingering finish.

RM 93 points.

Two Hands Lily’s Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 

Winemaker Notes - “The 2012 Lily's Garden Shiraz has a deep dark red, black core. Rich, bold and heady spiced plums aromas with notes of milk chocolate, vanillan, black pepper and fresh meat. There is a fine plump and juicy entry to the palate, echoing the aroma with waves of plummy fruits. Spicy mocha notes emerge mid-palate and are carried through to a finish filled with lovely long fine.”

This vintage release was awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator, and 93 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and the International Wine Cellar, and 91 points by Natalie MacLean. 

Dark inky purple colored, big, round, full bodied, rich concentrated black and blue berry fruits with notes of floral, spice, sweet mocha, and hints of licorice and pepper with a sweet smooth polished finish on the long tannin based finish. 

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?1795068

https://www.twohandswines.com/lilys-garden-mclaren-vale-shiraz/

https://x.com/twohandswine?s=21

BV Tapestry Reserve with Tenderloin Filet of Beef

Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 1997 with Tenderloin Filet of Beef

Linda bought a full tenderloin of beef and trimmed it and cut it up to craft a couple of filets of beef for dinner. She does this often to get a better cut of beef and have the chance to cut her own beef steaks from the side. She grilled the beefsteaks on the gas grill and served them with Caesar salad and escalloped potatoes. 

We both felt it proved to be a great pairing, and showed even better with the dessert, tuxedo chocolate cake with fresh berries and whipped cream! 

I pulled from the cellar this Bordeaux varietal blend from Napa Valley as an accompaniment to pair with the grilled beefsteaks. Normally, I would seek a ‘Goldilock’s’ Vintage bottle, one not to young and not too old for our respective taste preferences. Tonight, I took a chance and pulled a 1997 vintage Napa Bordeaux Blend.

I’ve written often in these pages about the Napa Valley 1997 vintage Cabernet Sauvignons - how it was a highly rated vintage, following a lackluster off-vintage in 1998, resulting in high expectations (and prices) back in the day. And, over the ensuing years, the 1997 seemed to under-achieve, being closed and less than inspiring. Meanwhile, the panned 1998 vintage was vibrant and enjoyable, and a great bargain in the decade that followed release. 

This bottle, Beaulieu Vineyards "Tapestry Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux Blend, was one of a full case that I acquired upon release, and still hold several bottles. 

We hold a dozen and half vintages of this label, a Bordeaux varietal blend, that I love to taste for such occasions. Interesting that of the three dozen bottles, from fifteen different vintages we hold of this label, according to our CellarTracker records, the 1997 is the only one that was packaged in a heavy over-size ultra-premium bottle. 

Based on our experience with this vintage over the years, I was half expecting this to be lackluster, and perhaps even past its prime drinking window, on the downslope of its drinking curve, and certainly beyond suitable drinking for Linda, who prefers younger, less aged wines. 

In fact, tonight, this bottles was a pleasant surprise, meeting lofty expectations for the vintage release, and still showing much fruit to suit Linda’s expectations as well as my own. 

At twenty-seven years, the foil, label, and most importantly the fill level, and more importantly, the cork, were in pristine condition, not showing any diminution from aging whatsoever. 

I opened and double decanted the bottle before serving, and when I tapped it, bright fruit aromas filled the room. It showed no diminution from aging and held up well, appearing to still be at the apex of its drinking window. Of course, for the first decade, perhaps two, after release, these bottles seemed closed and not yet ready to present themselves in their best light. Hence, I avoided, or at least tread lightly in opening 1997 Napa Cabernet the last several years, and if this bottle is an indication, it’s time! My published tasting notes archive in these pages show twelve previous tasting of this vintage/label. 

My records and tasting notes indicate I opened at least ten of those bottles in the first decade following release. Tonight’s tasting showed this bottle being better than one opened and written about back in 2016, shown below. 

Beaulieu Vineyards "Tapestry Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux Blend 1997

BV - Beaulieu Vineyards is one of the most storied estates, producers and vineyards in Napa Valley, dating back more than a hundred years. The Tapestry bottling is BV’s lower priced homage to Clarets and Old-World Bordeaux blends. Half of the fruit comes from the Rutherford AVA, rounded out with grapes from Coombsville, Oakville, and Calistoga. The label tends to provide a high QPR - Quality Price Ratio, for a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux varietal blend, especially when compared with their flagship Georges de Latour label, another Napa Cab Bordeaux blend, that sells for as much as three to four times the price! 

This release was given 94 points by Wine Spectator and 92 points by Wine Enthusiast. Wine Spectator gave it a “Top 100 of 2000” and a Spectator Selection, in 2000. 

Tonight, this was most consistent with an earlier tasting in 2009 when I wrote - Subtle berry, dark cherry, slight earthy leather, licorice on the moderate tannin finish, and gave it 90 points.

Wine Spectator described it as “Big, bold, rich and polished, this is an immense and deeply concentrated Cabernet blend laden with ripe plum, currant, anise, green olive and cedar notes and finishing with gripping tannin.” 

As I have noted, I think the 1997 release was overhyped and over-rated at the time. 

Winemaker’s notes for this release - “Dark ruby-violet color. The deep character of the '97 vintage is revealed in the fine, vanilla-scented, allspice, clove, blackberry and cherry bouquet of this wine. The youthful flavors are very deep and full-bodied, showing ripe, mouth-filling, anise and black fruit character. Richly textured, with firm but ripe tannins, there is plenty of extract and flesh to balance the structure. Persistent minerality and spicy fruit in the finish add complexity and depth to this powerful wine, which should reach its peak in a decade, though it is opulent enough now to enjoy with rich meat dishes.”

 In 2016 I wrote, One of the remaining bottles of a case acquired upon release, my tasting journal index shows eleven previous tasting notes published for this wine.

Dark garnet colored, starting to show some rust orange hues and slight bricking on the edges showing some diminution from aging, medium-full bodied, an initial funkiness burned off soon after opening eventually showing and drinking fine, like when younger.

Black berry and black cherry fruits, slight earthy leather, licorice and a tone of bark on the moderate tannin finish. Opened further and softened more over the course of the evening.

Earlier tasting notes indicated further softening and enhanced fruit revealed a day later.

RM 89 points.

http://cellartracker.com/w?192928

https://www.bvwines.com/

Meursault with Sole Meunière Almondine

Meursault with Sole Meunière Almondine 

Linda prepared once again Sole Almondine with muniere sauce, rice and grilled peppers. I pulled from the wine cooler a vintage Burundian Chardonnay for an appropriate wine pairing. 

Afterwards we had cheesecake for dessert and we both thought the wine paired better with that than with the Sole entree. 

Bachey-Legros Meursault Les Grands Charrons 2016 

This is from the renowned Meursault wine-producing region in Burgundy, France. Notably, in the ‘old world’ (ala France, Italy), wines are labeled for the region and appellation from which they are produced, versus the ‘new world’ (ie US), where wines are labeled based on the varietal grape, and then the point of origin. So, it’s up to the consumer to know what grapes are associated with a region. Of course, Burgundy means Chardonnay for white wines, and Pinot Noir for red wines. 

This is 100% Chardonnay grapes cultivated in the Les Grands Charrons vineyard in the Meursault sub-region of Burgundy.

Wine reseller notes - “With its vibrant golden hue, the wine captivates the senses from the first glance. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of ripe orchard fruits like apple and pear, intertwined with delicate floral notes and hints of toasted almonds. The palate is beautifully structured, offering a harmonious balance between richness and freshness. Flavors of citrus fruits, white peaches, and a subtle touch of vanilla unfold gracefully, enhanced by a gentle minerality.”

This was aged in 35% new oak barrels as well as in barrels of one or two years. After 12 –15 months the barrels are blended together just before the bottling.

Jeb Dunnuck gave this 94 points and described it “Classic spiced orchard fruits, brioche, toasted bread, and white flower notes … richer, textured, layered,  good acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish.”

Brilliant and intense yellow golden color, full bodied, well balanced, complex, round, notes of floral, mineral, stone fruit with hints of apple and peach with bracing acidity on the finish. 

RM 91 points. 

For the ultra-premium price, I much prefer a California style Chardonnay with a slight amount of oak and buttery profile to offset the bright acidity and minerality. 

Jeb Dunnuck gave this 94 Points and described it “Classic spiced orchard fruits, brioche, toasted bread, and white flower notes … richer, textured, layered,  good acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish.”

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?3598873

Beckett’s Missouri “All Steel” Red w/ Pasta

Beckett’s Missouri “All Steel” Red w/ Pasta

Following our delightful food and wine pairing of Beckett’s Missouri Red Wine with Burgers yesterday, we pulled from the cellar the other label we hold from this producer to taste with pasta and meatballs with zesty red sauce, and baked sweet potato.

Linda prepared a tomato red sauce with our home grown herbs - basil, oregano and rosemary (shown at bottom), served over meatballs and macaroni and cheese. It was delicious. So, we pulled from the cellar a Big Red wine from Missouri that we thought would be an appropriate accompaniment. 

Unlike yesterday, (featured in this blogpost - Beckett’s Missouri Red Wine w/ Burgers), when we enjoyed an ideal food and wine pairing, tonight, the wine was not up to the same level as the previous label from this producer.

Like that other wine, we also discovered and acquired this label during that visit to the producer’s Winery and Tasting Room Wine Bar, which I featured in these pages at the time - https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/09/becketts-winery-glasgow-missouri.html

Last night, I wrote in these pages about a wonderful, memorable tasting experience we had at the Winery Tasting Room Wine Bar in Glasgow, Missouri. According to their wine descriptions, we were expecting, hoping this label we be equal to the last one, and perhaps bigger and bolder based on the Syrah varietal in the blend. 

While yesterday’s Becketts Red Wine exceeded our expectations, their Steel Red Blend was lackluster and uninspiring - frankly, more what one might expect from a Missouri red wine. 

Historic steel bridge crossing Missouri River 
In Glasgow, MO (background)

Beckett’s “All Steel” Missouri Red Blend NV

This interesting imaginative label commemorates the massive steel bridge (shown above) that crosses the Missouri River in view of the Beckett’s winery tasting room patio.

Beckett’s “All Steel Red” features a characticture of the structure on the label. 

They describe it as “signature Beckett's Winery favorite. Our driest red wine, it is a medium-bodied Chambourcin and Syrah blend. Includes flavors of lucious blackberry jam with a slight earthy scent and a dry, smooth finish.” 

Based on this description, we thought it might stand up to a zesty red sauce with pasta. 

While the winemaker’s description is technically accurate, the wine lacks balance and integration and is a bit ‘flabby’ and flat hence rather uninspiring. 

While I rated their Signature Red label 88 points yesterday, I give this wine 85 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4099973

https://www.beckettsrestaurant.com/

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/05/red-wine-w-burgers-with-grilled-burgers.html

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/09/becketts-winery-glasgow-missouri.html

Linda herbs ….

Beckett’s Missouri Red Wine w/ Burgers

Beckett’s Missouri Red Wine w/ Burgers 

With grilled burgers on the deck we opened from the cellar a ‘burger wine’. We discovered and acquired this wine during our Missouri Wine Experience in 2021. This is from Beckett’s Winery in Glasgow, MO that we discovered in our cross country road trip. Glasgow is a quaint picturesque small river town, population 1026, with only a few shops and businesses such that Beckett’s Winery and Beckett’s Restaurant stand out conspicuously, almost out of place in the rural town setting. 

Tonight we re-lived that experience when we had a delightful memorable lunch at Beckett’s winery wine bar, featured in these pages at the link, opposite the restaurant, sitting on the deck overlooking the Missouri River. The tranquil setting has a view in the distance of the first all steel bridge in America spanning the mighty river. 

The restaurant winery combination offers wine friendly American fare with burgers, charcuterie, cheeses and snacks for casual enjoyable dining. We ordered the wine flight, a sampling of all five wines, then had a glass of their white with a charcuterie, cheese and fresh fruit board. 

Beckett’s offer a portfolio of wines, three red, three white and a rose. We enjoyed them so much we purchased each of their reds to take home. Commemorating the massive steel bridge, the Beckett’s wine portfolio features its flagship label “All Steel Red” with a characticture of the structure on the label. They describe it as “signature Beckett's Winery favorite. Our driest red wine, it is a medium-bodied Chambourcin and Syrah blend. Includes flavors of lucious blackberry jam with a slight earthy scent and a dry, smooth finish.” 

Their signature white is Beckett's Winery “226”, the driest wine in their signature collection. “226” is the mile marker of the state highway Missouri 240 at the point of the point of the bridge crossing the river. Made from Missouri grapes, this Chardonel offers hints of citrus fruits on the palate and nose. Fruit appears on the front palate and offers a lingering finish. Like their other labels , this is also creatively packaged, adorned with a creative label featuring a map of the central Missouri region. 

Tonight, with burgers, grilled corn, rice and beans, we had as a wine pairing, Beckett's Red, the house wine at Beckett's restaurant. From Beckett's Winery, they describe this as ‘a soft and drinkable semi-sweet red wine. It is delectably light and fruity with tangy sherry aromas.’

This wine exceeded our expectations, for a Missouri red wine at a sub-twenty dollar price point.

Ruby colored, medium bodied, ripe black berry and black current fruits with notes of tangy clove spice, tobacco leaf and black tea with soft modest tannins on a pleasant finish.

RM 88 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4100515

https://www.beckettsrestaurant.com/

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/09/becketts-winery-glasgow-missouri.html