Dinner Chez Shannon and David

Last Sunday, we were invited to dinner at our friends Shannon and David's home. After some sparkler to start that I really enjoyed but took no notes on, we graduated to reds with dinner:

• 2003 Clos du Mont-Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvée du Papet - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Had this with dinner at friends' house. A definitely bretty wine. I think for some at the table the brett was simply too much. I on the other hand loved it. Typical CdP in the sense that kirsch and garrigue were present, but the texture was not liqueur-like at all. texturally, this reminded more of Burgundy with a silky mouthfeel and strong finish. Again...to me the brett gave it an extra dimension I liked, but folks sensitive to brett would have hated this bottle. I am happily looking forward to drinking my second bottle.
• 2003 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
  Generously opened by our hosts to go with grilled tri-tip. And what a great wine this is. Fantastic nose of cherries, tree bark and dark chocolate. These aromas all carry through to the palate where the wine was velvety and loaded with cheery and blackberry fruit. Maybe a hint of leather. Despite the ample fruit, this came across as balanced and complex and is nothing like many of today's Napa fruit bombs I dislike so much. Awesome wine that disappeared quickly from the decanter. Thanks Shannon and David for this treat.

Thanks to Shannon and David for your generosity, and next time, it'll be my turn to dazzle with quality food and wine.