Quiet weekends in Palo Alto - with white Burgundy, Chianti Classico, and a great VT CdP blanc

Baby Evan is now four months old, and Rona and I are starting to get out for an occasional picnic or lunch, while enjoying simple yet delectable food and wine pairings from local foodie joints that we've been missing. Here are a few photos from the past two weekends, taken with my trusty iPhone4 camera.



Enjoying 2009 white Burgundy from Domaine Jacob (under $17, courtesy of Garagiste) at the Old Port Lobster Shack in Redwood City (the corkage is only $5) - excellent, lively, mineral-infused, flavorful, Chardonnay with no new oak. I expect value-driven red Burgundies to do well in 2009, across the board. But the whites in 2009 may be hit or miss. This one certainly hit the nail on the head. Fantastic with New England clam chowder.

Below is the same wine, equally excellent with fish and chips, and Maine lobster rolls, and fries!



Then an excellent Chianti Classico from a very solid producer Il Molino di Grace from the very good 2006 vintage. Got this wine for under $15 from Vinopolis in Portland, Oregon. Excellent bargain - and a very substantial Chianti, combining earthy black cherry and tar. This could age a few more years. Fabulous with a Blue cheese burger with crispy bacon (yum!) from Oasis in Palo Alto. Enjoying by the Boronda Lake at the pristine Foothills Park (exclusive for Palo Alto residents only!).



And finally, one of the best whites I've ever had - and it's not a white Burgundy. This 1998 Southern Rhone Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Vieux Telegraphe was not a beginner wine - incredibly complex, with scents of herbs and honey. Savory and dry yet full of sweet ripe fruit, satiny texture, and freshness unexpected of a wine with 13 years of age. Enjoying with Krishna after a tough (20-min :)) tennis "battle"!



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