Hubby astro and I are stopping in to make up for lost drinking time. We went to Valentine's dinner at a great Tucson restaurant, had a 4-course meal (that we didn't realize we were making reservations for -- ouch in the wallet, but wonderful otherwise), and both did without the wine: me for not mixing with my drugs and astro because we had an 8-hour drive to do the next day (from Tucson to Long Beach).
So, bartender, line 'em up -- we'd like
First course:
the 2007 Lioco "Indica" Carignan/Petite Sirah/Mourvedre/Granache that was to go with the sweet potato gnocchi, seared and served with cashew, goat cheese, thyme and truffle oil
and
2006 Villiera Sauvignon Blanc to go with the Quenelles of Dover sole and sea scallops, served over lemon creamed spinach with sweet lemon zest and fleur de sel
Second course:
2007 Viña Godeval Godello to go with the Sunnyside-up Bigeye tuna on a bed of fava beans, sunchokes and oven-cured tomatoes
and
2006 Ampelos "Gamma" Syrah to go with the Braised lamb cheeks with cacao nibs, blood orange and River Road Gardens [local] kale, served with twice-baked Camembert new potatoes
Third course:
wine free salad course -- saves you a couple of glasses...
Fourth course:
N.V. Bodegas Hidalgo "Alameda" Cream Sherry Palamino/Pedro Ximénez to go with the Coeur á la crème with raspberry coulis
and
2007 Chapoutier Banyul Grenache/Mourvedre to go with the Dark chocolate tart with candied orange and walnuts.