Grapes from (Mostly) Eastern Europe @ ABA

At $21 per person, I was torn between calling this an Inflation Buster Night, or Wines of (Mostly) Eastern Europe. I went with the later! We will be having 1 white wine from Eastern Europe and 4 red wines, 2 each from Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Should be fun!

We will be dining at group favorite ABA Turkish Restaurant.

The cost for this event is $21, and it is for the wine only.

PLUS a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a low corkage fee. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.

Here is a link to the menu....
ABA TURKISH RESTAURANT MENU

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner)
2020 Yacoubian Hobbs Dry White Wine Aghavnadzor ($28) - From Armenia! A combination of 4 different grape varietals. Here is what I have for each of them: VOSKEHAT, "The name of Armenia's signature white grape variety translates to “golden berry.” Thick skins allow the grape to withstand hot summers and cold, harsh winters in teh rocky, high altitude sites of Aghavnadzor, Vayots Dzor. The grape is found in varietal wines as well as blends, contributing floral aromas as well as tropical and stone fruit flavors."
KHATUNI "Medium in size, the thick-skinned berries add crisp acidity and floral notes to a blend."
QRDI - "A late-ripening variety that is often used in blends, contributing freshness."
GARAN DEMAK - "This grape's name translates to "sheep's tail." It thrives in rocky, semi-desert soils and, in a wine, gives delicate fruit aromas and round texture on the palate."

2021 J.L. Chave Sélection Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur ($30) - CT 89.7, JD 91 points, "A year-in, year-out smoking value as well as a great bottle of wine, the 2021 Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur checks in as equal parts Grenache and Syrah brought up in neutral oak. Its vivid ruby hue is followed by a medium-bodied, elegant, lively red offering pretty red and black berry fruits, some spring flowers, peppery herbs, and gamey nuances, fine tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. Coming from a cooler year, it still brings plenty of richness and depth and is well worth seeking out."

2018 Domaine Lafage Tessellae Old Vines ($9) - From the Cotes du Roussillon, comes this red Rhone blend. JD 93 points, "Kirsch, blackberries, flowers, and peppery garrigue notes all emerge from the 2018 Tessellae Old Vines. Medium to full-bodied, with a beautifully balanced, elegant style, ripe tannins, and a great finish, this will stand up to many a top Châteauneuf du Pape. The blend is 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre." NOTE: I'M SURE JD IS OVERATING THIS WINE, BUT FOR $9, WHO CARES?

2021 Splendid Vina Plavac Mali Basina ($27) - From Croatia!! I'm not really sure what the Slavic Mali grape is, but this is what I could find, "Plavac Mali is known for producing dense and robust reds with black cherry flavors and notes of pepper, smoke and spice. They are often quite high in alcohol and tannins, and have excellent aging capabilities, a trait not often seen in Croatian wine." Apparently this grape is the offspring of Zinfandel.

2020 Basina Tribidrag ($26) - Also from Croatia, and the same producer as the Slavic Mali. We had a bottle at the Zin and Burger night and I loved it. Tribidrag is Zinfandel, but I found it more elegant than CA Zins.