Pre-Pre-Thanksgiving wine night!

As we head towards Thanksgiving, it is time to think about wines for the season, so please join me for a Monday night dinner at Nice Matin. I will be pouring wines that that I like with my Thanksgiving meal, meaning Grenache, and Zinfandel.

Nice Matin is located on the corner of W. 79th and Amsterdam Ave.

Here is a link to their menu:
Nice Matin Dinner Menu

** The cost of this event is $37 and is for the cost of the wines.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 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.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). You will be expected to order at least 2 dishes (an appetizer and a main, or main and dessert) to help support the restaurant.

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 $6 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):

2024 Ridge Grenache Blanc ($35) - From CA and a blend of 85% Grenache Blanc , 12% Picpoul, and 3% Roussanne. WS 89 points, "Supple in feel, with grilled lemon and spiced, poached pear flanked by toasted almond and fennel frond notes. Finishes clean."

2021 No Girls Grenache ($95) - From WA State's Walla Walla Valley, WA 95 points, "Opening to a slightly minty and herbal nose, the 2021 Grenache la Paciencia Vineyard presents dusty potpourri notes, wilted lavender, hints of black raspberry and spiced plum aromas. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a soft prickle from recessed gas, so I recommend decanting in the first five years of its life. With further aeration, the wine reveals additional layers of complexity with earthy, tertiary notes beneath the dusty red fruit expression. Culminating in a delightfully food-friendly finish, this Grenache is poised to age gracefully until its 15th birthday. The wine aged 21 months in neutral French demi-muids and foudre. Only 4,140 bottles were produced."

2021 Domaine Cabirau Maury Sec Serge & Marie ($20) - I'm a huge fan of this bargain priced French Grenache blend. JD 93 points, "Always a brilliant value as well as a terrific wine, the 2021 Maury Sec Serge & Marie is based largely on Grenache yet includes one-third Carignan. Black cherries, darker raspberries, dried violets, loamy earth, pepper, and sandalwood all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. This cuvée always shows the perfumed, riper style of Maury yet never comes across as heavy or cumbersome, and if anything, this 2021 could easily be mistaken for a beautiful Pinot Noir. It's perfect for enjoying any time over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031)"

2023 Two Vintners Zinfandel Stonetree Vineyard ($35) - A WA State Zinfandel! I like it, although there are only two reviews on Cellartracker, mine, one other, The OTHER one hated it....

2023 Ridge Lytton Springs ($55) - JD 98, WA 94 points, "The 2023 Lytton Springs is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro that matured for 16 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It’s especially elegant and expressive this year, offering pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, damp earth, sage, violet and cast iron. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, fragrant flavors. It’s framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish replete with soaring floral perfume. It should be long lived in the cellar."