Whether or not the picture above is printed, framed, and sitting handsomely on my bedside table is regardless, because Tuesday night, Cork'd, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Donelan Family Wines treated us to a fantastically impressive array of wines at the Roger Smith Hotel. One of which, was a barrel sample of their 2008 Walker Vine Hill Vineyard Syrah of which the only other person who had had the pleasure of tasting prior to us, was Mr. Robert Parker Jr. Yep. Kind of a big deal. Which in turn, means that I can now consider myself a pretty big deal in the wine world.
Or, something like that.
It's no secret by now that I've been to my fair share of Cork'd tastings. Can't help myself, frankly. But the wines at this particular tasting showed exceptionally well to my palette (and almost everyone in the room) and had the highest average score to date. And while the first pour, a white, 2008 Donelan Family Venus, didn't really make me sing, the Donelan reds were gorgeous. Not a single one of them scored below a 90 (from me) and my eyes nearly popped out of my head with every sip; explosive yet tamed flavors thanks to seriously talented winemakers. It was an honor and pleasure to get the opportunity to taste through them.
And it didn't hurt that Gary was there, live and in person, at the head of the table giving his two cents. At least for two of his unashamed super fans crushing it to his right.
Major props, once again, to Lindsay and Trout, for a killer and always informative tasting.
