If the place was loud and crowded tonight, the wine was well-matched. I tried to have some conversation across the table, but by the end of the bottle I was tired of it shouting. Mellow out, man. Even though I tasted some berries, and lot of smoke, I remain unconvinced that this wine was anything other than a mediocre Led Zepplin cover band. Maybe they’ll cool like Robert Plant has with age. But hey, for $9.50 at the Mud Pie’s half-price wine night with eight good friends, I was happy. And the wife appreciated it much more than I, which counts towards a better time.

I was more intrigued by the half-glass of Smoking Loon 2003 Syrah that my friend to the right slid over. Actually, I poured the glass myself and drank, because he was lollygagging and I was tired of the noise and ready to go home to oyster crackers and bed.

May 26th, 2005 | Wine