Several years ago Glenn and I took a trip to Napa and while we were there, we visited Lamborn Family Vineyards which is the home of my favorite Zinfandel. Glenn had arranged for an appointment at Lamborn since he knew how much I loved their wine. We spent the afternoon with Mike & Terry Lamborn on the deck of their vineyard home overlooking the beautiful Pope Valley. What a gorgeous view! While we were there, I was surprised with a large format bottle that Glenn had ordered some time prior to our visit. It could not be shipped so the Lamborn's had held onto it until we could make the visit and pick it up. I have had the bottle in our cellar since then and very carefully transported it with us when we moved across the country this past summer. I always thought I would open the bottle when a certain group of us (4 couples) were all in the same place. This past weekend, our wonderful friends came to visit and 3 of the 4 couples were here so I decided it was time to open the bottle! Who knows when all of us may be in the same place at the same time! I searched for two weeks for the perfect meal to have with my big bottle and came up with an awesome meal if I do say so myself - it was SO delicious! We had braised short ribs with coffee ancho chile sauce (boneless beef ribs so tender, no knife needed!), served over soft polenta with leeks & parmesan and curly mustard greens sauteed in olive oil and garlic. Yum, yum, yum. And the wine was outstanding! It was a 1998 and I was a little worried that it may have been past its prime but it was the wonderful Zin that I remember from back then with that yummy peppery finish. It was a great evening, good friends, good food, good wine.
5 comments:
I just came across your post and really appreciate your kind words! I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you and your husband on your visit here, but my parents (Mike and Terry) certainly remember the visit. The meal you had with the '98 zin sounds absolutely fantastic, even after having had a very large breakfast myself! I'm so glad you enjoyed the dinner paired with our zinfandel. Our zins do age surprisingly well, and wines bottled in large formats such as your magnum will hold even longer. I'm glad you weren't disappointed and we certainly appreciate your support. Thanks for sharing the wine with your friends on a special occasion! The next time you are in Napa Valley let us know; we'd love to have you up to the vineyard again. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
All the best,
Brian Lamborn
Wow - celebrity comments - how cool!!
Hey, I'm glad you posted the picture of the bottle. (And it's nice to see you - I miss you!!) Pretty tree, too!
Merry Christmas, Harv!
P.S. This says it's from "He and She" but you know who we are, right??
Wow! You're a rock star!
I'm glad to see you too. We all miss you. I like when you post pictures.
Merry Christmas!
Sounds like a lovely time with good friends.
Happy Holidays!
Hi Joanna! How are you and Glenn? Settled mostly?
Your meal sounds delicious even a few months after you posted it! I don't get much time to cook elaborate meals since I am totally consumed by Architecture classes, but I take advantage of the delish CA produce.
Love to Glenn!
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