Today is another great day to chill and relax with Matt Helm. And it is made even more beautiful with awesome friends and family, good food, and great wine.
While Matt is grilling lambs and pork chop, he decided to open a 2007 Lake Sonoma Winery Zinfandel but went in a debate about it with his friend Joe Nilsestuen. Matt claims that he did not feel anything complex in the wine and that it was too bland, while Joe disagreed saying that it was a pretty good wine with spiciness and ample complexity.
The debate surely heated up the barbecue.
Matt is cooking his lamb rack and pork chop, seasoned with a family recipe. The bones were removed off the pork chop; something that Matt does not usually do.
Despite their opposing opinion on the first bottle of wine they opened, Matt and Joe still managed to agree on something. And that is to open the Pozzan Napa Zinfandel that Joe gave to Matt as a birthday present. It was purchased from BevMo.
This time, Matt and Joe agreed that the wine gives out a very earthy aroma. The smoky smell and taste was evident in every sip. It was a really great and juicy red wine which both of them really loved.
Inside the house, Matt’s wife, Catherine was pan frying some lovely scallops to add to their wide selection of food. Matt and Joe kept on tasting the food Catherine was preparing. Joe loved how the simple olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice mixture made the scallops really tasty.
While Joe was enjoying the zucchini, carrots and other vegetables, Matt started cutting and preparing the grilled lamb. It ended too well done than preferred but it was still juicy and tasty. Matt gives in and decides to open up a third bottle of wine. The Sterling Vintner’s Collection Meritage 2008 is a blend of 5 Cabernets including sauvignons. Matt’s initial poor impression on Sterling wines was reproved when he took a sniff and a sip of their third bottle for the day.
Tasty barbecued lamb racks and pork chops as the main dish with scallops and vegetables as side dishes definitely sparked the day off right. Sharing some great wines with friends and love ones is definitely a great way to enjoy Chilling and Grilling Episode 3.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m always on the look out for a good Zinfandel (especially in the cooler months to pair with my 5 alarm chili con carne) but alas, not all Zin’s are created equal. Most recently enjoyed a Freemark Abbey Zin with BBQ pork ribs…yum!
Woo! 5 alarm chili sounds… hot.