On Saturday, Jean and I were thrust into a very unfamiliar position,
with Andrew spending the night at a friend's house for a sleepover.
(Not that we don't get a few nights to ourselves now and again, but
rarely at our own home). After weighing the option of goig out for
dinner, we opted to stay in for a romantic dinner at home. For the
occasion, I cooked a meat-oriented paella using some organic chicken
thighs and a locally made smoked andouille that is smokin' good, and we
decided upon a New World Pinot Noir for the wine. As an aperitif, we
opened:

2008 Jo Landron Muscadet SeM "Amphibolite Nature"
nose: minerals, lime
palate: saline, mineral, strong fruity core

Very refreshing and on a par with my favorite Muscadets (Luneau Papin
and Pepiere).

With the paella, I opened:

2007 Copain Pinot Noir "Tous Ensemble"
nose: initially sappy, a whiff of oak, cranberry-cherry
palate: medium body, fruity, balanced, restrained

I'd obtained a few bottles of this wine when Crush offered it at a very
attractive price. Having heard good things about Wells Guthrie and the
wines he's making, I took a chance; thankfully, my gamble has been
rewarded with a very food-friendly and tasty wine, which fortuitously
went very well with paella. I'll let the remaining bottles sit for a
while more before opening them as I think that this wine will improve
with some age.

Mark Lipton
--
alt.food.wine FAQ: http://winefaq.cwdjr.net