Wine Wednesday on Friday, Nickel & Nickel

So I didn't post my Wine Wednesday feature on Wednesday. Everyone gets a free pass on a holiday week right? I have been so blessed to spend the 4th of July holiday with dear friends; dear friends who also share a love and passion for wine. More specifically, a love for Nickel & Nickel from California.

I've always been a fan and have consumed lots of different vineyard selections so when I was told to "pick whatever you want", I think I squealed and jumped a little.

I stood in front of their amazing NEW wine wall and took a few deep breaths as I studied the labels that stretched from floor to ceiling in a neat row, all Nickel & Nickel; Martin Stellng, Ponzo, Bonfire, Dragonfly, Harris Vineyard, etc.

I  must of stood there much longer than I thought because there was a shout from the kitchen, "If you don't hurry up and pick one, I'm gonna do it for you." YIKES! So I reached in and grabbed a 2003 Regusci Vineyard Block 4, one that I have never seen before.

We gave it a little aeration and started tasting it. At first it was a bit perfume like, with lots of raspberries. As it opened, I got more dark fruit and tannins. It was nicely balanced and a pure delight to my taste buds. FANTASTIC! Even more of a delight was the company I was able to share it with. Thanks Ali and Jonathan, "I love you more than my luggage".

Nickel & Nickel in the middle!

Wine Wednesday, Friulano

It's Wine Wednesday! WOW have I had some great wines this week, not to brag, but what the hell: Kistler Cuvee Elizabeth, 2002 Nickel & Nickel Carpenter Vineyard,  2005 Nickel & Nickel Dragonfly Vineyard, 2007 Zenato Amarone del Valpolicella, Veuve Clicquot, 2006 Swanson Rosato and a 2010 Casa Nuestra Rosado to name a few. Thanks to my friends; Jonathan, Ali, Frank and Angie. I could not just pick one for Wine Wednesday, especially since it would be hard to find all but one of them.

That being said I was recently turned on to a fabulous Italian white grape called Friulano. It's indigenous to the Friuli region in northeast Italy. The Livio Felluga Friulano surprised me with it's elegance and depth of flavors. It's in the $30 range, retail.

It has flavors of nuts and apricots with a spicy finish. There is a good balance of acidity and it went well with a basic meat and cheese tray that my friend was serving. A unique wine, good with food or on its own. As my friend "French Tony" said while sipping, "ooooooo, ees beautiful, no?" Me, "Yes! Yes! and YES!"