I have had Chimney Rock’s wines many times, my last trip in Napa when we hit the Silverado Trail I bought several (6) bottles of their wines. I have found all of the wines I have had from Chimney Rock to just taste like a great traditional Napa Cab. Big fruit, some heat from the alcohol and after it opens up a silky smoothness with ripe raspberry aromas with a cedar and leather thing going on in my mouth at the finish.

I just returned from a 40^th birthday party in Austin, TX. I love Austin, fun vibe lots of young folks enjoying the vibrant downtown club and music scene and all the while some great places to dine. Our friend who was hosting this shindig, set up all the arrangements so I had no idea where we would eat or what the place would be like but we walked into Truluck’s in Austin and it reminded me of Oceanaire. I like Oceanaire a lot. When I lived in Indianapolis, I used to hit the half price nights and Happy hour oyster bar as often as I could.

Well, I was thinking steak and all I could see was seafood and the place was high end. The King Crab legs were massive and the fancy bottled water was impressive. We grabbed a seat at the bar and one of the party goers said the steak here ROCKS and the crusted halibut was her favorite and another guy said you have to try the chop here, it is to die for. SO as normal the confusion set in, what do I drink?

White with fish, red with steak and blah, blah, blah…this is the biggest complaint with wine, we make it so confusing and set a high standard that if we order the wrong wine, the night is shot.

I had my mind on steak and I stuck with it and when I saw Chimney Rock Alpine Vineyard 04. I knew what I was going to have.
I suppose I fall into that mind-set sorta like when you travel overseas, sometimes you eat at McDonald’s of any place you recognize because you want familiar and you want something you know works together. This is the case for me on Saturday night. We had a great night, the service was stellar, everyone at the table gushing over their food, for me the lobster bisque was the deal….sweet/savory and delicate, just awesome. The birthday boy might be 40 now but he lit up like a little boy when the dessert cart rolled out. (Try the chocolate bag).

If you head to Austin, try Truluck’s and after the great meal head across the street to Maria, Maria, (owned by Carlos Santana), the music was live, the crowd was electric and the music was pure Austin, TX.