2011 Omero Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley (OR)

Birthday dinner at the Admiral in Asheville, NC.  It's always a special occasion for us at the Admiral, amazing food and great service, set in a funky old bar that looks like it was a 50s gas station.  2 things: Make reservations and go early (turns into a dive bar later).  This winery was new for me, but the appellation is an old favorite especially since my time at Oregon Pinot Camp.  The wine hit all the right notes, cherry berry flavors, chalky nose, lovely finish.  Pinot Noir is such a great food wine, able to satisfy a table with various entrees, meat, fish or fowl.

We enjoyed several small plates at the Admiral, this was Tempura Squash blossoms stuffed with Juusto cheese (a Finnish squeaky cheese) atop ratatouille.

This was cauliflower mousse with fried shallots, microgreens, and house made crackers.

2013 Alamos Malbec, Mendoza (Argentina)

Argentina makes some amazing wines, and many are still a very good value, like this Alamos Malbec for $7 from Total Wine.  Deep, dark blackberry and plum, with a touch of spice, and ready to drink, the tannins are smooth even in this 2013 vintage.

Malbec wants meat, and a big juicy burger right off the grill with some oven baked fries satified the meat lovers in my family.

2011 RGMV (white blend) from Central Coast (CA)

Saw this at Trader Joe's for $3.99!!   It's a Roussanne (mispelled on label), Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Viognier blend, a classic combo from the Rhone.  This had a beautiful nose, lush texture, honey, florals and spice, like you're drinking honeysuckle.  It's made by the Central Coast Wine Warehouse.  It wasn't there when I went back, of course, but keep your eyes open!

We had it with chicken wings, steamed haricot verts, and a broccoflower casserole.

2012 Cloud Break Pinot Noir, California

Nice cherry-berry and plum fruit flavors, balance and finish were fine, but little of the classic chalky characteristics of Pinot.   Total Wine $8.  We tried it with caprese and a grilled chicken breast.