Because it was restaurant week we had to check out one of the best places in town. A few friends Tex , Gidget and Michael joined us when our wine trail stopped in on Joel Robuchon L' Atelier in the MGM Grand Hotel. First off let me say this a beautiful restaurant. As you walk in you see the kitchen with everyone busily preparing the food. You have the option of sitting at the counter facing the kitchen for a ring side seat. We were seated at a table with a full pantry behind us with some of the best vegetables I have ever seen. After we were seated we immediately started to look over the wine list. We pretty much had narrowed our choice to a Cabernet Sauvingon but were deciding on a vineyard. The Sommleier, Gordon, came by and suggested we try the Ladera Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvingon 2001 from Napa Valley. Gordon decanted the wine and Gidget was selected to taste the wine. A big smile came to her face when she got a hint of the nose on this Ladera. In the glass the wine was medium bodied with a deep red-purple color. The age ring confirmed the 2001 vintage. On the nose there were hints of cassis , blackberry and cedar. On the palate there were blackberry, blueberry, cassis and then dark chocolate came through with a long lingering finish.
Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2001: A superior effort, ripe, rich and concentrated, yet seamless in texture,with pure currant, cassis, black cherry and plum flavors that are sharply focused, finishing with a delicious aftertaste that keeps pumping out the flavors. While it's tannic and chewy, it's the fruit that impresses. Best from 2005 through 2012. 768 cases made. –JLScore: 93Release Price: $65 Country: California Region: Napa
The wine paired with the entree of hanger steak topped with shallots very well. This is one restaurant you must try even if it is only once. Thank you Gordon for a wonderful suggestion. The wine , food , and company made the whole evening extra special.
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