Our local wine bar the Winehouse in Norfolk, VA had a winemaker dinner for X Winery from Napa.
Since winemaker dinners are few and far between here I had to try it.
I have only had a sip or one of their wines before so I wasn't familiar at all. The Winehouse has some excellent tastings and meals so why not.
To say disappointed would be an understatement.
First of the winery philosophy is strictly economic. This was based on an MBA thesis proposal. I'm not 100% sure what they own, what they make or what they have made. It was all very confusing. The only wine development description gave was of their 2004 Sauvignon Blanc all about leaving it on the lees longer and stirring the lees and not allowing any secondary fermentation. So, somewhat tropical nose, short finish, indistinct taste and good mouth feel. With a salad with goat cheese croquet and citrus dressing
Second course an Amuse Bouche of crabbed stuffed mushroom, polenata with a Poblano chile, a strudel with vegetables. The 2003 Chardonnay, best I can say was that it wasn't oaky. Citrus nose maybe a little clean lemon, again short finish, good mouth feel but didn't linger.
Third course a rissoto of cremini mushrooms with braised pork shanks topping it. The only good wine of the group was 2002 X-Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 different Syrahs. Very interesting nose of cherrries, little blackberry, sweet finish that was long and very cherry and great mouth feel and at $13 per bottle a good deal though it is an atypical wine.
Fourth course Duck legs in blood orange sauce with purple lyonnaise potatoes, and carrots. 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. Barely drank this wine. It was simply grapey with little varietal character. Can't say too much as I reserved the X-blend to finish with the duck and asked for more as it was a better match.
Finally a sort of dessert with Marscapone cream and Gorgonzola cheeses blended and semi-fredo. A 2003 Syrahtica. A blend of several different syrahs. OK, nothing exciting cherry nose and finish but not much other syrah characteristics. Actually, looking back the X-blend wasn't characteristic of anything either.
This is what a business model produces. Artless wines to seel fairly inexpensively. Only the Cab was $20 and everything else less. Not my first choice for a wine dinner so I was very disappointed in the event.