An evening in west palm beach

During a recent vacation in West Palm Beach visiting family over the Xmas holidays we were asked if we might like to attend a concert at the local music hall. My wife and I declined and chose instead to wander around City Place in search of a cozy locale where we might enjoy a glass of wine.
After having walked a bit, a sign caught our eye, City Cellar. "Surely with a name like cellar, they must serve wine."
We were lead to our table-for-two overlooking the hustle and bustle of the City Place shopping area, by the restaurant's manager, Ferenc Fehervari. After letting him know were were there only to sip some good wine and chat he told us that not only had we chosen the best place to do so in West Palm Beach but we had also chosen the right night of the week "Wine down Mondays".
Farenc was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his wine list and spent a lot of time chatting and making suggestions. He is, as we soon found out, studying to be a sommelier and as such we found common ground and much to talk about. Their wine list is quite extensive and includes wines from around the world rather than the all too often US-centric lists we have seen here in the area. Their cellar is open for all to see behind a large glass wall and I must admit to enjoying the sight of the staff climbing the ladders to reach for a special bottle.

We chose a PIERRE GELIN Fixin Clos Napoléon 2008, and although still a little young it was deliciously filled with notes of plum and berries and the telltale aromas of earth which draws me in and continues to make Bourgogne the centre of MY wine universe.

Ferenc returned to our table on several occasions during our 2 hour stay at the City Cellar, and on one visit presented us with their newly launched cheese list which was equally impressive and Ferenc again spent much time extolling its virtues. Having had only a salad for dinner we felt it our duty to indulge and our decision was certainly a good one as the cheese presentation was wonderful.

Our evening was a success as you might have gathered and we would certainly encourage any traveller in the area to take the time to visit Cellar City Wine Bar and Grill and say hello to Ferenc.....And continue to create your very own liquid memories

Allan

With permission:
Ferenc@citycellarWPC.com
CityCellarWPB.com

October 1st Release.... Happy Thanksgiving !!!

REDS:

Perry Creek ‘Zinman’ Zinfandel 2007                                                                 #980896   $18.95


A classic pairing for turkey, this well balanced and beautiful Zin offers great value. You ‘ll get smoke and dark berry fruit on the nose. Flavours of espresso, milk chocolate and ripe, succulent berries. It’s mid weight and a smooth texture with a fruity after taste balanced by acidity and underpinned by supple tannin which will cut through the turkey

LE TOBELE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2008                                                      #106914  $15.95

Very well priced, complex Ripasso. fermentation on Le Tobele's Amarone grape skins. Chocolate and black cherry fruit with hints of raisins on the nose. Medium-full bodied and offering dried fruit, spice, and a sweet core. Dry and fruity on the finish. This will pair well with most Italian meat sauces

WHITES:

Dr. Hermann Riesling ‘Kabinett’ 2008 

Prädikatswein                                            #189647 $16.95



At only 7.5% alcohol this is definitively off-dry. A delicious Riesling with aromas of citrus, and peach as well as mineral. It’s light-medium bodied with a silky “yummy” texture and flavours which will make you think you’re eating key lime pie. With such low alcohol, lovely texture and sweet, fresh flavour, it’s easy to enjoy now and will cellar long term. Enjoy it on its own or with your turkey, sweet potatoes with all the fixings.

Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spätlese 2002                                             
#129858 $19.95


A huge bouquet on the nose, with aromas of citrus, floral and peaches. Flavours of sweet ripe fruit—nectarine, apple and pear—and balanced with a backbone of acidity. Medium-bodied and generously textured making it a popular pairing with spicy Asian cuisine. It’s a delicious, medium-sweet Riesling, from one of Germany’s top areas, approaching ten-years old and under $20 need I say more?

Domaine de Nizas Rosé 2010 
AOC Coteaux du Languedoc                         #654988 $15.95

A perfect pairing for a heavy Thanksgiving dinner; this dry, light-medium-bodied rosé will complement the meal without adding a lot more weight. Made from the Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes, the aromas and lively flavours of raspberry, cherries and cranberry dominate. There’s good texture and lots of tang here while the finish is clean and refreshing. It will be a crowd favourite. 

Special note:

This release features a unique Hungarian sweet dessert wine. Royal Tokaji ‘5 Puttonyos’ Tokaji Aszú 2006 
Hungary $19.95 250 mL #972836.  It is rare indeed to have a 5 Puttonyos (look it up) available at LCBO. People who know Tokaji (pronounced TOE-KY)  will line up early to buy it out. Exotic spice, honeyed pear and apple aromas open this heavenly scented treasure. It’s medium-bodied and silky smooth with distinctive palate-bathing flavours of quince jelly, peel marmalade and honeyed tropical fruit mingling with spice and earthy notes. It showcases perfect balance and a lengthy, lip-smacking aftertaste. Divine on its own or partnered with pumpkin-based desserts. It may look a little expensive but trust me on this….. TRY IT.. you will love it ….