Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I'm finally able to write the conclusion of my three part blog series that highlights some of my favorite picks from the new Wildfire wine list.

If you are debating as to what "adult beverage" you would like to start with during your next Wildfire outing, look no further! The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc from Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand is one of those value wines that definitely delivers. This wine has aromas of dried cut grass and herb that complements the nuances of passion fruit and citrus. Ripe, zesty, citrus flavors build through the succulent juicy acidity and finishes with a signature note of minerality. This wine is perfect with most of our appetizers and salads or by itself in our martini lounge after a long day of holiday shopping. Even though The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc is available by the bottle only in IL and MN and by the glass and bottle in GA and VA, in either case you may find yourself ordering a whole bottle- it's that good!  

Keeping with the wines "down under" theme, The Boulder Bank Pinot Noir is one of the best Pinot Noirs I've tasted from the Marlborough, New Zealand region! The winemaker from Boulder Bank, Nick Goldschmidt, also happens to be a good friend of mine and I've always been impressed with his winemaking skills and overall resume. He was the winemaker for Simi Winery for 14 years and was the Executive Vice President, Winemaker for Allied Domecq Wines USA and oversaw production for the California portfolio of wines, which included Mumm Napa, Callaway, Clos du Bois, Buena Vista, Atlas Peak, Gary Farrell, and William Hill. Today Nick is well-known for the delicious wines from his own wineries, Forefathers, Goldschmidt Vineyards and Boulder Bank. The Boulder Bank Pinot Noir is available on the 50% off Monday wine list and is a favorite amongst the staff. This wine has a strong floral aroma, almost like potpourri as the dried-leaf character envelops the fruit and spice flavors, finishing with black cherry and cola. Enjoy this yummy Pinot with either our Cedar Planked Salmon or the Mushroom Crusted Pork Chops on your next visit to Wildfire!

The final wine that I strongly recommend our guests try at some point is the Simi Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaker for Simi is Steve Reeder and in my opinion is  one of the finest winemakers and overall fascinating people in the industry! During a Simi winery visit and dinner last February with some of my Wildfire Wine Ambassadors, our entire group unanimously fell in love with the Simi Landslide Cabernet and were blown away by Steve Reeder's personality, knowledge and immense talent! Steve let us know that the Landslide Vineyard is very near and dear to his heart and that the 2006 vintage marks the seventh release of the vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon from the prestigious single vineyard in Sonoma's renowned Alexander Valley. This Cabernet has ripe plum and sweet raisin laced with blackberry, soft cedar and spice aromas. Flavors of fresh berries and cassis with undertones of tobacco and lush, ripe tannins that ends with a long, velvety finish. This wine practically screams "order with me with any Wildfire steak, please"! Whether you're dining with colleagues, a significant other, family or friends this amazing Cabernet is sure to impress the most discernable of palates!

If you are planning a holiday or New Year's Eve party in a few weeks or just want something fun to sip on after a long day of work, stay tuned for my blog that will offer drink ideas for any festive year ending occasion.  Cheers to you, Brad Wermager