"A big week in the Big Apple!"

Wine of the Week:
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - so if you have seen the movie Bottle Shock you would know that it is about the story of the first time an American wine beat the French in a blind wine tasting - known as "The Paris Tasting". The vineyard who produced the wine was Chateau Montelena and the wine in question was the 1973 Chardonnay. While the Chardonnay made them internationally famous, they also produce reds with a fine reputation. 

Last week while we were in New York we had dinner at a great steak place called Del Frisco's and we had to have a suitable red for the occasion. When we saw the Chateau Montelena Cab Sav on the list and having known about the winery through the movie, we had to have it. Needless to say, it did not disappoint. 

It was different to an Australian Cab Sav in that it didn't have the same level of depth and body but it was smooth, full of fruit and like a true Cab, went perfectly with a beautiful steak. The challenge now is to find somewhere locally to purchase it...or just have to go back to the US again soon. 
http://www.montelena.com

Yes dear friends as mentioned above we have just come back from a week in New York; the first time that  either of us had been there. The primary reason for us to head over was a pre-school dance conference that Trish was attending but there was still some room for sightseeing and exploring what one of the world's famous cities has to offer. Here's just a snapshot of what we did...

This was the view of the city and the East River from the Empire State Building

Times Square with the famous countdown clock in the background

A twilight cruise which included going past the Statue of Liberty

Some cultural pursuits such as visiting the Guggenheim...

...and other cultural pursuits such as a game at Yankee Stadium!

Not to mention partaking in the local cuisine!

Yep, we had a great time and was a great way to kickoff the second half of the year (yes, we are in the last six months of 2011). While it was only a week, it gave us a taste of NYC and left us wanting more. Needless to say, I have already started thinking of when our return trip will be.

And yes, I am now a Yankees fan too!!!