Why fly half-way around the world to drink a wine that is essentially local? Why, value, of course!
Two weeks ago I headed back to what is probably the wildest, most dynamic city on earth (no slight intended to my former home of NYC!)...Shanghai. My two buddies from San Francisco, Dan and Michael met me shortly after my arrival, and we proceeded to dine at "Sasha's", an atmospheric circa-1920 mansion on the cusp of the French Concession.
Dan and I ordered some spicy Singaporean Laksa, and so were inclined to go for either a Syrah or a Shiraz. Despite a plethora of Aussie options, we chose the Columbia Crest 2003 "Two Vines" Shiraz (the wine menu, impressively, had scores and comments for various wines. According to the menu, Robert Parker had tagged this wine a great value, and bestowed upon it 90 pts). If I remember correctly, it cost about 400 RMB ($50 USD), and was indeed a great pairing with the Laksa (spicy, but less-over-the-top than most Shiraz's). As fine as it was, it was overshadowed by its sibling the very next day.
Jet-lag and a veeery late first night in Shanghai notwithstanding, we made our way to "New Heights" at 3 on the Bund the next evening. The views were, as always, utterly stunning. Alas, it was too cold to sit outside, so we made due with a somewhat-less-stunning interior view.
Dan and Michael live in Mill Valley, and hence are apt to lobby for New World Cab-Sav's and Sav-Blancs whenever given the option. Fresh off of our Shiraz hurrah the night before, we jumped at the opportunity to order a Two Vines Cab (also a 2003). It was even better than the Shiraz (complex, very well-balanced), and it paired well with a range of hearty appetizers and Michael's pasta.
It was encouraging to find what is close to a "local" wine in Shanghai--most of us bloggers spend most of our time in British Columbia; until B.C. wines start showing up in Asia, Washington State is a reasonable prox(imit)y.
Next posting I shall expound on our Shanghai dining and wining experiences, and hopefully talk a little bit about this past weekend in Vegas.
Double happiness!
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