We met the owner during our last Lodi visit at the Lodi Wine Experience.
The Programme:
Mango Chili King Prawns - served with
NV Burlington Chandler Lively White "Mark And Jan's Selection"
Vegan Tomato-Inspired Tortillas - served with
2022 Burlington Chandler Rosé Of Malbec
Pasta with Chanterelles - served with
2021 Burlington Chandler Old Vine Zinfandel
But first, the wines are first tasted solo.
NV Burlington Chandler Lively White "Mark And Jan's Selection" (90/100)
Lodi, California, USA
13.5 % Alcohol
Pale golden yellow with light streaks. Subtle citrus notes paired with green gooseberries. Immediately noticeable on the palate is the creaminess underpinned with mild acidity, which just drags on impossibly long to the smooth finish. In Germany, the wine would be described as "feinherb". A classic aperitif for a cooler fall evening. Very strong.
2022 Burlington Chandler Rosé of Malbec (91/100)
Lodi, California, USA
100 % Malbec
12.8 % alcohol
Bright, light raspberry red. Aromas of red currants plus some cassis. Very fresh on the palate with a mild acidity. The medium length finish remains fruity until the soft end. Delightful on such a hot day.
2021 Burlington Chandler Old Vine Zinfandel (95/100)
Lodi, California, USA
100 % Zinfandel
13.9 % Alcohol
Bright ruby red. Aromas of wild strawberries paired with petals and a hint of spice (mild chili spice?). Fresh and fruity on the palate with a long spicy finish. In no way over-extracted. Of course, a phrase from our friend Steve Law spontaneously comes to mind: "Big flavor don't need big alcohol." He is right - and this Zinfandel is a prime example. If ever there was a summer Zin, this is it. Enjoy slightly chilled.
The Pairing(s)
NV Burlington Chandler Lively White "Mark And Jan's Selection" & Mango Chili King Prawns
Awesome!!! The wine develops an extra freshness along with the chili notes. I love when the wine adapts to the dish without losing its soul. Here, that was the case to a very special degree.
2022 Burlington Chandler Rosé of Malbec & Vegan Tomato Inspired Tortillas
In fact, I wasn't quite sure about this one, but all doubts were unfounded. I essentially used Amazon chili - heat level 4 - and cilantro to prepare the filling. And it was precisely with this that the wine developed an almost hedonistic spiciness. Sometimes you just have to be lucky.
2021 Burlington Chandler Old Vine Zinfandel & Pasta with Chanterelles
As you would expect, a perfect pairing. Zinfandel and mushrooms always do the trick. However, the moderate alcohol makes this particular Zinfandel a phenomenal food companion. I would never have recommended Zinfandel with a rib eye - until now.
In total: The perfect Linner!
