Day two had an added bonus when Partick and Liz arrived at Casa del Vino around 4 p.m.  We had prepared snacks in advance of our adventure to the Saxon Pub in Austin for an evening of music – more on that later.

Snacks consisted of four types of cheese (Jarlsberg, Smoked Gouda, Jalapeno Havarti and Aged White Cheddar), four fruits (blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and red grapes), Triscuits and Italian hard salami.  The chosen wine for today was Castoro Cellars 2010 Zinfusion Zinfandel from Paso Robles (as previously mentioned, one of our personal favorite places in the entire universe).  We have actually visited this winery and really enjoy many of their labels.  Zinfusion is produced by blending local vineyard lots.  These Zinfusion lots are produced only when the wine warrants it and in very limited quantities.

When poured into a glass and exposed to the air in our kitchen, this wine showcased a rich, dark purple color.  Four noses each detected something different –  black cherry, tobacco, leather and earthiness. Upon tasting, this young wine exhibited flavors that mirrored the nose with the addition of a smokiness that hadn’t been detected in the smell test.

All agreed the wine enhanced the flavor of each cheese, especially the aged cheddar according to Brian.  Liz and Jean found a huge fruit bomb exploded in their mouths when having a sip following a raspberry.  All agreed it was a “Dam Fine Wine” – which is also the tagline for Castoro Cellars.  It proved perfect for our “snack”, but we have paired it previously with Brian’s ribs smoked for over 7 hours.  The wine retails for no more than $20 – depending on where you purchase it.  It is also available on Castoro’s website.

Heading to the Saxon Pub, we had a chance to spend time listening to Bobby Whitlock (formerly of Derek and the Dominos) with his wife Coco Carmel – we can only hope our windpipes can belt out a song when we are in our 70’s like he can.  Next up were The Resentments – must admit Brian and Jean were newbies to a live performance from this group and have only experienced them through speakers on Partick and Liz’s back porch.  What a treat – their music was a perfect combination of folk and soul with a little rock and roll tossed in.  Apparently they play every Sunday night at the pub – we may have to find our way back there soon.  The evening was topped off with dinner at Matt’s El Rancho Mexican Restaurant (another first for the Brian and Jean).  It’s been a whirlwind day and now time for lights out – see you tomorrow.

Cheers!

Always remember to enjoy responsibly and recycle!