There are two new wine bars in San Anselmo (central Marin County). As
you know, a bar that serves a large selection of wine by the glass is my kind
of place. Especially now that I’m newly single.
When I walked into Lincoln Park Wine Bar (in the old Dream
Farm restaurant on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard) at 4:30 on Friday to meet a
friend, there was already one couple at the bar throwing back a glass of bubbly. In
addition to the 12-seat marble-topped bar with antique-looking wooden chairs,
there is leather banquet seating as well as intimate tables. The menu of fresh
and seasonally inspired dishes is written on a large chalkboard behind the
bar. Although not a large place, they make good use of the space without making
it feel overcrowded. I really liked the design and casual, lounge-like ambiance.
The wine list is comprised of small, California producers. The wines are offered by the 4-ounce “pour” or the 7-ounce “more"...
My friend Danielle started with a pour of the 2011 Viandante
del Cielo Skywalker Ranch Rosé of Pinot Noir (Marin County). It was a pretty
fuschia color with bright cherry and ripe strawberry notes. Very round and
full-flavored for a rosé. My first glass was filled with the lemony Jaffelin Cremant
de Bourgogne.
By 5:30, there was a lively bar scene (but luckily, the
noise level was moderate enough that it was still easy to have a conversation).
The food looked delicious, but Danielle was off to dinner in San Francisco with
her fiancée and we only had time for another “pour”. We opted to share the 2011
Broc Valdiguie from Green Valley (Solano County), a grape I wouldn’t have
guessed grew anywhere in California.
The Valdiguie was reminiscent of a great first date. Young,
fun, flirtatious—which also happen to be at least three characteristics I look
for in a potential mate…
Almost transparent in the glass, this wine reveals itself to
you with good clarity and ruby-red color. It has an alluring perfume and a
modest palate; this is not a wine that will mislead you or try to hide anything
(don’t you wish everyone was this straightforward?). The dynamic flavors of
ripe cherry and red raspberry along with good acidity are like that magical
first-date chemistry that you hope will never end. The long, juicy finish is
the intimate conversation that goes well into the night.
Before this blog post turns into a long-term relationship, I
want to add that the Broc Valdiguie was also very satisfying and easy to drink
all by itself (because who really wants to eat on a first date and worry about
getting food stuck in your teeth).
I will definitely return to Lincoln Park soon; perhaps on a
first date of my own!
The praise for Lincoln park wine bar is true. You should have a look at it
ReplyDelete