.DaVine Cellars & Wine Events

wine_cheeseCabernet Sauvignon 2006
A delectable wine and the mystical music of Indian sitar turn out to be a perfect partnership at Don Quixote’s in Felton – a well-known international music venue. My husband and I had gone there to listen to Ashwin Batish – a master sitar player who happens to be a local resident as well. I want a wine that matches the complexity of a raga – something sensuous with lots of body and dark fruit – so I take along a bottle of 2006 DaVine Cab.

I had sampled this interesting wine at MJA Vineyards (DaVine Cellars is an offshoot of MJA Vineyards) tasting room just a couple of weeks before – and bought a bottle ($30) to drink another time. Blackcurrant, tobacco and coffee aromas leap out immediately – plus hints of ripe plums and vanilla. Swirl this wine around the glass for a while and you’ll get a fabulous olfactory fix before you even take a sip. And when you do take a sip, all those fruit-forward flavors come together in one splendid inky mouthful. Here’s a Cab with a nutty, earthy quality that is pure pleasure.

As Batish plays his extraordinary music – joined by his talented son Keshav on tabla and santoor, daughter Mohini on tanpura – plus a few outstanding guest musicians on various other instruments – music, food and wine come together in an unforgettable evening. Don Quixote’s is really a great spot for dinner and a show – with an extensive menu of delicious Mexican food – and a Batish concert is not to be missed.

On the way out of Don Quixote’s, I run into concert programmer Tom Miller, who invites us into their new art room to view the artwork of Jim Cox, who specializes in American Indian drawings. Miller tells me that different artists’ work will be showcased periodically, with an opening reception at each event and featuring local wines. I still had some Cab left and poured Miller and Cox some to try.  Miller loved it and Cox declared it to be the best wine he’s had in ages. Winemaker Marin Artukovich says that this wine is to be enjoyed everywhere. “Pair this wine with sunsets, great food and memories.”

 

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MJA Vineyards, 328-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 421-9380. mjavineyards.com. Info: Cathy Bentley, tasting room manager, Ca****@MJ**********.com. Don Quixote’s, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton, 603-2294. donquixotesmusic.com.


Wine Events

What better way to celebrate Bastille Day (July 14) than at a truly French restaurant – Ma Maison in Aptos. A dinner buffet will be served from 5-7:30 p.m. for $28 per person. Ma Maison carries about a dozen local wines including Alfaro’s, Hunter Hill, Soquel Vineyards, and Windy Oaks

Ma Maison, 9051 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-5566. mamaisonrestaurant.com.

 

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