I have a Crush on you....

At last, Sheena was able to check out Crush Wine Bar on King St. W in Toronto.

Got there a bit early, so hung out at the lovely dark wood bar waiting for the rest of the coven to arrive. Sipped on a very nice Riesling from Carrick estates in New Zealand. Don't recall trying a NZ Riesling before. Very nice and tart. Lime/citrus overtones. First sniff made the saliva glands go into overdrive without even tasting it.

The June 30, 2006 Wine Spectator was on the bar, so I leafed through it. Very interesting article on the increasingly ubiquitous Michel Rolland. Of Mondovino fame, Michel Rolland. Though Wine Spectator does not mention it once that I could see. Hmmm...

On to dinner.

Sheena did the white wine flight (4 x 2 oz tastings for $20). 2004 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie, Château du Coing, 2002 Vouvray Brut, Château Gaudrelle, 2004 Sancerre, Domaine Cherrier et Fils, 2002 Savennières ‘Clos de Saint-Yves’, Domaine des Baumard. All lovely companions to my din-din of 3 oysters on the half shell (squeeze of lemon only), and the munchie platter of rabbit terraine, scallops and goat cheese.

One of the companions did the red flight. 2003 Chinon, Domaine de Beausejour, 2003 Bourgeuil ‘Les Quartiers’, Yannick Amirault, 2003 Menetou-Salon ‘Les Cris’, Domaine Henry Pellé, and 2002 St. Nicolas de Bourgueil ‘Éclipse’, Frederic Mabileau. Was fun to hear the sommelier tell the story of Bourgueil and St. Nicolas de Bourgueil being the Springfield and Shelbyville of French wine growing regions. Thought it was cool that they did 3 Cabernet Francs and 1 Pinot Noir. Cab Francs in Niagara that I know and love much deeper and heartier than these.

What a great facility. Beautiful private dining rooms on the lower level for functions and special events.

Couldn't stop reading the full wine list and I think my companions thought I was being rude. They had the Stratus Red from Niagara at $89. Rare to see it at all, and gave Sheena sweet comfort that the 1/2 case still packed away somewhere in a moving box was a good investment last fall...