Which dessert wine with Bananas Foster

A bit ago we made bananas foster (no nuts) and did a taste test with Madeira and Tawny Port. Really, both were really good. Should we have put nuts in it, Madeira would've won hands down. I don't know which I thought would win...but I think next time we'll try it with a different kind of wine...maybe it would be good with a Tokaji....

Where have I been??

Busy busy. Plus trying to lose some lbs. As much as I hate to admit it, alcohol is not friendly to weight loss, particularly not, uh, er, uh, I'll just say multiple glasses.

Anyway, lots to comment on. I'll start with Walmart. What a love / hate relationship. I love low prices. I do love to save money. But what I hate-its just a freakshow. For example, I purchased some candles, votives, and a blue garter. (reference the low prices comment-it was $2) The lovely cashier says "is someone getting married?". Yes, me. Then she proceeds to tell me that she's been married one too many times and is currently engaged....then goes on to tell me about her first wedding, which her mother in law planned and even picked out her dress. Then about her current fiancee which stilli s a bit of a mommas boy, but not that bad, as at least she doens't manage their finances.

Uh, ok. Why is this something that someone would tell a total stranger, particularly without alcohol??

Funny-the other day when it snowed like a foot here (odd for the Lou) I saw a snow plow stuck on the side of the road. (in a ditch) I wish I would've had a camera available. Pricless.

Oh, had meatloaf tasting the other day. Barbera and a Zin. Barbera was the winner. (It was an Imagery Barbera and Eagle Vineyards Zin, so there was a bit of a price difference, but I still think even the characteristics of the Barbera were right for meatloaf) Not sure if that's a priority tasting, but we were eating meatloaf and felt like wine, so we had a mini tasting.

Fun for wine geeks......

Wine Spectator has a few fun games for wine geeks.

"What Am I Tasting?" http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Wine_Basics/Tasting_Game/0,1189,,00.html
The Jan 4th one is something I will likely never taste....

A deep, vinous style, with understated power and grace. The lemon verbena, toast and honey aromas and flavors are propelled by the well-integrated structure and fine bubbles. There's just a hint of greenness, marking its youthful impetuosity. Has great length.

It lets you guess varietal, country, age, appelation, then tells you what you got right, then gives you a step by step tutorial on how to figure it out. This particular wine was....

It's the Salon Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Le Mesnil 1996, which was rated 95 points in our Dec. 31, 2007, issue. It retails for $350, and 840 cases were imported into the United States.


There's also also Name That Wine....where you match up wines with descriptions.
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Wine_Basics/Rating_Game/0,3909,,00.html

1) -->A balanced and fruity red, with hints of vanilla and chocolate. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Drink now. 300 cases made.
2) -->Crisp but straightforward, working the acid and citrus peel bitterness side of the flavor equation. Tangy finish. Drink now. 14,000 cases made.
3) -->Tight and firm, with a mix of cedary oak, dill, herb and dried cherry fruit that leaves you hoping for a little more flesh and depth. Drink now through 2010. 299 cases made.
4) -->Simple and light, with some citrus and mineral character. Flat. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 12,000 cases made.

Match 1-4 with the following wines....
A) -->2004 Enrico Pierazzuoli Carmignano Le Farnete Riserva
B) -->2004 Hugel Pinot Blanc Alsace Cuvée Les Amours
C) -->2005 Roessler Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict
D) -->2004 Tenuta Sant'Antonio Soave

Answers....
1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D (normally the answers aren't quite in order)

Anyway, fun...but I'm not very good. I managed to get 50% of each question right though, so I guess I can at least guess ok. ;)