Hot In Little Rock

We had taken a brief fall holiday North to our house on the river. The object was to spend time with a 5-month-old granddaughter and her parents, and to see the color. Our granddaughter was a delight and the colors were spectacular, all red, orange, yellow and gold. Reflected on the surface of the river, the beauty was doubled.

Our in-laws came for an overnight visit while we were there. A family visit is the only excuse we need to set-aside the diet and cook full throttle (a mixed metaphor if ever we saw one!) We roasted a pork loin rubbed with garlic, salt, pepper, sage and some red pepper flakes. Meanwhile we cut parsnips, turnips, carrots, and sweet potato into equal sized pieces, tossed them in olive oil and some Kosher salt, and put them into a 450 degree oven to roast. We had baked a loaf of whole grain bread, too. Dessert was an apple pie made from locally grown Granny Smith apples and seasoned with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

As the sun set over the river, we opened a bottle of Foxen 2007 Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley. We’re always fascinated by history, and the history of the Foxen name is a good story. It was winemaker Dick Doré’s great-great grandfather, William Benjamin Foxen who settled in California and whose brand became the symbol of the winery which began producing fine wines in the mid-80′s.

On the nose we noticed a bit of the spice we had put into the pie, and the fragrance of red berries. Sure enough, the palate revealed cherries, raspberries, and a touch of cranberry. There was also a pleasant earthiness, as well as a very gentle mouthfeel.

We saved the rest of the wine for dinner and it made a great accompaniment for the pork and vegetables.

We’re home now, but what wonderful memories of our little girl, family, beautiful colors, and a fine wine.