nucci's wine tasting extravaganza

This past Saturday, we hosted a wine and food pairing party for my roommate Diana's birthday. Long story short, I ended up being the sommelier, with the assistance of good old Adam. In the end we had nine girls and tasted 10 wines:

2007 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio – Prosciutto
2006 Hogue Riesling – Spinach Quiche
2007 Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay – Smoked Salmon w/Cream Cheese on Crackers
2006 Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé Burgundy – Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini
2005 Cune Vina Real Rioja Crianza – Manchego with Membrillo
2006 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere – Chorizo
2006 Fairview Pinotage – Gouda
2005 D’Arenberg Shiraz “Footbolt” – Dubliner Cheese
2006 BenMarco Malbec – Cornbread Crust Sausage Pizza
2005 Foxen Fortified Mission, Rancho Tepusquet Vineyard – Flourless Chocolate Cake

The night was a definite success, although by the end of it, I believe we were all chugging the Foxen port ... my mind is a little fuzzy on the details!

The table ... with Rachel Ray centerpieces.

Champagne to start the night off right!

Awesome (because I created it) Tasting Sheet

Whites go first ...

Manchego con Membrillo

"Blind" tasting bottles - my pouring got a bit sloppy as the night went on ...

Our TV the morning after, apparently someone was making out with Mike Rowe.