A Trip to Bern's Steakhouse...

A recent corporate event in Tampa allowed the Rampant Oenophile to enjoy his first trip to Bern's Steakhouse. Though I was well over my per diem, I gladly subsidized the trip because Bern's is a true Oenophile's dream.

The lobby looks like the waiting room of a 19th century Parisian bordello, not that I would know from any semblance of experience. Recall that the Rampant Oenophile is also a voracious consumer of literature, not simply wines. The staff attends every whim, steaks are dry aged and cooked by true artists, and the desert loft satisfies nearly orgasmic indulgences of treats both savory and sweet. But, the true treasure of Bern's is the truly unbelievable wine cellar.

Housed in two facilities, Bern's cellar boasts more than 6900 unique wine labels, over 5500 red wines, more than 1000 white wines, and over 300 Madeiras, Ports, and Sherries served by the glass. No other facility offers more wonderful wines by the glass. My eyes glazed over just examining the more than 40 reds offered by the glass. Best of all, none of the wines, by the glass or bottle, is priced in typical restaurant fashion.

I enjoyed the Rutz 2004 Pinot Noir for a very affordable $11, when I would have expected to spend $15 - $18 in any other establishment. I've become a genuine lover of Pinots, and the Rutz is one I will add to my stable. It's a big ball of fruit that hits you with a mellow and lingering undertone of blackberry. The rich red color bleeds to purple in the depths of a full glass, and the mouth feel is very smooth, with no aftertaste or dryness to concern the tongue.

Make the trip to Bern's for this wonderful wine and stay for dinner, desert, and a fabulous tour of their amazing culinary oasis.

Pine Valley 2004 Cabernet

The Rampant Oenophile hasn't delivered tasting notes for a while. Time and travel have severely restricted the tasting opportunities, so he's not had much to report. Until today, that is.

Last evening, with good food and good friends, I enjoyed a 2004 Pine Valley Cabernet that helped me change my mind about the vintage. Readers of "I Drank What" certainly know that I don't typically enjoy Cabs. They are usually too dry and too big for my palate, especially the Cabernets that I can usually afford. The Pine Valley Cab was a gift for my second anniversary at work, so of a much better class than I typically spend on a bottle. ABC and Total Wine offer the 2003 vintage for $24.99, and the 2004 for slightly more. That's a special occasion wine budget for the Rampant Oenophile, and the Pine Valley certainly celebrates.

The Pine Valley Cab pours a deep purple color and fills even a small glass with a big nose. I don't spend time with my nose in a glass, but this Cabernet rewards a deep respire. Breathe deeply and let the aroma waft across your taste buds while sipping for the full effect.

Most Cabernets are too dry for me, but the Pine Valley Cabernet offers a very mellow but full bodied flavor. No harshness in this Cab, rather I enjoyed the soft tones on my tongue and very rich fruit flavors. There's a hint of oak, so the wine isn't sweet, but very even and balanced.

We enjoyed the Pine Valley with turkey and salad, so the wine doesn't overpower lighter foods. I imagine that it pairs well with any meats, and can compliment a range of flavors. It was light enough that I enjoyed a glass alone before dinner, though, so don't be afraid of buying a bottle to share as a tasting, not just with a meal. If funds afford, don't save this wine for special occasions, but enjoy liberally with good friends and meals!