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| - Stopped into the Wild Vine Uncorked on a scouting expedition, today. This just-opened wine bar is in the Basha's center at Gilbert and Chandler Heights. I have high hopes for this new eatery. The previous occupants of this space have been only so-so.
The decor is leather and nailhead seating, both chairs and couches. There is also outside seating for the evenings, and fall through spring. It is quieter here than, say, the Living Room. There is also a full bar, with liquor and beer. Bring your non-wine-drinking friends. Does anyone have any of those?!?
Today, my wife and I stopped in just after the 2pm opening. The staff was prompt, courteous, and just the right amount of attentive.
We shared the Butcher Block (charcuterie plate) with cheeses, sliced meats, dried fruits, olives, and nuts. This is big enough to be a decent main course for two or appetizers for four. We had the Prisoner Zinfandel 2012 with this. It was a perfect match, bold enough to stand up to the salted ham, fruity enough for the fruit. This zin is still a bit tannic on the finish. It will be even better in another year. I highly recommend it.
For dessert we had the cheesecake with berries and Zinfandel reduction. The cheesecake is awesome! The serving person (Felicia) recommended the Charles&Charles Rosè to pair with the dessert. My wife thought it was perfect. I thought it was a bit too dry to stand up to the creaminess and fruit of the cheesecake.
The wine list is pretty long right now. They intend to pare it down to only the favorites as time goes by. I would highly recommend that you stop in and have a glass or two of some of the excellent wines offered here, before they are replaced with someone else's choice!
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