You can ask, but Stanley-Lambert Wines won't tell you who the "Black Sheep", "Sensitive Cousin" or "Mustang Sally" is in the family. Lovingly named after relatives, there's a wine for every occasion and personality.
The Stanley and Lambert families that own and operate Stanley-Lambert Wines, have a lot to celebrate, having been awarded the Manatee Chamber of Commerce "Best Small Business" of 2008. One of the only iso-certified vineyards, partner Jim Lambert uses his degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering to do more than lower the temps on the Australian Nordic Frost Riesling to fewer than two degrees centegrade. From start to finish, their "tread lightly" practices follow very strict environmenal guidelines. Even the water cups at their recent wine tasting at the Waterfront Restaurant were made from 100% compostable corn (manufactured by Greenware).
Last week, the Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island opened its patio doors to host a summer food and wine pairing with pristine whites, bold malbecs and even chocolatey tawny port.
Wine specialist, Mary McGaharan, poured samples of the white wines first, explaining that starting with the bolder reds would affect the flavor of the wine on ones palate, while Chef Bill Shafer personally made the rounds, presenting his own hors d'oerve creations to pair with several of the wines chosen.
The Pristine Chardonnay, with its hint of melon and pear aromas, is a dry white wine that is purposefully not barrel aged in oak, and went perfectly with the Caprese Salad. The Australian Nordic Frost Riesling is pleasantly drier than the sweet German Rieslings most are accustomed to, enhanced by the delicatte Scallops Ceviche served on a clam shell. A heavier pulled pork appetizer was offered with the bolder Three's Company GSM, with plum flavorings and medium body. The grand finale was the sinful Choc-a-Bloc chocolate infused tawny port, coupled with a chocolate dipped pineapple slice.
The Waterfront is one of the original cottages on the Island, named the "Lorraine Cottage" after the daughter of the family who built the house in 1922. The outdoor brick-laid patio has more the feel of a little courtyard in Tuscany (well, except for the native Florida foliage, of course), complete with a lion head fountain and dijon mustard colored walls.
Dress is casual to chic, and the age of the crowd varied from 20-something-singles to 40-ish-married couples (and sometimes the reverse).
Wine Tasting Etiquette: It's okay to pass over the whites and go right to the reds, but generally not acceptable to ask for a second tasting of any wine, unless it's one you are considering for purchase. It's okay to use the provided dump buckets to pour the remains of a wine you do not intend to finish, as it is to rinse the glass with water and pour it out to clear it before moving on to the next wine. Water, crackers, lime sherbert and sometimes even jelly beans are served between tastings to help cleanse the palate.
The Wines:
2007 Nordic Frost Dry Riesling ($21)
2005 Pristine Chardonnay ($12-$16)
2007 Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc ($10-$12)
2007 Semillon ($10-$12)
2006 Black Sheep ($12-$16) - Shiraz, Malbec, Merlot blend
2006 Three's Company GSM ($20-$22) - Grenache, Shiraz & Mouvedre
Choc-a-bloc Tawny Port ($28-$30)
The Hors D'oerves:
Caprese 3-Olive Salad with a homemade Vinaigrette
Scallops Ceviche
Plantain Chip topped with Pulled Jerk Pork
Chocolate Dipped Pineapple Wedges.
The Bottom Line:
Wine tastings without food are sometimes free of charge. Food and wine pairings at a restaurant will typically cost $10-$20, depending on the location, wines selected, time of day, and food served.
More information about purchasing Stanley-Lambert wines or about upcoming wine events, can be learned by visiting their website: www.stanleylambert.com. US customer service: 707-387-7555, or contact local wine specialists at 941-758-1249.
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