Arnaud Combier Vents Contraires OrangeArnaud Combiers Vents Contraires drinks like a wine made in motionnimble, unsettled in the best way. Red currants and sour cherry lead, edged with crushed herbs, white pepper, and a faint earthy hum that keeps it grounded. The palate is light on its feet, brisk and tensile rather than generous, with gentle grip and a saline snap that carries it clean through the finish. Its a wine that favors energy over comfort, asking for attention but rewarding it

A hint of graphite and Loire river pebble holds the mid-palate in tension

So when it came time to introduce new members to Waterford's Champagne Club

with a warming spice that lingers on the tongue

try a hazelnut-crusted grilled pork chop with wild mushroom fricassee

Curiosity leads to obsession

The Smith family came together in 1994 to farm a Cabernet vineyard in Calistoga

This is not a rosé built for spectacle

Compare it to De Forville’s neighbors at hundreds of dollars a bottle

Founded by Joel Peterson way back when

And it’s worth a bit more explanation

And I’m the guy who negotiated the price

Grilled pork chops