Ratamacue Stew

While I'm on the subject of libations and other guilty

pleasures, dark chocolate came to mind tonight as Cindee and I were enjoying her membership in the Benziger wine club. We get two bottles shipped to us quarterly. Tonight, we were enjoying the Benziger Oonapais 2006 which is a particularly excellent Meritage (Bordeaux style blend). Benziger is one of our favorite Sonoma based vineyards and we enjoy everything they send us.

The Oonapais is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

To finish off dinner, I often enjoy pairing a wine like the Oonapais with dark chocolate. My favorite dark chocoloate at the moment is the Scharffen Berger Mocha. A 62% dark chocolate with freshly roasted coffee infused throughout, you get a wonderful coffee flavor with the dark chocolate. Combined with the rich velvety touch of a balanced red wine (pick your poison - Meritage, Bordeaux, California Cab, Syrah, or Zin - they are all good), and much like the martini you have a match made in heaven. A great way to wind down after a long day at the office!