It’s time to light the fire… and I’m not meaning just the grill (or whatever you think I’m talking about)! Take-out, dine-in or create a few spicy dishes, then dare your palate with your wine pairing acumen. I received just such challenge from the Sokol Blosser team who sent me a sample bottle of Evolution Lucky No. 9 White Columbia Valley/Willamette Valley 2020 ($16), a selection of hot sauces and a $50 gift card to make it all happen. On it!
In the box with the bottle was a handwritten note by Alison Sokol Blosser, Co-President, CEO and second generation winemaker. It read, “Dear Cindy, My mom, Susan Sokol blosser, created Evolution Lucky No. 9 White to pair with the spicy Asian-fusion dishes that were so popular 25 years ago. This wine is still my favorite to pair with Asian dishes and many more. I’m excited to see your savory and/or spicy food pairing to help us mark 25 years of Evolution wines!”
Original bottle of Evolution – Photo Credit: Sokol Blosser
Evolution Lucky No. 9 by Sokol Blosser has been in existence from the 1990s and apparently, it “launched the alternative white category.” The other night, we took our chilled bottle from the 2020 vintage to Thai Classic in Paso Robles, California. With a menu that included a range of authentic Thai dishes from mild to spicy hot, I knew this was just the place to flex our palate. And it did. This unoaked blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muller Thurgau, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer from Columbia Valley in Washington and Willamette Valley in Oregon offered bright aromas of lemon, apricot, nectarine and white flowers. On the round, lush palate, I found lemon and lime notes, tropical fruit, pineapple, mango, melon, apple and spice framed with vibrant acidity.
Now for the kick! Two appetizers, Thai Spring Rolls deep fried and stuffed with vegetables and Golden Bags stuffed with shrimp, chicken potato, yellow curry, were served with sweet and sour sauce and a hot sauce that could cure anything that ails! For entrees, we chose Mango Curry with Beef, a red curry with sweet mango and vegetables, and Spicy Eggplant Chicken, a savory stir fry served over brown rice. A few sips of the snappy, flavorful Evolution Lucky No. 9 were bright and refreshing thanks to the its touch of sweetness that helped balance the heat of the food.
Will I purchase Sokol Blosser Evolution Lucky No. 9 again? Of course! When I’m not at Thai Classic choosing from a myriad of spicy dishes, I’ll pair a few glasses with tuna poke, Tandoori chicken, chili lime peanuts, Singapore noodles, panang curry, tuna rolls and anything else with zing! In the meantime, join me to mark the 25th anniversary of this well-priced wine and start pouring!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Andrea
Heather