Once again I learned about a great new wine thanks to a waiter's recommendation.  Last night we were at Cypress Grill in Boerne, and Angie, Michele and I all decided on non-red meat entrees.  Since I've been on a Pinot kick lately, I suggested we go that way instead of a white.  I checked the wine list for something in my price range from a winery or region I was semi familiar with.  I quickly spotted a Russian River Valley Pinot from the Gary Farrell Winery. I'd not had a chance to try it before, but I remembered reading a favorable review.  As our waiter took my order, he asked if I may like to try another Pinot from the same area.  He went on to mention that one of the owners, not a Pinot fan, really liked this particular wine and bought all the sales person had.  It was only a few dollars more and with an owner/chef's recommendation, how could I go wrong?

I was not disappointed.  The 2008 En Route Les Pommiers is a great food wine.  I had the Chilean Sea Bass with shrimp, and lima beans in a light green curry sauce.   A bite of food and a sip of wine and I was in a winer/foodie paradise.  It worked equally well with the tuna and chicken dishes.

The owners of EnRoute have a great pedigree; they also own Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, and Far Niente wineries.  They chose the Russian River Valley to produce a great Pinot, and my first taste left me wanting more.

The day after, I got online to find where I could buy a bottle or two.  The first stop was their web site, and it was also the last.  This wine is produced in very limited quantities.  It is only sold at restaurants, fine wine stores and online through the winery.  To buy it from them, you join their wine club.  The club allows you to buy a 3-bottle pack of the current vintage, if not sold out.  Then, for each new vintage, you are allocated three bottles, but you chose whether to buy it or not.  There are no automatic shipments.   I vowed not to join join another wine club, but, hey!  It's only a once a year purchase.  At least, that's how I explained it to my wife...