We had some amazing BBQ over the weekend.
It came from Robin's Wood Fire BBQ & Grill in Pasadena, California. We used to eat there when it was a nice casual place for lunch or dinner. We didn't know they changed the menu to all BBQ.
We ordered the garbage can lid dinner with chicken, hot links (careful, the heat sneaks up when your back is turned), beef ribs, tri tip, and short ribs. We added a rack of baby backs too, since there were five us eating out of the trough. Er, I mean from the lid.
Anyway, Wine Snob Hubby and his friend considered carefully what to offer us neophytes.
The choices: Brazin, an old vine Zinfandel from Brazin Cellars out of Manteca, CA.
Beaucanon Cabernet
The Brazin was known and loved and chosen because of that. The Cab was chosen because WSH and friend took a field trip to the Tustin outpost of the mother ship, also known as Total Wine. WSH asked for suggestions and an employee suggested the Beaucanon.
I just looked at the Beaucanon website and I'm sorry I can't tell if it was a Cab Franc or what vintage. I'll have to check with WSH and get back to you on that.
Anyway, I tasted both with the baked beans and meat. The Brazin was good, but fell a bit flat. The Beaucanon definitely stood up to the BBQ sauce and meats. I tasted blackberries and it finished well along the sides of my tongue.
Which goes to show that sometimes a tried and true favorite should be given a night off so a new friend can have the opportunity to shine.
