Halfway through our wine tasting of 20 of the 100 new wines at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar during Opening Nights, we decided to play a new game to add some sizzle to our night — what relationship would you have with this wine? We may not be experts on wines, but when it came to men, we knew where that first kiss was taking us.
With a dossier of tasting notes bearing seductive and playful descriptions, each sounded like a possible suitor vying for our attention. The A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir boasted that he was negotiating a truce between richness and power. The Red Diamond Merlot blend said he was easy to love. So we took each for their words and noted whether they would be a quick fling, a no way or even a long-term relationship with marriage possibilities.
While the Cain Cuvee Cabernet-Merlot blend touted himself as a lush, aromatic and accessible Napa-style wine, it felt like he was just using bad pickup lines to get our number. The Rodney Strong Merlot let his reputation speak for himself as a reliable and datable man with plenty of backbone and a nice set of legs. The Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon with his velvety tannins could eat crackers in our bed anytime. The Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, while reminiscent of an ex with whom we have fond memories, proved a straightforward lover who developed like an old soul toward the end, just as the Cambria Pinot Noir with his long, silky finish could definitely turn into an extended makeout session. We even discovered new suitors such as the Chateau Ste. Michelle-Dr Loosen Reisling who didn’t look like he stood a chance until he proved us wrong with his inspiring finish.
Swirl, smell, sip, spit or sometimes just drink him all in, the possibilities from these lusty lovers were endless. Some only received a perfunctory peck on the cheek while others we wanted to savor longer. The Morse Code Shiraz with his blend of berries, cherries, licorice and spice could be fun for a night, but we had a feeling we would love him and leave him. The aforementioned Red Diamond wore took much cologne and barely made it out of the starting gate. The Catena Malbec touted sexy attributes such as spices, tobacco and a touch of leather and proved he had second date possibilities. The Palacios-Redmondo Rioja dressed nice but didn’t turn out to be the sensitive man he said he was.
As the night wore on and our parade of suitors brought along their friends to show off their possibilities. The new small plates menu at Fleming’s has a mushroom flatbread, a seared Ahi tuna bathed in peppercorns with a wasabi sauce and wonderful New Zealand petite lamb chops with a delicate mint sauce. Each went along for the ride to help showcase what a great potential relationship each of the wines could offer.
Just one more night of Fleming’s 100 “Opening Nights” remains on Sept. 30, and you can still get in on the potential dating action. Sample 20 wines for just $25 and nosh on flavors from the new small plates menu yourself. For reservations, call 702-838-4774. And savor the possibilities.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8721 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702-838-4774.
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