2021 Eastside Crossing Recipe

Inspect the bottle for sediment and ensure the cork is intact. Chill the bottle to serving temperature if needed: for most Lodi red blends or varietals common to Eastside Crossing, target 60–65°F (15–18°C). If the wine is currently colder (e.g., from a fridge), bring it to temperature on the counter for 20–30 minutes.

Open the Bottle

Cut the foil about 1/2 inch below the lip of the bottle, then use a corkscrew to remove the cork smoothly. Wipe the bottle neck with a clean cloth to remove any cork bits or residue.

Decant (optional)

If the wine is a fuller-bodied red or you want to open up aromatics, pour the wine slowly into a decanter. Allow the wine to breathe for 15–30 minutes. For lighter styles, skip decanting and allow 10–15 minutes in the glass.

Pouring: Hold the bottle at the base and pour about 4–6 ounces (120–180 ml) into each stemmed glass, filling to the widest part of the bowl to allow swirling and aroma release.

Swirl and smell: Gently swirl the glass to coat the interior and release aromas, then take a few short sniffs to appreciate primary fruit, secondary (oak/vanilla) and tertiary (earth, spice) notes typical of Lodi-grown grapes.

Taste and evaluate: Take a small sip, let it coat your mouth, and note structure—acidity, tannin, body—and finish. Adjust by allowing additional aeration if the wine seems closed.

Prepare glasses and board: Arrange stemmed red wine glasses for each guest. If using a cheese board, slice the cheeses and baguette and arrange salami and olives attractively on the board.

Serve the pairings: Offer small portions of aged cheddar and soft-ripened cheese, a few slices of cured salami, marinated olives, and baguette slices alongside the poured wine. These pairings complement the ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and potential spice of a Lodi red.

Taste pairing guidance: Start with the milder Brie and baguette, then move to the cheddar and salami as the wine opens up. Use small bites between sips to explore how the wine's fruit, tannin, and acidity interact with fat and salt.

Storage of leftover wine: If you don't finish the bottle, reseal with the original cork or a vacuum wine stopper and refrigerate. Most opened red wines will remain pleasant for 3–5 days when sealed and refrigerated.