Feeling fried and a little beat lately, I decided to treat myself to an afternoon break!

I slipped out of work a bit early and not much later found my car magically pulling into Kinley’s Restaurant parking lot.

I have visited Kinley’s a few times over the last 8 months and I was curious about some of the wine selections that might be tempting for me to try.

It’s definitely a different atmosphere during to the afternoon.

It was quiet and peaceful for the time of day, yet a few patrons were still lingering from lunch, so I didn’t feel too alone.

I was in a mood for sweet desserty types of wine.

For my first wine I had the Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz from McClaren Vale $8.00.

Aged in French oak it was smooth and fruity with a rich weighty texture across the palate. Nice pomegranate with hints of peach.

While enjoying this wonderful rich nectar I decided I wanted to try a wine sampling of sweet and fruity wines with a few appetizers.

My first of the trio I selected was the Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer, Sonoma County 2006 $8.25. Light touches of honeysuckle, pear, red apple and rose petals with a nice juicy melon and fruit finish made this selection agreeable with me.

The next two were sister selections of a sort. Torres De Casta Vina Esmarelda, Catalonia Spain was silky and sappy on the palate, a bit of dry and slightly sweet.

The other, Torres De Casta Rosado, was dry and fruity with an elegant cherry color and hints of plum and cherry with a prolonged smooth finish, both at $8.00.

The appetizers came shortly after I was able to taste the wines and make a few notes.

My first appetizer is what I consider a little slice of heaven.
Bacon wrapped dates with a rich garlic butter. I enjoyed the Torres De Casta Rosado with this the best because of the subtleties of wine combined with the richness of the dates and butter $4.00.

The Pate de Champagne was also a great pick. I actually enjoyed all of the wine selections with this. Pork and duck liver pate with caper berries, cornichons, red onion, cucumber accompanied with a tarragon dijon mustard and orange marmalade sauce. Nice and different with every combination $12.00.

I asked for extra orange marmalade is was so good.

It was wonderful having the different textures of the wine change on the palate with each nibble of different spices and herbs.

The next time you want to steal away early in the afternoon, drop by Kinley’s and ask the bartender to set you up with a sampling of wines. They will accommodate you with a sampling of wines that suit the mood you’re in at an affordable rate.

If you want to try a bottle of Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz, go to Wine Styles 11109 Old Seward Highway, Suite 2-O’Malley Center Plaza Anchorage, 337-WINE (9463).

You can pick-up a bottle for $19.85!

Salut!