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Cova Wines on Washington

     Last night, we went to the Cova Wine Bar on Washington. It was our first time to go and we had a great experience. The ambiance was relaxed and invited you to stay awhile. We got a table immediately upon entering. 
     I ordered a glass of the 2009 Chateau St. Esteve d' Uchaux "Jeunes Vignes" Viognier from the Cotes du Rhone for $9 and the house-made Gnocchi which comes with six really large sauteéd shrimp with lemon caviar beurre blanc for $18 for my meal. This was a great pairing, the wine had the classic fresh aromas of honeysuckle and peaches with tropical fruit flavors and just enough acid to cut right through the heavy sauce. Absolutely delicious. After my meal, I decided to stay in the Rhone River Valley and ordered a glass of Domaine des Hauts Chassis "Les Galets" Crozes-Hermitage for $14. This wine's good structure was well-balanced with aromas and flavors of herbal earthy garrigue, mixed berries and smoke.
     My husband ordered a flight which consisted of three 2-ounce pours of some of his favorite Napa reds totaling $17 and a $10 pizza Marguerite which he enjoyed as well. He followed up with a glass of his favorite of the three.
     We ended our evening there with a split Bananas Foster Cheesecake and a glass of Quinta do Noval 10 year Tawny Port. It was smooth and balanced with classic nutty flavors and was absolutely fantastic with the dessert's caramel topping.
     Our server was Susie and we enjoyed talking to her throughout the evening. She provided excellent service; she was there when we needed her but did not hover when we did not. She was knowledgeable about the varied offerings of wine by the glass and she was very helpful with our retail wine purchase without being pushy in any way.
     The number of different wines by the glass ensure that there will be something for all to enjoy. The menu ranges from an affordable create-your-own cheese plate to more filling entrees. Both the menu and the wine list offer the opportunity to go big or to go budget. I highly recommend Cova for your next evening out.

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