The Federalist Lodi Cab with Goldbelly’s Junior’s Grill Day burgers

Ah, SPORTSBALL. If it’s not one game, it’s another. That’s what it seems to me at this point. But not to my dad… and not to me growing-up. Living in the greater Los Angeles area, my dad was a lifelong Rams fan who loved grilling meat, and later in life, loved red wine. Back when I lived at home, I would often watch football with my dad  — which meant he would be in the living room enjoying the game and I’m be doing the weekly baking — cookies and other desserts for him to have in his lunch box that he would take with him to his work as a plumber. And then I’d hear him whoop and holler and “come see this! you’ve got to see this!” and I’d hustle out to the living room from the kitchen to see a spectacular play. 

My dad would have loved today’s Super Bowl game where the Rams won– and he would have loved the food and wine we paired with it.

The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi would have been right in his end zone, and he would have appreciated the quality of the meat in the Goldbelly game day grill pack from Juniors which we cooked on the grill he gave us. Gold Belly has an extensive selection of the best Game Day food– no matter which game you are watching or in which season.

Gold Belly

In addition to football and grilling, my dad had a passion for politics, and the Federalist refers to the first American political party which existed from the early 1790s to 1816. According to wikipedia, “The Federalists called for a strong national government that promoted economic growth and fostered friendly relationships with Great Britain, as well as opposition to revolutionary France. The party controlled the federal government until 1801, when it was overwhelmed by the Republican opposition led by Thomas Jefferson. It came into being between 1792 and 1794 as a national coalition of bankers and businessmen in support of Alexander Hamilton‘s fiscal policies. These supporters developed into the organized Federalist Party, which was committed to a fiscally sound and nationalistic government.”

And I guess they are throwing in Benjamin Franklin who is featured on the label and who supposedly said these wise words:

2017 The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV 13.7%
SRP $18
Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Zinfandel, 2% Other Reds (Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)
sample for my review 

The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon honors “the man many call the first American, Benjamin Franklin. Ben Franklin was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and campaigned for colonial unity during the American Revolution.”  After harvest, they fermented the different blocks separately to preserve characteristics of each, with 18 days on the skins then 15 months in 35% new oak.  No information on their website about sustainability or vineyards practices, so best to assume this is basic chemical farming. 

Color:  Garnet, with a pink rim.

Aroma: Very pleasant nose, lots of fruit and florals, violets, iris, carnation, plum, cedar wood, rich nose. cola, cigar box, leather.
 
Palate: Cherry tobacco, this is a big juicy wine, fruit bomb, very ripe plum and cherry, with tons of oak, This is a big bold wine. 

Pairing: Very good with the Mac and cheese. The creamy richness and the spices enhance the wine so nicely. All of the cream in the dish manages the big fruit and oak in the wine. Excellent with the burgers with the creamy cheese and arugula. The ribs were excellent with just a bit of kick and they came with extra saucy for those who prefer their ribs more drenched. The hot dogs were giant, and super tasty. 

This box said it was for four people, but held plenty of food for many more, especially if you’re serving sides like Mac n cheese, salad, chips and guacamole, etc. While we were pleased with the quality of the food, and it paired really well with the wine, it seemed a bit silly to order this from the other side of the country in a box with five pounds of material to keep the food cold. We debated a number of options, but this seemed the best to pair with the wine. I do think they should have included at least a small cheesecake since that is what Junior’s is famous for. 

Cheers to my Dad, to the Rams, to the Federalists, and meat cooked well by my husband on my Dad’s grill!