Page 86 of Emergence and Ascendance

“Not like that. Just try it. I promise you’ll love it.”

I sipped the blend hesitantly and smiled. "Completely different profile but it’s good."

"Exactly. We pair this with our lobster bisque." She motioned to the small bowl of soup which I sampled and the richness of the soup enhanced the wine's depth.

"Now the reds." She poured Pinot Noir. "Light ruby color, cherry and raspberry notes."

"Ohh, I like, I like. This is so smooth."

"Perfect with our chocolate desserts. Taste the chocolate raspberry square."

I lifted one and moaned again. “So damn good.”

We moved through three more reds. A Merlot with plum and herb notes. A Cabernet Sauvignon that was bold and structured. I made sure to only sample considering I had to drive Christian’s very expensive car back to the house but last up was a blend she created herself.

"This is our signature. Cabernet base with Merlot and Petit Verdot."

I swirled the wine and inhaled deeply. Dark fruits, spice, a hint of tobacco.

"Shit, girl, this is good."

"Thank you. It's been three years in development."

"How did you know what proportions to use because it’s absolutely perfect?"

"Lots of trial and error and patience."

We moved back to our table, bringing the signature blend with us.

"So tell me more about Crescent Falls. You've been here a few years?"

"Yes. I fell in love with this property right after I moved but politics here are tough. Luckily for me, I made friends with the right people."

“Who? I might need them to be my friend too?” I teased and she laughed, nodding.

“Ezekiel Omari. He more or less controls who gets property in the city.” She paused and drank some of her wine. “Well for the little people anyway. If you’re not a name, then you have to go through him. I got lucky.”

Ezekiel. Christian’s brother-in-law. That meant if Christian had really wanted to block me, he could’ve. I wasn’t a nobody—because the Whitney name held weight—but technically here, in his city, I didn’t have pull.

"Then you’re very lucky.”

“I can make an introduction if you want. Do you need help with a property?”

I quickly shook my head. “No, the deal I made is final.”

Thanks to Christian…

"Well if that changes, let me know.”

Our food arrived shortly after. I ordered the salmon with lemon beurre blanc. Niama got the duck. Both smelled amazing and mine tasted like heaven.

"This sauce is perfect with this." I tipped my glass to her then enjoyed more.

"The chef and I worked on pairings for months."

"It shows. Everything complements each other."

She smiled big as hell. “Thank you. All work and no play means a successful vineyard.”

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