District, SF wine bar

After a conference this week (Web 2.0 - which should be called the new mainstream event for web business neophytes), we met up with some work friends and prospective business partners at District. District is a wine bar in SF's SOMA neighborhood (bordering South Beach) on Towsend, a couple blocks from the train station and nearly ground zero for the residential and neighborhood changes that have gripped the city since PacBell Park opened in 2000. I like the wine bar a lot but by six thirty on a week night, it becomes a single scene like no other - and if you're looking for the cougar crowd, you won't be disappointed.

I started with their 'Big funky reds (syrah, Grenache & more)' flight.

• Point conception syrah, central coast 2004 - nice nose and fruity with a backbone. My favorite of the three but its close and depends on your mood and disposition.

• Dehesa La Granja Tempranillo, Zamora, Spain 2001 - paprika nose with tobacco on the tongue. Tangy, distinct earthy wine.

• Olivier Pithin Rhone Blend, France 2006 - blend of Grenache & Carignan grapes creates a
  

I had full glasses of the following two wines, a Spanish varietal and the French varietal from a Washington vintner.

• Ochoa, Garnacha/Tempranillo Blend, Navarra, 2005 - slight, simple w/o the depth of the tempranillo above.

• Walls Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc 2006 (Washington) - nice tannic but balanced wine. Nothing special for $20 a glass.
  

Summary: If you're looking to explore unique wines and see a respectable pickup experience first hand, head to District. It's a good place regardless of what you fancy.

Comments

[todd2006]

The PSH of PAFFL fame and I met up at this locale once before. I liked the food. Not a bad mini pizza.

The wine was ok... I didn't think that the servers really knew what they were talking about. These days, it seems like the servers are the most uninformed regarding wine choice.