Aqua Resort throws a Mondavi party

It was an intoxicating revelry of good food, great wines, soothing music and outstanding companions when the Aqua Resort Club held its Executive Circle/Premier Club/Robert Mondavi Members’ Cocktail Night last Oct. 6 at the grand lobby of the popular hotel. Meant to be an event to delight all senses, the night’s conversations sparkled, the women scintillated, while the men pontificated like well-bred vintners, helped along by the outstanding wine that flowed seemingly straight from the cellars of the Robert Mondavi Private Selection.

As with most Aqua Resort Club events, this one—called “Heaven on Earth…an enticing oasis of comfort”—was a well-attended affair, with well-heeled guests ebbing and flowing across the hotel’s expansive Vino Lobby Lounge—clusters of people forming and re-forming according to mood and inclination and loud laughter bursting from time to time above the live music that permeated the air.

A phalanx of Aqua Resort officials were in full force that night, led by acting hotel GM Hiro Sugie, sales manager Yoshimi Kodama, sales and marketing manager Dorry M. Gabutero, and EC/PC Membership Program coordinator Manette Duenas.

The svelte Orleyne Tabucanon of Pacific Wines and Spirits was in the midst of it all, seeing to it that each guest has had a chance to give her marvelous line of superior California wines a taste. She immediately pressed on my hand a full glass of Pinot Noir (Robert Mondavi Private Selection, vintage unspecified) and the first sip immediately spread a comfortable warmth in my belly. A dark and rich red, this dry wine is unexpectedly fruity, the first sip bringing to the mind’s eye images of lush, succulent blackberries ripening in the sun. This is, however, no weak sweet wine, with its blend of tannins and subtle oak influence providing a robust structure that leaves a smooth finish on the tongue. There was also a very, very slight hint of anise and other spices at the tail-end, adding a touch of complexity to this varietal wine.

Another superb sampling was the Robert Mondavi Merlot. Ordinarily, I am not a great fan of Merlot, as most that I have come across were either too acidic for my taste or tasted too much like fortified wines (higher alcoholic content), which are not exactly to my liking. This one, however, was a welcome surprise—smooth, supple, with a very beguiling raspberry flavor and a lingering finish evocative of rich plum and spicy oak. According to notes provided by Orleyne, this one would be perfect for roast beef, Portobello mushrooms or lamb. I agree. This wine is a bit more aggressive for anything that’s lesser flavored, it’s fruity flavor notwithstanding.

The VIP Membership card of Aqua Resort Club, Saipan was renamed as Executive Circle for local patrons and Premier Club for foreign guests on May 1, 2005. This is free membership and each member receives points for every dollar spent in room accommodation, restaurants and bars. Accumulated points are given the equivalent award that can be redeemed during the program year or awarded during the 1st quarter cocktail night.