The Grapevine

 

APRIL WINE PAIRINGS:
Elsa Bianchi   2011 Malbec
The grapes for this single-vineyard wine comes from Valentin Bianchi’s Dona Elsa Estate, situated in Rama Caida, San Rafael, Mendoza, around 2500 feet above sea level. One of the coolest areas in San Rafael, the soil in Rama Caida is a sandy calcareous composition and alluvial origins. Hand-picked and twice sorted, the grapes are crushed, fermented at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks and inoculated with several yeasts. There is minimal French oak aging in an effort to keep fresh fruit, lively and prominent, with a further one month’s aging in the bottle.
The Elsa Malbec is the perfect accompaniment to Chef Paul’s new “Cedar Plank  Smoked Salmon” with a soft, supple palate that leads to a lingering finish with smooth silkiness.
 
RouteStock Cellars    2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ” Route 29” Napa Valley  
RouteStock Cellars is pleased to share with you our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of California’s Route 29 which diligently services some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.
By identifying prime family-owned vineyard sources along this idyllic highway, we have created a wine that evokes the serenity and magic of an unforgettable landscape.
This wine has rich aromas of hot, spicy cherry pie over notes of sweet cedar oak and nuances of Chinese 5 spice. The Palate is rich and lingering and is framed by elegance. The flavors of black cherry, plum and vanilla blend seamlessly with layers of truffle oak and spice making this the perfect wine to accompany Chef Paul’s “Garlic Rubbed Tenderloin”.
 
Milbrandt Vineyards   2011 “Traditions” Cabernet Sauvignon
This wonderful wine is comprised of wine grapes harvested from the Columbia Valley, the heart of Washington Wine Country. In 2011, a cool and wet spring delayed bloom and led to a light fruit set on the vines. The summer was mild, but transitioned into a long Indian summer with warm temperatures and an abundance of sunshine through October. The result was an exceptional vintage with beautiful color, flavor intensity and perfectly balanced acidity.
In the words of our Winemaker- “Our Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, velvety and complex with layered flavors of black cherry, cassis, mocha and a hint of mint”. - Joshua Maloney
With these tremendous flavors there is a new creation from Chef Paul that would go well with this wine, the “7 Spice 14 oz. Rib Eye” that is finished with a mushroom demi glace.
We look forward to seeing you in the club and enjoying all of our new pairings.
Scott and Chef Paul