I’m a bit behind in writing up this wine dinner. I had the pleasure of taking a friend from France to dinner, and while I know she enjoyed it – I think she may have missed French wine.
Reception
Randy’s Hors D’oeuvres
Cedar & Salmon, Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon
This was a very nice, tart green apple pinot gris. The spice on the tomato brought out the herbs in the wine.
This is not a wine you can buy in a retail outlet – it’s wholesale only, as they only produce 2,200 cases per year.
Tom, the wine rep said about this wine “Such wonderful juice in your glass.”
I’m not sure I’d agree – but it’s solid Tuesday night wine.
First Course
Shrimp Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Cedar & Salmon, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Tom informed us that where this Pinot Noir is grown is on the same latitude as Burgundy.
An interesting fact, but not my favorite pairing. I think the salad really needed a white – or the pinot needed something with a bit less acid to it.
It had a peppery spicy finish and the flavor lingers – so we gave it a solid Wednesday rating.
Second Course
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Cedar & Salmon, Red Blend, Walla Valley, Washington State
This had good deep black fruit. It’s 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet and 15% Petite Verdot, 5% Grenache and 5% Cabernet Franc.
My notes say “drinkable” and “Monday.”
I’m not sure if that’s because we didn’t like the blend, or we didn’t like the pairing. (I’ll admit the food made me crave Chef Boyardee Rings and Meatballs.)
Entrée
Filet Mignon With Bearnaise Sauce, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus
Cedar & Salmon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State
My notes on this one say “dark cherry and chocolate.” And I’ve scribbled something illegible on the side that Tom said.
I’m guessing since I didn’t note we hated the wine with the food that the pairing went pretty well. Then again, you can’t go wrong with béarnaise sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.
Dessert & Final Thoughts
Chunky Chocolate Coffee Cake
Baileys Irish Cream
Having hyped how great and wonderful these wine dinners were and how much fun they were – it seemed like a bit of a let down in the end. Then again, it was at the end of a long week of meetings and project work – so it could just have been exhaustion catching up with both of us.
Regardless, I’m glad my friend now has a frame of reference for when I mention Randy’s.
