2009 got off to a rousing start with our meeting at the Willis Family Estate. Heath dazzled us all with his knowledge of wines as we had a private tasting of no less than 10 different wines. Throw in the blind tastings and fabulous food, it was a night of great fun for all. Of course the children loved gathering in the playroom and even performed a brief concert for any of the adults brave enough to venture in to the concert hall...
Here are some of the tasting notes from the wines and recipes from the evening's festivities.
Mark West California Pinot Noir 2006
Pinot pairs well with Brie.
Winemaker's notes:
Enticing aromas of juicy cherry, fleshy plum, strawberry tart and orange marmalade, with barrel notes of vanilla, cedar, brown sugar and spice. Oak aging rounds out the palate and gives the wine its body. Lush weighty fruit on the palate, tasting of raspberry preserves. The finish is fresh, bright and lingers of ripe red berry flavors.
Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005
Zinfandel pairs well with Cheddar.
Winemaker's notes:
The 2005 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful dusty raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice, with coffee and chocolate characters. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 7 years.
337 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Brie and mild Cheddar pair well with Cabernet.
Tasting Notes:
The 2006 337 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits enticing aromas of mocha, dark cherry, and spice, with a floral top note of rose and violet. Silky tannins wrap themselves around a core of blackberry fruit, interlaced with cola and cedar.
Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Gruyere and strong cheddar pair well with Sauvignon Blanc.
Blend: 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Semillon
Winemaker's notes:
Groth 2006 Sauvignon Blanc was produced from grapes grown in various microclimates of the Napa Valley. The warmer Napa Valley microclimates provided grapes that resulted in a wine with a lush, full melon/citrus character in the aroma and in the flavor. The cooler Napa Valley fruit provided a solid, crisp backbone that gives the wine an exciting liveliness that balances the rich creaminess from "surlie" aging.
Stephen Vincent 2006 Chardonnay
Mozzerella and Gruyere pair well with Chardonnay.
Winemaker’s notes:
The malo-lactic fermentation gives the wine a buttery flavor and Stainless steel fermentation captures the essence of the Chardonnay fruit.
Winemaker tasting notes: food friendly, has buttery chardonnay overtones with, melon, fig and tropical flavors. Stylistically, it’s a fruit driven Chardonnay that is rich and delicious to drink.
Firehose 2006 Gewürztraminer
Swiss pair well with Gewurzstraminer.
Winemaker’s notes:
This was created to complement spicy meals, with a palate that is bold and fruity. Customers are becoming more adventurous, trying new varietals, and are attracted to eye-catching packaging. Firehose Gewürztraminer delivers delicious wine, great price, bold packaging, and interesting varietals.
Recipes
Appetizers
Meat & cheese spread - Nama Family
Salami, cheese, apple slices, bread
Bruschetta - Willis Family
Salad
Maggiano's Salad - Trammell Family
Main Dish
Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce - Willis Family
Serves:4
Ingredients:
5 1/2 cups Italian Sauce
1/4 cup vodka
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pkg. (16 ounces) medium tube-shaped pasta (penne), cooked and drained
Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:Heat the sauce, vodka, basil and pepper in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream.
Put the pasta in a large serving bowl. Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta. Toss to coat.
Sprinkle with the cheese.
Kid-Friendly Dish
Mac n Cheese - Miranda Family
Desert
Blueberry Bundt Cake - Burnette Family
