Wine Trio

Wine descriptions and recommendations written by: Kellen Gill, a level three (advanced) certified charter holder in the wine and spirit education trust and WSET Diploma Candidate.

Sonoma County AVA NV Brut Sparkling Wine

Start your evening with a non-vintage sparkling brut (dry) wine that you can't buy anywhere and pair it with your cheese course or a light fish or paella. If you want to challenge your palate with an unusual pairing, sparkling wine pairs great with potato chips!

Santa Ynez River Valley Pinot Noir

The second wine is a delicious 2012 Lucas & Lewellen High 9 Goodchild Vineyard Pinot Noir from California's Santa Ynez River Valley. This classic California pinot noir with notes of forest floor, mushroom and fresh-tilled earth supported by fruit-forward notes of wild cherry and blackberry will pair beautifully with a mushroom-topped filet mignon, rosemary herbed chicken or a light fish like Halibut or Salmon or even a medium-rare pinot-glazed duck breast.

El Paso de Robles Bordeaux-style Cabernet Blend

The third wine is a real show-stopper and is a wonderfully-crafted Bordeaux-style blend by an up-and-coming producer in the Paso Robles/Adalaida District American Viticultural Area (AVA) named Thacher. This wine is a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 39% Malbec and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. While I recommend giving this wine some time to unwind by decanting for at least an hour before serving, it is quite compelling when given that space. I get aromas of oregano, dried red cherries, sweet leather and a an almost old-world dusty note finished with dark red fruits like plums, cherries and juniper notes. I recommend pairing this wine with a big 'ole ribeye and peppercorn au poivre glaze or a hearty rack of lamb with rosemary dry rub and roasted winter root vegetables. Enjoy!

Generously Donated By:

Kellen & Justin Gill

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