The Winemakers Dinner

It's times like this that I realize life is too short to not eat good food and drink great wine.  On one of my first weekends back in Healdsburg I was invited to a dinner with the folks that I lived with during harvest (Zinscape) and now during class.  A few vineyards owners and wine makers began to file in, some introductions were in order, and some general conversation about wine and wine making.

We were ushered up stairs for some Foie Gras paired with Muscat de Beaume de Venise, the richness of the Foie Gras was balanced beautifully with the richness and acidity of the wine.  We then went on to have to have some of the best wine and food I have ever had.  The wines rang like a roll call of the great vineyards in the world.  Pierre Yves Colin Morey, Corton Charlemange (Chardonnay), Domaine Gros Frere et Soeur Clos Vougeot Grand Cru "Musigni" (Pinot noir), and of course I had to bring some Rochioli to round out the mix.  To my delighted surprise the Little Hill (Rochioli) stood out compared to the "Musigni."  I have never had a Grand Cru Pinot from Burgundy until that night, and was able to drink it with an American pinot of, in my opinion, greater quality! I forgot to mention the food, games hens, with tarragon, breaded egg plant with homemade sauce made from the tomatoes grown in the garden.  If there is one central theme to Northern California it is this, Eat great food, drink great wine, and share it with everyone!

Off to work, then Bistro Jeanty for dinner tonight!