Friday, December 12, 2014

December Celebration  Dec. 7, 2014

This eighth annual Celebration is one of our favorite events of the year. We are so lucky to feature the chef of former Mosaic Restaurant from Forestville, Tai Olesky.


The evening reception in itself is special: we pour all the 2013 newly bottled Pinot Noirs. These wines won't release for 10 months to 16 months from now. Upon entering, a welcome taste and palate prepper of the 2013 Chardonnay is the 1st wine of the night, which just released Dec. 1st.
A perfect accompaniment to the mussel soup being passed. A rich blended and creamless bisque like shot glass on a Fall evening.


The guest are seated at 7pm in the Tasting Room that has been transformed into a dining room. The only reminence of the room is the bar and wines. A long table seating twenty people is laid with burgundy glasses and silverware.


Our 1st course of the evening, a beautiful chestnut soup. So good, licking the bowl was discussed.
Two wines to pair, our 2010 Chardonnay and 2007 Horseshoe Bend Pinot Noir. They both went well although the Chardonnay in itself was showing so well, people were drawn to it.


Next up, a crab salad accompanied by Satsuma, heart of Palm and Blood Orange Puree . Two Pinot Noirs to pair, both from the 2006 Vintage, Ruxton Vineyard and TNT Vineyard.

The infamous mushroom dish from Mosaic days followed. This dish won the hearts of the consumers then and tonight was no different. For the guests that remembered this dish, it's a main reason for coming tonight. And the guests that missed out after the Restaurant closing in 2009, were thrilled to get a taste of the past. Served with grilled Nightengale baguette and Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam, the warm combination of local mushrooms sautéed in a hot pan with madera, herbs and cream. What's not to like. It's hard to share this dish as it was served family style. Paired with 2 Pinot Noir's, one from 2008, Horsehoe Bend Vineyard and the second out of magnum from 2010, our Russian River Valley blend.


The main course, braised lamb served with polenta and more two Pinot Noirs. This time both from 2009 vintage, TNT Vineyard and Ruston Vineyard. The rivalry between Mat's and my favorite vineyard's ruled the conversation. Ruxton is typically our lamb pairing although tonight due to the preparation and influence of polenta, the TNT won the best pairing.

A finale of petit fors from Patisserie Angelica and the introduction of the chef and his team providing the plates received a standing ovation. The consensus from the full bellied crowd was that they require the 1st notification of next years event date.


Another fun filled evening of food and wine "ala"' Paul Mathew Vineyards wines. We are so lucky to not just to have such fine wines but great friends to share them with.


Thank you to Susan Adler photography for supplying such quality shots to reflect back.