Napa Experience; October 29 2011
Rutherford, Yountville, Napa
Tasted October 29, 2011 by 1800kidney with 725 views
Introduction
Started off a fun-filled 3 day Napa excursion at Harwell Estate Vineyars for a warm-up. Our group (3 couples) stayed at the Auberge du Soleil, wonderful home base! Mike Johnson from Napa Valley Tours (www.nvtt.net) was with us for Sunday and Monday and didn't miss a beat; have the shared transportation made the whole series of events seamless!
Flight 1 - Hartwell Estates Tasting Event (3 notes)
Our host was David who shared his enthusiasm and excitement about the estate wines, and was very knowledgeable about the history of the vineyards and winery. The North-South orientation of the trellises for the Cabernet Sauvignon was very interesting, and the discussion of the challenges of the past several growing seasons was a great introduction for the group
Flight 2 - Poolside at the Auberge du Soleil...poolside tumblers not optimal but did not pose a hazard! (1 note)
Relaxing before dinner, mixed a bit of business with pleasure
Flight 3 - Dinner at Auberge du Soleil: First courses (1 note)
Our group of 6 did the tasting menu, vegetarian menu and a combination of both. Choices included in the first courses were the Cow's Milk Buratta (with yellow eye beans, grilled radicchio, Calabrian Chiles and pine nuts); Sunchoke Risotto with Hazelnut Emulsion, Fairytale Pumkin Soup; poached Maine lobster with brown butter, orange and apple; and the Seared Fois Gras with poached pear, almonds and spiced sauce. The Hartwell 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve was an excellent choice that complimented the starters
Flight 4 - Auberge du Soleil, Main courses (3 notes)
Choices included Spiced Local Lamb Loin, Medjool Dates, Fingerling Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Pistachios, Pomegranate; Venison Tournedos, Pancetta, Radicchio, Sweet Potato Napoleon, Huckleberry Sauce; and Potato Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms Pea Shoots, Burgundy Truffles. The cabernet choices were perfectly staged, although we didn't much time with the 1999 Pickberry. The 1999 Hartwell came from their library selection and showed well initially, but the 1999 Pahlmeyer just kept getting better and better and better....
Flight 5 - Cheeses and Desserts (1 note)
We purchased the Merry Edwards late harvest off the list and enjoyed this with Brandy Roasted Figs Brioche, Almond Frangipane, Raspberry Sorbet; Toasted Vanilla Angel Food Cake, Trailside Strawberries, Soft Vanilla Cream; Apple Cider Doughnuts, Ceylon Cinnamon Custard, Calvados Sabayon, King David Apple Sorbet; and a lovely assortment of cheeses (Brillat Savarin: Cow Milk, Fromagerie Lincet, Saligny, France; Accapella: Goat Milk, Andante Dairy, Petaluma, California; Ossau Iraty: Sheep Milk, Rudolphe le Meunier, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France; Comté: Cow Milk, Hervé Mons, Jura, France; Fourme d’Ambert: Cow Milk, Hervé Mons, Jura, France)
Closing
Great start for our stay, promises to be truly exceptional. Many thanks to the crew at the Auberge du Soleil for their attention and help in arranging all the events.