Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
Another Wine Dinner at Merion
Merion GC, Ardmore, PA
Tasted December 13, 2008 by GSW with 417 views
Introduction
We again selected our wines to bring for the dinner, and let the MGC staff work their magic to create the menu for 12 appreciative guests.
Flight 1 - Passed hors d'oeuvres of sauteed lump crab, strawberries drizzled w balsamic reduction, and brie/raspberry in phyllo (1 note)
White - Sparkling
N.V. Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut
89 points
A perfect companion for the passed hors d'oeuvres. A solid, yeasty Champagne. Enjoyed by all.
Flight 2 - Tuna Tartar, lemongrass marinated with grilled shallots, sea salt toast points and pico de aguacate (1 note)
White
2001 Château Lynch-Bages Blanc de Lynch-Bages
85 points
Of the two bottles served, one was unfortunately flawed and therefore a great disappointment. Some at the table approved of the pairing with tuna tartar, but most wished for a better bottle.
Flight 3 - Seared Duck Breast, cinnamon rice, cherry compote and chili creme fraiche (1 note)
Red
2003 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir Proprietor's Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard
93 points
Most felt this was the WOTN and it was clearly the best pairing. Pale garnet with a wonderful nose of cherry and spice. Outstanding
Flight 4 - Lavender Marinated Grilled Wild Boar with plum barbeque and smoked cheddar cheese polenta (1 note)
Red
2000 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT
90 points
An excellent match with wild boar. Took some time to open up, but a very pleasant, earthy wine. "Burnt leather" in the opinion of one guest.
Flight 5 - Venison Loin, cipollini onions, potato croquette and wilted arugula (1 note)
Red
1997 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
A perfect match with venison. Dark fruit, smoke, spice. Elegant structure and a long finish.
Flight 6 - Mini Fudge and Creme Brulee w. cheese board including a rosemary ash goat cheese (1 note)
Red - Fortified
1997 Quinta do Noval Porto Vintage Silval
89 points
A fun way to finish the dinner. Nice balance of fruit with sweetness. Nice match with chocolate, as well as with the various cheeses.
Closing
Aside from the disappointing Lynch-Bages Blanc, all the wines showed well. The crowd favorite was the Windy Oaks Pinot which was perfectly matched with the seared duck breast. Second place went to the Quilceda Creek Cab with the venison loin--another terrific pairing.