When I entertain, I love putting all my efforts into a well thought out menu along with paired drinks. The decor and ambiance tend to come second because the way I see it, it's all about making sure my guests leave well fed and with a memorable experience. I recently hosted a special dinner in honor of Rodney Strong Vineyards. The Klein family have owned the Rodney Strong Vineyards brand for 25 years so what better way to celebrate their Silver Anniversary than with a wonderful spread food and wine?! In fact, I was not alone in celebrating... others all around the country were celebrating simultaneously on September 20, 2014, including top chefs preparing elaborate meals, fellow food and wine bloggers and all the fans of Rodney Strong Vineyards.
For the special dinner, I had family and friends attend and served a five course meal, each with a carefully paired Rodney Strong wine. Tasting notes below are provided by Rodney Strong...
First Course: Lump Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
To kick off my dinner, I wanted to start with lighter bodied wines and progress to more robust wines, just as my menu does with the varied flavors. For my first course, I prepared a simple lump crab stuffed mushroom. We loved how delicious the wine paired with the delicate crab. The wine really accentuated the crab nicely and I love the way the citrus notes made for a bright and light start to the meal. This wine is especially good with seafood and the crab stuffed mushrooms was a perfect pairing!
Second Course: Seared Jumbo Scallops with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette
Paired with 2012 Rodney Strong Estate Chalk Hill Chardonnay
The second course also featured seafood and this time, scallops. To add some flair, I served the jumbo scallops with a sesame ginger vinaigrette just to add a touch of acidity. This really worked nicely with the chardonnay. The wine picked up on the buttery scallops with a hint of sweetness that did well under the sesame ginger vinaigrette.
Third Course: Herb & Garlic Prime Rib Roast
and also paired with 2010 Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Wine Tasting Notes: Chocolate and black fruit profile, with exceptional richness.
For the main course, I wanted to give my guests a choice on wines to pair them with. These two wines - the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon - played up against the flavorful rub I used on the prime rib roast. These reds work well with hearty meat and they certainly didn't disappoint. It was a split tie between which wine folks favored with the entree course!
Fourth Course: Cheese Course of Blue cheese, Camembert, toasted cashews
Paired with 2011 Rodney Strong Symmetry, Alexander Valley
After the heavy appetizers and entree, I wanted to change the pace and lighten up the meal with a cheese course. Blue cheese is a favorite of ours and I knew they would work deliciously with the Red Meritage wine. With the deep fruity notes of the wine, there was no need to offer fresh fruits. And the creamy blue cheese was a perfect pairing once again.
Fifth Course: Salted Caramel Chocolate Cheesecake
Paired with 2008 Rodney Strong A True Gentleman’s Port
Lastly, I knew a good chocolate dessert would serve as the perfect ending to our five course dinner. With port to accompany dessert, I made the salted caramel chocolate cheese. A combination of sweet and salty was exactly the flavor this port wine complimented. Everyone enjoyed the finish of the wine and dinner... so it wasa delicious success!
Thank you to the folks of Rodney Strong Vineyards for allowing me to celebrate the special day with dinner and wine. I wish you another 25 years of wonderful wine making with many more to follow!
Looks like a great meal! Lots of good sounding food!
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