We had the opportunity to attend a wine pairing dinner at Morton’s The Steakhouse, with the Michael David Winery on Saturday, March 5, 2022. They are 5th generation grape growers whose family has been farming the land since 1860 and have been growing grapes since the early 1900s.
On their website, they point out that they have something for everyone. The “Freakshow” lineup starts at $20, and the reserves are lines are in the $50 to $60 Range.
The evening was hosted by their new President Larry Holman, who did a nice job mingling with the crowd and presenting the wines.
The evening started with the first course, a KING SALMON CRUDO with kumquat, market radish, citrus vinaigrette, and sea salt, that was paired with the 2021 Michael David, Sauvignon Blanc. At $18 a bottle, this is a steal. A very nice drinkable wine, that paired nicely with the salmon.
Next up was an ARTISAN GOAT CHEESE SALAD with mixed greens, grapefruit, candied walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, paired with the Micahel David Chardonnay. A nice pairing, but nothing mind-blowing here. But at $24 dollars a bottle, this is a very good wine for the price. And we did like the bottle. Had a bit of a French feel to its design.
The 3rd Course was a PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED LAMB LOIN MEDALLIONS, with basil pesto, heirloom baby carrots, pea shoots, and parsnip puree, this was paired with a Petite Sirah from their Inkblot line of wines. We are both big Petite Sirah fans, and again for the price point of $30, this was a very good wine and a very good pairing choice.
The fourth course really brought the evening home. A perfectly cooked BLUE CHEESE CRUSTED FILET MIGNON with melted leeks, fennel, and blue cheese fondue that was made even better by the 2019 Rapture, Cabernet Sauvignon. And at $59, this is truly a bargain. Both of us rated this in the low 90s. Black fruit, full-bodied, and a very nice, long finish.
The evening ended with a LA BÊTE NOIR (a classic flourless chocolate cake) topped with candied pistachios, raspberries, and toasted meringue. This was paired with the 2019 Lust, Zinfandel. It is too bad that this $59 beauty is sold out because it was a stand-out Zin at any price.
Hats off to the staff at Morton’s and Larry, who all made it a great three-hour-plus evening.
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