by Katie Minchew
Last week, I filled in for Steve for an evening out with good friends and even better wine at Bailey’s Prime Plus. I have to admit that I am a newb to the wine industry but I think that it is one of the most lavish, fascinating, and sophisticated hobbies–no, wait, more than a hobby, a passion, lifestyle, addiction–that anyone could ever have. I am also a dreamer and have always wanted to live on or own a winery so this event where Evening Land’s Master Sommelier Larry Stone paired incredibly wines from France, California, and Oregon with dishes from Bailey’s Prime Chef Grant Morgan, I was in heaven.
As I am usually more of a white wine drinker, I was pleasantly surprised when the 2010 Bourgogne Rouge French wine paired perfectly with the Foie Gras, Black Pepper Lavash, and Apricot Jam with an Apple Cider Gastrique. In fact, although both a white and a red were presented with each dish, I found myself constantly seduced by those luxurious, sexy reds.
I couldn’t help myself, but with a 2009 Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Estate Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon and the 2009 Evening Land Vineyards Sana Rita Hills Pinot Noir, Santa Hita Hills, California, can you blame me?! Especially when paired with the Roasted Duck Breast, Almond [French] Toast, and a beautiful Braised California Rhubarb.
In the words of one of my favorite chefs, “It was a beautiful thing.”
To finish, we were presented with coffee, petit fours, and an amazing port. It was a fabulous Ramos Pinto Porto Quinta do Bom. Twenty years old, dark, fragrant, and gorgeous.
Throughout the dinner I was so lucky as to be sitting next to Melanie Bianco Ofenloch (aka Dallas Wine Chick) and across from the brilliant and charming Andrew Chalk, two of Dallas’ biggest wine nerds who spent the evening gawking at Bailey’s Prime’s wine list in its “incredible breadth.” Melanie found love at first sight and Andrew didn’t come up for air for at least 45 minutes. After deciding that wine was going to be my new favorite hobby, Dallas Wine Chick and I spent the duration of dessert making a list of must-visit vineyards for my future trip to Napa. If you other wine nerds out there want to give me some trip advice, I’ll be happy to add it to my list!
Thank you for an incredible evening. I think I’ll fill in for Steve on these gigs more often!
