by Steven Doyle
Recently we were invited to be the guest of Adam Jones and Carolyn Grace Jones at their beautiful restaurant in Fort Worth, Grace, for a very special dinner featuring the wines of Barbour Vineyards. Adam is a long time restaurateur and Carolyn is the inspiration, designer and namesake of the restaurant.
At the dinner we not only met vineyard owner, Jim Barbour, but also Celia Welch his winemaker. Welch is one of North America’s most highly regarded winemakers and has earned a reputation for crafting distinctive wines that express the unique qualities and characteristics of each vineyard.
The dinner was both a celebration of the Barbour wines, with five vintages being presented that evening, but also the pairings of Grace chef, Blaine Staniford. Staniford is an amazing CIA graduate who has worked both in New York and San Francisco, and more recently at Fuse in Dallas.
Our wines for the evening were served by Grace sommelier Ryan Tedder and his staff.
Crudo of Hawaiian Walu, miso-butterscotch sauce and Chardonnay poached apples
Hudson Vineyards, Chardonnay, Carneros 2009
Charred Meyer Ranch Beef Tartare, quail egg, wild arugula and fried rye
Barbour Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, Napa 2005
Ricotta Dumplings, stewed tomatoes, pickled watermelon rind, crispy pork cracklings
Barbour Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, Napa 2006
Tasting of Oregon Mushrooms, Brazos Valley polenta and aged balsamic
Barbour Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, Napa 2007
Masami Ranch Ribeye, smoked potato puree, Brussels sprouts and glazed Tassione Farms carrots
Barbour Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, Napa 2008
Selection of Artisan Cheeses
Barbour Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena, Napa 2009
