Robert Mondavi Wine Tasting luncheon at Chateau Laurier

Celebrating the life of Robert Mondavi - 100 years - I was invited to a wine tasting at Château Laurier.  What I thought would be a roomful of wine folks & foodies sampling wine & typical nibblies was, in fact, an intimate luncheon (8 of us) along with Master of Wine, Mark de Vere.  At that very moment, I realized we were in for an incredible treat! Mark de Vere has been with Robert Mondavi since 1997. It goes without saying that he has a vast knowledge of & passion for their wine portfolio. The food matches were delectable thanks to Executive Chef, Louis Simard. Me thinks he will take Château Laurier way beyond the expected stuffiness of the kitchen.

Mark de Vere (centre)

Executive Chef, Louis Simard

The menu as follows ...

 - Amuse Bouche -

 

Asparagus Salad ~ Charred Tomato, Home-made Ricotta, Pickled Egg, Basil Mint Vinaigrette paired with Robert Mondavi Winery Fumé Blanc 2010

Tasting note: a dry style Sauvignon Blanc (think Sancerre) with a round texture from barrel fermenting & old oak aging. No fruit bomb here but you will find mouth-watering fruit & tight-knit racy acidity leaving your palate cleansed & refreshed.













Smoked Salmon Rillette ~ Grilled baguette & Baby Arugula paired with Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay 2010

Tasting note: A hint of partial malo & French oak adding creaminess to the subtle flavours of stone fruit (apple, pear), citrus & minerality.

 

- Appetizer -

 

Duck Confit ~ Ermite Blue Cheese, Brioche Crostini & Sherry Rhubarb Reduction paired with Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Carneros Pinot Noir 2011

Tasting note: Mark serves this slightly chilled to enhance the fresh picked summer berries & cherries. This classic Pinot Noir is slightly earthy & smoky lending to fruit in the lasting finish. Each sip rewards as it engages & holds you.

- Main -

 

Cardamom-Mushroom, Rubbed Lamb Sirloin & Aged Striploin ~ Lima Bean Cassoulet & Red Wine Jus paired with Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet 2010 & Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Tasting note (Napa Cab 2010): A smooth & harmonious flow to blackberry, black fruit & cassis on the nose & palate. Blended with Cabernet Franc from the To Kalon Vineyard (Napa Valley), this Cab fills out on the mid-palate with finesse. Although it can cellar 20-30 years, it is completely drinkable young with its fruit, earth & smoke aromas & flavours.

Tasting note (Reserve Napa Cab 2009): Reserve is sourced from the best fruit from the best part of the best vineyard (To Kalon & Oakville). With aromas of blackcurrants, black cherry & floral complimented by smoke & garrigue.  Its flavours are powerful with its fresh acid & strong tannic structure but provides a beauty, finesse & elegance that captures you again mid-palate.

- Dessert -

Blueberry Goat Cheese Cake paired with Robert Mondavi Winery Moscato D'oro 2009

Tasting note: Intensely sweet & floral without being sticky & cloying. The interplay of stone fruit (apricot & peach), honey & floral with crisp citrus keeps things lively. This Moscato has a fruit salad freshness that leaves a hint of prickle on your tongue.






                              

I can assure you these wine & food pairings were heavenly from start to finish.  I put my 'no red meat' dictum aside for this event ... and I was not disappointed. Don't judge me, please.

You may have missed this luncheon but have opportunity to enjoy Robert Mondavi Winemaker's dinner at Graffiti's ...

Here are the details ...

Graffiti's Italian Eatery is pleased to partner with Robert Mondavi Winery for our Winemaker's Dinner - Thursday June 20th @ 6:30pm. Join us for an evening of great wine & food with Robert Mondavi Winery and Chef Neil! Enjoy great wines from this Award winning winemaker paired with delectable Italian dishes.

Start your evening with cocktails with the Chef and Winemaker and enjoy a 5 course dinner with wine pairings.

CHECK OUT CHEF NEIL ON CTV WITH JULIEN BAZINET FROM MONDAVI FOR A SNEAK PEAK AT YOUR WINEMAKERS DINNER EXPERIENCE! - YOUTUBE

Tasting Menu:

• Graffiti's crispy blue crab cake with mango relish paired with ROBERT MONDAVI SAUVIGNON BLANC
• Saffron braised fresh mussels with crustini paired with ROBERT MONDAVI PRIVATE SELECTION CHARDONNAY
• Napa spring mix, sliced fennel with sundried tomato dressing paired with ROBERT MONDAVI PINOT NOIR
• Grilled veal chop with cab reduction California vegetables paired with ROBERT MONDAVI PRIVATE SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON
• Summer berry & MONDAVI MOSCATO cocktail with chocolate wafer

$99 plus taxes & Gratuity
Thursday June 20th - 2013 from 6:30pm
email neil@hisottawa.ca or call 613-271-0921 to reserve your spot!

Enjoy!
sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast