AUGUST GUILD EVENT

My heavy travel schedule in July prevented my attending the Guild’s July event, but I will not complain too much: Being in Hilton Head, Southern California, and Orlando within a three-week span was enough fun for any one person.

But it’s August now. Sweaty, sweaty August... and probably the only time during the year that I might conceivably look forward to a tasting of white wines. And the Guild has been kind enough to oblige by arranging an evening of Sauvignon Blancs at Goldfish, conveniently located at Perimeter Mall.

Here’s what’s on the Food-Docket:

Speaker’s Wine:
2009 Mont Gras (Reserva) - San Antonio Valley, Chile**

Appetizer:
2008 Schiopetto Collio - Italy

Mushroon Ravioli with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Parmesan

First Flight:
2010 Walnut Block “Collectibles” - Marlborough, New Zealand***
2010 Nine Walks - Marlborough, New Zealand**
2010 Cloudy Bay - Marlborough, New Zealand**

Lemon Pepper Scallops with Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Risotto

Second Flight:
2010 Provenance Napa Valley - Rutherford, California****
2010 Cliff Lede Napa Valley**
2008 Cakebread Napa Valley**

Pan Roasted Steelhead with Wild Rice, Fennel, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Vidalia Onions and Basil Beurre Blanc Sauce

Third Flight:
2008 Boschendal “1685” - Stellenbosch, South Africa*
2010 La Chablisienne Saint-Bris - Burgundy, France***
2010 Domaine Philippe Portier Quincy “Cuvee des Victoires” - Loire Valley, France*

Herb Roasted Chicken with Shiitake Whipped Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans and White Cream Sauce

Dessert:
2006 Chateau Guiraud (Premier Cru 1st Growth) Sauternes - Bordeaux, France*****

Almond Cake with Pear and Apple Compote

Lagniappe:
2007 Rudd Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2003 Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan
1999 Etienne Henri Sancerre
2002 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre
2004 Clos Henri - Marlborough, New Zealand

Ahhh, you had me at 1st Growth. I’m looking forward to a fine evening... even if all the wines are white!

Update: I was pleased to see the Irascible Elderly Paraplegic, who graced us with his presence before heading off for his annual week of scuba diving in Bonaire... and his counterpart from the other side of the political spectrum, Houston Steve. It’s always entertaining when the two of them get together!

My preferences noted, as usual, with asterisks. I’ve also added the Lagniappe section above, for the wines that were not part of the formal proceedings but which were brought by various participants. A fine dinner, indeed.