California Dreaming

The aroma of home made mini burgers, hot dogs and pizzas greeted dinners to the all American themed dinner along with 2 wines from Cecchetti  Redwood Tree range from California. A zesty and textured Pinot Grigio provided an enjoyable Californian slant on a variety oft associated with Italy. The Zinfandel, an easy drinking glass of summer pudding flavours and aromas.

Moving through to the restaurant, an amuse bouche of meatloaf and onion confit was followed by a pressed Cajun Chicken Terrine and succotash.  I chose a apricot and honeysuckle scented Mill Road Viognier 2006 from the Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. The stone fruit flavours engaged with the mildly spiced characters of the terrine and were balanced with finely tuned acidity and the weight from subtle oak.

Belverdere Russian River Chardonnay 2004 was an elegant accompaniment to a flavourful Louisiana Shrinp Gumbo. It's showed buttery, savoury, nutty notes balanced with a fresh acidity.

New York Strip Loin coated with a coffee and peppercorn crust followed married well with Havens Syrah 2001 from the Napa Valley. It was spicy and savoury with underlying darkest berry fruits.

We finished with a deconstructed apple pie served with cookie ice cream and toffee sauce. The wine for the job had to be Essencia Orange Muscat from Andrew Quady. Lightly fortified, it's all about heady orange and apple aromas. Luscious to taste but with a refreshing finish, the apple flavours really came forward when tasted with the dessert - lovely.