l’Eté du Vin Auction Winners Enjoy Stellar 2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon Lineup at Fleming’s
On October 25, 2012, winning bidders David and Karen Conrad and their eight guests were hosted by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for a tasting through ten 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon paired over seven courses. The wines were opened and poured a couple of hours in advance to allow them to open up ahead of the tasting.
The evening began with a 2002 Pierre Morlet Champagne Millesime paired with shrimp cocktail before turning to the first of the Cabernet pairings – 2007 Lewelling Vineyards Wight Vineyard and 2007 Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vineyard paired with chicken satay. The Lewelling Wight had a sweet, big finish that complemented the spiciness of the chicken and bettered the Switchback Ridge.
The next course consisted of seared ahi tuna – a hidden gem on Fleming’s meat-heavy menu – paired with 2007 12C Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard and 2007 Beaulieu Vineyard Private Reserve. Both wines were terrific, although the group preferred the fullness of the BV. This was the first time that anyone had tried the 12C and it turned out to be a real crowd pleaser.
We then took a break with a cheese and fruit course consisting of seven different cheeses paired with 2007 Cakebread Dancing Bear Ranch and 2007 Rudius. Both were good, although the potential for the Rudius is much higher with more bottle time.
Then it was time for the big guns…2007 Quilceda Creek (a 100 point wine from The Wine Advocate) and 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve paired with tenderloin Carpaccio. The Quilceda Creek was excellent with a long finish, while the Pride Mountain had its fantastic, telltale brown sugar notes.
The last course was even better…petite lamb chops paired with 2007 Shafer Vineyard Hillside Select and 2007 Spottswoode Estate Vineyard. Robert Parker described the Spottswoode as the best ever from the estate, and while you can’t go wrong with these wines the Spottswoode was the better of the two with wonderful chocolate notes compared to the vanilla notes of the Hillside Select.
The night ended with a divine dessert sampler – crème brulee, cheesecake, walnut turtle pie and carrot cake – paired with the rich 2006 Dolce.
The group took time to mention all of the great work being done by the Nashville Wine Auction and the importance of its cause and beneficiaries. A special thank you to Ed Bortle, Operating Partner at Fleming’s in Nashville; Jay Daigle, Chef Partner; and the rest of the crew involved for their time and generosity.
Click here for more pictures from the 2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting at Fleming’s!
Article written by: Adam Landa (Host of the Tasting)