dinner party

so, the wines for this are not readily available but i think this merits a post because it demonstrates what can happen with well chosen wines.

amuse bouche:
seared pepper crusted ahi tuna on herb rubbed cheese

plat/entree:
"french london broil" (flat iron steak) marinated in red wine, herbs, and olive oil with steamed snap peas and rutabaga sauteed with shallots

salade;
herbs with garlic, onion, red peppers and sausage dressed with balsamic and olive oil

cheese:
brie baked with walnuts and drizzled with honey

dessert:
home-made lime tart with raspberries and blue berries

the wines:
ledson 2006 old vine zinfandel
ledson 2007 ancient vine zinfandel
frank family 2006 "winston hill" (rutherford red, named for the dog).

this was an outstanding line-up and it all paired well. i have become convinced that zinfandel is the truly american red wine and really expresses our tastes- lots of fruit with a great nose, cherry fruit balanced with enough alcohol to off-set the fruit forward nature of the younger wines and tannins, and a long finish. that said, winston hill is not a zin but is a favorite. special wines for a special meal. i have all of these in my cellar. they are not easy to obtain in pennsy, but if you see them they are well worth it for special occasions.