2021 Scenic Valley Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Franc & Rack of Lamb
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Our Friday Night Wine & Dine group met last evening at Verona18 restaurant for dinner and a lively discussion catching up. Verona18 is in Copperopolis at the Copper Valley Golf Course Clubhouse. Typically, each couple or individual brings a bottle of wine to share with the group. The restaurant sends out their daily special around noon each day, so everyone can bring a wine of their choice to dinner to complement the meal.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the special menu this evening were six items plus their standard menu. One of the appetizers was grilled octopus with chimichurri, acini de pepe salad. Three couples ordered it to start off the meal. Was able to snag a piece and it was very good.
Started out the meal splitting a Cesar salad.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The special of the evening that caught my attention was the rack of lamb with a pomegranate demi and sunchoke puree. Was not certain of the sunchoke puree, so asked that it be served on the side. The rack of lamb was beyond excellent and tender. The pomegranate demi added a perfect touch to the lamb.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine chosen was the 2021 Cabernet Franc which had won Double Gold Medals at the 5th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition in April 2024. This varietal possessed soft tannins to go with the lamb. The wine took a bit of time to “open up” but once it did the aroma was enticing with its dark color. The taste was between rustic earthiness and gentle dark fruit. On the finish the pyrazines and tannins were present but checked under control. An excellent choice this evening on the food and wine pairing.
All the wines brought were delicious and besides the Cabernet Franc being matched to the rack of lamb, so was the Wellington Merlot.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Scenic Valley Ranch is a boutique and artisan winery located in Ramona in the Ballena Valley in San Diego area.
Photo from Scenic Valley Website
The winery and vineyard started many years ago but in 2023 Dennis and Sherry McGrath took over the ownership. Don’t really know too much about their operations but they hold a lot of member and guest events as well as making many award-winning wines! Next visit to southern California, Scenic Valley Ranch is on my itinerary.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com