CabFranc Masters Media Dinner at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
At the conclusion of the CabFranc Masters Day in Paso Robles last weekend, the media and special guests were invited to JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery for a memorable dinner. It has the distinction of being a one-star Michelin restaurant. However, this evening it could have easily received three! The estate has its own herb garden overlooking the vineyards.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery has also earned a Green Star that recognizes restaurants that hold themselves to the highest ethical and environmental standards. JUSTIN is the only winery in the United States to earn both honors.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The restaurant has also been awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide as well as Five Diamonds by AAA. It is truly a dining experience to be enjoyed and appreciated.
Picture from https://www.worldsofflavor.com/
The Executive Chef, Rachel Haggstrom, prepared an exotic assortment of foods to be enjoyed. Five wineries provided wines which were exquisitely paired with each dish.
We, Susan Kelly and I, began the evening being seated at a table with Stasi Seay Director of Vineyards at Hope Family Wines, Susan Durbrow National Sales Manager Wineries for Riedel and Amanda Gorter winemaker for Robert Hall. Having just five people at the table allowed lively and fun conversations all evening. During the evening, lots of stimulating and informative dialogue ensued about each winery Riedel glassware and the Paso Robles experience.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first dish of the evening was called Santa Barbara Uni with cilantro and blood orange paired with a 2023 Blanc de Franc by LXV Wines. The 100% Cabernet Franc wine was aromatic with fresh fruit and traces of violets. On the palate cherries and peach notes. Contrasting with the blood orange and cilantro awoke the senses to the dishes that were to come.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was Creekstone Farms Prime Beef Carpaccio with pecorio, arugula, cured egg and potato paired with Robert Hall Winery 2022 Cavern Select Cabernet Franc. The wine presented lush aromas of red plum and dried herbs with flavors of blackberry and velvety tannins on the finish. The food and wine pairing were spot on!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Freshly baked bread and hand churned herb butter were also served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next dish provided was California Lamb Culurgione consisting of dandelion pesto, pickled mustard seed and lamb braising jus served with a 2022 Mid-Point Irreverence Cabernet Franc. The wine paying homage to Loire Valley tradition 100% Cabernet Franc. Key notes of floral and vegetal defined this wine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was definitely one of the table’s favorite food dish of the evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rounding out the main dishes for the evening was called Braised Creekstone Farms Beef Cheek with mushroom, turnip and braising jus. Paired with a 2017 JUSTIN Justification wine. This wine in the glass was almost black with deep depths of purple juice. Aromas of black and red cherries along with cedar and chocolate sprang into the senses. On the palate the fruits with smoky tannins danced merrily in the mouth. The balance of the two varietals was smooth and enjoyable. This presentation caught our entire table’s interest and was delicious.
Finishing the evening was spectacular, as if it wasn’t already, with a Chocolate Molten Cake with beet and Vanilla Anglaise. This dish was so rich and decadent, it truly was a guilty pleasure!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was paired with a 2022 Austin Hope Cellar Select Cabernet Franc. Again, a deep dark Cabernet Franc with layers upon layers of flavors and structure. Truly one of the richest and “almost chewable” wines of the evening which enticing flavors paired so well with the dessert.
All the food and wines were simply heavenly, exotic and wonderful but even those words don’t describe the totality of the evening. The service and wait staff were diligent and attentive all evening. On a personal note, my two favorite wines and pairings were the 2017 JUSTIN Justification, and the 2022 Austin Hope Cellar Select.
A very special thanks to Neeta & Kunal Mittal of LXV Wines, Maeve Pesquera Executive VP of Luxury, Chef Rachel Haggstrom, Sommelier Jason Santos, each of the wineries that provided their splendid wines and our table companions for an evening that will forever be etched in our memories.
Slainte,
Michael Kelly
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