I seem to be reminiscing these days of being somewhere cool (probably because it is so hot here in Dallas). Looking back at past vacations over breaks such as Christmas and NewYears brought back memories of being in Carmel, California. Planning should being right now for those kinds of getaways, so maybe I should start working on the hubby about that! The last time we were in Carmel, we celebrated New Year's Eve at Carmel Valley Ranch. What an amazing resort like none other! And we didn't even stay there!
New Year's Eve at Carmel Valley Ranch is an evening to remember. The menu for the evening began with an appetizer and proceeded through four courses including dessert. I won't bore you with the details of the winter black truffle risotto or the buttered parsnips, but I will share the fine fabulous wines we had during each course!
The first course of salmon and caviar was paired with a 2010 Napa Valley Bridesmaid Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon ($25). This blend tastes of honeydew melon, ripe peaches, cream and a touch of apricot. Pairs well with chicken, fish, and soft cheeses.
The second course of winter black truffle risotto was paired with a 2010 Claiborne and Church Gewürztraminer, Central Coast ($21). This wine is "bursting with fresh, fruity aromas, a nice tangy citrus note on the palate, and their famously dry finish."
The third course of Sonoma duck breast, filet of beef, or herb roasted Alaskan halibut was paired with a 2010 Talbott "Sleepy Hollow" Chardonnay form the Santa Lucia Highlands ($39). "Rich and very ripely flavored, this Chardonnay is so ripely flavored that it tastes sweet (pineapple, honey). Luscious and intense, with a long finish—unusually fruity in style.”
We also had another choice of a 2010 Luli Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands ($19). This wine has a "nice balancing freshness from the cooler year. Cherries, strawberries and black tea dominate the nose and carry over to the palate, which is spiked with spice and a nice youthful grip."
The fourth course was dessert-honey sea salt pot de creme, apple crisp or lavender ice cream. It was paired with a 2008 Kiona late Harvest Riesling, Columbia Valley ($25). This wine has "honey and apricot aromas leading to honeysuckle and floral notes that mesh well with mouth filling, well-balanced varietal fruit flavors that linger on the palate."
It turned out to be quite a fun filled night with lots of food and wine, families with children dancing on the floor of the ballroom, and memories in the making!
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