The Spirited
Dining series offered in the Atlantis Casino Resort, Reno, is without question one
of the best winemaker events anywhere. I am fortunate to attend some wonderful
winemaker events every year, but the winemaker series here is without question
the best. Recently,
Silver Oak Cellars wines were paired
with Bistro Napa’s extraordinary cuisine.
Sommelier Christian O’Kuinghttons presides over impeccable service. Atlantis Casino offers winemaker dinners
every month at either Bistro Napa or the Steakhouse. One
word: GO.
We began with the Twomey Napa Valley Sauvignon
Blanc, paired with a smoked and seared day boat scallop. This 2001 Sauvignon Blanc carries the Napa
designation as fruit is 65 percent Napa and 35 percent Sonoma. The Napa fruit gives a great balance of
citrus and mineral elements, and Sonoma fruit contributes guava and tropical
notes. Pineapple, a creaminess, and a
freshness characterize this wine on the palate.
13.9 percent alcohol. This
vintage is sold out. There may be some
left to taste at Bistro Napa.
The Twomey
Russian River/Alexander Valley 2010 Pinot Noir was paired with a house made
charcuterie plate. Twomey’s tasting
notes match with my experience: “dark
ruby-red hue and a nose of blueberries, blackberries, red currants, fresh rose
petal, violets and a hint of spearmint. On the palate, it has a refined attack
with a beautiful balance of fruit and floral influences, a silky mid-palate and
a fruit-sweet finish that lingers for minutes.”
13.6 percent alcohol. $50 at the
winery. www.twomey.com
 |
| Charcuterie plate |
The 2006
Twomey Napa Valley Merlot was delicious with a lobster-chicken roulade. One of California’s few single-vineyard Merlot
wines, it’s vinified with a Bordeaux technique that results in soft tannins, a
crystal-clear clarity, and heightened aromas of black cherry and dark
chocolate. Taste is spicy and
full-bodied with the berry fruit showing through. 14 percent alcohol. 2006 vintage is sold out, but the 2008
vintage is available.
 |
| Lobster-chicken roulade |
The New York
Strip steak was paired with two wonderful Silver Oak red wines: The 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
and the 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2008 Alexander Valley is a rich full-bodied wine with great tannins and
a lovely mouth-feel. Garnet colored,
with an aroma of ripe boysenberries and dark chocolate. $70/bottle.
The 2007 Napa Valley has aroma of sandalwood and cedar,
with additional sensation of black cherry, dark chocolate and roasted coffee. Nicely concentrated fruit and spice with a
slight tannin structure. $115/bottle Both are 13.9
percent alcohol.
The Spirited
Dining events at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, are an excellent way to
taste fine wines and great cuisine in an atmosphere of exceptional
service. Reserve at 775.824.4111. More information at www.atlantiscasino.com
This information first
appeared in The Tahoe Weekly newspaper, where I write the Wine Time
column, on March 28, 2013
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