Viognier and Cab Franc Dinner

At The Buzz on 09 February, we were treated to a great night of Viognier and Cabernet Franc and a wonderful dinner that was pared extremely well with the wines. Personally, I think this was one of the better parings.





I just want to personally thank Christy and Tommy (Pictured) for having this event and Debbie, the one with the awesome kitchen skills and the great talent to match the wines and the food presentations. As my supervisor at duPont used to say, "You done good!"





When we arrive, the tables had this delicious Table Treat of Mascarpone and Chive with Lemon Juice Dipping Sauce. Debbie served it with Pita Chips and Crackers. It hit the spot.






Then for an appetizer, we had Spicy Sausage Wonton Stars. Great choice with the Viognier.










Then a great Mediterranean Salad.












And the dinner. Beef Cartonnade with Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli. Mmmm ... Mmmm ... Good!









The dessert. Mangos and Blueberries in Prosecco Sauce.









And now the wines we had. I will list them in the order they were served. The Number in parenthesis (20) represents my score out of 20. Robin and I do these ratings separately, so we don't really know what the other had scored a particular wine. This series of wines was really interesting - we were extremely close.

2008 Fujishin Viognier (19). (Snake River AVA) Vanilla, pine and lychee on the nose. Low acidity. 14.2% alcohol.
2007 Les Jamelles Viognier (18). Smooth with peaches and floral. High acidity. 13% alcohol.
2008 Loredonna Viognier (19). Heavy apricot and very smooth. Well balanced. 13.5% alcohol.
2006 Vin du Bois Viognier (15). (Snake River AVA) Paper and pencil lead. Desert sage. Washes out and very light on taste. A bitter end. Almost a chardonnay taste. This wine just misses the mark 11% alcohol.
2006 Samur Champigny Cabernet Franc (19). Smoky cedar on the nose. Black cherry. I'm thinking Grilled Pork or a well marbled Rib-Eye grilled. 13.5% alcohol.
2006 Terra Nativa Cabernet Franc (19).(Snake River AVA) Fondue. The Idaho terroir comes roaring through on this wine. This went extremely well with the Beef Cartonnade with Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli. 12% alcohol.
2002 Ironside Cabernet Franc (20). Brown tinge on the edge. Good age. Wood lumber mill on the nose and a mellow raisin taste, as one would expect. This was a delicious wine and went very well with the Mangos and Blueberries in Prosecco Sauce.

So there you have the evening. Don't just take my word for these wines. Try them yourself. My opinion is just a guide. Cheers!