Bob McGinn of Sarasota Magazine recounts a recent wine dinner at MichaelsWine Cellar, in Sarasota Florida. He notes that rarely at wine dinners do you get to meet someone from the Winery at these dinners, sometimes only a representative will host. But Bo Barrett isn’t just any winemaker, he is also CEO of Chateau Montelena and has been with the winery since 1973. He is considered one of the icon’s of the 1970’s “Golden Era” of California Winemaking. His 1973 Chardonnay is famous for beating French Burgundies in the infamous Judgement of Paris tasting held in 1976.
“The Michael’s dinner paired five Montelena wines with excellent food. The first course featured the 2019 and 2014 chardonnay. These were both vibrant and crisp, reminiscent of a great Burgundy. Seared Chilean sea bass married with the wines well. The second course featured a 2017 zinfandel, mated with a delicious roasted Kurobuta pork belly. The third course featured cabernet sauvignon “Estate” 2017 and 2007. Both were rich, full, well balanced and loaded with flavor. The 2007, at 15 years, was just coming into its own and had many more years to go.”
Link to the full article HERE