2016 ProWein – a Story of a Country, its Grapes, and its Vintners. Travel with me from Dusseldorf to the Rheingau as we explore facets of the German wine trade.
Our first fine wine dinner of the year brought us to the Menlo Grill where Chef Nathaniel Mitzner prepared a four-course menu that paired wonderfully with a selection of mature Bordeaux from a private cellar that we recently acquired, including many first- and second-growth bottles with perfect provenance.
Mark O’Connell, proprietaire and recoltant of Domaine Clos de la Chapelle, treated us to a spectacular showing of his 2013 vintage new releases, including several top Volnay and Pommard premier crus and Corton grand cru reds.
A recent private cellar acquisition afforded us the opportunity to explore and enjoy some mature vintages of two classic Napa Valley producers, including the top Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings of the Bella Oaks, Martha’s, SLV, and Fay vineyards from selected vintages, 1986 through 1999.
A beautiful day in the Napa Valley allowed us to visit Continuum Estate to spend the afternoon and have lunch with Carissa Mondavi, who shared her family story and gave us a glimpse into how her generation is contributing to the realization of her father’s vision.