Tag Archive for 'Bistro'

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Exclusive Bottle Shock Screening & Tasting

Published on January 14, 2009 in Chardonnay and Joanie Hudson. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , .

I had given up on the opportunity to see Bottle Shock in theaters after I missed it over the summer, but there is one last opportunity to see an exclusive screening of the film on Monday, February 2 in Santa Barbara.  Metro 4 Theaters is playing the movie on the big screen at 6pm followed by a blind tasting of French and California Chardonnays in honor of the film’s competitive theme.  There will also be a table dedicated to Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noirs to taste and food pairings prepared by Bistro chef Nathan Heil.  Our special guest for the evening is Randy Miller, Director of Bottle Shock.  

Some have referred to this film as the “new Sideways.”  While I can see the relation in the wine theme, the stories are completely different, this story focusing more on a historical tasting that really put California on the international map in terms of wine.  

$35 covers the screening and the tasting, which is practically the cost of a movie ticket, popcorn and a soda these days.

Tickets are available at the Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro on State St. or by calling 805-962-1455. 

Joanie Hudson, Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Santa Barbara Winery

UniTea Inaugural Ball

Published on January 11, 2009 in Joanie Hudson and Special Events. 0 Comments Tags: , .

With the inauguration of President-Elect Obama on the horizon, Santa Barbara’s UniTea Inaugural Ball will be celebrating and recognizing Obama’s theme of “community helping community.”  The fundraiser, which will take place at the newly restored Granada Theatre on the evening of January 20, 2009, will feature local music, food, and wine in an atmosphere of “creative black tie.”  All ticket proceeds will benefit victims of the Tea Fire. 

The Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro will be one of several participating food sponsors at the event. 

To purchase a ticket for the event and to read more about the fundraising efforts behind UniTea and Unity Shoppe, visit www.uniteaball.org. 

Joanie Hudson, Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Santa Barbara Winery

Pinot Passport Recap

Published on January 9, 2009 in Pierre Lafond Bistro and Wine News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Joanie Hudson writes in the Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro Blog:

Last night’s Pinot Noir tasting provided an exciting look as to what the world of that varietal has to offer, literally. Taking samples from four distinct regions, and presenting them side by side is a lesson on wine that you can’t get from any amount of reading. The most crowded tasting yet took over the entire restaurant with the four tables spread around the perimeter of the room.

First stop was the Sta. Rita Hills, where we sampled two different vintages from the region from Santa Barbara Winery and Lafond. The only 2007 of the bunch was the Santa Barbara Winery Pinot Noir, which we sampled first as we snatched a deliciously spiced pulled lamb slider to bite into between tastes. A very concentrated vintage, this 07 Pinot really just jumps out at you with rich dark fruit and intensity. Vintage 2007 is from 10 vineyard sites up to 18 years old and from eight different Pinot Noir clones.

At the same table was another representative from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Santa Barbara Winery’s sister label, Lafond. For the 2006 Lafond SRH Pinot Noir Winemaker Bruce McGuire chose very specific sites in the vineyard for each of his Pinot Noir selections. In 2006, Bruce chose 6 clones from 16 vineyard lots at two vineyards (Lafond and its neighbor Arita Hills Vineyard. Nice to be able to taste the sister winery selections next to each other – same winemaker, different vintage, different philosophy to wine productions. I grabbed a second irresistible slider to go with my second taste.

All the way on the other side of the restaurant were the other three tables. I went with New Zealand’s 2006 Wild Earth Winery Central Otago Pinot next. First I tried one of the sesame tuna on cucumber discs nibbles, which was so tasty on its own, but a tiny bit too spicy for the wine – would have been delicious with an off dry Riesling. But I enjoyed tasting it with the wine only to demonstrate how certain pairings succeed or fail. This wine was a screw cap so there was some debating going on in conversations around me as to what this does for the wine. For me, screw cap or no screw cap, I’m going for what’s inside of the bottle. Pinot is the most widely planted red variety in New Zealand, where the main star is Sauvignon Blanc. There is about half as much Pinot planted as Sauvignon Blanc in this up and coming wine region that has an ideal climate for growing Pinot Noir. This wine was fruit driven, yet savory and earthy – very approachable in its youth. The 30% new oak aging came through a little bit on both the nose and palate. Watch out for those New Zealand Pinots, it is definitely an up and coming player in the wine world…

Next was the French Burgundy, which was the 2006 Bouchard Pere et Fils, Bougogne Rouge. This was quite the departure from the other new world Pinots with a subtlety and finesse that is inherent in quality French Burgundies. It was more subdued and elegant than the rest of the bunch. Bistro sommelier Zach Blair was fielding questions left and right from behind the table, very excited about the quality for the value of this wine. Another delicious appetizer was served alongside the wine at this table – baked Camambert on crostini with a pear walnut dressing. This nutty and rich treat was so tasty, with most of the flavor coming from the oozing cheese.

Last stop brought me back to the United States with Oregon’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The 2006 Benton Lane Pinot Noir table wins the award for best wine pairing of the night. Served with this wine was the classic pairing of mushrooms, prepared in a small tartlette that could be eaten in just one or two bites. This was an example of how when wine and food come together there are certain pairings that really just bring out elements of each other, highlighting certain strengths and flavors in each. In this case it was the intense and intoxicating aromas and flavors of earthy mushrooms. Each bite and sip seemed to exponentially bring out this element, definitely a perfect ending to the tasting.

Return to the Bistro website for information on February’s Passport to the World of Wine tasting. This event will happen on the first Wednesday of each month.

Joanie Hudson, Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Santa Barbara Winery

Passport Pairings

Published on January 5, 2009 in Joanie Hudson, Pinot Noir and Restaurant News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

I am eagerly awaiting the first Wednesday of the month with our new Passport to the World of Wine series now in full swing.  Pinot Noir will be this coming Wednesday, giving tasters and visitors the opportunity to taste five different pinot noirs from around the world (this time being New Zealand, France, Oregon, and two from the Sta Rita Hills). 

The tasting menu that will pair alongside each of these wines demonstrates the versatility of the grape in terms of matching with a variety of different weights and flavors, particularly dependent upon style.  Sesame tuna on cucumber discs will be the starting point paired with the New Zealander from a winery called Wild Earth. 

Baked Camambert cheese on crostini drizzled with a nutty pear walnut dressing will be served with the French Burgundy. 

Mushroom and Bacon Tartlets will be paired with Oregon’s Willamette Valley Pinot.

Pulled Lamb Sliders will go alongside the Santa Barbara Winery and Lafond Pinots.

All of these wines are served at the Bistro, so it’s a nice way to get a sampling of their new wine list.

Passport to the World of Wine, Pierre Lafond Bistro

January 7, 2009

25.00 per person

Joanie Hudson, Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Santa Barbara Winery