Local Wine Events

Event ID #260157

Event Details

THE JUG SHOP PRESENTS:

A Winemaker Dinner With NZ's Mt. Difficulty

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

 

If Mohammed cannot go to the mountain. . .

 

Then the mountain puts the winemaker on a plane to SFO!  In this case, the winemaker is Matt Dicey and the mountain is Central Otago's much loved Mt. Difficulty winery. 

 

Our KiwiHeads need no introduction to Mt. Difficulty.  But for those of you looking to explore the wines of Central Otago, the world's most southerly and most extreme winegrowing region, this is the deal to end all deals! Read on about Mt. D and deets on the amazing 7-course dinner we have in store.

 

Founded in 1998 (FYI, that's on the elderly side for Central Otago) Mt. Difficulty has found a home in the Bannockburn subregion, right next door to Felton Road.  The winery takes its' name from the mountain which overlooks the area, important for shielding the vineyards of Bannockburn from the cold winds blowing from the Wakatipu Basin.  Hence, Bannockburn provides a unique microclimate for pinot noir, with hot summer days, cool summer nights, and a long cool autumn.  Although the region is most known for pinot noir, it's also suited to pinot gris, riesling and chardonnay.

 

Mt. D commissioned a winery, barrel room and tasting room in 2001, making it one of the few boutique wineries in Central to manage its' own production.  And if we might say so after having been there a number of times, it is definitely one of the most picturesque stops along the Bannockburn wine route.  And the wines?  We wouldn't be hosting this dinner if they weren't fab - u - lous!  'Nuff said.

 

On Saturday, July 18th, Mt. Difficulty winemaker Matt Dicey will lead us in a 7-course wine and food pairing orgy at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, featuring his award-winning wines paired with the exquisite seasonal dishes of Silks Chef de Cuisine, Orlando Pagan.  See below for the degustation menu with the latest accolades for Mt. D.

 

Seats are limited and with this menu at that price, absolutely do not delay in making your reso!

 

Mt. Difficulty Winemaker Dinner

Saturday, July 18th at 7pm

Silks at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

$95 per person, exclusive of tax & gratuity

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Degustation Menu

 

Hors d' Oeuvres

 

Mt Difficulty Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008

5 Stars, Geoff Kelly

 

***

Maine Lobster Ceviche

Heirloom Tomatoes, Summer Melons, Shiso Pesto

 

Mt Difficulty Estate Pinot Gris 2008

4 Stars, Michael Cooper - Wine Of The Week, Jancis Robinson

 

***

Sonoma Rabbit Terrine

Sicilian Pistachios, Horseradish-Mustard, Mache

 

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2007

Gold Medal, Int'l Wine & Spirits Competition - London

 

***

Berber Glazed Muscovy Duck Breast

Golden Chanterelles, Kale, Figs

 

Mt Difficulty Estate Pinot Noir 2006

92 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

 

***

Roasted New Zealand Lamb

Couscous, Hazelnuts, Currants, Sheep's Yogurt

 

Mt Difficulty Long Gully Pinot Noir 2005 Single Vineyard

96 Points, Wine Business Monthly

 

***

Artisan and Farmhouse Cheeses

 

Mt Difficulty Target Gully Riesling 2008 Single Vineyard

5 Stars, Cuisine Magazine - 96 Points, Australian Gourmet Traveller

 

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For further information and reservations, please contact:

Nicole Kosta – Wine Director, Mandarin Oriental

222 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Telephone: 415.2769787 or mailto: nkosta@mohg.com

 

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