Monday, March 9, 2015

Report from ... 16 Mile Cellar Winemaker's Dinner - March 7, 2015

In his opening remarks owner Joe Groia called the experience of owning a winery "a business full of terrific people, and yet a stupid business to get into," [ed. note: I can only assume he meant due to all the red tape].  Tonight, at 16 Mile Cellar's first winemaker's dinner held at Treadwell's in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Joe and Susan Barnacal showcased four finished wines and one interesting barrel sample.  

Tonight we dined on some delectable treats coming out of the Treadwell kitchen, including a hand-foraged mushroom dish that went incredibly well with a 2011 Pinot, a Parsley-Potato soup that tasted better than the picture I took lets on and a pork stack that was as hedonistic as it was delicious.  As for the wines the star of the show was a 2011 Chardonnay that set the table for the wines to come ... let's take a look.

Arrival at Treadwell's for the 16 Mile Cellar Dinner.
The tables are set with ultimate care ...
... in Treadwell's 24 feet underground private dining room -
no cell service down here to disturb your dining experience ...
and that's kinda nice.
A glass of Rosé sits on the table ...
this is my artistic shot of the night
Sommelier, James Treadwell, explains the food & wine pairings
Winery owners Susan Barnacal and Joseph Groia ...
"I really love our 2011 Civility," says Susan -
and if you read the review below you'll see I agree.

Current winemaker:  Regan Kapach
The Food ...
Parsley and Potato Soup with Smoked Bacon
Soft Free Range Egg, Garlic Popcorn
BC Albacore Tuna Tartare with Blood Orange Granitee
Salad of "Marc's" Winter Mushrooms
with Crispy Parmesan Crumbs
Trio of "Cumbrae Farms" Pork:
Slow Cooked Cheek with Confit Jowl and Sage Wrapped Tenderloin
Black Bean Puree, Jalapeno Sauce
Vanilla Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream
The Wines ... (click wine name for full review)
2013 Renegade Rosé - $16.95
(*** ½)
2011 "Civility" Chardonnay - $24.95
(**** ½)

2010 "Incivility" Pinot Noir - $29.95
(****)
2011 "Incivility" Pinot Noir - $29.95
(*** ½)

2011 "Rebel" Chardonnay - $19.95
(*** ½+)

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