Certainly not a bunch of “old” people enjoying a nice dinner! Our Bailliage connected with Schatzi Throckmorton, General Manager/Proprietor of Napa Valley’s Relic Wine Cellars.

Having family in Memphis we invited Schatzi and her husband Michael Hirby, Winemaker/Proprietor, to showcase their wines at a Chaîne dinner. Mutually passionate about wine, with a mission to make wines with complexity, aromatics, nuance and personality, we enjoyed their story and developing a friendship.

On arrival Bailli George Chandler offered either Champagne or selections of apéritif wines from the Chaîne cellar accompanied by small bites. Our membership is growing. We welcomed three new members and nine guests.

Preliminaries over, it was time for dinner for which Napa Café owner Glenda Hastings and Schatzi concocted pairings to showcase both food and Relic wines selected.

MENU

Sea scallop on roasted butternut squash risotto
preserved lemon oil, petite “wintry mix” salad
2019 Relic ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay

Pork tenderloin slices on spoon bread*
[*Ed. a moist cornmeal-based dish prevalent
in parts of the southern states]
hot bacon dressing, cherry cola/root beer reduction
roasted haricot verts
2018 Relic ‘Kashaya’ Pinot Noir

Braised beef short ribs
pureed potato, glazed carrot, tobacco onion rings
blackberry-infused marchand de vin sauce
2018 Relic ‘La Place’ Cabernet-Sauvignon

Belgian chocolate pâté
dollop of whipped cream, Astroemeria flower bloom
Graham’s Reserve ‘Six Grapes’ Port

Following the clearing of plates, Bailli George Chandler brought out owner Glenda Hastings and her staff, including Chef Victor Williams and her production manager Kaelee Baker, to receive the appropriate appreciation. A job well done all around!

On reflection being a “relic” is a good thing when we think of the quality Relic Wine Cellars’ wines we tasted.

Vive la Chaîne!

Based on a detailed write-up prepared by Vice-Chargé de Presse Dennis Meyer