Event News - Wine-ing @ Flemings

An Evening of Wine-ing & Dining

Fleming’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands was host to a memorable evening with three major winemaker’s and their wines in attendance for a masterfully planned food and wine pairing extravaganza. The evening began with a cocktail party where the winemaker’s talked among the guests, telling of their vineyards and the wonderful wines to be poured throughout the dinner.  We began with passed Hors d’oeurvres of Ceviche on Toast Points, Blackened Ahi Tuna Rolls with garlic Aioli, and served with a wine from the vineyard of Michael Honig,  the Honig Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, 2204. This bright fruit forward Sauvignon Blanc, with aromas of grapefruit and apple flavors with a well balanced acidity is crisp and mouthwatering, and was paired perfectly with the Ceviche and the spiciness of the tuna rolls.

We were all seated at our tables and scattered among us were the winemaker’s, what a special evening this made. During the meal and in between courses the winemaker’s visited tables and spoke about the wines that were being served with each course. The first course was a fresh Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto, what a treat, and was paired with the Tolosa Chardonnay Edna Valley 2002. Robin Baggett owner of Tolosa Vineyard touted the “fantastic pairing of this wine with the earthiness of the mushrooms”.  This polished and balanced lovely Chardonnay has flavors of pear, nectarine and honey. The Chardonnay also possesses a very balanced acidity and a long toasty finish which made it the perfect pairing with the risotto.

Our second course, an Heirloom Tomato salad with julienne Prosciutto di Parma, basil and red wine vinaigrette was creatively paired with a wine from Susie Selby/Selby Vineyard, the Selby Pinot Noir Russian River 2003. This Pinot Noir which has all the great flavors “all in one glass of wine” says Susie, is aged in 100% French Oak and the end product is an elegant and sophisticated wine that balanced well with the acidity of the salad.  Our Third and main course was two meats consisting of a Morel mushroom & Herb stuffed Lamb Loin, paired with the Tolosa Syrah Estate Grown Edna Valley 2001, and a Prime New York Strip au Poivre accompanied with the Honig Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2002,  both courses were equally as amazing.  The only remaining course after this was the dessert, a plate of aged cheeses and port infused Chocolate Truffles served with the Selby Zinfandel Port Dry Creek Valley, 2000.

The evening came to a close with applause and accolades to the winemaker’s participation, as well as an appreciation certificate presented to Vice Conseiller Gastronomique Shelli Moran/Operating partner of Fleming’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands and Wayne Mason Jr. /Executive Chef/Partner-Fleming’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands receiving a Chaine platter from Bailli Cheryl Kenny.