The Branch held an event on September 20th on the Mendocino Coast of California which began with 19 members and guests stopping at Goldeneye Estate Winery in Anderson Valley for a tasting of Pinot Noir, estate grown as well as from vineyards owned nearby.
After the visit, the guests convened at Navarro Vineyards just up the road for a picnic lunch accompanied by wines from Navarro, long known as a gem of family owned and vented gewurztraminer, rieslings and chardonnays, as well as noted red varietals.
On to Albion, the group arrived to check into the Albion River Inn. The weather was spectacular and all enjoyed the reception on the bluff overlooking the Pacific and a dinner by James Beard award winning chef Stephen Smith with Mendocino wines chosen by sommelier Mark Bowery. The group found the pairings to be very successful.
Menu: A Celebration of Mendocino Wine
FIRST COURSE: Lazy Creek, Rose of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2017 paired with Wild Salmon Ceviche, Local Greens, Sliced Avocado and Crispy Tortilla Strips
SECOND COURSE: Navarro, Gewurztraminer, Deep End Blend, Anderson Valley, 2017 paired with Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Spicy Apricot Glaze and Curried Apple Couscous
INTERMEZZO: Granita of Gowan Ranch Heirloom Hard Apple Cider with Fresh Spearmint
MAIN COURSE: Yorkville Cellars, Richard The Lionheart, Bordeaux-Style Red Blend, Yorkville Highlands, 2013 paired with Roasted Filet Mignon, Cabernet-Vegetable Jus and Herbed Yorkshire Pudding
CHEESE COURSE: McNab Family Reserve, Vintage Port, Mendocino, 2009 paired with Point Reyes Blue Cheese served with Walnut Bread Toast Points
A DIGESTIF of Germain-Robin, Brandy, Ukiah, Mendocino County accompanied by PETITS FOURS: Assorted Bite-Size Confections with Coffee or Tea
Photograph of Members and Guests in Front of the Famous Albion Bridge, last timber bridge on the California coast and on the National Registry of Historic Places.
