Sips & Tips for Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Napa Valley, the preeminent wine producing region in the United States, has been pleasing the palates of consumers for decades.  October's Sommelier Series will honor the region by pouring four selections from some of the most highly regarded wineries in California (if not the world). Visit us October 23 – October 29 for a sample of the best the area has to offer.

Among the list of wine-related movies that have been released in the past few years is Bottle Shock, a tale that documents the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting, an event that exposed the world to the incredible quality in Napa Valley.  The film solidified Chateau Montelena’s place as one of the best wineries in the world. The 2009 Chateau Montelena, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California ($12 3oz / $24 6oz) offers a glimpse of what the judges were tasting on that monumental day, with notes of white peach and toasted almonds. The palate is subtle, with hints of mandarin orange and Meyer lemon creating a great pairing for our Alaskan Halibut with Beet Romesco.

Napa Valley, as compared globally, is relatively young; however, Mayacamas winery has been quietly flourishing in California since 1889.  Producing world class wines in a uniquely rustic style, the grapes are sourced from vineyards perched above the fog line atop the Mt. Veeder appellation. The 2010 Mayacamas, Chardonnay, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California ($15 3oz / $30 6oz) offers aromas of bee pollen and stone fruit.  A rich and textured palate is just the right amount decadence to complement our Jumbo Lobster Tail.

Joe Heitz was a winemaking pioneer in Napa Valley, credited as Napa’s first vineyard-designated bottler with his 1966 labeling of “Martha’s Vineyard."   Regarded to this day as one of the best wines in the U.S., we are fortunate to be able to offer the rare 2005 Heitz, Martha’s Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($30 3oz / $60 6oz). Intriguing aromas of black cherry, mint, and cedar are followed by a full-bodied and complex palate.  Martha’s Vineyard produces wines with incredible longevity, making a truly memorable pairing for one of our Signature Cuts.

As California’s first exclusive Cabernet estate vineyard, Diamond Creek takes pride in doing things better than the rest. With only four wines in their portfolio, they have mastered the craft of capturing the essence of a vineyard. We selected 2010 Diamond Creek, Red Rock Terrace, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($35 3oz / $70 6oz) to highlight the accessible and easy-drinking nature of the Red Rock Terrace vineyard. Packed with flavors of dark fruit and black currant, the tannins are supple, matching perfectly with our Double-Cut Colorado Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri.

Wine Tip: In addition to the exceptional options above, Joe’s has a tremendous selection of Napa Valley wines that are guaranteed to please. Ask one of our Sommeliers to find your new favorite!