Dinner at Robert Sinsky Vineyards
This was one of the most incredible evenings. We had the entire Robert Sinskey vineyard to ourselves. The setting is extraordinary. Just a magnificent night all around. Maria Sinskey was our chef of the evening and she can seriously cook. The entire staff was a bit taken back by how much we consumed and quite frankly so was I. Worth every bite.
Here is Maria in the kitchen in the back corner.
We started with a few little passed bites before making our way on a tour of the vineyard. This is a caramelized onion open tart with half a walnut on top. Wow.
Thinly sliced cherry tomatoes that had been roasted and a spot of gruyere cheese. We also had a few gourgeres which I forgot to capture.
The bilinis were amazing. Caviar just hits the spot.
We took a tour through the caves underneath the property. This one really gives you an idea of how much wine is being stored and how deep these caves are. Pretty awesome.
Our first course was a mixture of fresh and roasted figs with La Quercia Prosciutto a sprig of watercress and definitely the best Parmesan crisp any of us have ever eaten. The roasted figs were hidden underneath the prosciutto which was a nice surprise. This was served with an Abraxas, Vin de Terroir, Scintilla Sonoma Vineyard 2010.
Second out was an olive oil poached wild Pacific salmon over a golden potato leek rosti with a hint of preserved lemon. I watched Maria make the rostis. Taught me a few tricks. This was served with a Pinot Blanc, Los Carneros 20008 Magnum
A little pasta for the next course. Just foraged mushroom tortellini in a Parmesan brodo (broth) served with a Pinot Noir, Three Amigos Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley 2007
This particular dish I am still dreaming about. So simple yet elegant and the flavors were just sublime and perfect. Herb crusted pasture raised beef tenderloin with crispy shallots, french beans over a golden semolina cake (hidden underneath). The meat was like butter. This was served with a Cabernet Sauvignon, SLD Estate, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 2005
Nothing like the cheese course. Roasted heirloom pears from their garden, humbolt fog goat cheese with a few toasted almonds. This was served with a Pinot Gris, Los Carneros 2010
Last out was a killer apple tart tartin. Even Maria said it might have been the best one she had ever made. Apples out of the Sinskey gardens with a dollop of creme fraiche served with a Pinot Gris Late, Los Carneros 2007.
Truly epic evening.
Comments (Archived):
um…wow! pictures did not disappoint. am sending link so my hubbie can spend the next 6 years thinking about how he’s gonna top that 🙂
ha. nice one.
Wow…thanks for sharing.Especially thanks for the wine inclusion. I’ve been bugging you on that.Sinsky is biodynamic I believe as well.
totally biodynamic. everyone commented how they felt totally fine the next day. makes a difference.
Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your life with all of your readers.
Looks like you’re rolling in style in Napa! Little different than last time ;)So happy for you and Fred. Happy Five-0. Enjoy it. Such a killer place. Meal looks amazing.
For sure. Bebe?
Yup! Last Saturday night. The most awesome thing I will ever create. She’s the bomb. http://bit.ly/nuOihK
So cute!!! Mazel tov
um now THAT’S how to celebrate a big bday!
WOW…epic indeed. Happy birthday Joanne and a healthy new year!
thanks shelly
mmm…. really good. the beef looked scrumptious.
That’s a fantastic photo of the 2 of you! 😀
You looked so very happy, what a way to celebrate!!!
Looks and sounds great. Perfect way to start the new decade!
Happy Birthday Joanne!!! You sure are having a great one!
That is a winery that is definitely on my list to visit. When I saw Fred’s 4SQ checkin, I looked and liked everything about it. You have a knack for finding these great places.And as I commented earlier, I love birthday celebrations that last over several days of food and wine gatherings. It should be called Birthweek 🙂
Loved this post! Thanks for sharing!