The Black Dog Blog

Autumn Chef's Dinner Takes Place on November 12, 2016

 

It's the hottest ticket in town!  Executive Chef Michell Sheppard and Sous Chef Ricky Caviness have created an exclusive dining event for forty lucky foodies.  Held against the backdrop of a cozy fireplace and a private dining space, this five course meal will be presented personally by the chefs along with a description of each item and an explanation of what makes the dish unique and appealing.  A Chateau Morrisette wine has been hand-selected to pair with each course.  Guests learn about what makes each wine perfect with each course.  

"I'm excited to have an opportunity to showcase the talents of our Culinary Team," said Executive Chef Mitchell Sheppard.  "We will serve items grown on the estate by our gardener, Matt Sanders along with dessert items hand-crafted by our pastry chef, Chelsea Raby."

Sous Chef Ricky Caviness, is an expert on local farms.  "I was able to obtain the duck and the rabbit from a local farm here in Floyd," said Caviness.  "Add that to the beets and leeks we grew here on the estate and it's a truly locavore dining experience."

The Autumn Chef's dinner will also be the launch for our new vintages of Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc.  Those attending the dinner will be some of the first to taste these two new 2014 vintages.  Both wines aged in barrels for over 18 months and were bottled in June of 2016.  Winemaker Brian Smyth will release them for sale in time for the Chef's Dinner.

Tickets for the Autumn Chef's Dinner are $95 per person, including taxes, gratuity, wine pairings, and a champagne reception prior to dinner.  Tickets may be purchased by clicking this link for AUTUMN CHEF"S DINNER TICKETS.

Here is the menu as it stands today:

Paired with 2012 Heritage

Wine Pairings subject to change

Virginia Wine Month - Chateau Morrisette Wine Tasting at Shula's Steakhouse in Richmond

Chateau Morrisette will be the featured Virginia Wine this October 25th at Shula's America's Steakhouse in Richmond, Virginia.  Guests can taste three Chateau Morrisette wines, 2012 Archival I, the 2014 Nouveau Chien, and the ever popular Our Dog Blue.  For $7, guests can sample these three delicious wines along with special hors d'oeuvre offerings prepared by Shula's America's Steakhouse.  The event takes place between 4:30PM and 6:30 PM, Tuesday, October 25th at Shula's located at 12042 West Broad Street in Richmond.

ABOUT THE WINES

Shula's selected three Chateau Morrisette wines for their customers to taste.  Here is the background on each:

ARCHIVAL I
A vibrant bouquet of crushed rose petals and fresh roasted coffee give way to dark, black cherries and currants. Rich caramel notes lingered into a well-structured finish balanced spice & clove.  Definitely a steak lover’s choice (medium rare, please), yet hearty enough to stand next to baked lasagna or gorgonzola mushroom risotto.

Blend: 35% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot

Awards: Gold Medal - 2015 Virginia Wine Lovers Wine Classic • Silver Medal - 2015 Sommelier Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition • Silver Medal - 2015 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition • Bronze Medal: 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition • Bronze Medal 2015 Texsom International Wine Awards • Bronze Medal: 2015 Virginia Governor's Cup • Bronze Medal: 2015 Riverside (CA) International Wine Competition

2014 NOUVEAU CHIEN
This floral blend of Petit Manseng, Traminette, Chardonel, Chardonnay, and Viognier has a beautiful nose of honeydew melon and lemons. The palate is dry and crisp with a lively acidity through the finish.  This wine pairs well with shellfish, crab cakes, and oysters. Best served between 50-55º F

Production: A small percentage of the wine was barrel aged in new oak barrels after fermentation for just a few months to add light toasted notes and lengthen the finish

Awards: Bronze Medal: San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition • Bronze Medal: 2016 Virginia Governor's Cup • Gold Medal: 2015 Virginia Wine Lover Wine Classic • Silver Medal - 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition • Silver Medal - 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Interntional Wine Competition • Silver Medal - 2015 TEXCOM (Dallas Morning News) International Wine Competition • Bronze Medal: 2015 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition • Bronze Medal: 2014 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association

OUR DOG BLUE (non-vintage)
This popular white wine is a semi-sweet Riesling-Traminette blend, using Vidal Blanc for added depth. Aromas of melons, citrus fruits, apricots, and delicate flowers highlight the soft finish of this soothing wine.  Serve chilled with fruits and cheeses, fish, or spicy foods.

Ratings: 95 Points 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition • 94 Points 2015 Winemakers Challenge International Wine Competition • 90 Points 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition • 88 Points 2015 Beer and Wine Tasting Institute (Tastings.com)

Awards: Silver Medal: 2016 San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition • Platinum (Double Gold) Medal: 2015 San Diego Wine Competition • Platinum Medal 2015 Winemakers Challenge International Wine Competition • Gold Medal: 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition • Gold Medal: 2015 Virginia Wine Lover Wine Classic • Silver Medal: 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition • Silver Medal: 2015 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition • Silver Medal: 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition • Silver Medal: 2015 Hilton Head Food and Wine Festival • Silver Medal and Best Buy: 2015 Tastings.com

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