Wine Pairing Luncheon -- Brys Estate and Rodney Strong

The highlight of our Touring & Tasting Mediterranean cruise was our Tuscan Grille wine pairing luncheon with Brys Estate and Rodney Strong single vineyard and Reserve wines. The appetizer choice of Chilled Tian of Shrimp, Mango and Avocado with Passionfruit Vinaigrette was paired with the Brys Estate Bubbly--a Rose' sparkling wine. The Brie Fondue was paired with the 2009 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay.

The roasted fig and arugula salad garnished with goat cheese and toasted pine nuts was paired with the 2010 Brys Estate "Naked" Chardonnay and 2008 Rodney Strong Reserve Russian River Chardonnay.

A cherry and champagne sorbet cleansed our palate before the entree of either Sea Bass On A Potato and Truffle Puree paired with the 2008 Brys Estate Pinot Noir and the 2009 Rodney Strong Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir, or the Fillet Mignon with Foie Gras and porcini risotto paired with the 2007 Brys Estate Cabernet Franc or the 2008 Rodney Strong Single Vineyard "Alexander's Crown" Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dessert was either a warm chocolate lava cake with Frangelico Gelato paired with the 2007 Brys Estate Signature Red or the 2007 Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage (one of my favorite wines) or the selection of bite-sized desserts paired with the 2007 Rodney Strong Reserve Port and the absolutely ethereal 2008 Brys Estate "Dry Ice" Ice Wine. This was our last event as a Touring and Tasting group aboard the Celebrity Solstice--a delicious way to end a wonderful trip with a terrific group of wine afficionados!

Eileen and Walter Brys of Brys Estate Winery and Paul Arganbright, President of Touring & Tasting