Last night the historic Pleasantdale Chateau hosted an exclusive Coppola Wine Dinner attended by 68 food and wine enthusiasts.
The menu for the evening, created by Chef Robert Albers and paired by Coppola wine representative, Elizabeth Burns, reflected the attention to fine detail and rich character that resonates throughout the historic Chateau.
The evening began with an intimate reception. Mingling guests sipped Sofia Blanc de Blancs 2009 and Diamond Series Claret while noshing Andouille Sausage wrapped in pastry, Gougeres and Sonoma Valley Foie Gras Mousse, California Charcuterie, and American Hackelback Caviar.
California Duck Breast, Baby Braised Greens, Cepes, Duck Fat Anna Potato, Pomegranate Glaze
Dinner was served in the cavernous and elegant Music Room, where original wood beams draw the eye upward to notice further detail of Spanish inspired hand painting.
The first course, Arctic Char with Spring Peas and Cippolini, was accompanied by a very nice Director's Cut Chardonnay.
The second course, a bit more decadent, followed; Director's Cut Pinot Noir with California Duck Breast, Baby Braised Greens, Cepes, Duck Fat Anna Potato, with a Pomegranate Glaze.
Artic Char, Spring Peas and Cippolini, Chive Beurre BlancThe main course showcased an extremely tender French boned Venison Chop with Parsnip and Celeriac Puree, Braised Watermelon Radish and Spring Garlic, Mustard Sauce, along with Directors Cut Cinema, 2007.
The menu wrapped with Rubicon Cask Cabernet, 2006 and a California Cheese course featuring, Purple Haze, Truffle Tremor, and an aged Sonoma Jack accompanied by apricot compote.
I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Kurt Knowles Jr. about the exclusivity of the Pleasantdale Chateau
The Chateau is very exclusive and unique. You can only come here if you are hosting or attending a private function. The unique thing about hosting these wine dinners is that it's the one opportunity we provide where the general public can attend, see what the chateau is about, experience our level of service, and what we love to deliver. We take pride in it.
Earlier in the evening I was given a tour of the historic French Normandy Chateau by Michael Mahle, the Director of Communications for Knowles Restaurants. Take a peek, it's exquisite!
Video coming soon! In the meantime, visit the Gallery for more pictures.
Click HERE for the video!