What could be so special?
Well, for starters, it’s on Nov. 9, so the election will be over. Now THAT’s worth celebrating in style, even if it involves draining the children’s college fund or maxing out the home equity line of credit.
But there are other reasons.
The wines to be poured at the dinner consist of a six-year “vertical” collection — that’s six different vintages, in chronological order in this case from 2008 through 2013 — of Opus One, an acclaimed, and yes, pricey, California red wine blend from the Napa Valley.
Opus One was launched more than 35 years ago as a collaboration between the iconic Robert Mondavi winery and the prestigious first-growth Bordeaux estate Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. And the wine has been, shall we say, well-received by wine lovers and wine collectors from the start.
The retail cost of a single bottle of the 2008 Opus One — one standard-sized, 750-milliliter bottle — runs from $300 to $475. More recent bottlings run generally from $200 to $300.
In addition to the samples of six vintages of Opus One, Carvers is pouring a flute of Charles Heidseick Brut Champagne for guests at the reception preceding the multi-course dinner, and the first course will be accompanied by M. Chapoutier “Chante-Allouette” Hermitage Blanc, a white wine from the Rhone Valley of France. All before the six-bottle vertical of Opus One starts arriving at the table.
So that’s the wine end of the $350 dinner. On the food end, Carvers has put together a multi-course menu to match the moment. It’s a feast.
First, smoked caviar will be served with the Champagne at the reception. Accompanying the white Rhone wine will be the first-course of Spinach with Rabbit Tenderloin, Blackberry, Ciabatta, Goat Cheese and Berry Vinaigrette.
The two oldest of the six Opus One wines, the 2008 and 2009, will be served with a second course of Roasted Lamb Porterhouse served with Butternut Squash Risotto. Then comes a third course of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, Mixed Fruit & Nuts served with the 2010 and 2011 Opus One wines.
The Fourth Course hits its stride with Kobe Beef Filet Mignon — the special, well-marbled beef that costs more than other types of beef — served with a Mixed Vegetable Medley and accompanied by the 2012 and the newly released 2013 Opus One. The dessert course will be Tableside Bananas Foster.
I know, I know — $350 is starting to sound like a darn BARGAIN now, right?
To top things off, Gina Voci, regional sales manager for Opus One, will be on hand to speak about the wines and to celebrate the release of the 2013 vintage. Voci joined Opus One in 1989, and oversees sales and marketing in 17 Midwestern states.
So that’s what you get for a $350 wine dinner.
The special dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the restaurant at 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road. Reservations are required. At last check, 24 out of 30 reservations were already spoken for, with only a half-dozen still available as of Monday afternoon. Contact Michael Parks to reserve at 937-433-7099.
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