hi all! i have just returned from the martha's vineyard FIRST annual harvest festival and, man, was it fun. probably the best part for me was that my event, a symposium on the merits of merlot, was cancelled. fortunately, this happened when i was already "on island" so i basically spent the weekend on martha's vineyard not doing anything. actually, i was able to crash ian's private dinner for twenty four at a private house in edgartown. the house itself was stunning. vast lawns, in-ground pool, huge dining rooms, massive kitchen, even a bowling alley in the basement! the owners were kind enough to have us join them for a quick bowl after dinner, but the pin setter malfunctioned and, alas, there would be no bowling. one of the owners of the house said sadly, "this thing is always breaking." stay strong, my friend...stay strong.
the dinner itself was spectacular. we started with gruyere puffs and smoked salmon on toast for passed appetizers with Veuve Cliquot Brut Champagne and Stag's Leap Sauvignon Blanc. next we sat for the soup course: a perfectly seasonal pumpkin bisque paired with Stag's Leap Chardonnay. then it was on to perfectly roasted squab over wild mushrooms and onions paired with Stag's Leap Merlot. the real treat for me was the mustard rubbed Colorado lamb chops over a bed of couscous risotto with ginger cream. it was absolutely decadent with not one, but two single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from Stag's Leap: the Fay Vineyard Cab, and the S.L.V. Vineyard Cab. the Fay was a bit spicier while the S.L.V. was more deeply textured and fruitier. an artisinal cheese plate followed, paired with a library selection from Stag's: the 1998 Fay Vineyard Cab. the pairing was reminiscent of a port and cheese pairing. big, rich, dark berry flavors in the wine against the rich, buttery flavors of the epoisses (haven't tried epoisses? do so.) we ended with, of course, dessert. Ian presented a classic tarte tatin, and by this time the crowd was huddled in various parts of the house loosening belts, smoking, and chatting about all things martha.
i had a blast on the vineyard. ian and his father showed me around, as i had not been to M.V. for many years. it is so beautiful, and i have promised myself to return soon.
i'm already looking forward to the second annual harvest fest. perhaps next time i will actually have a gig and not just freeload at ian's. i just hope the bowling alley works!
don't forget the Keenan Vineyards Wine Dinner tomorrow at 7PM. talk about great Napa wines... call 617-542-5108 for details.
cheers,
geoffrey
martha's vineyard harvest festival
