The fifth course introduced us to Forth...
Since the first week of April I have been treking through San Francisco, Corte Madera and the Sonoma Wine Country. A tough way to make a living....agreed! As most experiences discovered along a travelers journey tend to be, the little gems that are truly memorable revel themselves in the most unexpected ways.
It happened while being dazzled with a tasting menu prepared by Chef Jesse Malgren at the Madrona Manor in Healdsburg. I had tasted his food before, but this time I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him (the subject of an upcoming article in There's a Chef in My Kitchen Newsletter, to be sure). It happened with our fifth course. Grilled "Painted Hills" Beef Filet, expertly prepared and beautifully plated with a spring garlic soubise, shitake mushrooms, wilted fava leaves and veal essence. But the crowning touch was the wine he paired it with: 2002 Forth "All Boys" Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley.
With that first swirl, the stunning bouquet caught our attention. I was dining with my publicist, and she was instantly distracted. There was something incredibly different about this wine. After a day long of mouth-and-tastebud-sucking-tannins it was sheer pleasure to taste a wine crafted to engage you... entice you... excite you about the next sip. The Forth All Boys Cab was brilliant with the beef, but on its own it was incredible. The bright red cherry fruit, the velvety mouthfeel supported by the subtle but structured tannins, was balanced by just a touch of earthiness. Deep concentrated flavor and a true expression of the Cab Sauv grape, this was clearly a wine that was made to love food.
There is much to tell about Forth and a story soon, I believe, more and more people will come to know. Their winery appears at the end of long, narrow road cut deep into the wooded hillside of the Dry Creek Valley. Rugged and charming, it has the timeless feel of a rustic Tuscan vineyard. Jann Forth has a grace and light about her that sparkles as bright as her smile. And then she begins about the wines.... It only gets better.
Seek Forth out. Find their wines. Enjoy and savor them. They are limited in quantity and available at the winery. And if you are lucky... you might just find one served with your meal.....
9:37:20 PM 
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