2014 October Afternoon at Russian Hill

Click here for Photos of the Event

On a warm October 4th, members ventured up to Russian Hill Estate Winery in Windsor - Sonoma County Wine Country for a Mondiale event. Russian Hill Winery is a family owned an operated winery by proprietors, Ed and Ellen Mack Gomez, and is situated in the heart of Russian River Valley. It was founded in 1997 after Ed and Ellen searched for an appropriate place to grow and make great Pinot Noir. Their nephew Patrick Melley is the winemaker.

As members arrived they were greeted by Ellen and a glass of delightful Patio Pink Rosé which had just been released. We mingled on the patio underneath umbrellas with a fantastic view of the vineyards, rolling hills and even an historic hop kiln in the distance while enjoying the pink rosé and cheese hors d'oeuvres.

Ed Gomez proceeded to tell us the history of the wine valley and their wine. The valley was named for the first non-natives to settle in Sonoma County. The Russians settled along the Sonoma Coast at historic Fort Ross from 1813 to 1841 where they hunted sea otters for their fur and food. In the 1830s they moved southeast. After Ed's talk there was an informative tour of the winery.

A tasty luncheon was prepared by Chef Brian Anderson of Bistro 29, Santa Rosa and served in a beautiful indoor dining room. First course was an attractive Pomegranate and persimmon endive salad paired with Russian Hill Valley Viognier 2013.

This was followed by red wine braised duck leg with French green lentils and roasted squash. The duck was ever so moist. Two choice wines were poured - Leras Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 and Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010. Both complimented the course, depending upon one's palette.

Dessert was a special treat - Peach Tart Tatin with Sablé Breten crust, almond brittle and brown butter ice cream. Bailli Lois Gogol thanked Ed and Ellen and Chef Brian Anderson along with the wait staff. Bailli Lois Gogol and V. Echanson Orley Hatfield also presented a special Mondiale plate to Ed and Ellen in appreciation of such an enjoyable afternoon

It was certainly wonderful to be able to spend a beautiful afternoon in the Wine Country!

LUNCH MENU

Reception –

Cheese & Charcuterie Boards

Patio Pink Rosé

First Course:

Pomegranate/Persimmon Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts, Endive, Redwood Hill Farms Chevre & Sherry Vinaigrette

Russian Hill Valley Viognier 2013

Second Course:

Red Wine Braised Duck Leg with French Green Lentils, Grilled Frisee, Roasted Squash & Tarragon

Leras Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Dessert:

Peach Tart Tatin with Sablé Breton Crust, Almond Brittle & Brown Butter Ice Cream

Coffee/Tea

Chef Brian Anderson of Bistro 29, Santa Rosa

ATTENDEES

V Echanson Hon Silicon Valley Bruce Bastl & Patricia Bastl

V Chancelier - Argentier Barbara Bessey

Carol Ferrero

Bailli Lois & Stan Gogol

Officier Rachel Leader

Lars & Mary Lenck

V Charge de Mission Chuck Syers

V Chargée de Presse Hon Gayle Syers

V Echanson Orley & Clarine Hatfield

Proprietors Ed Gomez and Ellen Mack Gomez

Russian Hill Estate Vineyards

4525 Slusser Rd. Windsor

https://russianhillwinery.com/