Award-Winning Pairing: Simi Winery At The Stirling Club

In 1876, two Italian brokers from Tuscany, Giuseppe and Pietro Simi, traveled to California during the Gold Rush. When they discovered the rolling hills of Sonoma County, they were reminded of home and began making wine. Today, hardly a week goes by without someone writing the praises of Simi Winery.

"When you think of the great wineries of Sonoma County, Chateau St. Jean and Simi are at the top of the list," says Steve Reeder, vice president of winemaking for Simi Winery.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, The Stirling Club in Las Vegas has arranged a special pairing between one of the greatest wineries in Sonoma County with the greatest private club in Las Vegas. Beginning at 6 p.m., The Stirling Club will host a Simi winemaker dinner, featuring five remarkable Simi wines paired with a specially designed four-course dinner prepared by Stirling Club chefs.

What To Expect From the Simi Winemaker Dinner

Reception. The evening begins with Simi Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 2006. Expect a stylish balance of vibrancy and creamy elegance with hints of citrus, melon and fig with spice. The grapes used for Simi's Sauvignon Blanc represent the best of Sonoma County.

First Course. The first course features a clam and saffron chowder with sesame crackers paired with a Simi Russian River Chardonnay 2006. Enthusiasts suggest to expect notes of spiced apple and warm citrus, highlighted by toast and vanilla that leaves a long, lingering finish.

Second Course. Pheasant wrapped in pancetta, served with winter squash caponata, will be accompanied by a Simi Merlot, Sonoma County 2005. This very well put together deep ruby wine features black cherry fruit balanced by a subtle oak influence.

Main Course. The highlights of the evening include a dry-aged New York strip with buttered lima beans and Pomme Darphin Cabernet reduction. It will be accompanied by a Simi "Landslide Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, one of the most impressive selections of this event's collection. Some stores have posted that they have long since sold out, which is rare for a wine that can be enjoyed through 2015.

"This bottling has been a star for Simi since its inception, and the '05 is among their best ever," notes Trey Beffa, a domestic wine buyer. "It shows Alexander Valley's softness and slight herbaceousness, along with decadently rich red currant, mocha and oak flavors."

Dessert. The evening concludes with Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 poured to accompany a dark chocolate and hazelnut bundt cake. Decidedly different from the 2005, this Cabernet Sauvignon is gentler, with tasty black cherries and spice that provide a lasting flavor.

The Simi winemaker dinner is $85 per person, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Stirling Club Wine Society members may contact Ramon Triary, food and beverage manager, to renew their annual dues. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director. Stirling Club members may refer guests for consideration without an initiation fee for a limited time.