We can all agree, a trip to the desert is often a welcome change. The sun is shining, the cocktails are delightful, the pool feels like a warm embrace. Our usual hurried life slows down, and the setting makes us crave good food and drinks. It’s at this point that Morgan’s in The Desert at La Quinta Resort & Club comes in, ready to deliver Morgan’s Wine Series for monthly dinner and wine pairings.
On March 6th, Morgan’s in The Desert is set to welcome Grgich Hills Estate, renowned for its top-notch Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery’s founder, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, recently passed away at the age of 100. This occasion presents a perfect opportunity to pay tribute to his significant contribution to the wine industry while enjoying meal and drinks in the serene desert setting.
1st COURSE
Smoked Hawaiin Tuna with Saffron Lavash, Pumpkin Aioli, Tobiko Caviar
Grgich Hills Estate Rose 2022
2nd COURSE
Seared Stone Sea Bass, Crisp Potato, Béarnaise Foam
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2021
3rd COURSE
Snake River Short Rib, Pumpkin Risotto, Crisp Parsnip, Caramelized Balsamic Onion
Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet 2019
Grgich Hills Yountville Old Vine Cabernet 100 Birthday Commemorative Wine
4th COURSE
Brie Couronne with Prosciutto, Puff Pastry & Candied Bosc Pear
Grgich Hill Estate Late Harvest Violetta 2018
Four Course Experience | $150 Per Person*
*Prices do not include tax or gratuity
To make a reservation, please contact Morgan’s in The Desert at 760.564.7600 or via their website.
Courtesy of Morgan’s at The Desert
MK: Why is it important to include these dishes at the Grgich Hills Estate dinner, and how do they compliment the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon the brand is famous for?
AC: The 2021 Miljenkos Selection Chardonnay is luminous and exquisite with aromas of fresh citrus, cucumber, and honeycomb, followed by a hint of vanilla and cracked pepper. We matched this wine with our Seared Sea Bass because of the full natural flavor of the fish, which is magnified by the citrus notes of the Chardonnay.
For the third course, we opted for two Cabernet Sauvignon choices, the Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet 2019 and the Grgich Hills Yountville Old Vine Cabernet 100 Birthday Commemorative Wine. The latter was created in honor of Mike Grgich’s centenary celebration that I was fortunate to be a part of, which made it critical to include this wine in the dinner. This abundant yet elegant and balanced wine is a fantastic tribute to his legacy. The wine begins with complex aromas of tangy blackberry, rosehip, raspberry, and blood orange, followed by flavors of sweet cherry, violet, and rosemary. This wine originated from one of the oldest cabernet sauvignon vineyards in Napa Valley, which makes it truly exceptional.
Contemplating all the wonderful dinners we’ve enjoyed with Mike, it was difficult to decide on the type of cuisine to pair with his astounding wine collection. Cooking a dish for a longer period results in richer flavors that develop more character and maturity. We selected the Snake River’s short rib dish, which is slowly braised with herbs for 6 hours, in homage to Mike’s long and fruitful life.
MK: Why did you feel it was important to include these dishes?
AC: When you have a connection with the person who created the wines, creating the cuisine to pair with it becomes even more transcendent. Every relationship develops with time, being able to build upon it year over year only ignites the creativity which gets expressed on our plates. We continue to develop relationships one plate at a time…
Stay tuned for upcoming Morgan’s Wine Series events:
April 10th: Rodney Strong Vineyards
May 8th: Taste of France Dinner
Visitto learn more and to make reservations to attend the wine series dinners.
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