Fifty-Three Cincinnati Mondiale members and guests were treated to an extraordinary wine tasting and dinner on January 13^th at The Transept Event Center in the historic “Over the Rhine” neighborhood of Cincinnati. Our Bailliage has returned to this historic venue many times, in part because of the beautiful space and in part for the great food served by DelightMore Catering. A former German Gothic Church was revitalized and transformed for use as an event space, and is now the home base for DelightMore Catering.

Echanson Provincial Mary Horn invited Rimple Nayyar of Davies Vineyards—the red-wine division of Schramsberg—to showcase an array of Napa Valley Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. Rimple gave a brief, interesting presentation mixed with some well-placed humor on the history of the vineyard. Although Schramsberg was founded by Jacob Schram in 1862, it ceased operations in 1912 shortly after its founder passed away. Jack and Jamie Davies purchased the property in 1965 and resurrected its fine history of making sparkling wine. In 1994, some of the original vineyards were replanted to Bordeaux varieties, launching the Davies Vineyard story.

Thanks to the Schramsberg/Davies connection, our welcome wine was the Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc Brut. Passed appetizers paired with the delicious sparkling wine included Duck Rillette on Brioche, Tuna Tartare with Miso Marinade, and Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese Bunuelos.

Ten-top tables were sparkling to the edges with five glasses of red wine, giving the appearance of shimmering spokes of a wheel. Three Pinot Noirs were compared and contrasted including the Fort-Ross Seaview Vineyard 2018 and Keeper Ranch Vineyard 2022 wines from the Sonoma Coast, and the Ferrington Vineyard 2022 selection from Anderson Valley. All three were delightful and it was a real treat to compare these offerings with food as the evening progressed. The J. Davies Diamond District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021was then poured followed by more sparkling: the esteemed J. Shram Noirs 2013 and J. Shram Blancs 2013. Finally, the Davies Cabernet Sauvignon was introduced to round out an incredible array of wine.

The meal was designed for enjoyment with the entire array of wines following the formal tasting program. The plated meal included a Burrata, Blood Orange, Pistachio, and Frisee Salad followed by Grilled Filet Mignon, Pan-seared Branzino, and Parsnip Puree. A chocolate-lovers dessert combined Vanilla Victoria Sponge Cake, White Chocolate Mousse, Black Current Cremoux, White Chocolate Glaze, and a Dark Chocolate Tuille topper.

At the conclusion of the evening, Balli George Elliott thanked not only Mr. Nayyar for an informative evening with outstanding wines but also the dedicated DelightMore Staff. A special thanks went to Echanson Provincial Mary Horn for crafting another fabulous evening to remember. We lamented having to leave this magnificent venue and stunning wines to head into the blustery January weather. But what made this bearable was the knowledge that another extraordinary wine event under the direction of Mary Horn is always on the horizon.

Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse