This is a long overdue post on an amazing dinner and wine tasting hosted by Mark Beringer of Artesa Vineyards and Winery at Bone’s Steakhouse. Mr. Beringer is the new VP of Production and Winemaking at Artesa and has been touring the country showing off some of the Spanish-owned company’s products. Bone’s is arguably the best steakhouse in Atlanta, so I was very excited to be treated to a meal there complete with wine pairings: an area I know little about but am interested in learning. I also had the opportunity to meet the ATL bloggers behind Atlanta Restaurant Blog, Amy on Food, and Atlanta Foodies, so you can check out their reviews of the event as well!

Our first course was Bone’s chilled seafood platter, which contained a number of beautifully presented crustaceans:

Chilled Seafood Platter

Artesa Chardonnays

My favorite was the snow crab legs, which were very sweet and juicy. This course was paired with two of Artesa’s chardonnays, a 2008 Carneros and a 2007 Estate Reserve. I’m not much of a white wine drinker, but I actually enjoyed these pairings. The Reserve was arguably the favorite of the night at our table.

Our second course was a fabulous Kobe beef carpaccio (Kobe tenderloin with arugula and Parmesan), paired with my favorite wine, pinot noir. We tasted Artesa’s 2007 Carneros and 2007 Estate Reserve Pinot Noirs:

Kobe Beef Carpaccio

The carpaccio was super tender and I loved the contrast with the flavor and texture of the shaved Parmesan, and the fruity flavors of the pinot noir (again, the Reserve was my favorite) were the perfect complement.

For the main course, we had the option of filet mignon, New York strip, or grilled swordfish:

Filet Mignon

New York Strip

Grilled Swordfish

Sides

The steaks were paired with Artesa’s 2005 Cabernet Sauvignons, one from their Napa vineyard, and the other from their Alexander Valley vineyard. I had the strip steak as my entree, and it was delicious and cooked perfectly, but was absolutely enormous! I barely got through half of it. I wished I had ordered the filet, which was a little more size appropriate and looked especially tender. I would be remiss if I neglected to comment on the sides that were presented “family style” with our meal: in the photo above (clockwise from top), there are Sautéed Mushrooms, Sautéed Spinach, and Truffle Butter Mashed Potatoes. Those. Potatoes. I think I had seconds (and maybe even thirds) of those. So so fabulously flavored!!

Along with our impromptu dessert, we got to taste some special Cabernets, also from 2005 and from different vineyards: Lone Pine and Standing Bear. I will admit that by this time, I was at the point where I wasn’t being discerning in what I was drinking, but typically Cabernets are a little heavy for me and I found these (especially the Lone Pine) quite smooth. Dessert choices near me at the table included Warm Pecan Pie with Praline Sauce and French Vanilla Ice Cream and Cheesecake with Mixed Berry Compote:

Warm Pecan Pie

Cheesecake

I had the Pecan Pie and it was quite delicious. I sipped on the Cabernets throughout dessert, but I think the Reserve Chardonnay from earlier in the night would have been fantastic, especially with the cheesecake.

Overall, this was an excellent meal spent with excellent company. Bone’s is obviously a place where Atlanta’s wheelers-and-dealers go to make verbal agreements in smoky back rooms (totally taking some creative license there), but would also be a great “splurge” spot for an anniversary or other special occasion. I’ll also be keeping my eye out for Artesa wines on store shelves, especially that fantastic Chardonnay!

www.bonesrestaurant.com