Cold Nights, Hot Meals & Whitehall Lane Wine
November 20, 2009
‘Tis the season for turkey and ham but I’m in the mood for steak. I know what you’re thinking what about the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie? Well believe me there is always pumpkin pie, but I want to do things a little different for Turkey Day this year. Lucky for me we have a few cases of one of my favorite Whitehall Lane library Cabernet’s left, the 2002 Reserve Cabernet. A Decanter Magazine North American Bordeaux Varietal Trophy Winner!
This wine beat out every other California Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage wine and Cabernet based proprietary blend to take this award. Check out this great picture I found in the archives. Tom Leonardini Sr. holding the crystal decanter trophy, pictured with noted author and consultant editor Steven Spurrier. Steven Spurrier was the mastermind behind the 1976 blind tasting of French and California wines.
Try our trophy winner with this Smoky Aztec Coffee Steak and turn a cold night into a sizzling one!
Smoky Aztec Coffee Steak
Dry Rub for Steaks:
- 4 clove garlic
- 1 1/2 tbsps cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsps brown sugar
- 2 tsps black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp ancho chile (pasilla) powder
- 1 1/2 tbsps espresso beans- finely ground
- 4 rib eye steaks
Directions:
- First things first, pour one or two glasses of 2002 Reserve to help get your creative chef juices flowing.
- Mince the garlic and place half in a small bowl. Add the cocoa powder, sea salt, sugar, spices, and coffee. Using a fork, mash to incorporate the minced garlic well with spices.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the steak and let stand at room temperature. Preheat grill.
- Grill steaks as desired. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Pour another glass or two of 2002 Reserve… Bon Appetit!
