On Saturday, July 28th, Lynn and I went to the La Porte Brune Underground Dinner #18 which was held at the home of Dick and Luanne Boushey in Grandview and featured the wines of Jon Martinez's Maison Bleue Winery. The setting next to the Boushey's County Line Road Vineyard was spectacular, with a view of the Yakima Valley and the Horse Heaven Hills in the distance. Andre Bopp (Andrae's Kitchen) prepared a superb dinner and the food and wine pairings were spot on. Here is the menu and my comments.

 

Roast Cauliflower, Pickled Local Green Tomato, Fresh Mint, Toasted Pine Nut

2010 Maison Bleue Notre Vie Viognier, Arthur's Vineyard, Yakima Valley

This highly aromatic (pear, peach, lilac, honeysuckle), lush, yet dry wine complemented the acidty of the green tomato.

 

Seared Diver Scallop, White Gazpacho, Toasted Almond, Grape, Lardo

2010 Maison Bleue Petite Joie Marsanne, Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley

This highly extracted, viscous white paired well, making a fine counterpoint to the sweet-dry gazpacho, grapes and toasted almond.

 

Roast Local Pork, Farro, Roasted Local Peach, Pickled Green Tomato

2011 Maison Bleue La Famille Rosé of Mourvedre, Yakima Valley

The slow braised nutty pork, sweet peach, and the recurring green tomato were nicely counterpointed by the full, dry raspberry and cherry flavors of the Rosé.

 

Braised Lamb Shank, Grape Gremolata, Curry Aioli, Pita

2010 Maison Bleue, Le Midi Grenache, Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley

The thick, meaty lamb shank was braised to perfection. The lovely aromas (raspberry, cassis, lavender, violets) and mouth filling flavors paired beautifully with the grapes and spices.

 

Dark Chocolate Brownie, Bacon Cream, Salted Caramel Sauce

2009 Maison Bleue Liberté Syrah, Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley

This powerful Syrah (blackberry, blueberry, cassis) complemented the fat, chocolate and caramel of this dessert.

 

For pictures of the dinner, go to the Review of Washington Wines Facebook page.

 

The new releases from Maison Bleue will be reviewed in the September issue of the Review of Washington Wines. For information about La Porte Brune, go to www.laportebrune.com.