The Vancouver Branch of the IW&FS presented a belated West Coast celebration of Bishop’s 20th anniversary in February. We enjoyed an excellent nine-course tasting menu prepared by Chef Dennis Green and carefully paired with a selection of fine American wines from California, Oregon, Idaho and Washington, presented by member and Vancouver American Wine Society President, Douglas Russell. John Bishop was the perfect host as always!
Following a reception with hors d’oeuvres and a 2001 Ironstone Vineyards Viognier from California, we sat down to a delicate Oyster Rockefeller with 2001 Robert Mondavi Reserve Fumé Blanc from the To Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley and Crabcake paired with 2002 Matanzas Creek Chardonnay, Sonoma County. Goat Cheese matched well with a 2001 Domaine Couteau Pinot Noir from Yamhill County, Oregon as did the Duck Confit roll with 1999 Snoqualmie Vineyards Merlot from the Columbia Valley.
Our first meat course was a Lamb Gayette with black-eyed peas and a 2001 Gnarly Head Cellars Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi, followed by a tender Bison Loin with a sweet potato purée accompanied by a robust 2001 Sawtooth Winery Syrah from Idaho. With the cheese course, we enjoyed a pair of cabernet sauvignons – a 1996 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Northern Sonoma County and a 1997 E & J Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon, Frei Ranch from Sonoma County, and finished with a delicious apple tart and a 2001 Quady Orange Muscat Essencia from California.
A truly splendid evening at one of Vancouver’s finest restaurants! Thank you Chef Dennis Green, John Bishop and Douglas Russell!