In 1992, we did not realize that our new friend, Paul Hobbs, would go on to become one of the most important winemakers in The New World; but he did. Our championing of Paul Hobbs wine was an early coup for us. He was the first in a long line of extraordinary winemakers we introduced to The Garden State. Stage Left's Paul Hobbs Dinner is the only dinner Paul does every year.
Paul Hobbs will return once again on January 28th. This marks a very special anniversary for us both. It's Paul's 25th anniversary year. While Paul has been doing wine dinners here for the 23 years Stage Left has been open, there were two years early on, when Paul did two dinners. That means this will be the 25th Stage Left Wine Dinner on Paul Hobbs' 25th anniversary. Where does the time go?
Paul has called this event the single greatest opportunity to taste the Paul Hobbs Wine every year, bar none, including at The Winery itself. We will have some things available nowhere else, including a near-priceless, one-of-a-kind bottling of Merlot that Paul bottled for us on the occasion of the birth Laura Catherine Pascal, Mark's eldest, in 1996.
Paul and Mark selected a single barrel of merlot that Paul kept separate. In 1998, Mark, his wife Jen and two-year-old Laura Catherine went out to California and helped Paul bottle it by hand. It was put mostly into magnums, with one 6 liter bottle and one impressive 9 liter bottle. Laura's in college now and the wine is ready. We're going to pop the 9 liter in the dinner.
This is a one-of-a-kind bottle from a one-barrel lot from one of the best winemakers in the new world. It is drinking at its zenith at 20 years old and we will drink it at the 25th anniversary wine dinner. I cannot imagine what we would sell it for. Instead, we're just going to drink it with you at this dinner. Laura will be in attendance.
Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner and Tasting
25th Anniversary Edition
Thursday, January 28th
Comprehensive Tasting of Hobbs Wines: 6 - 7:30 PM
(wines to be announced)
Dinner: 7:30 PM
Lobster Lasagna
Burnt Orange and Truffle Ricotta
*Chardonnay “Ross Station” 2013; Paul Hobbs; Russian River
*Chardonnay 2014; Bramare, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Duck and Foie Spring Roll
Black Truffle
*Pinot Noir “Hyde Vineyard” 2013; Paul Hobbs, Carneros
Lamb Loin
Minted with Pepino and Crispy Hen-of-the-Wood Mushrooms
*Cabernet Sauvignon 2012; Paul Hobbs; Napa
Standing Rib Roast
Marrow Bones, Roasted Garlic, Slow Roasted Winter Vegetables
*Malbec “Rebon Vineyard” 2012; Bramare; Valle de Uco, Mendoza
Curado de La Mancha Cheese
*Merlot 'Cuvee Laura Catherine' 1996; Paul Hobbs; Napa, California, USA
One-of-a-Kind Bottling
Stage Left Chocolate Bar
Caramel, Peanuts, Pretzel and Marshmallow
$295 per person
plus tax and service
Reservations at 732-828-4444 or [email protected]
This dinner will sell out. We already have 40 reservations before we even announced. Please book early if you would like to come.
Makes a great Christmas Present!