The Carlton Restaurant

The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Parade is this Saturday, and though this is typically a beer drinking holiday, there are some great wines out there perfectly suited for a great St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Here’s a good list for you to start off with from VinVillage.

Try wineries that began with Irish vintners like Murphy-Goode, which was founded by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode and Dave Ready, DuMOL Winery, owned by Kerry Murphy, or Owen Roe Winery in Oregon, named after the seventeenth century Irish Patriot of the same name and owned by Jerry Owen and Irish-born winemaker David O’Reilly. Or perhaps you would like to try the wine from Limerick Lane Cellars, who has also sold fruit to another winery of Irish heritage, Gary Farrell.

We will turn our attention to Italy when Roland Marandino, the Wine Ambassador for Cecchi Winery and Sartori Winery visits The Carlton Restaurant to present a “Best of Italy” Wine Dinner.  It is always fun to pair wines with Italian offerings because Italian wines are built for the table – complementing the cuisine.

We have three wines rated over ‘90″ points including a blockbuster Amarone/Chianti comparison course.  This is an evening that will please the palate and Roland is sure to entertain and educate you about the world of Italian Wine!

“BEST OF ITALY” WINE DINNER

With Roland Marandino, Wine Ambassador for Cecchi & Sartori
Culinary selections by Executive Chef Mark Swomley
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 6:30 PM
$99 per person excluding gratuity

SARTORI FERDI BIANCO VERONESE’07

KIWI GLAZED STUFFED SHRIMP
With Mascarpone-Ricotta Figs, Micro Green Salad,
Champagne Vinaigrette and Macadamia  

CECCHI MORELLINO di SCANSANO RISERVA’05

GRILLED WILD MUSHROOMS
Served over Root Vegetable Strudel with crisp Pancetta,
Sherry Butter and Parmesan Arregiano

SARTORI REGOLO ROSSA VERONESE’05

VEAL RAGOUT
Slowly braised Veal, Plum Tomatoes, Spring Vegetables & Chorizo over Caccereccia Pasta with Fontinella and Dijon Cream.   

SARTORI AMARONE CORTE BRA’03
CECCHI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA di FAMILGIA’06

TENDERLOIN BRUSCHETTA
Peppercorn crusted Tenderloin served over grilled Crostini with Arugula, Balsamic, Roma Tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella

SARTORI RECIOTO di SOAVE VERONESE

PANNA COTTA
With Balsamic Strawberries & sugared Tuille

Enjoy extensive sample offerings from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington state’s Founding Winery and a key player in obtaining federal recognition of the Columbia Valley as a unique wine growing region or American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Market Watch named Chateau Ste. Michelle the Wine Brand of the Year in 2008 and Wine Enthusiast named it the “American Winery of the Year” in 2004.  Once again, all of the wines have been rated above “90″ points and we reaching into the cellar to taste the 1997 “Reserve” Chardonnay and the 1995 “Artist Series” Meritage – a “91″ point blockbuster that cost over $60 in Pennsylvania when I purchased it many years ago!

“CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE” WINE DINNER

With Chateau Ste. Michelle’s John Sarich
Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
Wednesday, April 7, 2009 – 6:30 PM
$109 per person – excluding Gratuity

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “HORSE HEAVEN” SAUVIGNON BLANC’08

TUNA THREE WAYS
Tartare, Tuna Napa Spring Roll & chilled Wasabi-Pea crusted and served with Mango Scallion Relish, Yuzu Glaze, Pickled Ginger & Soy Crème

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE-DR. LOOSEN RIESLING “ERIOICA”‘05

CRAB & ARUGULA SALAD
Jumbo Lump Crab, Baby Arugula, toasted Almonds and Cranberries served in a crisp Parmesan Basket with Citrus Vinaigrette and reduced Balsamic 

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “CANOE RIDGE” CHARDONNAY’06
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “CANOE RIDGE” CHARDONNAY’07
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE COLUMBIA “RESERVE” CHARDONNAY’97

LOBSTER WELLINGTON
Tender Lobster roasted in Pastry with fresh herbs and Boursin Cheese.  Served with Spring Vegetables and served with Tomato Basil Beurre Blanc 

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “CANOE RIDGE ESTATE”‘CABERNET’06
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “ARTIST SERIES” MERITAGE’95

FILET MIGNON
Herb seared and served with Roast Pepper-Prosciutto Bread Pudding,
Roast Squash, Red Dragon Cheese and Garlic Butter

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE “LATE HARVEST” CHENIN BLANC’06

GRILLED PEACH SHORTCAKE
With Chocolate Mousse, Mandarin Orange Syrup and Caramel

In honor of National Women’s History Month, I would like to toast to the many women who have created a positive impact on the wine industry over the years.  Here’s a great read from Calwineries discussing some of the most influential women in the industry.

Mostly male dominated, the U.S wine industry had very few women worked in the cellars. Now, more and more women are not only in the industry but are rising to the top of it and are apart of all aspects of it – winery owners, educators, winemakers, etc. These women have made a lasting mark on the history of wine, and have shaped its future.  Click here to read more!

Stop by the Andy Warhol Museum tonight for a fun event called Good Friday Wine Appreciation starting at 5:30 p.m.  Socialize in the company of Andy Warhol’s famous celebrity portraits and sample four unique wines along with cheeses, fruits and other ideal wine accompaniments. Tickets are only $20.  Make sure to continue on with your wine appreciation by stopping by the Carlton after for a late evening dinner paired with the best wine selection in the city!

In honor of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver happening right now,  order yourself a bottle of Wayne Gretzky’s “No. 99″ Wine!

That’s right – The Great One has his own winery in eastern Canada’s Niagara Peninsula.  All of the No. 99 products are 100% Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), meaning that they’re made from 100% Canadian-grown grapes.

A portion of wine sales also goes to support Gretzky’s hockey foundation for children.

Don’t forget to join us tonight, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. for our very special Brancott Wine Dinner!

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and The Carlton are happy to announce a Wine Dinner featuring New Zealand’s Brancott Winery on Friday, Feb. 19. Brancott Winery is one of New Zealand’s’ oldest and literally put New Zealand on the world wine Map.  They’re a sustainable winery that has vineyards in Marlborough, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and Otago. We will feature eight wines – three rated over 90 points – served around Chef Mark’s creations.  This dinner celebrates the moving exhibit on “Whales” that will be at the Carnegie Museum until May. Everyone attending will receive two free tickets ($30 value) to see this outstanding exhibit!  Click here for the full dinner menu. Seafood substitutions are available for meat courses for those observing Lenten traditions.  All of our Wine Dinners are available at a reduced price without wine selections.

Please join us on Friday, March 12 for our “Best of California” Wine Dinner showing the wines from the outstanding portfolio of Vintage Imports.  We will be sampling wines from Monterey, the Central Coast, Russian River Valley, Napa Valley and Paso Robles with three courses of wine comparisons.  Most of our offerings this evening are expensive and highly rated.   Talbott’s Kali Hart Chardonnay is a rated 90 points and has become the favorite wine by the glass sold at The Carlton.  Hansel’s Cahill Lane is a small production Pinot Noir that sells for $47 in Pennsylvania and has been rated “93″ by Stephen Tanzer.  The Cabernet course with Frank Family Vineyards ($49 in PA.) and the “91″ rated Cade Cuvee Napa ($68 in PA) should be a blockbuster comparison.  Lee Kuehn will be Vintage’s expert host for this great evening!



Please join us on Friday, March 12 for our “Best of California” Wine Dinner showing the wines from the outstanding portfolio of Vintage Imports.  We will be sampling wines from Monterey, the Central Coast, Russian River Valley, Napa Valley and Paso Robles with three courses of wine comparisons.  Most of our offerings this evening are expensive and highly rated.   Talbott’s Kali Hart Chardonnay is a rated 90 points and has become the favorite wine by the glass sold at The Carlton.  Hansel’s Cahill Lane is a small production Pinot Noir that sells for $47 in Pennsylvania and has been rated “93″ by Stephen Tanzer.  The Cabernet course with Frank Family Vineyards ($49 in PA.) and the “91″ rated Cade Cuvee Napa ($68 in PA) should be a blockbuster comparison.  Lee Kuehn will be Vintage’s expert host for this great evening! Please call us to make your reservations.

“VINTAGE IMPORTS”
“BEST OF CALIFORNIA” WINE DINNER
With Vintage Import’s Lee Kuehn
Culinary offerings by Mark Swomley
Friday, March 12, 2009 – 6:30 PM
$109 per person – excluding Taxes & Gratuity

BOGLE CALIFORNIASAUVIGNON BLANC’08

LOBSTER & CLAM CHOWDER
With Smoked Salmon Pancetta Croquette, Red Pepper Coulis and Manchego Cheese

SAMANTHA STARR MONTEREY”RESERVE” CHARDONNAY’07
TALBOTT MONTEREY”KALI HART” CHARDONNAY’08

SEA BASS
Broiled and served with grilled Vegetable Relish,
Sweet Pea-Ricotta Puree & Smoked Tomato Cream

CALERA CENTRAL COASTPINOT NOIR’07
HANSEL RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY”CAHILL LANE” PINOT NOIR’07

ROAST VENISON
Honey & Oat Crusted and served with Cider braised Cabbage,
grilled Corn Pudding, Pinot Noir Reduction and toasted Walnuts

FRANK FAMILY NAPACABERNET SAUVIGNON’06
CADE NAPA CABERNET SAUVIGNON “CUVEE NAPA”‘06

FILET MIGNON
Caramelized Onion Brioche crusted Filet  with Dijon Crushed Potatoes,
Broccoli with Parmesan Cream and Mushroom Demi Glaze.

EOS ESTATE PASO ROBLES “TEARS OF DEW” MOSCATO’08

LEMON CHIFFON CAKE
With Caramel Apple and Crème Englaise
With sweet Mascarpone and Caramel Glaze

Amy’s Army ~ The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ~ The Carlton
Team up for a  5th Wine Dinner – February 26th 2010

The award winning Carlton Restaurant and the culinary  inspirations of Executive Chef Mark Swomley is matched up with 9 very rare and  fine wines in a 3 course feast. Seating is limited to 18 guests, so reserve  your seat early because they will go fast. Net proceeds to be donated to the  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Amy’s Army is proud to be  a Co-sponsor and assist in the quest for a cure and to raise awareness for the  National Marrow Donor Program in the ongoing search for a match.   Cost is $350 per person.

Chateau  Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 – WS 94 Release Price  $105
Densely layered, showing peach cobbler,  graham, heather, chamomile, almond and brioche flavors thatglide along the creamy-textured palate, with a long, smoke-tinged finish. Best from 2010  through 2021. –JM

Louis Latour  Corton Charlemagne 2006 – WE 95 Release Price $89
Power, density, huge richness – all the attributes you would  expect from a Corton-Charlemagne. With this being 2006, the ripe tropical  fruits are crispened with acidity which cuts through the impressive opulence  and ripeness.

Kistler “Hyde  Vineyard” Chardonnay 2006 – WA 93-95 Release Price  $70
“Lemon grass, orange blossom,  marmalade, and nectarine characteristics along with notes of buttered citrus,  peach, and wet stones are found in the 2006 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard. A  full-bodied, beautifully textured style suggest this beauty will drink nicely  for 5-7 years.” RP

LOBSTER  TRIO
Butter roasted  Petite Tail with Crab Whipped Potatoes
Lobster &  Caramelized Leek Ravioli with Smoked Tomato Cream
Chilled Lobster  Salad over Napa Slaw with Champagne Vinaigrete

Course  2
Joseph Phelps  Insignia 2002 – WS 96 #1 wine of the year 2005 Release Price  $150
A rich, polished, seductive style with  layers of complexity built around a dense, concentrated mix of currant,  blackberry, plum and exotic mocha- and cedar-scented oak. This mouthcoating  young wine is powerful yet elegant and deftly balanced, finishing with a long,  succulent aftertaste. Best from 2008 through 2014. –JL

M Chapouiter  Ermitage Le Pavillon 1999– WS 92 Release Price $330
A balanced gem. Aromatically reserved and full-bodied, it  unfolds mineral, wet earth and black fruit. Plenty of refined, ripe,  well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Firm finish has a long aftertaste.  Best from 2003 through 2010. –PM

Chateau Lynch  Bages 2000 – WS 96 Release price $125
This  is a superstructured wine with loads of plum, blackberry and licorice.  Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Gorgeous. Tight. Needs  time.–Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical. Best after 2010. –JS

Chateau la  Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape 1998 – WS 90 Release price $35

Juicy and  forward, this is in prime drinking condition, offering dark, alluring plum,  fig, spice and licorice flavors, with a fleshy, structured finish. Drink now  through 2012.. –JM

Banfi Poggio  all’ Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1993 – WS 93 Release Price  $125
This red from Italy is big, chewy and  delicious. Opens with beautiful, multidimensional aromas of ripe berries,  mushrooms and chestnuts, while on the palate, it’s full-bodied and very  velvety, with a long, long, fruity finish. Best after 2002.  –JS

NY STRIP STEAK
Cracked Pepper and Mustard Seed grilled and served  with Roast Pepper & Chorizo Bread Pudding,
Balsamic Glzed Asparagus, Cabernet Demi Glaze and  Maytag Blue Cheese

Course 3

Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2001 – WS 100 #1 wine of  the year 2004 Release Price $80
Like lemon  curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet,  with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and  refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely  mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best  after 2010. –JS

WHITE  CHOCOLATE BABANA CRÈME BRULEE
With  Chocolate Glaze Macadamia and Cherry Mint Relish