Ah, Springtime!
Weather is drying out, birds are chirping, early season vegetables are beginning to come in. The days are stretching out, and there are many occasions to test out classic food and wine pairings. One of my favorites is the Easter and Passover tradition of eating lamb. I’ve decided to look at three different lamb preparations and wines that would pair perfectly with each.


2006 Provenance Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
The first preparation is a braised lamb shank. There are lots of garlic and herbs, with the meat falling off the bone. To stand up to this hearty dish, I’ve picked the 2006 Provenance Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine displays lively red currant, black cherry and wild blackberry aromas layered with a classic mocha and toffee character. The wine’s plush tannins and long, graceful finish make this a classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, with the distinct cocoa powder nuances of “Rutherford Dust.” With each bite of lamb and each sip of wine, you’ll know this is a match made in heaven.



2005 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
The second preparation is an herb-crusted grilled rack of lamb. I like to pair this with a softer red, as it is probably the most delicately flavored lamb preparation. I have chosen the 2005 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot. Merlot is the benchmark varietal for Sterling. Sterling was one of the first Napa Valley wineries to produce varietally labeled Merlot. Bright ruby in color, this lovely wine offers aromas of ripe black cherries, raspberries and cedar. Luscious fruit flavors of blackberries and cherries accented by a touch of toasty oak lead to a long, silky finish.



2005 Chalone Vineyard Estate Syrah
The final preparation is the traditional roasted leg of lamb. The leg is the most flavorful cut of lamb, and requires a wine that can stand up to those flavors on its own. With that in mind, I’ve chosen what is probably the most traditional varietal when pairing lamb. I’ve selected the 2005 Chalone Vineyard Estate Syrah. The wine starts on the nose with dark, sun-ripened berries accentuated by a streak of minerality. Rich cocoa cradles thick, jammy dark fruit that spreads across the middle with a silky richness. The intrigue of this wine lies in its dark fruit and smooth, silky richness, a perfect match to the bold flavors of the heartiest lamb dish.