5 course wine dinner at The Standard at the Smith House- Sept. 18

The Standard Restaurant and Chef Joe Shaw in conjunction with Horizon Wines and Raymond Merlo of R. Merlo Estate Vineyards presents the first annual fall wine dinner at The Standard Restaurant on

September 18th at 6:30 pm. R. Merlo, a California winery lies in a remote river valley hidden amongst the inter-costal mountains of Northern California. Drastic temperature changes from between 90 degrees and 40 degrees nightly result in a rich and complex tannin structure that gives the wines strong backbone. It is against the backdrop of these full bodied and lush red wines that Chef Joe proposes his menu.

First Course

R. Merlo Estate Vineyards 2003 Pinot Noir

Sorghum glazed rabbit tenderloin with yellow corn grits and blackberry compote

Second Course

R. Merlo Estate Vineyards 2002 Merlot

Coffee and chocolate barbequed duck leg confit with Yukon gold and Vidalia

onion potatoes O'Brien

Third Course

R. Merlo Estate Vineyards 2004 Syrah

Syrah braised Destin grouper with Benton’s bacon and turnip greens

Intermezzo

R. Merlo Estate Vineyards 2001

Cabernet Sauvignon

Fourth Course

R. Merlo Estate Vineyards 2004 Zinfandel

Spice rubbed venison Denver leg with Jerusalem artichoke gratin, red wine

cassis demi glaze, and green beans

Fifth Course

A Variety of Ripe Cheeses

Talegio, Italy

Livarot, France

Roaring Forties, Australia

Presented Family style with local figs and Georgia pecans

There will be a one hour meet and greet hosted by Raymond Merlo in The Standard’s Ballroom with champagne and hors d’ oeuvres. The meet and greet will begin at 6:30 and dinner will be served in the main house to begin at 7:45. The price is $75.00 per person plus tax and tip. To make reservations please call

The Standard at 615.254.1277. Seating is limited.