Embark on A Desert Journey for An Exclusive Wine Dinner Featuring Renowned Legacy Wineries

Courtesy of Morgan’s at The Desert

Arguably, we all enjoy a desert getaway. Under the radiant sun, savoring cocktails, taking comfort in a warm swimming pool. The clock ticks without the worry of our usual rush and the ambiance leaves you thirsting for delectable food and drink. Introducing Morgan’s in The Desert at La Quinta Resort & Club, primed to debut Morgan’s Wine Series for a monthly dinner with wine pairings.

On March 6th, Morgan’s in The Desert is set to host the Grgich Hills Estate, renowned for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The founder of the Estate, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich passed away recently at the age of 100; and this event serves as an ideal occasion to give tribute to Mike’s significant contribution to the wine industry, whilst experiencing dinner and drinks amidst tranquil desert surroundings.

Courtesy Grgich Hills Cellars

1st COURSE
Smoked Hawaiin Tuna with Saffron Lavash, Pumpkin Aioli, Tobiko Caviar
Grgich Hills Estate Rose 2022

2nd COURSE
Seared Stone Sea Bass, Crisp Potato, Béarnaise Foam
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2021

3rd COURSE
Snake River Short Rib, Pumpkin Risotto, Crisp Parsnip, Caramelized Balsamic Onion
Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet 2019
Grgich Hills Yountville Old Vine Cabernet 100 Birthday Commemorative Wine

4th COURSE
Brie Couronne with Prosciutto, Puff Pastry & Candied Bosc Pear
Grgich Hill Estate Late Harvest Violetta 2018

Four Course Experience | $150 Per Person*

*Prices do not include tax or gratuity

To make a reservation, please contact Morgan’s in The Desert at 760.564.7600 or via their website.

Courtesy of Morgan’s at The Desert

MK: Why is it important to include these dishes at the Grgich Hills Estate dinner, and how do they compliment the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon the brand is known for?

AC: The 2021 Miljenkos Selection Chardonnay is bright and brilliant with aromas of fresh lemon, lime, cucumber and honeycomb, followed by a hint of vanilla and cracked pepper. We paired this wine with our Seared Sea Bass because of the rich natural flavor of the fish, which will only be enhanced by the citrus notes of the Chardonnay.

For the third course, we decided on two Cabernet Sauvignon options, the Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet 2019 and the Grgich Hills Yountville Old Vine Cabernet 100 Birthday Commemorative Wine. The latter was made in honor of Mike Grgich’s 100th birthday celebration that I got to be a part of, so I felt it important to include this wine in the dinner. This rich yet elegantly balanced wine is a wonderful tribute to his legacy. This wine starts with complex aromas of brambly blackberry, rosehip, red current, and blood orange followed by flavors of sweet cherry, blueberry, and rosemary. This wine was grown on one of the oldest cabernet sauvignon vineyards in Napa Valley, which also makes it very special.

When thinking about all of the wonderful dinners we shared with Mike it was a challenge to decide what cuisine to pair with his incredible wine portfolio. The longer you cook a dish, the flavors become richer and develop even more personality and more maturity. As a tribute to Mike’s long, fruitful life we selected the Snake River short rib dish which is slow braised with herbs for 6 hours.

MK: Why did you feel it was important to include these dishes?

AC: When you have a connection with the person who created the wines, creating the cuisine to pair with it becomes even more transcendent. Every relationship develops with time, being able to build upon it year over year only ignites the creativity which gets expressed on our plates. We continue to develop relationships one plate at a time…

Stay tuned for upcoming Morgan’s Wine Series events:

April 10th: Rodney Strong Vineyards

May 8th: Taste of France Dinner

Visitto learn more and to make reservations to attend the wine series dinners.

---

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!