I received the great opportunity to pair 2 of The Malibu Estate Rosenthal wines with new recipes of my creation to specifically match each of the wines. The recipes was included in the quarterly release for the 1200 wine club members of Rosenthal Estate wines.

The first wine is the first new single vineyard release from Rosenthal in over 10 years – The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ‘M’ Block. It is characterized by a deep purple-red color with aromas of cedar and toasty oak. Polished flavors of cassis and black fruit on the mid-palate hints of black raspberry, dark cherry, anise, and exotic spices on the long, full finish. I paired this great wine with a Beet Layered Beef Casserole with Haloumi Cheese, served with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Cumin Yogurt.

The second wine is a Surfrider wines Red dessert wine. The surfrider wines are an extension of the Rosenthal Estate wine and partner with the Surfrider Foundation which is a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect out oceans, waves and beaches. A donation is made from each purchased bottle of surfrider wines. The 2005 Red Dessert Wine is exotic and Full-bodied, with character of sugarplums, raspberry, chocolate, and Holiday Spices. I paired this decadent wine with an equally decadent deep Double Chocolate Cake with Pecans and Raspberry Port Wine Reduction.