The Wine: 2021 WALT Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir
Light ruby in color and bursting with elegance, the 2021 WALT Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir is a masterclass in balance and complexity. It opens with a bouquet of cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry, enriched with delicate notes of rose petal and Jordan almond. Its silky body reveals layers of bright berries and a refreshing minerality, while a taut structure punctuates the finish, leaving a lingering impression. This wine is a celebration in itself—graceful yet inviting, much like the Lunar New Year festivities.
The Dish: Michele's Noodle Stir-Fry
This recipe combines tender chicken breast and filet mignon with a medley of crisp vegetables, hearty noodles, and a blend of soy, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice. The layers of flavor in this dish are bold and savory, with hints of garlic and sesame oil adding richness and depth. A touch of umami ties it all together, making it the ideal companion for the nuanced fruit and minerality of our Pinot Noir.
Why the Pairing Works
The 2021 WALT Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and delicate fruit profile complement the savory richness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce in the dish. The wine’s floral and almond notes echo the aromatic sesame oil and Chinese five-spice, creating a harmonious interplay of flavors. Meanwhile, the silky tannins and refreshing finish cleanse the palate, making each bite as exciting as the first.
Recipe: Bring This Celebration to Your Table
Ingredients:
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1 chicken breast
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1 4 oz filet mignon
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4 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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3 teaspoons sesame oil
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2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice
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2 tablespoons minced garlic
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4 tablespoons salt
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4 tablespoons black pepper
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4–6 ounces uncooked ramen or chow mein noodles
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3 green onions, chopped (separate green and white parts)
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3–4 cups julienne or chopped vegetables (carrots, mushrooms, bok choy, snap peas, bean sprouts)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Noodles: Cook according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
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Marinate and Cook the Chicken: Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes. Sear for 4 minutes on each side and let rest.
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Cook the Filet Mignon: Season with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 3 minutes in a skillet and let rest.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a wok. Add white parts of green onions and vegetables (except bean sprouts). Season with five-spice, garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
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Combine: Slice the chicken and steak into bite-sized pieces. Add to the wok with the cooked noodles and stir to combine. Add soy sauce and bean sprouts, tossing until evenly coated. Serve topped with green onion tops.
A touch of umami ties it all together, making it the ideal companion for the nuanced fruit and minerality of our Pinot Noir.
Celebrate with Elegance
Whether you’re gathering with family or hosting friends for Lunar New Year, this pairing of the 2021 WALT Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir with this delectable noodle stir-fry is sure to impress. Together, they honor the holiday’s spirit of balance, prosperity, and joy. Here’s to a year filled with harmony, happiness, and extraordinary flavors!