I first heard about the last Saturday in February being Open That Bottle Night in 2009. Of course, I believe any night is the perfect time to open a special bottle–you have the right guests, great food, or a reason to celebrate–open a great bottle of wine–I’ve never had regrets.

This year I opened a 2007 Ravenswood Russian River, Belloni Vineyard Zinfandel that I picked up when I hosted a corporate group for a Ravenswood Blending Seminar.

I paired this vineyard-designate wine with an easy, yet luscious meal.

Brie & Strawberry Salad

• 1 1/2 cups pre-mixed greens salad (I like the herb mix & spinach is fine too)
• 1/3 cup sliced ripe strawberries
• 2 chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup chopped Brie
• 1/8 cup halved walnuts
• 3 – 4 tbsp Ken’s Raspberry Walnut Vinegar Dressing (or similar)

Combine greens, scallions & strawberries in bowl.  Mix well with dressing.  Add Brie & walnuts & toss lightly.  Serve on individual salad plates.

Lamb Shanks & Dark Cherry Sauce

• 4 large lamb shanks
• 1/2 cup Dark Pitted Cherries in juice (Whole Foods deli or jarred)
• 1 clove chopped garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/4 cup red wine (Merlot or Zin)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Grill the chops for about 4 minutes per side, wrap in foil and let sit.

In a sauce pan, combine all ingredients except butter.  Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.  Stir in butter.  Put chops in a hot skillet, pour sauce over them & stir it around for 3 minutes.  This creates a glaze/sauce.  Serve immediately.

Baby Asparagus

I found some lovely, thin asparagus so I just steamed a handful, sprinkled a bit of balsamic vinegar over them, and violá!