Big Guns: Icons of the Wine World

Whistler, B.C. (September 8th, 2011) – Celebrating its 30th anniversary, internationally acclaimed Araxi Restaurant will unveil its most ambitious Big Guns Winemakers’ Dinner yet: Icons of the Wine World.

On Friday, November 11th, during Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food, 10 stellar wineries will represent the world’s outstanding wine regions. Hand selected over the past year by wine director, Samantha Rahn, each of the wineries has received critical praise from around the globe.

Executive chef James Walt will create a distinctive eight course menu that showcases the excellence of Pemberton Valley’s autumn harvest, with each plate meticulously matched to these prized wines:

Taittinger ‘Comtes de Champagne’, Blanc de Blancs, 2000 (Champagne, France)
The flagship and most prestigious wine from Taittinger.

Joseph Drouhin Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru, 2002 (Chablis, France)
A classic wine from a powerful Grand Cru and an excellent vintage.

Grgich Hills Chardonnay, 2008 (Napa Valley, USA)
Celebrating 35 years since Mike Grgich’s chardonnay famously won ‘The Judgment of Paris’.

Michele Chiarlo ‘Cerequio’ Barolo, 2004 (Piemonte, Italy)
An outstanding producer; one of the top ‘cru’ vineyards in Barolo.

Remelluri Rioja Gran Reserva, 1999 (Rioja, Spain)
Made by one of Spain’s most highly regarded winemakers, Telmo Rodriguez, at this ancient estate with centuries of winemaking history.

Catena ‘Alta’ Malbec, 2006 (Mendoza, Argentina)
From Argentina’s ‘First Family of Wine’, this is blended from the most prime, high altitude vineyard blocks.

Mission Hill Oculus, 2007 (Okanagan Valley, Canada)
Representing proprietor Anthony Von Mandl’s vision for the Okanagan Valley and his family estate.

Inglenook ‘Rubicon’, 2008 (Napa Valley, USA)
This powerhouse wine celebrates the return of the name Inglenook to the Rubicon Estate. This evening will be the official release of the new vintage.

St. Urbans-Hof Riesling, Leiwener Laurentiuslay Spätlese, 2006 (Mosel, Germany)
Only 100 cases were made of this highly rated treasure from an all-star producer.

Quinta do Noval Port, 20 Year Old Tawny (Portugal)
Elegant, complex tawny from one of the leading historic and innovative Port houses.

Tickets are $250 per person and available for purchase online.