Proprietor's Reserve: Hook and Ladder

Yeay! Half-priced seats at Proprietor's Reserve once again for answering: What is a Tillerman in the context meant by Hook & Ladder? I didn't know at the time what the answer was but did a quick search and gave two answers: 

1) Hook and ladder refers to firetruck because that is what they carry and the Tillerman is the person who controls the ladder. (Another meaning refers to the play that was never meant to work but did years ago in NFL)

2) It is the position that Cecil De Loach (the founder) held as a SF firefighter! 

Both were correct! I was thrilled and proceeded to invite my date for the night. Happy day!

We were a little late as everyone was already seated but they had just started. As usual, they began by introduction of the winery, the winemaker Joshua (Cecil's grandson) and the food etc. Hook and Ladder began in 1970 when San Francisco firefighter Cecil De Loach and his wife Christine bought acres of old-vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. They began producing under their family name in 1975.

Here is the list of wine and food pairing! 

starters

2010 Russian River Valley Early Harvest Gewurztraminer

Seared Scallop | Ginger Lime Beurre Blanc | Cilantro Garlic Gremolata

2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Green Apple | Prosciutto | Triple Cream Brie | Garlic Asiago Crostini | Pistachio Arugula Pesto

2008 Russian River Valley Zinfandel

Sweet Potato Hash | Linquica | Red Bell Pepper | Red Onion | Manchego

Happy taste buds

2008 Station Ten Zinfandel Blend

Steak Chimichurri | Herbed Baby Greens | Roasted Red Pepper | Roasted Corn | Radish | Iberico Cheese

2009 Tillerman Cabernet/Cabernet Franc Blend

Yucatán Style 18 Hour Pork Roast | Shallot Pumpkin Risotto | Shaved Parmesan

2009 Los Amigos Ranch Cabernet Franc (Winery Only!)

Surprise Port

Coffee Rubbed Tri-Tip | Crème Fraiche Mashed Potatoes | Shitake Cabernet Reduction

 
Complimentary Dessert

Mixture of chocolate for dessert with complimentary port!

It was quite the show by the time dessert was announced. Everyone was merry with extra pours and the Port that Josh brought. There were prizes for answering questions about the winery and I won a Hook and Ladder cap by putting my hand up lightning speed and answering what the Tillerman does (which I already knew from the email) and which way he turns! Great night with lovely company at Proprietor's as always.

Signed by Josh!

More about the wines later!