Spring Lamb with Georges de Latour Private Reserve

Wines are meant to be shared, and an excellent vintage deserves an equally exceptional dish. Here's a spring-inspired recipe for lamb served with mint pesto, a perfect pairing for the Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

BV Was There - 1956

From the March 27 issue of the Napa Valley Register: “Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet was the featured wine at the formal luncheon tendered President Giovanni Gronchi of Italy by the City of New York at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The wine thus honored was B. V. Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1947. It was chosen to be served with the entree, saddle of spring lamb.” Also at the luncheon were Clare Booth Luce and Henry Luce, Governor Averell Harriman, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Ingredients

• 1 leg or saddle of spring lamb, 4 pounds
• 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mint Pesto

• 2 cups of fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Mix all the ingredients for the mint pesto in a food processor and set it aside.
3. Place the lamb on a cutting board, fat side down.
4. Rub the lamb with the garlic slices, rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Spread a layer of the mint pesto over the inside of the saddle.
6. Roll the lamb and tie it with kitchen twine to secure the shape.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the lamb on all sides.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
9. Remove the lamb from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve with a glass of Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and enjoy!

Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has been widely recognized as the benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford since its inaugural vintage in 1936. Our understanding of terroir comes from more than 100 years of creating rich, classic Napa Valley wines.