Alt-Cali (Vol.1) – “Another Rare Creature, Matt Rorick from Forlorn Hope”
In their own words: “At Forlorn Hope Wines, we love the longshots. We love the outsiders, the lost causes, the people/projects/ideas abandoned as not having a chance in the world.”
We’re not gonna lie, we’re huge fans of Forlorn Hope and specifically their founder-winemaker, Matt Rorick, who might just be the coolest guy in the business.
Former professional skateboarder, submarine telescope repairman, guitar-tech, and University of Chicago-trained wine anthropologist, Matt Rorick caught our eye five years ago with an old-vine St. Laurent sourced from an experimental vineyard in Carneros, and again with a unicorn bottling of méthode champenoise picpoul we found in a coffee shop in St. Petersburg and subsequently suitcased back to Madison.
Since then, he has purchased a 250 acre estate on a limestone outcrop in the Calaveras County sub-AVA of Sierra Foothills and planted 75 acres of grapes seldom seen in the rest of California. While you may have seen his Queen of the Sierra-series on glass pour lists in select venues across Madison, it’s his Rare Creature and RHV-series that’s really astounding.
These limited-run wines, often running into the dozens of cases, make it to Wisconsin in tiny quantities and consequently we’ve had to stock up on releases over the last couple of years.
We’ll be serving SEVEN of these Rare Creatures for our upcoming dinner with Matt Rorick and Forlorn Hope, paired with hors d’oeuvres and five courses to match.
Another Rare Creature
Tuesday, June 11th, 2024
Welcome
Forlorn Hope, “Here Today”, Sparkling Grenache Gris, RHV Vineyard (2018)
Raw Bar of Oysters with Peach Mignonette
First Course
Forlorn Hope, “Baron von Verm”, Vermentino, RHV Vineyard (2019)
Fritto Misto of fried squid, shrimp, smelt, fennel, broccoli, and zucchini with Lemon, Lime, Honeydew Coleslaw, and Calabrian Chili Aioli
Second Course
Double Feature:
Forlorn Hope, Chenin Blanc, RHV (2019) vs.
Forlorn Hope, “Jarre”, Chenin Blanc, RHV (2019)
Kimchijeon, a fresh kimchi pancake with ginger-sesame rice vinegar sauce, served with Pickled Banchan
Third Course
Forlorn Hope, “O.D.B.”, Trousseau Noir, RHV Vineyard (2020)
Cured and Smoked Duck with Blueberry Mostarda, Blue Mont Bandaged Cheddar, and Madison Sourdough Boule
Fourth Course
Forlorn Hope, “San Hercumer della Frecce”, Barbera, RHV Vineyard (2019)
Beef Heart Bolognese with Pappardelle Noodle, Truffled Fresh Ricotta, Fines Herbes
Fifth Course
Forlorn Hope, Sparkling Rosé of Mondeuse, RHV Vineyard (2019)
Strawberry-White Chocolate Cheesecake with Honey Tuille
— Post-Dinner guests are welcome to stay for complimentary coffee, or PBR and amaro…. —