"Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb" from Chef Colin Crowley at Rutherford Hill Winery (Rutherford, CA), combines an interesting mix of pine nuts and herbs to create an interesting and hearty dish.  When served with roasted new potatoes and paired with the 2003 Rutherford Hill Merlot you will have a scrumptious and satisfying meal.

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

by Chef Colin Crowley, Rutherford Hill Winery

Serves 6

• 3 lamb racks, frenched and trimmed of fat
• Herbed bread crumbs
• 2 cups of toasted bread crumbs
• 3/4 cup of toasted pine nuts
• 1/4 lb of butter
• 2 Tbsp of chopped parsley
• 1/2 Tbsp of chopped rosemary
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• 6 Tbsp of Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients together for the herbed bread crumbs.

Season lamb with salt and pepper.   In a sauté pan heat the olive oil over high heat until it starts to smoke.  Sear the racks of lamb in pan until brown on both sides.  Spread mustard on top and then sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top.  Cook in a preheated oven at 350 for 15 minutes for medium rare.  

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting.

Pair with 2003 Rutherford Hill Merlot

About 2003 Rutherford Hill Merlot

Dark and brooding, this balanced Merlot is soft and fleshy, yet voluptuous and substantial.  Clove and cola aromas intermingle with dark fruit in an enticing match that complements a hearty fare such as a braised rack of lamb.  On the palate, ripe berry flavors intermingle with dark chocolate and coffee, completing the experience with a lingering, silky finish.

About Rutherford Hill Winery

Nestled high in the eastern hills, Rutherford Hill Winery commands a spectacular view of Napa Valley's Rutherford Bench. From a handful of the most select Napa vineyards, Rutherford Hill continues its tradition of crafting legendary wines.
 

In 1976, while the world was just beginning to notice the Napa Valley, the founders of Rutherford Hill recognized a unique opportunity. They believed that the Valley's climate and soil, similar to Pomerol, were well suited to Merlot and were among the first to pioneer what has become one of Napa's premier varietals. A distinctive aspect of Rutherford Hill is the extensive hillside cave system. The mile-long caves contain over 8,000 French and American oak barrels in which all of the winery's harvests are matured. This unique, natural environment enhances the wine-aging process and produces wines of consistent, notable character.

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