Tonight was a BerserkerDay ‘Cage Match’ between Flannery Zabuton (‘zabs’, as Katie calls them) short ribs versus Morgan Ranch Wagyu Chuck Boneless short ribs - winner take all - paired with 2011 Ridge Monte Bello.
I was trying to tie in as many recent threads as possible, like this thread on my Zabuton-as-short-rib question as well as this thread where discussions of the 2020 Ridge Monte Bello somehow sidetracked into the drinkability of 2011 Monte Bello
On to the contest…
I cut the Flannery Zabuton into slices for the braise, and had two pieces of Morgan Ranch in the braise alongside it, using this recipe as my basis, my tried-and-true red wine braised short ribs. I used a basic Cotes du Rhone, one that is basically undrinkable though not flawed, as my wine for the braise. Each taster was served a piece of each short rib on a bed of asparagus risotto.
Tasters: Me, Jen (wife), and Braydn (son)
Me: flavor edge goes to Morgan Ranch for sure, texture to Flannery - has a ‘melt in your mouth’ quality
Jen: Flannery, “hands down”
Braydn: “I can chew this with my tongue!” (referring to his choice, Flannery)
Monte Bello 2011 was a great pairing - decanted 5 hours, could have decanted 5 more, as by the end of the meal the wine was its best - if you drink this, it’s ready, but with a significant decant. Lighter vintage, yes, but it has the guts that makes Monte Bello famous - the bright fruit profile on the nose, great acidity, fantastic with short ribs, to be sure.
