Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Releases Limited-Edition Forty-Six Diamonds 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon November 1

The hottest item at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar this week may be the restaurant’s newest boutique private-label wine, Forty-Six Diamonds 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available at Fleming’s restaurants nationwide beginning November 1. We say that because each year Fleming’s limited-edition boutique wine sells out quickly, and those in the know watch the calendar for its release. This year’s Forty-Six Diamonds 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration between Fleming’s Director of Wine Maeve Pesquera and Hall Winery President Mike Reynolds, Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque and Assistant Winemaker Megan Gunderson. Hall Winery’s perfection is a Bordeaux-style blend of 75 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 1 percent Petit Verdot sourced from the Hardester Ranch Vineyard in Napa’s Pope Valley, a few miles northeast of Hall’s state-of-the-art winemaking facility in Rutherford. The balance contains 12 percent each of Merlot and Syrah from Hall’s Napa River Ranch Vineyard that straddles the famous Oak Knoll and Yountville AVAs. Leveque tells us, “The velvety Cab blend has rich and opulent aromas of black cherry, spice and toasty oak. The full red fruit palate is vivid and focused and gives way to supple tannins and a long, balanced finish.” Blending a food-friendly, harmonious wine with distinctive origins is a goal for the annual program, which began with the 2004 vintage. Let the kids have October 31 and all its treats – you’re treating yourself to Forty-Six Diamonds 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at Fleming’s come November 1.

Fleming's Primes Fans With New Icon Wine

Maeve Pesquera, national wine director for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, is perpetually on the prowl for what she deems her "Icon Wine 'Holy Grail.'" On a recent trip to Napa, she uncovered Fleming's newest Icon Wine, the Swanson Family Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, powerful and resplendent with tastes of cassis, dark cherries and tobacco leaf. Swanson Vineyards operates under the helm of elite winemaker Chris Phelps. Come savor his handiwork at Fleming's Perimeter location and enjoy a bottle of this complex Cabernet at a special price of $95 per bottle, excluding tax and gratuity. Offer extends through March 31 or until supplies run dry.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: 4501 Olde Perimeter Way; (770) 698-8112

Calling all Cabernet Lovers! Get Your Caboose to Toulouse

For Toulouse’s September wine tasting, the Buckhead restaurant is taking guests on a tour through 15 different Cabernets this Sunday. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on September 12, vino lovers will be able to taste these wines and enjoy light appetizers for only $30 per person. To save your seat, call 404-351-9533.

Toulouse is located at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B.

Wine Down Wednesdays: a New Monthly Event at Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead

Last night, Meryl and I went to Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead for the restaurant's first Wine Down Wednesday event. The first Wednesday of each month, Morton’s in Buckhead becomes the place to mark the midweek with themed wine tastings. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., $12 (inclusive of tax and gratuity) buys guests a generous sampling of three to four wines plus complimentary appetizers. This month's tasting focused on "Pioneers of California" – Beringer Stanley Ranch Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Terra D’Oro Deaver Ranch Zinfandel. I favored the Mondavi Cabernet, while Meryl enjoyed the Beringer Chardonnay the best. Tanya Lawson, a representative from United Distributors, was on hand to educate us about the wines , and the lovely Maureen, our favorite bartender, brought around hors d'oeuvres such as steak sandwiches and scallops for guests to enjoy with their wine.

These tastings are the perfect opportunity to come get a feel for the upscale restaurant’s top-notch food, wine and exceptional service. Next month's tasting features an evening of "Pinot Envy" on July 2.

Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.