You may remember a few weeks ago, I told you about a date night I had coming up that I was truly looking forward to...the Ruth's Chris Steak House 90+ Wine Dinner.  I have been having a rough few weeks as of late and my husband and I were definitely ready to take a break from it all and relax with a night out that promised both great food and great wine. 

On Thursday, August 23rd, most of the Ruth's Chris Steak Houses around the country paired with Wine Enthusiast Magazine to bring everyone a phenomenal night of 90+ rated wines.  Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am no wine enthusiast, but I always enjoy a tasty glass of vino.  Keep reading to learn more about our fun-filled night on the town!

If you're like me, then you might not know what a 90+ wine is.  I learned that basically it's a rating wine experts give a vintage and it's based on a 100 point scale.  If a wine receives 90-93 points, it is considered excellent and if it receives 94-97 points, it's considered a great achievement and ranks superb.

I was very excited because one of the five wines we were scheduled to taste at the wine dinner was actually rated superb.  Although I was sipping and enjoying the others throughout the night, I have to admit that I was eagerly awaiting the taste of the Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2007.

Menu for the Ruth's Chris Steak House 90+ Wine Dinner:

First Course

Ferrari NV Brut Metodo Classico – 90 Points

Warm Brie and Pecan Tartlet
Savory Apple-Mango Chutney, Guava Sauce

Second Course

Planeta Chardonnay 2009 – 91 Points

Summer Tomato, Cucumber, Feta Salad
Kalamata Olives, Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

Third Course

Santa Rita Triple C 2007 – 90 Points

Lobster & Chorizo Risotto
Cognac Spiked Creamy Lobster Sauce

Fourth Course

Col D’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2007 - 94 Points

Filet Mignon Oscar
Sauce Béarnaise, Ruth’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Dessert

S.A. Prum – Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2009 – 92 Points

Fresh Strawberry Shortcake and Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry

One thing I love about attending the special events hosted by Ruth's Chris is how we are always seated at large tables together when we dine.  Michael and I have had some of the most interesting and enjoyable conversations with the people we were seated with at these dinners, and we both definitely enjoyed our company at the 90+ Wine Dinner as well.  Seated with us were a retired pediatrician and a professor of accounting at the University of Houston.  We talked everything from football, to books, education and child rearing and had a fabulous time!

I also have to admit that the 94 point wine I was anticipating all night was most certainly worth the wait.  The Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2007 was hands-down, the best wine I have ever tasted.  As a matter of fact, everyone at our table even asked the staff at Ruth's Chris if we could have another glass of this tasty vintage.  I don't know how readily available this wine is, but my husband and I have decided to find out and purchase a bottle for ourselves.  If you're a big wine lover, then I highly recommend you do the same.  The Wine Enthusiast magazine was definitely spot-on in their rating of this vintage.

Here's an excerpt from their May 2012 review of this wine:  "An impressive wine from one of Montalcino's top estates.  The wine opens with ethereal balsam notes of eucalyptus, humus, dried fruit and dried mint.  Beyond those elegant tones are sturdier layers of cured meat and savory spice.  It shows bold concentration, thick power and firmness on the close, with a drying mineral finish."

The food at Ruth's Chris was delicious as always and they absolutely never disappoint with their amazing Filet Mignon and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.  Although some of the dishes served during the wine dinner weren't exactly my favorites, I couldn't get enough of the Warm Brie and Pecan Tartlet and the Feta Salad.

Once again, Ruth's Chris Steak House provided both my husband and I with a fabulous night we won't soon forget.  The 90+ Wine Dinner is one we will be talking about for quite a while to come.  If you'd like to enjoy an unforgettable night out too, then be sure to visit Ruth's Chris Steak House to learn more about the next event on their calendar as well as find a participating restaurant in your area.  I promise that you will be oh-so-glad you did!

Disclosure:  My husband and I attended the 90+ Wine Dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House free of charge in order to facilitate my review.  No other compensation was received.  This product review is based on my own personal experiences with this restaurant and is always completely honest and objective.