Delas Hermitage Domaine des Tourette

Grower: Delas Fréres
Grape Variety: Syrah
Style: Complex and Toasty
Country: France
Appellation: Rhône
Vintage: 2015/16
Closure: CORK
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Bottle Size: 75cl

Fillet of Beef Prince Albert

Cooking Time: 01 hrs 30 mins (approx.)
Number of Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp sunflower oil
1 onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1kg/2lb 4oz beef fillet, trimmed
75g/3oz duck liver pâté (parfait)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp truffle oil (optional)
6-8 rindless streaky bacon rashers
3-4 fresh bay leaves
100ml/3½fl oz cognac
200ml/7fl oz Madeira
150ml/5fl oz fresh beef stock

To serve //

handful chopped fresh parsley
creamed potatoes
green beans

1. Heat two tablespoons of the oil in a frying pan.
2. Fry the onion, garlic, carrots and celery for 10-12 minutes, or until softened and golden-brown.
3. Spoon the cooked vegetables into a casserole dish.
4. Place the beef fillet onto a chopping board.
5. Cut a pocket in the side of the fillet, leaving a 2cm/1in gap at each end.
6. Cut the pâté into 1.5cm/½inwide strips, place them inside the pocket and drizzle with the truffle oil, if using.
7. Close the pocket to encase the filling.
8. Season the beef all over with sea salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
9. Wrap the beef in the bacon rashers and secure with kitchen string. 10. Place a bay leaf between the bacon and string every other rasher. Set aside.
11. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
12. Heat the frying pan and add the remaining oil and brown the beef fillet in the frying pan for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden-brown.
13. Place the beef fillet on top of the vegetables.
14. Remove all but two tablespoons of fat from the frying pan and stir in the flour.
15. Slowly add the cognac, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is boiling, add the Madeira, followed by the beef stock.
16. Bring the liquid to a simmer then pour immediately around the beef. 17. Cook the beef in the oven for 30-35 minutes for rare beef, or 40 minutes for medium-rare.
18. Carefully remove the beef onto a chopping board, cover with a piece of foil and two tea towels.
19. Return the casserole to the hob and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid thickens slightly.
20. Strain through a fine sieve into a warmed jug.
21. Carve the beef into thick pieces.
22. Pour some of the sauce into six deep plates.
23. Place the beef on top and garnish with fresh parsley and serve with creamed potatoes and green beans.