Stolpman Wine Dinner at Delius

Friday, April 25, 2008

One of my favorite wineries was featured tonight with dinner at my favorite restaurant. Can't get any better than that.

This was like a family gathering. I knew 80% of the people attending and I also know the Stolpman family. A good time was had by all.

First course was an Ahi Poke - excellent, served with L'Avion. A white blend of marsanne, rousanne and a touch of viognier.

Soup course was a mushroom walnut served with a 1999 Sangiovese. The wine was light in style and paired well with the soup.

First course was Crispy Duck Breast with Pear and Green Peppercorn Sauce. The wine with this dish was a 2005 Sangiovese. Big, fruity. My style of wine. I have drank my last bottle so I may just have to get some more.

Main course was Olive Oil Poached Rack of Lamb with Cucumber Raita, Mint Gremolate and Heirloom Tabbouleh. They poured their Estate Syrah. Again an excellent pairing.

Dessert was Chocolate Fallen Souffle Cake with White Chocolate sauce, there was an orchid on the plate and several of us dipped the flower in the white chocolate and ate it. This was paired with the Hilltops Syrah.

All the food and wines were excellent. I could have been happier. Peter Stolpman was there pouring his family wines. Marilyn was attending along with Peter's lady, Jessica. The only downside of the event was that Tom Stolpman could not attend. He was trying case in Santa Maria and the jury did not come back with the verdict until very late afternoon. At least he won the case.

This was Steve's introduction into wine dinners. The night before at the Starling Diner was his first. It was good that we started out with a lower priced dinner and wine combination. This way he knows that there are different levels and it usually is tied into the price charged.