Hill Family Estate Wine Dinner

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.

Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.

The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.

First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.

Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.

Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.

Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.