Monday, August 29, 2016
Another day of Dim Sum at the Seafood Palace.
We expected Terry to join us today but he called CJ at the last minute and said he could not make it. A big disappointment. His health is not the best right now.
I had opened a 2001 Angeli as I really wanted to be able to share this wine with Terry. But not to be.
The food dishes we had were basically the same as last months dinner. Nothing new today. But we had a good time talking and laughing and before we knew it is was 3:00. A good gathering with friends.
I brought the 2001 Stolpman Angeli. Last one of that vintage that I had. Even though I decanted it it really did not open up until later that evening.
Other wines were 2008 McKeon-Phillips BPV Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Loring Russian River Pinot Noir, 2013 Schafer-Frohlich, Blanc de Noir Trocken and NC Louis Bouillot Grand Reserve Champagne.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
August Gathering of the Flock
Sunday, August 28, 2016
This month's soriee's theme was Zinfandel's and Champagnes/Sparkling's. Always heavy red wines in August. Fortunately the weather was a bit cooler than normal but I still did not taste any of the Zinfandel's. Probably should have tasted a few of the older wines but frankly the set up made for bottlenecks getting to the table. By time I finished the sparkling's I had no desire to make my way through the crowd again.
A lot of appetizers and side dishes were brought but not one dessert, Now watch and at next months meeting there will be loads of desserts. I was satisfied nibbling on the appy's and I did forgo dinner. The host made some sort of brisket and as usual it was way over cooked for my taste.
The wines were a nice assortment - I only tasted the sparklings so I have no opinion of the reds at all.
NV Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc
NV Chandon Brut Classic
NV Chandon Etoile Rose
2009 Chateau Frank, Blanc de Blanc
NV Mumm, Cuvee M
NV Montanjon, Champagne
NV Patel-Prieu, Rose Champagne
1991 Seghesio, Sonoma Zinfandel
1993 Wellington Estate, Sonoma, Zinfandel
2004 Grey Wolf, Barton Family Reserve, Zinfandel
2004 Turley, Tofanelli, Zinfandel
2007 Seghesio. Home Ranch, Zinfandel
2009 Seghesio, Old Vine, Zinfandel
2009 Gersliou Bachus, Zephyrus, Zinfandel
2012 Rombauer, Napa, Zinfandel
2012 DeRose, Cienega Valley, Dry Framed Old Vine, Zinfandel
2012 Four Vines, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
2012 Oak Ridge, Lodi, Ancient Vines, Zinfandel
2012 Truett Hurst, Sonoma, Old Vine Zinfandel
2014 Opolo, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
This month's soriee's theme was Zinfandel's and Champagnes/Sparkling's. Always heavy red wines in August. Fortunately the weather was a bit cooler than normal but I still did not taste any of the Zinfandel's. Probably should have tasted a few of the older wines but frankly the set up made for bottlenecks getting to the table. By time I finished the sparkling's I had no desire to make my way through the crowd again.
A lot of appetizers and side dishes were brought but not one dessert, Now watch and at next months meeting there will be loads of desserts. I was satisfied nibbling on the appy's and I did forgo dinner. The host made some sort of brisket and as usual it was way over cooked for my taste.
The wines were a nice assortment - I only tasted the sparklings so I have no opinion of the reds at all.
NV Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc
NV Chandon Brut Classic
NV Chandon Etoile Rose
2009 Chateau Frank, Blanc de Blanc
NV Mumm, Cuvee M
NV Montanjon, Champagne
NV Patel-Prieu, Rose Champagne
1991 Seghesio, Sonoma Zinfandel
1993 Wellington Estate, Sonoma, Zinfandel
2004 Grey Wolf, Barton Family Reserve, Zinfandel
2004 Turley, Tofanelli, Zinfandel
2007 Seghesio. Home Ranch, Zinfandel
2009 Seghesio, Old Vine, Zinfandel
2009 Gersliou Bachus, Zephyrus, Zinfandel
2012 Rombauer, Napa, Zinfandel
2012 DeRose, Cienega Valley, Dry Framed Old Vine, Zinfandel
2012 Four Vines, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
2012 Oak Ridge, Lodi, Ancient Vines, Zinfandel
2012 Truett Hurst, Sonoma, Old Vine Zinfandel
2014 Opolo, Paso Robles, Zinfandel
Delius & German Wines
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Took a friend of mine for dinner tonight for her birthday. She is an independent wine rep so it was a treat for her to sit for the entire dinner and not have to work the room. We shared our table with Warren who is a regular at Delius. His wife does not drink wine so he was an independent diner tonight. Lucky for him that he ended up with two hot dates for the evening. This is an annual dinner at Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com. The rep from Rudy Weist Imports was not available so Dave, the owner was hosting. But I did miss talking with Allie.
We started out with a glass of NV Fritz Muller , Muller Thurgau, Secco, Rheinhessen. A nice, light, refreshing white wine.
Our first course was Kumamoto Oysters, blackberries and champagne with chervil. Interesting combination and seemed to blend well. Susan doesn't eat oysters so I devoured her plate also. So I had 6 oysters. Nice way to start a meal. Wine paired was a 2014 Wagner Stemple, Pinot Blanc, Siefersheimer, Rheinhessen. Again a good pairing of wine and food.
Next came a plate with Grilled Cornbread, Knockwurst, Arugula Frisee salad with a jalapeno-apricot vinaigrette. Cornbread was good, and a little different, But that damm frisee to me is a pain to eat but the jalapeno-apricot dressing was excellent. . A 2015 Schnaitmann, Rose, Evoe! Wurttemberg was the wine of choice. A very nice Rose and a good pairing.
Third course served was a Seared Monkfish, Baked Cambozola and Roasted Black Grapes.. Monkfish is one of my favorite fishes. This was very good quality - much better than the monkfish at a dinner somewhere else awhile back. Better quality and cooked much better The Cambozola cheese was in a puff pastry and it was good. Normally cheese does not pair well with fish The roasted black grapes weer a surprise. Nice added touch the the plate. Paired with a 2006 Gunderloch Riesling, Auslese, 3 Star, Rheinhessen, (Halbtrocken) . Excellent wine and a perfect pairing.
Entree was a Horseradish Braised Short Ribs with baked baby radishes, pea greens and sweet potato gratin. Short rib was excellent, good flavor and very tender. Baked radishes were a surprise and different. The pea greens were like micro for me and could have been left off the plate. I like pea shoots at Chinese restaurants but they are bigger and much easier to eat. I think these "micro greens" have seen their day and should be put to rest with Kale. Chefs should come up with something more innovative instead of riding a horse to death with an ingredient. The wine was a 2012 Wachtrsetter Red Wine Cuvee "Louis" Wurttemberg, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Lemberger. The Lemberger was very predominate in this wine. It was a decent pairing but not quite perfect.
Vanilla Pot De Creme with blueberry compote and green tea cookies was the dessert course. I am used to Pot De Creme being thicker, This was almost like a soup and I wonder by them adding the blueberry compote if that was the difference. Flavor was OK but it just wasn't my thing.
Basically this was a good dinner but I don't feel it came up the Delius' standards. It fell short on numerous points. A different chef handled this dinner instead of Patrick who normally does the special wine dinners. I think it showed. I think I would say it was a bit more rustic than refined.
Took a friend of mine for dinner tonight for her birthday. She is an independent wine rep so it was a treat for her to sit for the entire dinner and not have to work the room. We shared our table with Warren who is a regular at Delius. His wife does not drink wine so he was an independent diner tonight. Lucky for him that he ended up with two hot dates for the evening. This is an annual dinner at Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com. The rep from Rudy Weist Imports was not available so Dave, the owner was hosting. But I did miss talking with Allie.
We started out with a glass of NV Fritz Muller , Muller Thurgau, Secco, Rheinhessen. A nice, light, refreshing white wine.
Our first course was Kumamoto Oysters, blackberries and champagne with chervil. Interesting combination and seemed to blend well. Susan doesn't eat oysters so I devoured her plate also. So I had 6 oysters. Nice way to start a meal. Wine paired was a 2014 Wagner Stemple, Pinot Blanc, Siefersheimer, Rheinhessen. Again a good pairing of wine and food.
Next came a plate with Grilled Cornbread, Knockwurst, Arugula Frisee salad with a jalapeno-apricot vinaigrette. Cornbread was good, and a little different, But that damm frisee to me is a pain to eat but the jalapeno-apricot dressing was excellent. . A 2015 Schnaitmann, Rose, Evoe! Wurttemberg was the wine of choice. A very nice Rose and a good pairing.
Third course served was a Seared Monkfish, Baked Cambozola and Roasted Black Grapes.. Monkfish is one of my favorite fishes. This was very good quality - much better than the monkfish at a dinner somewhere else awhile back. Better quality and cooked much better The Cambozola cheese was in a puff pastry and it was good. Normally cheese does not pair well with fish The roasted black grapes weer a surprise. Nice added touch the the plate. Paired with a 2006 Gunderloch Riesling, Auslese, 3 Star, Rheinhessen, (Halbtrocken) . Excellent wine and a perfect pairing.
Entree was a Horseradish Braised Short Ribs with baked baby radishes, pea greens and sweet potato gratin. Short rib was excellent, good flavor and very tender. Baked radishes were a surprise and different. The pea greens were like micro for me and could have been left off the plate. I like pea shoots at Chinese restaurants but they are bigger and much easier to eat. I think these "micro greens" have seen their day and should be put to rest with Kale. Chefs should come up with something more innovative instead of riding a horse to death with an ingredient. The wine was a 2012 Wachtrsetter Red Wine Cuvee "Louis" Wurttemberg, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Lemberger. The Lemberger was very predominate in this wine. It was a decent pairing but not quite perfect.
Vanilla Pot De Creme with blueberry compote and green tea cookies was the dessert course. I am used to Pot De Creme being thicker, This was almost like a soup and I wonder by them adding the blueberry compote if that was the difference. Flavor was OK but it just wasn't my thing.
Basically this was a good dinner but I don't feel it came up the Delius' standards. It fell short on numerous points. A different chef handled this dinner instead of Patrick who normally does the special wine dinners. I think it showed. I think I would say it was a bit more rustic than refined.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Schug Wines at Utopia
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Dinner tonight at Utopia, www.Utopiarestaurant.net, paired with wine from Schug. It had quite awhile since I have drank Schug wines. Forgot how nice they are. The restaurant was pretty much sold out. Nice to see since it was the 17th anniversary of the restaurant.
Walter Schug passed away early this year. One of his first jobs as a winemaker was at Joseph Phelps where he came up with "Insignia" blend. Then he went on to found his own winery in the Carneros area. The buildings look more like they belong in Switzerland or Germany.
We started out with a Risotto and Quinoa Mango salad with fresh herbs and olive oil, lemon dressing. I was very surprised on how good this simple salad was and it paired perfectly with the 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate Chardonnay. A bit oaky on its own but the fattiness of the olive oil really cut through the oak.
Second course was a Seared Ahi with ginger, sesame sauce. Nice flavor, the sauce had a bit of a bite to it. The wine was a 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate, Pinot Noir , Well balanced, nice fruit, some earthiness to it. It went fairly well with the dish. Good with the Ahi but a small disconnect with the ginger sesame sauce.
Next was a Grilled Pork Tenderloin with butter, garlic cream sauce topped with blue cheese. The sauce was very good not over whealmed by the cheese. The pork had good flavor but for me was a bit over cooked. for my taste. Paired with a 2012 Schug, Sonoma County, Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine was good and paired well with the pork because of the sauce.
Dessert was a Rum Raisin Gelato with some fresh berries that have been "syruped". Flavor was excellent and the wine a Schug, Lake County, Late Harvest Riesling was excellent. Not overly sweet but had a definite richness to it.
Numerous bottles of wine were given away on a raffle basis. Our table got a bottle which has not happened in quite awhile.
A good dinner, with good friends. That is what life is about, Enjoyment and friends that help make it happen
Dinner tonight at Utopia, www.Utopiarestaurant.net, paired with wine from Schug. It had quite awhile since I have drank Schug wines. Forgot how nice they are. The restaurant was pretty much sold out. Nice to see since it was the 17th anniversary of the restaurant.
Walter Schug passed away early this year. One of his first jobs as a winemaker was at Joseph Phelps where he came up with "Insignia" blend. Then he went on to found his own winery in the Carneros area. The buildings look more like they belong in Switzerland or Germany.
We started out with a Risotto and Quinoa Mango salad with fresh herbs and olive oil, lemon dressing. I was very surprised on how good this simple salad was and it paired perfectly with the 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate Chardonnay. A bit oaky on its own but the fattiness of the olive oil really cut through the oak.
Second course was a Seared Ahi with ginger, sesame sauce. Nice flavor, the sauce had a bit of a bite to it. The wine was a 2014 Schug, Carneros Estate, Pinot Noir , Well balanced, nice fruit, some earthiness to it. It went fairly well with the dish. Good with the Ahi but a small disconnect with the ginger sesame sauce.
Next was a Grilled Pork Tenderloin with butter, garlic cream sauce topped with blue cheese. The sauce was very good not over whealmed by the cheese. The pork had good flavor but for me was a bit over cooked. for my taste. Paired with a 2012 Schug, Sonoma County, Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine was good and paired well with the pork because of the sauce.
Dessert was a Rum Raisin Gelato with some fresh berries that have been "syruped". Flavor was excellent and the wine a Schug, Lake County, Late Harvest Riesling was excellent. Not overly sweet but had a definite richness to it.
Numerous bottles of wine were given away on a raffle basis. Our table got a bottle which has not happened in quite awhile.
A good dinner, with good friends. That is what life is about, Enjoyment and friends that help make it happen
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Last Summer Wine Tasting at Delius
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
This was the second and last commuter wine tasting at Delius this year. Mike Levine from Southern Wines & Spirits was there again pouring. All Italians tonight except for 1 California Zinfandel at 15.6% alcohol. Again the tasting was sold out but a completely different group of people than the tasting last month.
Three wines really stood out. a 2013 Cerulli Soinozi Percorino which was very nice. Perfect wine for summer. A 2014 Lacrima Morro D'Alba and a 20113 Cusumano NOA from Sicily.
Did not buy any wines. I am trying to drink down my stash.
Looking forward to the Passport tasting in October. That is always a fun event.
This was the second and last commuter wine tasting at Delius this year. Mike Levine from Southern Wines & Spirits was there again pouring. All Italians tonight except for 1 California Zinfandel at 15.6% alcohol. Again the tasting was sold out but a completely different group of people than the tasting last month.
Three wines really stood out. a 2013 Cerulli Soinozi Percorino which was very nice. Perfect wine for summer. A 2014 Lacrima Morro D'Alba and a 20113 Cusumano NOA from Sicily.
Did not buy any wines. I am trying to drink down my stash.
Looking forward to the Passport tasting in October. That is always a fun event.
Dinner at Old World
Saturday, August 13, 2016
This is Margie's August wine dinner. Old World in Huntington Beach. German village that had numerous shops and restaurants.
12 of us tonight for dinner. Restaurant was noisy but when the accordion player and singer came on it got beyond. . When I have to yell at the person across the table from me to be heard it is not pleasant anymore. I can understand in a beer haus but not an eating establishment.
Ten people ordered "sausages". Two of us had schnitzel. I had the Jaegerschnitzel witch has a wine mushroom sauce. Flavor was very good. But I cannot understand how you can pound out a pork cutlet to very thin and have it tough to eat. It was overcooked and it showed that. Like I said flavor was excellent. The cook just plain over cooked the meat. The red cabbage and dumplings were very good.
Lots of wine on the table. Most I did not taste . I brought at 2010 Roar, Gary's Vineyard, Pinot Noir. It was showing very well. Lot of complexity and a well balanced wine. Good fruit and acidity. Other wines were:
2014 Lincourt, Sta. Rita Hills, Gruner Veltliner - did not taste
NV Pierrer-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - always a good selection
2007 Alysian RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2012 Ridge, Benito, Dusi Ranch, Paso Robles, Zinfandel - did not taste
2011 Diedeshimer Leinhole Spatlese Riesling - did not taste
NV Alain Bailly Brut Reserve Champagne - very good
2012 Grace Lane Riesling -did not taste on advice of the person bringing the wine
2014 Neboa, Spain, Albarino - nice clean, crisp wine
2012 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Dornfelder - did not taste - just had the 2005 at home and it was excellent
2012 Foley, T Anchor, Sta. Rita Hills, Chardonnay - did not taste but I would imagine it was oaky
2013 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, 10, Pinot Noir - needed another few years cellaring
2012, Iron Horse, Pinot Noir - did not taste
This is Margie's August wine dinner. Old World in Huntington Beach. German village that had numerous shops and restaurants.
12 of us tonight for dinner. Restaurant was noisy but when the accordion player and singer came on it got beyond. . When I have to yell at the person across the table from me to be heard it is not pleasant anymore. I can understand in a beer haus but not an eating establishment.
Ten people ordered "sausages". Two of us had schnitzel. I had the Jaegerschnitzel witch has a wine mushroom sauce. Flavor was very good. But I cannot understand how you can pound out a pork cutlet to very thin and have it tough to eat. It was overcooked and it showed that. Like I said flavor was excellent. The cook just plain over cooked the meat. The red cabbage and dumplings were very good.
Lots of wine on the table. Most I did not taste . I brought at 2010 Roar, Gary's Vineyard, Pinot Noir. It was showing very well. Lot of complexity and a well balanced wine. Good fruit and acidity. Other wines were:
2014 Lincourt, Sta. Rita Hills, Gruner Veltliner - did not taste
NV Pierrer-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - always a good selection
2007 Alysian RRV, Pinot Noir - did not taste
2012 Ridge, Benito, Dusi Ranch, Paso Robles, Zinfandel - did not taste
2011 Diedeshimer Leinhole Spatlese Riesling - did not taste
NV Alain Bailly Brut Reserve Champagne - very good
2012 Grace Lane Riesling -did not taste on advice of the person bringing the wine
2014 Neboa, Spain, Albarino - nice clean, crisp wine
2012 Huber, Sta Rita Hills, Dornfelder - did not taste - just had the 2005 at home and it was excellent
2012 Foley, T Anchor, Sta. Rita Hills, Chardonnay - did not taste but I would imagine it was oaky
2013 Sea Smoke, Sta Rita Hills, 10, Pinot Noir - needed another few years cellaring
2012, Iron Horse, Pinot Noir - did not taste
Wine & Fire
August 6 & 7, 2016.
This trip may be my last to this event. It is starting to get harder for me top walk around on all the rough surfaces. Might have to look at getting a cane to help. At least I did not have to drive again this year. We left Cerritos about 7 am Saturday morning and surprisingly got to Buellton about 9 AM. Two hours is really good time. We decided since we would be having a very large BBQ lunch at noon that we would skip the big breakfast at Ellens this year The seminar did not start until 10 AM but our thinking was arrive early so we don't have to walk so far. So much for "thinking". When we arrived at Hillard Bruce about 9:20 there were numerous cars ahead of us.
Seminar was good, had a great panel of winemakers from the area . Tasted 12 wines then broke for lunch. BBQ lunch was catered by the Hitching Post and was very good. View from the facility were perfect.
After checking in to the hotel we proceeded to go to the Mission for the Grand Tasting. The majority of the wineries in the Sta,. Rita Hills were represented . This is their big fest for the year. Saw about 2 dozen people that I knew at this years tasting. All from So. Ca. This is the must go to for Sta. Rita Pinot fans. Wines were good, food was good and a very enjoyable evening among the trees at the Mission. Got to talk with a lot of winemakers I knew. Perfect evening.
Sunday morning we decided to hit the Los Alamos area. I had not been in years and Cindy never had been there,. Small town about 6 blocks long. There were 4 wine tasting rooms and we hit them all. I will say nice wines, but not great wines. Frankly I was disappointed in all of them. Guess I was expecting more. I also found the prices high for what they were. Had a sandwich at Well Bread. They open at 7AM and bake all their own bread . Good sandwich and people kept coming in and out all they time we were there. Busy spot.
Found out that Full, of Life Flatbread did not open until 5:00 so we left.
Ended up in Lompoc at Scratch Kitchen for dinner. Had the crabcakes for dinner and was very disappointed. They were not cooked through. Took them back with me and recooked them when I got home. Tasted much better. Normally I would complain but I just wasn't up to it. The Loaded Potato Soup was very good but rich. Glad I just ordered a cup. Tired and worn out. Things catch up with me faster these days.
Hit happy hour at the hotels bar. We got 4 free drinks every day we were there along with cook to order breakfast.
Up early Monday to return to So Cal. It was a good trip but do not think I can handle this on my own anymore. If someone doesn't drive I will not be making this adventure again. I have done this fest for about 15 years. and it has always been the highlight of the summer.
This trip may be my last to this event. It is starting to get harder for me top walk around on all the rough surfaces. Might have to look at getting a cane to help. At least I did not have to drive again this year. We left Cerritos about 7 am Saturday morning and surprisingly got to Buellton about 9 AM. Two hours is really good time. We decided since we would be having a very large BBQ lunch at noon that we would skip the big breakfast at Ellens this year The seminar did not start until 10 AM but our thinking was arrive early so we don't have to walk so far. So much for "thinking". When we arrived at Hillard Bruce about 9:20 there were numerous cars ahead of us.
Seminar was good, had a great panel of winemakers from the area . Tasted 12 wines then broke for lunch. BBQ lunch was catered by the Hitching Post and was very good. View from the facility were perfect.
After checking in to the hotel we proceeded to go to the Mission for the Grand Tasting. The majority of the wineries in the Sta,. Rita Hills were represented . This is their big fest for the year. Saw about 2 dozen people that I knew at this years tasting. All from So. Ca. This is the must go to for Sta. Rita Pinot fans. Wines were good, food was good and a very enjoyable evening among the trees at the Mission. Got to talk with a lot of winemakers I knew. Perfect evening.
Sunday morning we decided to hit the Los Alamos area. I had not been in years and Cindy never had been there,. Small town about 6 blocks long. There were 4 wine tasting rooms and we hit them all. I will say nice wines, but not great wines. Frankly I was disappointed in all of them. Guess I was expecting more. I also found the prices high for what they were. Had a sandwich at Well Bread. They open at 7AM and bake all their own bread . Good sandwich and people kept coming in and out all they time we were there. Busy spot.
Found out that Full, of Life Flatbread did not open until 5:00 so we left.
Ended up in Lompoc at Scratch Kitchen for dinner. Had the crabcakes for dinner and was very disappointed. They were not cooked through. Took them back with me and recooked them when I got home. Tasted much better. Normally I would complain but I just wasn't up to it. The Loaded Potato Soup was very good but rich. Glad I just ordered a cup. Tired and worn out. Things catch up with me faster these days.
Hit happy hour at the hotels bar. We got 4 free drinks every day we were there along with cook to order breakfast.
Up early Monday to return to So Cal. It was a good trip but do not think I can handle this on my own anymore. If someone doesn't drive I will not be making this adventure again. I have done this fest for about 15 years. and it has always been the highlight of the summer.
August Wino's
Sunday, August 31, 2016
Everyone is out of town so a small group today. Theme was Dry or Semi Dry Rieslings and French Beaujolias. I did not get too excited over any of the Rieslings even the one I brought and I am not a Beaujolias fan but there was a 2105 Morgon, Cote du Rue that was very good.
Somehow I could not get into the "mood" of the day. So I feel I do not have much to write about.
Everyone is out of town so a small group today. Theme was Dry or Semi Dry Rieslings and French Beaujolias. I did not get too excited over any of the Rieslings even the one I brought and I am not a Beaujolias fan but there was a 2105 Morgon, Cote du Rue that was very good.
Somehow I could not get into the "mood" of the day. So I feel I do not have much to write about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)