Wednesday. March 22, 2017
Packed house tonight at Chianina in Naples. www.chianina.com, Kathryn Hall was in attendance with a selection of her wines. Apparently a lot of investors in her winery were here also. Winery is located in Napa. www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com
We started out with a trio of "Amuse Bouches" . A Green Garlic Arancini, Scallop Tartare and Foie Gras Terrine on Toast with Rhubarb. Bite size and all were good but the Scallop was the best of the trio. But I would eat a plate of each one they were so good. A 2016 Hall Sauvignon Blanc. Nice grapefruit flavor, not too acidic. Retail price tag of $28.
Second course served was Scottish Salmon, Spring Peas. Morel Mushrooms and Puffed Rice. Great flavors and the salmon was so silky in texture. A beautiful piece of fish. Paired with a 2015 Walt Chardonnay. Stainless steel fermented. I was not impressed with this wine. Retail price of $44.
Next we had a Nettle Chitarra Pasta. Chitarra means guitar and the pasta is square instead of round. Rabbit Sugo, Blistered Spring Onions and Tarragon. Excellent flavors but I will say it did have a strange look to it. A green pea foamy concoction with these squiggly pieces of pasta on top. Not for the people who have overactive imaginations. The wine was a 2014Walt Pinot Noir. Grapes were sourced from Clos Pepe vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Hall has leased the vineyards for 15 years starting in 2015. This was by far the best wine of the night but the pairing was off as were most of the pairings for the evening. A price tag of $81 is so out of line. Twice as much as Clos Pepe gets.
Fourth course is a Lamb Ribeye, Charred Eggplant Puree, Fava Bean Fritter and Greek Yogurt. At this point I am getting stuffed. Had one bite of the lamb which was cooked perfectly and had them save it for me to be boxed with the next course. Otherwise no dessert. Wine was a 2013 Hall Merlot. Took a few sips and sent the wine away. Priced at $44.
Fifth course was outstanding. A Prime Beef Striploin with Asparagus, Roasted New Potatoes and Mustard Moussaline with aus jus. A 2013 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine choice. Not impressed. Not much going for it. Pruiced at $44.
Sixth course was Humboldt Fog Cheese, Compressed Beets and Walnuts. Beets are sweet so they really added a nice touch to the cheese. A 2013 Kathryrn Hall Caberent Sauvignon was the selection to pair with this course. Big, overly fruity wine. At $175 . I have had so many other cabs at less money that I enjoyed more.
The food was excellent. The wines mediocre and the pairings were off. Yes, I did has stuffed sinuses tonight but the others at my table agreed. Hall wines have a big following but I am not overly impressed especially with the pricing for what you get. But a very enjoyable evening and we did make reservations for the next wine dinner in April at Chianina..
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
Dinner at Aroma
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Margie's monthly dinner was held at Aroma's Ristorante in La Palma. www.aromalapalma.com.
18 people in attendance and 22 wines. Impossible to taste them all. As usual I kept my tasting down to a minimum. Large menu to select from and I ended up with the Veal Chop. Very large chop, nice madeira sauce . Tender and flavorful. Good selection of mixed vegetables and potatoes in the plate.
Opted for the salted caramel gelato for dessert. That's was very good and a nice end to a heavy meal.
We had a very large table with 2 people seated at each end and 7 people on each side. Conversation was limited to those on each side of you. Made it nice for all the wine bottles and glasses but conversation got lost.
I brought a 2012 Clos Pepe HTC (Homage to Chablis) Chardonnay which was showing very well.
Other wines were:
2012 Cinquain Cellars Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2013 Tobin James Fat Boy Zinfandel - big and sweet
2011 Clayhouse Temp/Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2014 Cowhorn, Marsanne/Rousanne - did not taste
LeCuvier Red Bat Cuvier - did not taste
2011 Tobin James Silver Reserve, Syrah - did not taste
Tobin James, Liquid Love - did not taste, I have had these wine numerous times before
2013 Gattauercchi, Vino di Montepuliciano - did not taste
2-11 Castello D'Alboila, Chiantio Classico - did not taste
2015 Seal Beach Winery, Sangiovese - did not taste
2011 Kuleto, Sangiovese - did not taste
2012 Grassini, Equipo, red blend- nice wine
Domaine Chandon Etoile - always a good sparkling
2014 Amici, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 J.Christopher Pinot Noir - did not taste
Herzog, Rose Brut sparking - clean with a slight strawberry taste
2014 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio - I do not do Pinot Grigio's
2014 Abacela Fiesta. Albarino - nice clean, well balanced
Mumm Napa - always a good sparkling
2008 Artiste, Meritage - this wine was very good, old enough to be soft and silky
Margie's monthly dinner was held at Aroma's Ristorante in La Palma. www.aromalapalma.com.
18 people in attendance and 22 wines. Impossible to taste them all. As usual I kept my tasting down to a minimum. Large menu to select from and I ended up with the Veal Chop. Very large chop, nice madeira sauce . Tender and flavorful. Good selection of mixed vegetables and potatoes in the plate.
Opted for the salted caramel gelato for dessert. That's was very good and a nice end to a heavy meal.
We had a very large table with 2 people seated at each end and 7 people on each side. Conversation was limited to those on each side of you. Made it nice for all the wine bottles and glasses but conversation got lost.
I brought a 2012 Clos Pepe HTC (Homage to Chablis) Chardonnay which was showing very well.
Other wines were:
2012 Cinquain Cellars Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2013 Tobin James Fat Boy Zinfandel - big and sweet
2011 Clayhouse Temp/Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2014 Cowhorn, Marsanne/Rousanne - did not taste
LeCuvier Red Bat Cuvier - did not taste
2011 Tobin James Silver Reserve, Syrah - did not taste
Tobin James, Liquid Love - did not taste, I have had these wine numerous times before
2013 Gattauercchi, Vino di Montepuliciano - did not taste
2-11 Castello D'Alboila, Chiantio Classico - did not taste
2015 Seal Beach Winery, Sangiovese - did not taste
2011 Kuleto, Sangiovese - did not taste
2012 Grassini, Equipo, red blend- nice wine
Domaine Chandon Etoile - always a good sparkling
2014 Amici, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 J.Christopher Pinot Noir - did not taste
Herzog, Rose Brut sparking - clean with a slight strawberry taste
2014 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio - I do not do Pinot Grigio's
2014 Abacela Fiesta. Albarino - nice clean, well balanced
Mumm Napa - always a good sparkling
2008 Artiste, Meritage - this wine was very good, old enough to be soft and silky
Sunday, March 12, 2017
J. Wilkes Wines at Barbianca Restaurant
Saturday, March 11, 2017
An hour and a half to get to Marina Del Rey and 35 minutes to return. The 405 freeway was a parking lot going over. Felt like it was a Monday morning work commute. Then as I turned onto the 90 the fog rolled in Can't wait to get parked and get inside for a nice glass of wine.
This dinner tonight was hosted by Gourmet Wine Getaways. Always interesting dinners and priced reasonably and inclusive. Held at the Barbianca Local Kitchen in the Hotel MDR. Second time I have been to this dining establishment.
Wines tonight are from J. Wilkes in the Santa Maria area. www.jwilkes.com,
Wes Hagen is the winemaker and brand ambassador now. He was named one of the top 100 winemakers in the United States This is a new foray for Wes after being with Clos Pepe for 23 years. Clos had Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. J. Wilkes brings a larger variety into play. The J.Wilkes wines with Wes onboard have now been served at the White House.
It was great see Chanda, Wes's wife who very rarely attends these dinners. She and her service dog Peregrine were there celebrating her birthday. Peregrine will be getting a new friend soon to help out with his duties.
We stared out with several pours of the 2013 Chardonnay. Clean, no oak or vanilla undertones which made me like it more. They passed three types of Hors d' Oeuvre's. A Foie Gras with Mushrooms on Crostini, a Corn Meal round with Beets and Cheese. The third was a Lobster Soup but why did they serve in a small bowl for a passed appetizer ? A shot glass would have been better. Standing in the middle of a room with your wine glass, purse and people milling around then you have to balance small bowl and use a spoon. Not the best selection of serving dishes.
First dish was a Grilled Spanish Octopus with Arugula, Cucumbers, Fennel, Roasted Tomato Compote ands Garlic Lemon-Herb Dressing. This dish fell flat for me. The Octopus was fairly tender but I have had so much better. It was chewy and peppery. The cucumbers ? I have never met a cucumber that paired with wine. Wine was great, a 2014 Pinot Blanc. Nice dry, clean and paired well.
A 2013 Pinot Noir was paired with the main dish. Organically Fed Colorado Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Wild Mushroom Rataouille, Blue Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes, Fresh Spring Vegetables and Rosemary Au Jus. Lamb was chewy which was expected from grass fed and Colorado lamb. Potatoes and Rataouille was good. But overall for me a lack luster dish. I can get a better rack of lamb at Trader Joes. Wine was excellent and a very good pairing.
Next we had a selection of cheeses with various fruits. Can't go too wrong with this. A 2014 Paso Robles Highlands District Cabernet Sauvignon was paired and went surprisingly well with the cheeses. This was a very nice drinking wine. Very light tannins on the back palate. Wes seemed to think that the tannins will be more predominate as it ages. Says it has a lot of "baby fat" right now. Whatever it is it us a nice wine especially for the price.
Dessert was very good. Untraditional Apple Strudel, Ricotta and Passion Fruit Quenelle, Calvados Creme Anglaise. The wine was perfect with this dish. A 2012 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc. Slightly sweet but not overly and very light. I think a good wine to cellar for a few years to see what it evolves to.
It was great to see Wes again. Had some good long discussions with him tonight. Told him I still had in my cellar a 2007 Clos Pepe Pinot , 2007 AP Vin Clos Pepe Pinot and a 2007 Loring Clos Pepe Pinot along with a 2009 Clos Pepe Sparkling Rose. Wes suggested a "play date" soon with Wes and a few very select people.
An hour and a half to get to Marina Del Rey and 35 minutes to return. The 405 freeway was a parking lot going over. Felt like it was a Monday morning work commute. Then as I turned onto the 90 the fog rolled in Can't wait to get parked and get inside for a nice glass of wine.
This dinner tonight was hosted by Gourmet Wine Getaways. Always interesting dinners and priced reasonably and inclusive. Held at the Barbianca Local Kitchen in the Hotel MDR. Second time I have been to this dining establishment.
Wines tonight are from J. Wilkes in the Santa Maria area. www.jwilkes.com,
Wes Hagen is the winemaker and brand ambassador now. He was named one of the top 100 winemakers in the United States This is a new foray for Wes after being with Clos Pepe for 23 years. Clos had Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. J. Wilkes brings a larger variety into play. The J.Wilkes wines with Wes onboard have now been served at the White House.
It was great see Chanda, Wes's wife who very rarely attends these dinners. She and her service dog Peregrine were there celebrating her birthday. Peregrine will be getting a new friend soon to help out with his duties.
We stared out with several pours of the 2013 Chardonnay. Clean, no oak or vanilla undertones which made me like it more. They passed three types of Hors d' Oeuvre's. A Foie Gras with Mushrooms on Crostini, a Corn Meal round with Beets and Cheese. The third was a Lobster Soup but why did they serve in a small bowl for a passed appetizer ? A shot glass would have been better. Standing in the middle of a room with your wine glass, purse and people milling around then you have to balance small bowl and use a spoon. Not the best selection of serving dishes.
First dish was a Grilled Spanish Octopus with Arugula, Cucumbers, Fennel, Roasted Tomato Compote ands Garlic Lemon-Herb Dressing. This dish fell flat for me. The Octopus was fairly tender but I have had so much better. It was chewy and peppery. The cucumbers ? I have never met a cucumber that paired with wine. Wine was great, a 2014 Pinot Blanc. Nice dry, clean and paired well.
A 2013 Pinot Noir was paired with the main dish. Organically Fed Colorado Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Wild Mushroom Rataouille, Blue Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes, Fresh Spring Vegetables and Rosemary Au Jus. Lamb was chewy which was expected from grass fed and Colorado lamb. Potatoes and Rataouille was good. But overall for me a lack luster dish. I can get a better rack of lamb at Trader Joes. Wine was excellent and a very good pairing.
Next we had a selection of cheeses with various fruits. Can't go too wrong with this. A 2014 Paso Robles Highlands District Cabernet Sauvignon was paired and went surprisingly well with the cheeses. This was a very nice drinking wine. Very light tannins on the back palate. Wes seemed to think that the tannins will be more predominate as it ages. Says it has a lot of "baby fat" right now. Whatever it is it us a nice wine especially for the price.
Dessert was very good. Untraditional Apple Strudel, Ricotta and Passion Fruit Quenelle, Calvados Creme Anglaise. The wine was perfect with this dish. A 2012 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc. Slightly sweet but not overly and very light. I think a good wine to cellar for a few years to see what it evolves to.
It was great to see Wes again. Had some good long discussions with him tonight. Told him I still had in my cellar a 2007 Clos Pepe Pinot , 2007 AP Vin Clos Pepe Pinot and a 2007 Loring Clos Pepe Pinot along with a 2009 Clos Pepe Sparkling Rose. Wes suggested a "play date" soon with Wes and a few very select people.
Vignamaggio Wine and Delius Restaurant
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Every few years Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com.. hosts an Italian wine dinner with Mike Levine the distributor. This year they featured Vignamaggio wines. The Italian rep was present and for the life of me I cannot remember her name but she was very knowledgeable and with her accent brought a flair if Italy with her.
We started out with a Borgo Magredo Prosecco. Not one of their wines because they only produce reds. It gets the palate woke up and a nice start to the evening. There were six of us at the table and a lively group it was. I had already been to District Wine in downtown Long Beach for a tasting of Tercero wines before coming to dinner.
First course served was a Bacon Bundled Country Pate with Porcini Vinaigrette dressed Frisee. We all know how I feel above Frisee. Leave it off my plate, The flavor of the pate was good but I felt it was over cooked. The bacon wrapping was very crisp and to get that you have to really cook it longer than necessary. Wine paired was a 2014 Chianto Classico "Prenzano". Pleasant wine and went well with the pate.
Up next we were served a White Bean Gremolata Cassoulet with Andouille Sausage. To me this was the best dish of the evening. Good flavor. Paired with a 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva "Gherardino" which actually had 15% Merlot in it.
A 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva "Mona Lisa" was our next wine and it was paired with a Conchiglioni Pasta, Crimini Mushrooms, Wilted Arugula and Crispy Sweet Breads. Excellent flavor and my second best dish of the night.
Mian course was a Roasted Peppercorn Braised Tri Tip with Oven Roasted Tomato, Castlevitrano Olive and Black Salisfy Risotto.. Risotto was good . For my taste the tri tip was a bit overcooked and a little dry. 2009 Super Tuscan Cabernet Franc was the wine served. .Light tannins and a little vegetative.
Dessert is a Bing Cherry Tiramisu. OK but.
I found the dinner for my tastes disappointing. To me this was a "rustic" style of cooking Too many misses and the wines were slightly too big for the food. I am sure others liked it way better than I did. It is all about your personal taste.
Every few years Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com.. hosts an Italian wine dinner with Mike Levine the distributor. This year they featured Vignamaggio wines. The Italian rep was present and for the life of me I cannot remember her name but she was very knowledgeable and with her accent brought a flair if Italy with her.
We started out with a Borgo Magredo Prosecco. Not one of their wines because they only produce reds. It gets the palate woke up and a nice start to the evening. There were six of us at the table and a lively group it was. I had already been to District Wine in downtown Long Beach for a tasting of Tercero wines before coming to dinner.
First course served was a Bacon Bundled Country Pate with Porcini Vinaigrette dressed Frisee. We all know how I feel above Frisee. Leave it off my plate, The flavor of the pate was good but I felt it was over cooked. The bacon wrapping was very crisp and to get that you have to really cook it longer than necessary. Wine paired was a 2014 Chianto Classico "Prenzano". Pleasant wine and went well with the pate.
Up next we were served a White Bean Gremolata Cassoulet with Andouille Sausage. To me this was the best dish of the evening. Good flavor. Paired with a 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva "Gherardino" which actually had 15% Merlot in it.
A 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva "Mona Lisa" was our next wine and it was paired with a Conchiglioni Pasta, Crimini Mushrooms, Wilted Arugula and Crispy Sweet Breads. Excellent flavor and my second best dish of the night.
Mian course was a Roasted Peppercorn Braised Tri Tip with Oven Roasted Tomato, Castlevitrano Olive and Black Salisfy Risotto.. Risotto was good . For my taste the tri tip was a bit overcooked and a little dry. 2009 Super Tuscan Cabernet Franc was the wine served. .Light tannins and a little vegetative.
Dessert is a Bing Cherry Tiramisu. OK but.
I found the dinner for my tastes disappointing. To me this was a "rustic" style of cooking Too many misses and the wines were slightly too big for the food. I am sure others liked it way better than I did. It is all about your personal taste.
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