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.