Warren's Birthday Party and Blind Wine Tatsting

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Trekked over to Redondo Beach for an adult birthday party.  Warren does this every year for his birthday and always has a blind wine tasting with it.  Dinner was catered by Louise and Dave Solzman who were the owners of Delius Restaurant.,   It was really great to be able to eat some of their signatures dishes.

Dinner was scheduled for 6:00 but I arrived at 5:00 because the parking at Warrens house is a nightmare.  For those early arrivals they set put an array of appetizers.  Cheeses, crackers, Delius's Spicy Ahi Poke, Delius's Curried Chicken in Lettuce Cup and Lisa's, Artichoke Dip with Sourdough.

Also being poured for early arrivals was a 2014 Conte Priola, Pinot Grigo, 20913 Kim Crawford sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Jana Old Vine Riesling , 2008 Clos Pegase Chardonnay, 2008 Brander, Cuvee Natalie and a 2018 Asssyritiko.   Nice selection to get everyone started.

22 people for dinner. Started out with Delius's Apple Stilton Fritters and Delius's House salad. Forgot how good these fritters are.

Next was a bowl of Delius's Mushroom Walnut Soup. One of my favorite soups when the restaurant was opened.

 Delius's Double Baked Goat Cheese Souffle. This was always a winner.

For the main course we had a selection of Delius's Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Delius's Miso Glazed Cod or Delius's Crispy Skin Duck Breast.  I opted for the duck and was not disappointed.

Dessert was Sandy's Chocolate Caramel Tart, Sandy's Lemon Tart which I ate and it was so good and lemony, Lisa's Home Made Banana Split Cake or Dr. Jim's Pie. Several dessert wines and ports were served.

After having all the brown bagged wines at dinner  and we scored them, The list was revealed.  12 wines and 6 were cabernets.

2008 Mariziano Abbopna Terlo Ravera, Barolo - came in last on my score sheet

2000 Indian Springs, del Sol Verano - next to last on my scoring

2016 Clos Pegase, Pinot Noir - not for me

2013 Mt. Brave, Napa, Mt. Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon - near the top

2016 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon -  2 listed on printout

2016 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon - number 2 for me

2012 Schweiger, Spring Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon -  first on my list

2011 Darioush Caravan, Cabernet Sauvignon -

2017 Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 La Jota, Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Prager, Petite Syrah

2010 Silvio Grasso, Barolo Nebbiolo.