Backyard Dinner with Wes Hagen and Miller Family Wines

 Saturday, July 31, 2021

About 30 people gathered in the back yard of Dave & Louise Solzman for the first dinner since 2019. Weather was nice, a bit breezy but that died down after the sun set.  Wes Hagen of Miller Family Wines was the quest winemaker.  Everyone here was regular customers of Delius when it was open. They still have a big following. One couple drove in from Redlands.

At the singles table were were treated to a surprise taste of two Optik wines, A Chardonnay and a Pinot.  Frankly I was under whelmed by both of them. The pinot was so jammey I thought it was a Syrah.  This apparently is a new collaboration headed up by Joey Tensley.  When I first about this new line I was really anxious to try them, Not to my taste.

Started off with deviled eggs as an amuse bouche Then onto the first course which was a Ricotta, Heirloom Tomato Tarte with a Pesto drizzle. Good flavors and the pesto added just the right touch.  Served with a 2020 Margerum Syvarite Sauvignon Blanc.  Did like this Sau Blanc. Not over acidic, nice ripe tropical fruits.

Second course is a Lump Crab salad with roasted sweet corn, avocado and arugula.  Not over dressed and very tasty. Paired with a 2018 J. Wilkes , Santa Maria Valley, Pinot Blanc.  Another nice white wine that went with the food quite well.

Up next is Duck Confit Farro Risotto. Cooked perfectly.  Good flavors. Wine is a 2018 J. Wilkes, Santa Maria Valley, Pinot Noir. A likable wine.

Main course a Pork tenderloin with Fig & Chili jam, parmesan potato puree and grilled whole baby zucchini. Pork was perfect, the jam to die for. Perfect touch to the meat.  I was not taken with the zucchini. Just a bit to al dente for me. Almost raw. not into having to cut a vegetable with a knife.  Paired with a 2019 Optik, Bien Nacido, Black 11D1, Syrah. 

 Not impressed with the wine. Joey Tensley is a great winemaker but have no idea where he is going with this new venture. 

Dessert is a Sunshine Cake with mixed berry gelee and lemon curd. Nice  light and airy with just a hint a sweetness., Dave did go into his personal cellar and a few of us got pours of a 2001 Sauterne. Nice ending to a great meal

Beautiful weather, great food, good wine, nice outdoor setting and fun people. Not a bad evening.