Saturday, September 18, 2021
Another backyard dinner at Dave and Louise's house. This time it is Buttonwood Winery and Karen Steinwachs the winemaker was in attendance.. Another beautiful night, a bit breezy but as soon as the sun went down it was calm. Dave and Louise have bought outdoor heaters and hope to have another winemaker dinner in October. Keeping my fingers crossed. These dinners are limited to 30 people and so far this year every one has sold out within a a few days.
All Buttonwood wines are estate grown in Santa Ynez except for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which are sourced from the Hibbits vineyard which is located just before you get into Lompoc. Not sure if that area is in the Sta, Rita Hills AVA.
Buttonwood also grows numerous varieties of peaches on their acreage and sell them at the stand next to the tasting room on Alamo Pintado road between Solvang and Los Olivos.
Started out with a Scallop Mousse and herb drizzle. This was such a big hit that Louise is going to put in her regular menu rotation. This was so silky and rich. Paired with a 2019 Buttonwood Sauvignon Blanc. 92 % Sau Blanc and 8% Semillon. Wine was not overly acidic and tart. Nice wine and great pairing.
Second course is a Prosciutto, Ricotta and Arugula Tart. Smooth and creamy Arugula gave it a slight bitter taste which woke up the taste buds. Wine is a 2020 Buttonwood Syrah Rose. A really good Rose. Had some body to it and wasn't overly fruity. You knew you were drinking wine and not strawberry soda. I did order a few bottles of this wine.
Next is a Duck Confit and Pork Ragout Cassoulet. Great blend of flavors. Meats were fork tender. Paired with a 2018 Buttonwood Classic Cuvee. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France, Merlot and Mouvedre. , This was another wine which I ordered a few bottles of. Easy drinking and a great blend.
Main course is a Dry Rubbed Tri Tip with Warm Potato Salad. .Meat was tender and moist, good flavors. Loved the warm potato salad. A 2018 Buttonwood Malbec was the wine. Another good pairing.
Dessert is a Spiced Apple Cake with Praline Frosting and a extra praline on the plate. Fall flavors. A 2014 Buttonwood Posh dessert wine was the pairing. 100% Syrah. Not overly sweet and paired well with the dessert.
Jolie brought at 2010 Buttonwood Solo Trevia red wine. 49% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. She shared her bottle with a few of us. This wine was outstanding and has quite a few years ahead of it.
Another good dinner in the backyard. Really good wines and great dining companions. Sat at the table with the singles, the winemaker and wine rep. Beautiful weather, wines and food. Can't get any better than that.
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