Saturday, August 2, 2008
Four of us headed down the highway towards the Santa Ynez Valley to have "Dinner In The Vineyard" at Stolpman's vineyard. This is the 3rd annual dinner and I have been to all. For once I had a designated driver so it was nice to be able to relax and leave the driving to someone else.
We arrived at the vineyards and the festivities were in full swing. We decided not to do the vineyard tour as we had done it before. After heading to the table with the wine we made a beeline to the appetizer table. After all it had been over 30 minutes since we had eaten at Clos Pepe. By time the bell sounded for dinner I was fully packed. I did put a very small amount on my plate and I had trouble eating that. What I did eat was very good. The beef was excellent, tender and full of flavor. The wines flowed freely,the band was playing and a couple of people did get up and dance
A friend my mine came up and said they were going to Patrick's Side Street Cafe later and wanted me to join them. I had to decline at I don't think I could out another bite into my mouth for the rest of the day and I was riding with other people so that would not have been too cool to exclude them.
The sun was starting to set and as there is no electricity at the vineyard it was time to leave. We let and went back to our hotel, sat around the pool and finished off a bottle of wine. A perfect ending to a perfect day. I am already looking forward to next year.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Clos Pepe Estates Release Party
Saturday, August 2, 2008
We left about 7:00 in the morning for the drive to Buellton (about 45 minutes above Santa Barbara). The wineries do not open until 10:00 for tasting and our arrival time at Clos Pepe was 1:00 pm.
We arrived in the town of Solvang a little early so we parked the car near the "Trio" tasting room and headed to the Christmas store. This store is open all year and devotes itself to Christmas ornaments and Nativity sets. I bought a few angel ornaments for the great-grandkids. Had their names painted on them. Kids are into things like that. Makes them feel special.
By time we messed around in the store Stolpman's wine tasting room was open. Stopped in and tasted a few new wines, and bought a mixed case of Stolpman wines. Our friends who we were going to meet a little later walked into the tasting room. It is interesting how we wino's gravitate to the "good" wines. Time was starting to catch up with us, so we boogied over to Trio and tasted wine there. These wines are made by Kris Curran and Bruno D'Alfonso. I will say for some reason I was disappointed in most of the wines that were poured that day. I will have to go in there again in October when I am in the area and take a second look at them. I have had their wines before and enjoyed them, so I'm not to sure of the off day.
It was time to leave for Clos Pepe as we were running a little late. We all piled into one car and headed down the highway towards Lompoc. Clos Pepe is between Buellton and Lompoc in the Sta. Rita Hills. Outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The party was in full swing when we arrived. Several people were there that I had not seen for awhile and I saw a few additional friends. After tasting the 2007 releases and making my futures purchase I headed for the table of library wines. This table is always packed with people. I like to taste the older wines so I can see how mine are aging without opening them. This release party is by invitation only and to qualify you have to be a long time allocation member and buy $500 or more of wine each year. Keeps the number of people low but makes for a great time. Also keeps the "free loaders" out
Inside the house (house is an understatement) they had a table full of older french wines. I tasted several but I was not taking notes so the only one I really remember was a 1988 Lafite Rothschild
They had a large table set up with cheeses and crackers. New West Catering was making gourmet pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven, along with great grilled shrimp and beef kabobs. I pigged out which was a mistake since we were all going to the Stolpman vineyard later in the day for "Dinner in The Vineyard".
About 4:00 pm we said our goodbyes and headed back into the Santa Ynez Valley to have dinner at Stolpmans.
We left about 7:00 in the morning for the drive to Buellton (about 45 minutes above Santa Barbara). The wineries do not open until 10:00 for tasting and our arrival time at Clos Pepe was 1:00 pm.
We arrived in the town of Solvang a little early so we parked the car near the "Trio" tasting room and headed to the Christmas store. This store is open all year and devotes itself to Christmas ornaments and Nativity sets. I bought a few angel ornaments for the great-grandkids. Had their names painted on them. Kids are into things like that. Makes them feel special.
By time we messed around in the store Stolpman's wine tasting room was open. Stopped in and tasted a few new wines, and bought a mixed case of Stolpman wines. Our friends who we were going to meet a little later walked into the tasting room. It is interesting how we wino's gravitate to the "good" wines. Time was starting to catch up with us, so we boogied over to Trio and tasted wine there. These wines are made by Kris Curran and Bruno D'Alfonso. I will say for some reason I was disappointed in most of the wines that were poured that day. I will have to go in there again in October when I am in the area and take a second look at them. I have had their wines before and enjoyed them, so I'm not to sure of the off day.
It was time to leave for Clos Pepe as we were running a little late. We all piled into one car and headed down the highway towards Lompoc. Clos Pepe is between Buellton and Lompoc in the Sta. Rita Hills. Outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The party was in full swing when we arrived. Several people were there that I had not seen for awhile and I saw a few additional friends. After tasting the 2007 releases and making my futures purchase I headed for the table of library wines. This table is always packed with people. I like to taste the older wines so I can see how mine are aging without opening them. This release party is by invitation only and to qualify you have to be a long time allocation member and buy $500 or more of wine each year. Keeps the number of people low but makes for a great time. Also keeps the "free loaders" out
Inside the house (house is an understatement) they had a table full of older french wines. I tasted several but I was not taking notes so the only one I really remember was a 1988 Lafite Rothschild
They had a large table set up with cheeses and crackers. New West Catering was making gourmet pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven, along with great grilled shrimp and beef kabobs. I pigged out which was a mistake since we were all going to the Stolpman vineyard later in the day for "Dinner in The Vineyard".
About 4:00 pm we said our goodbyes and headed back into the Santa Ynez Valley to have dinner at Stolpmans.
Monthly Wino's gathering
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Our host today decided his theme would be "Washington State" wines. This came about because his cousin has a small winery in the state of Washington and he wanted to feature her wines, "Basalt Cellars".
The weather was good and the group was on the small side, about 14 people, but it made for a very nice tasting. Sometimes when you get more that 20 wines it becomes a problem tying to taste everything before your palate leaves you.
The host today made a great pork loin with a raspberry/chipolte sauce. Gave it a thumbs up
Most of us even up in the spa and at least have legs and feet dangling into it. I really great day.
Our host today decided his theme would be "Washington State" wines. This came about because his cousin has a small winery in the state of Washington and he wanted to feature her wines, "Basalt Cellars".
The weather was good and the group was on the small side, about 14 people, but it made for a very nice tasting. Sometimes when you get more that 20 wines it becomes a problem tying to taste everything before your palate leaves you.
The host today made a great pork loin with a raspberry/chipolte sauce. Gave it a thumbs up
Most of us even up in the spa and at least have legs and feet dangling into it. I really great day.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Extravaganza For The Senses
Saturday, July 19, 2008
This is about the 5th year I have attended this fundraiser event for the LA Free Clinic. It is held at the 20th Century Studios complex.
We arrived just before 6 pm so we did not have to wait too long for the gates to open. There are numerous restaurants and food vendors in attendance. I always have a tendency to overeat at these types of events and tonight was no exception. I did watch by alcohol consumption as I was the driver.
A few of the most memorable food dishes I had were the "Macadamian Shrimp" from the 20th Century Studios commissary, the beautiful raw oysters from the Palm restaurant, the gourmet wild mushroom tamale from Corn Maiden Foods, the tuna and salmon hand rolls from Hokusai and the fabulous chocolate ice cream from Dr. Bob's.
The higher end wineries were pouring their lower end wines so I did have several of the bubblies, a glass of Seghesio Zin, a glass of Loring Russell Vineyard Pinot and a glass of Domaine Alfred's "Da Red". Alize was there making concoctions. I had one not to sure what it was but is was real tasty. While I was standing in line for the hand rolls, Asahi beer had a booth right next to the hand roll booth which worked out really well. Beer and sushi.
And no these were not full glass of wine. They were pouring about 2 ounces. All the alcohol served at these functions is poured in moderation. Of course you can over consume if you drink everything available. We did see an acquaintance of ours that looked like he started early in the day and was finishing the night up with a bang. But he did have a designated driver.
So it was another fun evening of food & wine and for a good cause. Tax deductions are really nice.
This is about the 5th year I have attended this fundraiser event for the LA Free Clinic. It is held at the 20th Century Studios complex.
We arrived just before 6 pm so we did not have to wait too long for the gates to open. There are numerous restaurants and food vendors in attendance. I always have a tendency to overeat at these types of events and tonight was no exception. I did watch by alcohol consumption as I was the driver.
A few of the most memorable food dishes I had were the "Macadamian Shrimp" from the 20th Century Studios commissary, the beautiful raw oysters from the Palm restaurant, the gourmet wild mushroom tamale from Corn Maiden Foods, the tuna and salmon hand rolls from Hokusai and the fabulous chocolate ice cream from Dr. Bob's.
The higher end wineries were pouring their lower end wines so I did have several of the bubblies, a glass of Seghesio Zin, a glass of Loring Russell Vineyard Pinot and a glass of Domaine Alfred's "Da Red". Alize was there making concoctions. I had one not to sure what it was but is was real tasty. While I was standing in line for the hand rolls, Asahi beer had a booth right next to the hand roll booth which worked out really well. Beer and sushi.
And no these were not full glass of wine. They were pouring about 2 ounces. All the alcohol served at these functions is poured in moderation. Of course you can over consume if you drink everything available. We did see an acquaintance of ours that looked like he started early in the day and was finishing the night up with a bang. But he did have a designated driver.
So it was another fun evening of food & wine and for a good cause. Tax deductions are really nice.
Hill Family Estate Wine Dinner
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.
Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.
The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.
First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.
Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.
Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.
Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.
Delius restaurant hosted a wine dinner this evening, www.deliusrestaurant.com . I was not familiar with this winery, but after tasting what they opened with dinner tonight I have become a fan.
Appetizer was "Foie Gras Torchon, Pineapple Compote on Brioche Toast" served with a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. A beautiful pairing. Just perfect.
The soup was a "Watercress-Apple with Sweet Potato Chips. Excellent soup. Served with a 2006 Carly's Cuvee Chardonnay. This was the type of Chardonnay that I really like. Just a "nano" touch of oak.
First course was "Pork Sous Vide with Caramelized Salisfy, Fava Beans and Roasted Pork Jus. Another great combination served with a 2005 Pinot Noir. We all agreed that this was an excellent wine. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Sous Vide" - the meat, fish, chicken etc., is placed in a heavy plastic bag with seasonings and placed in a water bath with a constant temperature for many hours. The pork was one of the most tender and moist piece of meat I have had.
Next up was the main course, "Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beluga Lentils, Chipolini Onions and a Dried Cherry Demi-Glace. Louise is a master with lamb and this dish was no exception. Two wines were served with this dish, a 2005 Barrel Blend (Merlot, Cabernet & Syrah) and a 2004 Merlot. Again a great combination.
Dessert was "Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta with Pecan Crisps.
Another great dinner at Delius with some excellent wines.
Annual Bus Trip
Sunday July 13, 2008
Today's was the annual bus trip that Delius restaurant puts on every year, www.Deliusrestaurant.com,. We start our with a buffet breakfast served with oj, sparkling wine and mimosa's. Naturally the food served is very good. This year we had a scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, sausages & peppers, potatoes, rolls and fresh fruit. At 9 AM we board the bus. This year our destination was Ojai.
I have not been to Ojai since the 1960's Our first stop was a wine & liquor store just past the downtown area. It was next to an auto parts store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name nor the winery. The wines were ok but not that memorable but the store itself, I was blown away with. It carried 700 different kinds of beer, had a very high end liquor department and carried an amazing amount of high end wines. They had a great tasting area in the back of the store with high back stools to sit on and tables . I would have never imagines a store of this caliber in Ojai.
Our next stop was Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai Valley., www.oldcreekranch.com, We had our picnic lunch here and the owner came around and poured our wines for us while we ate lunch. I bought several wines here. The prices were reasonable and the wines were good. Its only a short drive off the 101 freeway. Take Hwy 33 to Old Creek Ranch road and it leads directly to the winery. They lost all of their vines to Pierce's disease so they source there grapes from the Central Coast, Santa Ynez and Napa.
The next stop was a disaster. We went to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard. They make kosher wine. It was terrible. I have nothing more to say about this one.
Our last stop was the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. We had a wide assortment of cheese's and wine to sample. This place was the hit of the day.
We returned to Delius restaurant about 8 pm. Another bus trip and another great time to the memory book.
Today's was the annual bus trip that Delius restaurant puts on every year, www.Deliusrestaurant.com,. We start our with a buffet breakfast served with oj, sparkling wine and mimosa's. Naturally the food served is very good. This year we had a scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, sausages & peppers, potatoes, rolls and fresh fruit. At 9 AM we board the bus. This year our destination was Ojai.
I have not been to Ojai since the 1960's Our first stop was a wine & liquor store just past the downtown area. It was next to an auto parts store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name nor the winery. The wines were ok but not that memorable but the store itself, I was blown away with. It carried 700 different kinds of beer, had a very high end liquor department and carried an amazing amount of high end wines. They had a great tasting area in the back of the store with high back stools to sit on and tables . I would have never imagines a store of this caliber in Ojai.
Our next stop was Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai Valley., www.oldcreekranch.com, We had our picnic lunch here and the owner came around and poured our wines for us while we ate lunch. I bought several wines here. The prices were reasonable and the wines were good. Its only a short drive off the 101 freeway. Take Hwy 33 to Old Creek Ranch road and it leads directly to the winery. They lost all of their vines to Pierce's disease so they source there grapes from the Central Coast, Santa Ynez and Napa.
The next stop was a disaster. We went to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard. They make kosher wine. It was terrible. I have nothing more to say about this one.
Our last stop was the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. We had a wide assortment of cheese's and wine to sample. This place was the hit of the day.
We returned to Delius restaurant about 8 pm. Another bus trip and another great time to the memory book.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Winos Monthly Gathering
Sunday, June 27, 2008
The winos gathered today for our monthly "wine" outing. Today's theme was Red & White Bordeaux's.
As usual the reds outnumbered the whites. This time by a large margin 5 to 1. All of the wines were good and there were a few notables that stood out.
Two of the whites I really liked. The 2006 Chateau De Launay and the 2006 Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
In the red department the 1993 Font Villac St Emillion Grand Cru, 1998 Clos Rene Pomerol, 2000 Reginac, 2002 Reginac.
I found these wines were my favorites. All of the wines were drinking nicely and there was not one of them I would not want on my table for dinner.
As usual we had many appetizers to nibble on until the main dish was served. The host cooked salmon on the grill and as always I had stuffed myself so when it came to the numerous desserts that were on the table I could only taste a couple of them.
The weather today was great. A little breezy but the sun shone brightly all day. Just cannot beat California weather.
Next month its off to "Washington State Wines" for the flock.
The winos gathered today for our monthly "wine" outing. Today's theme was Red & White Bordeaux's.
As usual the reds outnumbered the whites. This time by a large margin 5 to 1. All of the wines were good and there were a few notables that stood out.
Two of the whites I really liked. The 2006 Chateau De Launay and the 2006 Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
In the red department the 1993 Font Villac St Emillion Grand Cru, 1998 Clos Rene Pomerol, 2000 Reginac, 2002 Reginac.
I found these wines were my favorites. All of the wines were drinking nicely and there was not one of them I would not want on my table for dinner.
As usual we had many appetizers to nibble on until the main dish was served. The host cooked salmon on the grill and as always I had stuffed myself so when it came to the numerous desserts that were on the table I could only taste a couple of them.
The weather today was great. A little breezy but the sun shone brightly all day. Just cannot beat California weather.
Next month its off to "Washington State Wines" for the flock.
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