Friday, April 28, 2017
The Waterline restaurant at the Balboa Bay Club hosted Joseph Phelps Winery tonight. Unusual to have a wine dinner on a Friday which is usually a busy night for most restaurants. As I was waiting in the lobby area I noticed numerous people heading for the restaurant only to be turned away because of the private dinner. They even closed the bar area to the public.
At 6:00 the doors opened and we were shown our assigned tables and then informed that the reception would be held outdoors. Wasn't too bad in spite of the heavy winds. We walked out and there was no table set up for wine and or glasses. I spied a small table on the far side and snagged two glasses that had been poured and gave them to my dining companions. I went back to get a glass and a younger man poured me a real heavy dose of the 2015 Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc wine. He was seven sheets to the wind. I then found out that is was a private pre-wedding dinner group. No barrier or signs to indicate. Very confusing. No information seemed to be forthcoming on where to get your wine. I assumed later that you went to the bar when you first came in. Absolutely no information or guidance from the staff.
I never saw anyone pouring wine for our group at the beginning. Later the wine rep came by with some bottles. I feel this was very poorly handled. Confusing for something so simple. In the meantime I went inside and asked where I could get a refill (didn't want to invade the wedding party again). One of the staff took me to the bar where I asked for another pour. Someone remarked that there would be plenty of wine at the dinner. My retort was dinner was a long way off and that I do a lot of wine dinners and never have a problem with getting additional pours. A one hour reception with only one pour of wine is not acceptable to me. Either pour more wine or shorten the time to 30 minutes.
Back in the patio area the appetizers were coming out fast. A really good selection. Favorite was the raw oysters with a drop of a caviar. We had a nice conversation with Bill Phelps, the current owner. His father Joseph Phelps founded the winery in the 70's.
At 7:00 we were told to be seated for dinner. After at least ten minutes they got around to pouring a 2014 "Freestone" Chardonnay ($55) . A bit oaky, heavy viscosity, a little buttery. Not my style. But I felt it would pair well with the first course of a Lobster Bisque which showed up at least 15 minutes after the pour. The bowl had the lobster, mussels, caviar and sea beans in it. The staff then came around and poured in the broth. This was a very good soup. Loads of flavor and the seafood was very fresh. And the wine did pair well.
By 8:00 we had only had the soup. Very slow service. The wedding party was seated in the back area with one long table. They did get served first. Which was probably a good idea.
Finally the second course came out. Wild King Salmon, seared with the skin on, morel mushrooms, spring asparagus ( I have never seen such tiny asparagus) and wheat berries. Salmon was good, I felt is was slightly overcooked, I was comparing it to the Scottish salmon that I had a Chianina a few weeks ago, No comparison. Chianina's was far superior. Mushrooms were wonderful. This was a well composed dish. A 2014 "Freestone" Pinot Noir ($55) was the paired wine. I did not like this Pinot. Had an off taste to me.
The main course came out of the kitchen a little quicker. A prime filet of beef crusted with ground coffee, cauliflower (micro), gnocchi (1) and a huckleberry BBQ sauce. An excellent cut of meat. Extremely tender and flavorful. Sauce was very good. I had them box it up to take home as I had reached my saturation point. And there is dessert. Two wines were poured for this course. A 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ($75) and a 2013 Insignia ($250). I liked the Cab much better especially after it opened up. I was very disappointed in the Insignia. This is their flagship wine and it fell short. Maybe after 6 or 7 years of aging it may improve. I thought it was too simple, too light and lacked good structure. No tannins so I don't know how well it will age.
Dessert came out - a Apple and Marscarpone Mille-Feuille. Green Dragon apples, mascarpone cream, phyllo and apple sorbet. A very nice, light, refreshing dish. I really liked the apple sorbet. They also had a micro thin sliced, dried ( fried or baked) apple as a "sail". That had a nice apple tartness to it. They poured a 2016 "Eisrebe" Late Harvest Scheurebe ($40). This wine was slightly sweet, had good acidity and a nice tart apple underlying taste. Besides the Cab it was the next best wine.
They then presented each of us with a box that held 6 house made candies. Have not tasted them yet but I am assuming they will be very good. I thought that this was a very nice touch to the event.
Food was good, service was good. Ambiance was great. Kitchen was way to slow. A definite lack of information and organization by staff. I will probably do the Far Niente / Nickel and Nickel dinner next month at the Waterline - see if the same things happen. Just because you are a high end resort does not mean you have your ducks in a row.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Utopia Spring Wine Dinner
Thursday, April 20, 2016
First wine dinner of the year at Utopia in downtown Long Beach. Their dinners are nice, not spectacular but reasonably priced. $55 against $125 that most others charge.
The wines were all private label from a tech firm in the south bay area. A different take and very different bottles.
One problem at Utopia is that they never offer bread or rolls. You have to ask for it. I suppose it does save money.
First course was a warm French brie cheese with spicy mango chutney, crisp bread and thin strips of pickled red peppers. Peppers looked pretty but that was it. Brie and chutney were a nice combination They poured a 2016 "Summer Water" rose. A blend of Grenache and Syrah. Very Provence style. Not too thrilled with it. Strange back palate taste.
Second course is a arugula and mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, roasted walnuts, goat cheese and a house made balsamic dressing. Not over dressed which was nice for the wine pairing. A 2015 Field Theory Lodi Albarino, Andrus Island Vineyard. This was a good wine.
Third course is grilled lamb chops with a port reduction sauce, spring vegetables (two small this slices of zucchini) and mashed potatoes. The chops were at least pink in the middle but I doubt if they were more than 5/8" inch thick. Paired with a 2015 Field Theory Paso Robles Blaufrankisch, Pomar Junction Vineyard. I did like this wine. It is a an Austrian grape varietal. Not a heavy red but still had some punch to it.
Dessert is a vanilla ice cream with Trentadue chocolate port. A light dessert which was welcomed.
Amir also gave our table a glass of the port.
When we were seated they waitress asked if we wanted still or sparking water. We opted to the still. It came out in a blue bottle with a screwcap. The meal was prepaid. She brought a bill for $13 for two bottles of water. That is why some people had pitchers of water on their tables. We were never told there was a charge to begin with. Told her next time I would bring my own damm water in and that Michaels and Chianina only charge $2 and they are much higher end restaurants.
Next time I am in Utopia I will talk with Amir about the deception. Do not like that kind of service. I can tell by the dinner that he is trying to hold the prices down and not raise them in spite of everything going up in price. But I would rather pay $60 and have him go back to what the dinners were. Next wine dinner at Utopia is in June.
First wine dinner of the year at Utopia in downtown Long Beach. Their dinners are nice, not spectacular but reasonably priced. $55 against $125 that most others charge.
The wines were all private label from a tech firm in the south bay area. A different take and very different bottles.
One problem at Utopia is that they never offer bread or rolls. You have to ask for it. I suppose it does save money.
First course was a warm French brie cheese with spicy mango chutney, crisp bread and thin strips of pickled red peppers. Peppers looked pretty but that was it. Brie and chutney were a nice combination They poured a 2016 "Summer Water" rose. A blend of Grenache and Syrah. Very Provence style. Not too thrilled with it. Strange back palate taste.
Second course is a arugula and mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, roasted walnuts, goat cheese and a house made balsamic dressing. Not over dressed which was nice for the wine pairing. A 2015 Field Theory Lodi Albarino, Andrus Island Vineyard. This was a good wine.
Third course is grilled lamb chops with a port reduction sauce, spring vegetables (two small this slices of zucchini) and mashed potatoes. The chops were at least pink in the middle but I doubt if they were more than 5/8" inch thick. Paired with a 2015 Field Theory Paso Robles Blaufrankisch, Pomar Junction Vineyard. I did like this wine. It is a an Austrian grape varietal. Not a heavy red but still had some punch to it.
Dessert is a vanilla ice cream with Trentadue chocolate port. A light dessert which was welcomed.
Amir also gave our table a glass of the port.
When we were seated they waitress asked if we wanted still or sparking water. We opted to the still. It came out in a blue bottle with a screwcap. The meal was prepaid. She brought a bill for $13 for two bottles of water. That is why some people had pitchers of water on their tables. We were never told there was a charge to begin with. Told her next time I would bring my own damm water in and that Michaels and Chianina only charge $2 and they are much higher end restaurants.
Next time I am in Utopia I will talk with Amir about the deception. Do not like that kind of service. I can tell by the dinner that he is trying to hold the prices down and not raise them in spite of everything going up in price. But I would rather pay $60 and have him go back to what the dinners were. Next wine dinner at Utopia is in June.
Antica Wines at Chianina
Tuesday. April 18, 2017
Really looking forward to this dinner. Have been out of the social scene for close to three weeks due to whatever creepy crud that is making its way around the nation. Have not had a taste of wine in that time also.
Chianina in Naples, www.chianina.com, hosted Antica wines tonight which is the US operations of Antinori from Italy. Michaels restaurant hosted a tasting earlier in the day for these wines. Had to work so I could not attend but two of my dining companions went. They did taste wines that were not on tonight's menu.
.
When the basket of bread came out I limited myself to one. A salted honey roll. I could make a meal out of the bread they make here along with the marscapone butter
We started out with a glass of Proseco and an Amuse Bouche not listed on the menu. Chianina is always good about little extras. The trio consisting of braised pork meat on a mini crostini, mini lasagna bite and a foie gras laudron.
Then onto the menu. First course was a roasted scallop, fennel, PEI mussels, fava beans and saffron emulsion. Excellent flavors. A good start. Paired with a 2014 Chardonnay. A little oaky, heavy viscosity. Did pair well with the scallop but not my style of chardonnay.
Next was a spring pea agnolotti with prosciutto, fennel and parmiggiano. Nice that they gave you a spoon to get all the flavors of the broth that was poured onto to the dish tableside. A 2014 Pinot Noir was the selection. It was ok but again not to my taste. Just did not knock my socks off. It was Burgundian style but had a strange back palate taste.
Third course served is a superior farms lamb lion, green garlic, fiddlehead ferns and ramps. Ramps have a garlic taste to them so this dish was my kind of good. Lamb was very tender and had great flavor. Two wines were paired. A 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 was best by itself and the 2013 went with the food. Both very nice wines but pricey
Main course consisted of ribeye with roasted mushrooms, yukon gold potato confit and crispy sweetbreads. Perfectly cooked. Very good dish. Paired with a 2012 "Townsend" Cabernet Sauvignon. Best wine of the night but also the most expensive.
Dessert was a pistachio sponge with a preserved bing cherry, candied ginger and ricotta ice cream. Glad I only had one roll at the start of dinner. Portions are always small but the food is always on the rich, decadent side so when you are close to the end you are starting to feel very full. The served a 2013 G & G Soracco with the dessert. Not overly sweet and a nice pairing.
Along came another small plate of tiny cookies. Chianina loves tiny cookies. A lavender maccaron, honey, earl grey tea and meyer lemon cookie and a toffee truffle cookie
A really good dinner again. My taste buds are still off I found out. So hopefully by next week when I do the Joseph Phelps dinner at the Waterline restaurant at the Balboa Bay resort they will be in better shape.
Really looking forward to this dinner. Have been out of the social scene for close to three weeks due to whatever creepy crud that is making its way around the nation. Have not had a taste of wine in that time also.
Chianina in Naples, www.chianina.com, hosted Antica wines tonight which is the US operations of Antinori from Italy. Michaels restaurant hosted a tasting earlier in the day for these wines. Had to work so I could not attend but two of my dining companions went. They did taste wines that were not on tonight's menu.
.
When the basket of bread came out I limited myself to one. A salted honey roll. I could make a meal out of the bread they make here along with the marscapone butter
We started out with a glass of Proseco and an Amuse Bouche not listed on the menu. Chianina is always good about little extras. The trio consisting of braised pork meat on a mini crostini, mini lasagna bite and a foie gras laudron.
Then onto the menu. First course was a roasted scallop, fennel, PEI mussels, fava beans and saffron emulsion. Excellent flavors. A good start. Paired with a 2014 Chardonnay. A little oaky, heavy viscosity. Did pair well with the scallop but not my style of chardonnay.
Next was a spring pea agnolotti with prosciutto, fennel and parmiggiano. Nice that they gave you a spoon to get all the flavors of the broth that was poured onto to the dish tableside. A 2014 Pinot Noir was the selection. It was ok but again not to my taste. Just did not knock my socks off. It was Burgundian style but had a strange back palate taste.
Third course served is a superior farms lamb lion, green garlic, fiddlehead ferns and ramps. Ramps have a garlic taste to them so this dish was my kind of good. Lamb was very tender and had great flavor. Two wines were paired. A 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 was best by itself and the 2013 went with the food. Both very nice wines but pricey
Main course consisted of ribeye with roasted mushrooms, yukon gold potato confit and crispy sweetbreads. Perfectly cooked. Very good dish. Paired with a 2012 "Townsend" Cabernet Sauvignon. Best wine of the night but also the most expensive.
Dessert was a pistachio sponge with a preserved bing cherry, candied ginger and ricotta ice cream. Glad I only had one roll at the start of dinner. Portions are always small but the food is always on the rich, decadent side so when you are close to the end you are starting to feel very full. The served a 2013 G & G Soracco with the dessert. Not overly sweet and a nice pairing.
Along came another small plate of tiny cookies. Chianina loves tiny cookies. A lavender maccaron, honey, earl grey tea and meyer lemon cookie and a toffee truffle cookie
A really good dinner again. My taste buds are still off I found out. So hopefully by next week when I do the Joseph Phelps dinner at the Waterline restaurant at the Balboa Bay resort they will be in better shape.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Hall and Walt Wine Dinner at Chianina
Wednesday. March 22, 2017
Packed house tonight at Chianina in Naples. www.chianina.com, Kathryn Hall was in attendance with a selection of her wines. Apparently a lot of investors in her winery were here also. Winery is located in Napa. www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com
We started out with a trio of "Amuse Bouches" . A Green Garlic Arancini, Scallop Tartare and Foie Gras Terrine on Toast with Rhubarb. Bite size and all were good but the Scallop was the best of the trio. But I would eat a plate of each one they were so good. A 2016 Hall Sauvignon Blanc. Nice grapefruit flavor, not too acidic. Retail price tag of $28.
Second course served was Scottish Salmon, Spring Peas. Morel Mushrooms and Puffed Rice. Great flavors and the salmon was so silky in texture. A beautiful piece of fish. Paired with a 2015 Walt Chardonnay. Stainless steel fermented. I was not impressed with this wine. Retail price of $44.
Next we had a Nettle Chitarra Pasta. Chitarra means guitar and the pasta is square instead of round. Rabbit Sugo, Blistered Spring Onions and Tarragon. Excellent flavors but I will say it did have a strange look to it. A green pea foamy concoction with these squiggly pieces of pasta on top. Not for the people who have overactive imaginations. The wine was a 2014Walt Pinot Noir. Grapes were sourced from Clos Pepe vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Hall has leased the vineyards for 15 years starting in 2015. This was by far the best wine of the night but the pairing was off as were most of the pairings for the evening. A price tag of $81 is so out of line. Twice as much as Clos Pepe gets.
Fourth course is a Lamb Ribeye, Charred Eggplant Puree, Fava Bean Fritter and Greek Yogurt. At this point I am getting stuffed. Had one bite of the lamb which was cooked perfectly and had them save it for me to be boxed with the next course. Otherwise no dessert. Wine was a 2013 Hall Merlot. Took a few sips and sent the wine away. Priced at $44.
Fifth course was outstanding. A Prime Beef Striploin with Asparagus, Roasted New Potatoes and Mustard Moussaline with aus jus. A 2013 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine choice. Not impressed. Not much going for it. Pruiced at $44.
Sixth course was Humboldt Fog Cheese, Compressed Beets and Walnuts. Beets are sweet so they really added a nice touch to the cheese. A 2013 Kathryrn Hall Caberent Sauvignon was the selection to pair with this course. Big, overly fruity wine. At $175 . I have had so many other cabs at less money that I enjoyed more.
The food was excellent. The wines mediocre and the pairings were off. Yes, I did has stuffed sinuses tonight but the others at my table agreed. Hall wines have a big following but I am not overly impressed especially with the pricing for what you get. But a very enjoyable evening and we did make reservations for the next wine dinner in April at Chianina..
Packed house tonight at Chianina in Naples. www.chianina.com, Kathryn Hall was in attendance with a selection of her wines. Apparently a lot of investors in her winery were here also. Winery is located in Napa. www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com
We started out with a trio of "Amuse Bouches" . A Green Garlic Arancini, Scallop Tartare and Foie Gras Terrine on Toast with Rhubarb. Bite size and all were good but the Scallop was the best of the trio. But I would eat a plate of each one they were so good. A 2016 Hall Sauvignon Blanc. Nice grapefruit flavor, not too acidic. Retail price tag of $28.
Second course served was Scottish Salmon, Spring Peas. Morel Mushrooms and Puffed Rice. Great flavors and the salmon was so silky in texture. A beautiful piece of fish. Paired with a 2015 Walt Chardonnay. Stainless steel fermented. I was not impressed with this wine. Retail price of $44.
Next we had a Nettle Chitarra Pasta. Chitarra means guitar and the pasta is square instead of round. Rabbit Sugo, Blistered Spring Onions and Tarragon. Excellent flavors but I will say it did have a strange look to it. A green pea foamy concoction with these squiggly pieces of pasta on top. Not for the people who have overactive imaginations. The wine was a 2014Walt Pinot Noir. Grapes were sourced from Clos Pepe vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Hall has leased the vineyards for 15 years starting in 2015. This was by far the best wine of the night but the pairing was off as were most of the pairings for the evening. A price tag of $81 is so out of line. Twice as much as Clos Pepe gets.
Fourth course is a Lamb Ribeye, Charred Eggplant Puree, Fava Bean Fritter and Greek Yogurt. At this point I am getting stuffed. Had one bite of the lamb which was cooked perfectly and had them save it for me to be boxed with the next course. Otherwise no dessert. Wine was a 2013 Hall Merlot. Took a few sips and sent the wine away. Priced at $44.
Fifth course was outstanding. A Prime Beef Striploin with Asparagus, Roasted New Potatoes and Mustard Moussaline with aus jus. A 2013 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine choice. Not impressed. Not much going for it. Pruiced at $44.
Sixth course was Humboldt Fog Cheese, Compressed Beets and Walnuts. Beets are sweet so they really added a nice touch to the cheese. A 2013 Kathryrn Hall Caberent Sauvignon was the selection to pair with this course. Big, overly fruity wine. At $175 . I have had so many other cabs at less money that I enjoyed more.
The food was excellent. The wines mediocre and the pairings were off. Yes, I did has stuffed sinuses tonight but the others at my table agreed. Hall wines have a big following but I am not overly impressed especially with the pricing for what you get. But a very enjoyable evening and we did make reservations for the next wine dinner in April at Chianina..
Monday, March 20, 2017
Dinner at Aroma
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Margie's monthly dinner was held at Aroma's Ristorante in La Palma. www.aromalapalma.com.
18 people in attendance and 22 wines. Impossible to taste them all. As usual I kept my tasting down to a minimum. Large menu to select from and I ended up with the Veal Chop. Very large chop, nice madeira sauce . Tender and flavorful. Good selection of mixed vegetables and potatoes in the plate.
Opted for the salted caramel gelato for dessert. That's was very good and a nice end to a heavy meal.
We had a very large table with 2 people seated at each end and 7 people on each side. Conversation was limited to those on each side of you. Made it nice for all the wine bottles and glasses but conversation got lost.
I brought a 2012 Clos Pepe HTC (Homage to Chablis) Chardonnay which was showing very well.
Other wines were:
2012 Cinquain Cellars Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2013 Tobin James Fat Boy Zinfandel - big and sweet
2011 Clayhouse Temp/Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2014 Cowhorn, Marsanne/Rousanne - did not taste
LeCuvier Red Bat Cuvier - did not taste
2011 Tobin James Silver Reserve, Syrah - did not taste
Tobin James, Liquid Love - did not taste, I have had these wine numerous times before
2013 Gattauercchi, Vino di Montepuliciano - did not taste
2-11 Castello D'Alboila, Chiantio Classico - did not taste
2015 Seal Beach Winery, Sangiovese - did not taste
2011 Kuleto, Sangiovese - did not taste
2012 Grassini, Equipo, red blend- nice wine
Domaine Chandon Etoile - always a good sparkling
2014 Amici, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 J.Christopher Pinot Noir - did not taste
Herzog, Rose Brut sparking - clean with a slight strawberry taste
2014 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio - I do not do Pinot Grigio's
2014 Abacela Fiesta. Albarino - nice clean, well balanced
Mumm Napa - always a good sparkling
2008 Artiste, Meritage - this wine was very good, old enough to be soft and silky
Margie's monthly dinner was held at Aroma's Ristorante in La Palma. www.aromalapalma.com.
18 people in attendance and 22 wines. Impossible to taste them all. As usual I kept my tasting down to a minimum. Large menu to select from and I ended up with the Veal Chop. Very large chop, nice madeira sauce . Tender and flavorful. Good selection of mixed vegetables and potatoes in the plate.
Opted for the salted caramel gelato for dessert. That's was very good and a nice end to a heavy meal.
We had a very large table with 2 people seated at each end and 7 people on each side. Conversation was limited to those on each side of you. Made it nice for all the wine bottles and glasses but conversation got lost.
I brought a 2012 Clos Pepe HTC (Homage to Chablis) Chardonnay which was showing very well.
Other wines were:
2012 Cinquain Cellars Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2013 Tobin James Fat Boy Zinfandel - big and sweet
2011 Clayhouse Temp/Cab/Syrah blend - did not taste
2014 Cowhorn, Marsanne/Rousanne - did not taste
LeCuvier Red Bat Cuvier - did not taste
2011 Tobin James Silver Reserve, Syrah - did not taste
Tobin James, Liquid Love - did not taste, I have had these wine numerous times before
2013 Gattauercchi, Vino di Montepuliciano - did not taste
2-11 Castello D'Alboila, Chiantio Classico - did not taste
2015 Seal Beach Winery, Sangiovese - did not taste
2011 Kuleto, Sangiovese - did not taste
2012 Grassini, Equipo, red blend- nice wine
Domaine Chandon Etoile - always a good sparkling
2014 Amici, Chardonnay - did not taste
2013 J.Christopher Pinot Noir - did not taste
Herzog, Rose Brut sparking - clean with a slight strawberry taste
2014 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio - I do not do Pinot Grigio's
2014 Abacela Fiesta. Albarino - nice clean, well balanced
Mumm Napa - always a good sparkling
2008 Artiste, Meritage - this wine was very good, old enough to be soft and silky
Sunday, March 12, 2017
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.
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.
Vignamaggio Wine and Delius Restaurant
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Every few years Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com.. hosts an Italian wine dinner with Mike Levine the distributor. This year they featured Vignamaggio wines. The Italian rep was present and for the life of me I cannot remember her name but she was very knowledgeable and with her accent brought a flair if Italy with her.
We started out with a Borgo Magredo Prosecco. Not one of their wines because they only produce reds. It gets the palate woke up and a nice start to the evening. There were six of us at the table and a lively group it was. I had already been to District Wine in downtown Long Beach for a tasting of Tercero wines before coming to dinner.
First course served was a Bacon Bundled Country Pate with Porcini Vinaigrette dressed Frisee. We all know how I feel above Frisee. Leave it off my plate, The flavor of the pate was good but I felt it was over cooked. The bacon wrapping was very crisp and to get that you have to really cook it longer than necessary. Wine paired was a 2014 Chianto Classico "Prenzano". Pleasant wine and went well with the pate.
Up next we were served a White Bean Gremolata Cassoulet with Andouille Sausage. To me this was the best dish of the evening. Good flavor. Paired with a 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva "Gherardino" which actually had 15% Merlot in it.
A 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva "Mona Lisa" was our next wine and it was paired with a Conchiglioni Pasta, Crimini Mushrooms, Wilted Arugula and Crispy Sweet Breads. Excellent flavor and my second best dish of the night.
Mian course was a Roasted Peppercorn Braised Tri Tip with Oven Roasted Tomato, Castlevitrano Olive and Black Salisfy Risotto.. Risotto was good . For my taste the tri tip was a bit overcooked and a little dry. 2009 Super Tuscan Cabernet Franc was the wine served. .Light tannins and a little vegetative.
Dessert is a Bing Cherry Tiramisu. OK but.
I found the dinner for my tastes disappointing. To me this was a "rustic" style of cooking Too many misses and the wines were slightly too big for the food. I am sure others liked it way better than I did. It is all about your personal taste.
Every few years Delius, www.deliusrestaurant.com.. hosts an Italian wine dinner with Mike Levine the distributor. This year they featured Vignamaggio wines. The Italian rep was present and for the life of me I cannot remember her name but she was very knowledgeable and with her accent brought a flair if Italy with her.
We started out with a Borgo Magredo Prosecco. Not one of their wines because they only produce reds. It gets the palate woke up and a nice start to the evening. There were six of us at the table and a lively group it was. I had already been to District Wine in downtown Long Beach for a tasting of Tercero wines before coming to dinner.
First course served was a Bacon Bundled Country Pate with Porcini Vinaigrette dressed Frisee. We all know how I feel above Frisee. Leave it off my plate, The flavor of the pate was good but I felt it was over cooked. The bacon wrapping was very crisp and to get that you have to really cook it longer than necessary. Wine paired was a 2014 Chianto Classico "Prenzano". Pleasant wine and went well with the pate.
Up next we were served a White Bean Gremolata Cassoulet with Andouille Sausage. To me this was the best dish of the evening. Good flavor. Paired with a 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva "Gherardino" which actually had 15% Merlot in it.
A 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva "Mona Lisa" was our next wine and it was paired with a Conchiglioni Pasta, Crimini Mushrooms, Wilted Arugula and Crispy Sweet Breads. Excellent flavor and my second best dish of the night.
Mian course was a Roasted Peppercorn Braised Tri Tip with Oven Roasted Tomato, Castlevitrano Olive and Black Salisfy Risotto.. Risotto was good . For my taste the tri tip was a bit overcooked and a little dry. 2009 Super Tuscan Cabernet Franc was the wine served. .Light tannins and a little vegetative.
Dessert is a Bing Cherry Tiramisu. OK but.
I found the dinner for my tastes disappointing. To me this was a "rustic" style of cooking Too many misses and the wines were slightly too big for the food. I am sure others liked it way better than I did. It is all about your personal taste.
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