Last night we hosted Tolosa Winemaker, Nathan Carlson to a winemaker dinner. Chef Troy created a 4 course tasting menu that was, quite possibly, the best winemaker dinner ever. At least that is what all 35 guests including the winemaker said. I haven't been to many winemaker dinners but in my limited experience I would say unequivocally it was the best. Chef Troy, being the perfectionist that he is, still feels it could be better.
First course was the most perfectly prepared golden beet risotto that served as the backdrop for the day boat scallops and clam vin blanc. This dish set the stage for the rest of the dinner. Pairing with the No Oak Chardonnay was absolutely perfection. If the dinner stopped there not one person would have felt slighted. But we were just getting started.
Next came the potatoe crusted pheasant. Pheasant isn't something that you normally get to try so we were all eager to see how it paired with the 2004 Estate Pinot Noir. It lay on top of a bed of toasted barley. The earthyness of the Pinot and the grain of the barley were a perfect match. Side by side they were great but like every good couple they complemented each other when put together.
At this point we were simply elated and very satisfied but we still had two more courses. It was the last course that I so wanted to have room for. The third course was the tornadoes of beef paired with the ultimate wine, 1772 Syrah. This is a limited wine just released and it was AWESOME. Definately the best wine of the night.
Then came the dessert course, an elegant cheese, fruit, nut and honey comb platter paired with a 2000 library wine from Nathan's stash. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal. There was not a dry palette in the group.
Do yourself a favor and attend the next winemaker dinner. Paul Wilkins, James Ontiveros and Sao Sanish will present Native9 and Alta Maria wines. Alta Maria is gaining press of late for being a small, production artisan wine endevouring to showcase the standout fruit from the Santa Maria Valley. Native9 is being touted as one of the premeir Cult wines in the Central Coast. A third of the seats are already sold so don't wait too long.
