The phone rang and on the spur-of-the-moment
the Tolmach's hosted a small dinner in the waning moments of 2003.
Jonathan had recently "caught" some Chanterelles out in the woods.
A pan of assorted veggies was prepared and ready for oven-roasting.
Jonathan, of course, is a terrific baker and had some breads ready for the oven.
The oven was super hot today, so the breads were slightly scorched on the
outside, but supremely delicious inside!
Jonathan's brother Adam is a famous winemaker, producing the delicious Ojai
Vineyard wines.
Adam extracted a cork from a bottle of 2000 Sauvignon Blanc, a wine redolent of
peach, mango and citrus. This followed an aperitif bottle of 2002 Crotta
de Vegneron "Muscat" with which we commenced the evening. The
Muscat was delicious and dry.
Meanwhile, Jonathan prepped some breads for a rise for tomorrow.
A Castello di Camigliano 1995 Brunello di Montalcino was a wonderful "taste
of the old world." It is from a good producer, but not a property
that often sets a standard for quality. The 1995 vintage is highly regard
and this wine is showing nicely now and ought to remain on a plateau for several
more years. I wouldn't expect it to grow or blossom, but it sure was nice
now.
Lucy and Jonathan had a nice plate of lamb with the oven roasted vegetable mlange.
Steamed broccoli was good, too.
Lucy is a big fan of Italian wines.
We also enjoyed a bottle of 2001 Domaine du Colombier Hermitage.
This is a young wine, a bit backwards, even. But there's lovely fruit and
spice notes and a fair bit of a minty quality I ascribed to the oak.
Adam Tolmach said "This will be really nice in about five years."
Jane Tolmach, Adam & Jonathan's Mom, said nothing. She was too busy
drinking (and eating).
Dessert was Panna Cotta with Ojai's dessert Viognier.
Made of frozen Viognier grapes, this is a lovely, bright, fruity wine which
played nicely against the raspberry sauce.
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