In mid-July, a winemaker dinner with Debbie and Justin Baldwin, proprietors of the Paso Robles winery Justin, proved a decadent delight. During Social Hour, Deborah’s 2007 Delight, a sweet, Muscat-based wine, paired perfectly with a Sweet & Spicy Shrimp Bistila (South American spices meet ground shrimp in a light, filo triangle) and Blue Cheese and Quince Paste Squares. A pasta course called, “Peas and Carrots” brought out house-made pappardelle (thickly-cut noodles) with a creamy, bacon-studded sauce brightened by English peas and carrots. A not-too-oaky 2007 Chard met its match in the creamy sauce and veggies. 

“Surf and Turf” was a twist on Tuna Tonnato, a canned-tuna-based sauce usually served over veal. Berkshire Pork subbed for the veal, while I asked for seared tuna, which was an inspired call with The Orphan, 2006. The Orphan is a red blend made of unused lots, but has turned into one of Justin’s most popular wines. 

We were all “Seeing Red” when braised ribeye formed the foundation for grilled rib eye and mixed seasonal vegetables. Isosceles 2004 was the match made in heaven for some (a big, bold wine that will last many more years in bottle) and Isosceles 2005 (a much more floral red wine) rang other’s diners’ bells. Both wines were opened at 4 p.m and served around 8:30! 

Dessert brought a trio of triumphs when paired with the Port-like Obtuse 2006, a dessert wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon (!). Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Drizzle, Blackberry Panna Cotta with Chocolate Crème Fraîche, and Salted Candied Blackberries sent all of us off to very sweet dreams.