Testarossa Wine Dinner

At the invitation of Diana Jensen of Testarossa Vineyards, my wife and I and another couple headed to Thee Bungalow, for the Testarossa Wine Dinner back on June 18th. We all had a great time and Diana Jensen proved herself again a wonderful host. Thanks!

If you ever wondered if hobbies can turn into a new line of work, well check this abbreviated story about a hobby that got out of control. In a snapshot about Testarossa Vineyards. It all began with the husband and wife team of Rob and Diana Jensen in their garage. Since then the vineyard has grown from a production of 25 cases to the 16,000 cases it now produces at the Novitiate Winery, the Bay Area's oldest continuing winery. If in the area I highly recommend a visit. There wines are consistently of good quality and I heartily recommend them to you.

Back to the dinner, this was my first time at the Thee Bungalow, and I'm not sure how I've not run across this little gem before. We were warmly greeted upon our arrival and given the traditional Italian greeting, of an apéritif of Prosecco. Which was bright, fresh and fruity.

Now here's the line up.

Testarossa Wine Dinner

First Course
Pan Seared Maine Diver Scallop local fava bean beurre blanc
Costello, Chardonnay, 2006

This Chardonnay peared very nicely and enhanced the experience. This wine sells for about $32.00

Second Course
Sauteed Veal Sweetbreads roasted pecans red wine cherry chutney
Palazzio, Pinot Noir, 2006

This pairing really didn't work for me, but this a good PN, but the $37.00 price point is a bit excessive for a Pinot of this caliber. C/C score86 pts

Third Course
Kobe Beef Raviolis summer truffle vinaigrette
Sleepy Hollow, Pinot Noir, 2006

Now this was a very nice pairing and this wine had a flavor trio of cinnamon,cherry and a touch of clove. A solid PN with good struture and a long finish. Selling for $ 59.00 in my estimation again is too excessive. Unless you purchase @ the club price, 20% off. C/C 89 pts

Fourth Course
Grilled Natural Oregon Lamb Loin
local fann english peas. moroccan spiced lamb bordelaise
Subasio, Syrah, 2006

This wine was definitely our favorite and paired very nicely with the lamb, which was excellent. This wine was had plenty of well-focused fruit and its nicely stated varietal spice and fleshy, fully ripened fruit graced my palate. A touch firm in overall balance. We pick up three of these at @ 28.00 each. 90 pts

Fifth Course
Goat Cheese Panna Cotta
pistachio biscotti, orange gastrique
Sleepy Hollow, Chardonnay, 2006

Sorry to report this pairing just did not work out at all. The Chardonnay which was very good on it's own, but was in conflict orange gastique. This Chard. is like Crème Brûlée in a bottle. (C/C score 92 pts) But the 39.00 price point will keep me from drinking these on a regular basis. I believe a Muscat Cannelli would have paired much better! But Testarossa does not offer a Muscat.

Price for this menu is $59.95

Thee Bungalow Restaurant

4996 W. Point Loma Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92107(619) 224-2884