We were lucky enough to drink a passel of once in a lifetime wines Friday night courtesy of an old friend who was celebrating a milestone birthday. The party was at a lovely intimate restaurant and the meal was created by the chef and our wine loving benefactor to match the staggering list of wines. Yes we staggered to the taxi!
We started with
NV Nicolas Feuillatte Premier Cru champagne -- pale, lovely and fresh-- slight hint of citrus
It was a terrific match for the hors d'ourves of parmesan crisps stuffed with goat cheese mousse, gourgeres stuffed with pickled onions, pancetta and arugula and tiny chicken schnitzel with lemon.
Round two
1985 Krug -- the fourth time I have been lucky enough to enjoy this champagne (going back to Dec31st 1999) and it still packs the same major hit of apricots, honey and fresh bread. It is rich gold in colour and just a little viscous. This is one of the best wines I have ever had and continues to delight.
1990 Dom Perignon -- the third time for this wine and it did not show quite as well. Paler in colour, with a hint of something amiss (slightest hint of banana and acetone) on the nose.
Paired with a napoleon of caviar, potato cake, smoked salmon and lemon creme fraiche -- which was a stunning couple of mouthfuls.
Round three
1959 Remoissenet Peter & Fils Richebourg Grand Cru -- stunningly still carrying gorgeous Burgundy aromas of leather and tobacco and even at 50, beautiful elegant berries. There was some fade of colour at the edges, but I certainly would have guessed this to be from the 80's.
1995 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee St-Vivant Grand Cru -- this magnum of wine showed hardly any age at all. This had some tropical fruit in addition to the red berry/cherry. If you are lucky enough to have some, it will hold!
Paired with Duck three ways, seared fois gras and warm wild mushroom and truffle salad, seared confit with apples brussel sprouts and grainy mustard and grilled breast with prosciutto wrapped fennel and balsamic cherry sauce.
Round four
1959 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild -- which is now the best wine I have ever consumed. How can I ever answer that question again without sounding like a wine snob????? Stunning rich Bordeaux nose with layer after layer of rich dark fruit, hint of cacao. The edges did show some fade and there is not even the hint of tannin left, but still a lovely lingering elegance that I have never experienced before
1990 Chateau Margaux --another magnum and my second favourite wine of the night. On any other day it would be the wine of the year -- rich, succulent, dark, everything you could hope from such a fine Bordeaux
Paired with braised short rib with mascarpone polenta cake and caramelized shallots
Round five (are you tired yet?)
1959 Chateau d'Yquem--liquid gold, what else can I say? This was the consensus favourite of the night, apricot syrup with just a touch of peach. So intense it took my breath away but yet perfectly balanced, not even remotely cloying. This is why people pay what they do for Sauterne.
1976 Chateau d'Yquem -- the second time I have been lucky enough to have this wine it is magnificent and similar though slightly lighter version of the '59. Also a knock your socks off wine, if you have a chance to have some and you love dessert wine, this is a classic example of one of the best.
Paired with a savory Roquefort and dried apricot tart with sauterne gelee.
How can we ever thank friends who consistently pour stunning wines for us? The only thing better than the food and wine was the company and the gales of laughter that permeated the evening!
