Dinner at the Blanchards

We arrived at 7PM after an arduous day at work for what turned out to be an extraordinary evening of conversation, cuisine, and wine. After giving us a tour of their elegant and impeccably restored home, the Blanchards served us a lovely 4 course menu which started with elegant, delicate scallops with radish, avocados, and lemon juice. This was followed by beef tenderloin perfectly cooked and wrapped around shallots. Side dished included a lovely artichoke puree and baby green beans. Salad with pumpkin seeds was followed by a cheese course which included blackstick blue, tomme de savoie, an unpasteurized brie (I believe), and a cheddar. Dessert included a delicious, fluffy coffee mousse and Ben's surprise peach tart.

• 2002 Mazzocco Chardonnay River Lane 88 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  A little Burgundian in character. Good nose of apples and oak which followed onto the palate. Some butter but balanced with good acidity giving it a crisp finish. Very enjoyable.

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• 1995 Bouchard Père et Fils Chevalier-Montrachet 95 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

  Whoa! Nose of crisp apple with a hint of oak. Initally cold, the toasty appple, lemon zest, vanilla opened up in the glass. Terrific acidity balanced the fruit without tartness and a slight, very pleasing petrol mouthfeel that helped the finish go on and on.

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• 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  I'm not sure if I can ever properly put my '82 Lafite experience in words, but suffice it to say that this was the best wine I have ever tasted. Decanted for approximately 4 hours by our generous hosts, the color was deep ruby with only 5mm or so of bricking at the rim. The nose was supremely expressive with lead pencil, leather, cassis, cedar. Some of us also noted a floral character (rose, jasmine) which unfortunately eluded me. One noteable quality of the nose was that I could discern the different qualities as time passed in the glass rather than all at once. The palate revealed cassis, blackberry, smoke, earth, wood with sweet tannins. Despite some of the earthy characteristics I was amazed at how youthful the wine appeared. It seems that this wine still has a long life ahead (RP gives a drinking range to 2070). The finish was fantastic and long. Overall the experience was unforgettable.

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• 1989 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année

  France, Champagne

  Incredibly vibrant with no signs of age at 17 yrs, the color was golden with fine bubbles. Nose was pure pear. On the palate I tasted pear, vanilla, and a hint of toast. The finish--long and subtle. This was the most memorable experience I have ever had with a champagne.

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Dinner was followed by cognac and lively, spirited conversation which lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Our hosts graciously treated us to a truly extraordinary, once in a lifetime, evening--one that I will never forget.