French Laundry Dinner #2

Maple Grove, MN
Tasted Saturday, January 1, 2011 by mn_horn with 660 views

Introduction

An incredible way to kick off 2011. This 5 course meal for 4 was prepared from Thomas Keller's French Laundry cookbook.

Flight 1 - First & Second Courses (1 Note)

Pao de Queijo

Lobster Broth

  • NV Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Cuvée Sainte Anne 90 Points

    France, Champagne

    Light yellow/straw in color. The nose is yeasty with nice apple notes. Tart apple on the palate and medium-strong acidity that hangs in the mouth. Nice champagne that I would buy again at ~$30. I feel it would pair with a wide variety of dishes from bready appetizers to fried chicken to creamy desserts.

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Flight 2 - Third & Fourth Courses (1 Note)

Sea Bass & Tilapia with Parsnips, Spinach, and Saffron-Vanilla Sauce

Lobster Pancakes with pea shoot salad and ginger-carrot emulsion (Peas and Carrots)

  • 2005 Didier Dagueneau Pur Sang 92 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé

    This seems to be holding up better compared to some of the recent notes, even though I do see the aging difference with the Silex out-living the Pur Sang. Dagueneau wines are always a treat for me and is what good Sauv Blanc should taste and feel like.

    Extremely light yellow color with a strong minerality on the nose and notes of an herb flower blend. Amazingly smooth on the palate even with high acid. Flavors of stone fruit and a touch of granny smith apple. Paired extremely well with a homemade version of Thomas Keller's Peas & Carrots, as well as pan fried tilapia and sea bass with a saffron vanilla sauce.

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Flight 3 - Fifth Course (1 Note)

Lemon Sabayon - Pine nut Tart with Honey Mascarpone Cream

  • 2002 Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon Clos de Sainte Catherine 91 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Coteaux du Layon

    Deep dark gold color. The nose was filled with honey, hints of lemon, and maybe some orange zest. The mouthfeel was coating, but not cloying and delivered the mild sweetness with honey and peach flavors. I long finish made this an enjoyable wine with a lemon tart. I will look forward to the next few bottles over the next 10+ years.

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Closing

Great friends, great food, and great wine. Hopefully the first of many of these nights in 2011.

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