London
Tasted Sunday, March 13, 2011 by Captain Haddock with 641 views
This dinner gathered mostly committed old Burgundy lovers, including a Burgundy producer, his importer, a wine merchant, a wine critic, a restaurant critic and various sharp-palated amateurs.
After an apéritif from the Mosel, the first four courses of our meal were served with pairs of red Burgundies. A lovely pair of sweet wines accompanied our pudding. I vaguely remember opening a half bottle of a 1971 Mosel sweet wine for the hardcore survivors around the table, and I may or may not have served some of Captain Haddock's famous sloe gin for the truly brave. The main event was a series of red Burgundies which, thankfully, mostly lived up to their potential, and showed the ageability of the best pinot noir.
Blinis with soured cream, smoked salmon, lemon, black pepper and chives. Toasted brioche with foie gras.
These were the only wines we tasted blind. We served them with a pastilla with orange zest sauce, toasted flaked almonds and fresh coriander.
Opinions were divided on which was the best wine. As the wines sat in the glass, a consensus formed around teh Chambertin which grew and blossomed in the glass, while the Latricières hardened somewhat. These wines were served with a warm salad of smoked thyme-infused duck breast, beetroot, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, red onions and pine nuts.
These wines were served with roast fillet of beef with Captain Haddock sauce, wild cep risotto and roast winter vegetables.
This memorable pair was served with delicious cheeses from Neal's Yard.
Our pudding was a traditional bûche de Noël - a shortcrust pastry base with sponge and buttercream icing with a touch of Grand Marnier.
2002 Zilliken (Forstmeister Geltz) Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett 91 Points
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
Both delicate and persistant, with excellent acidity. Just off-dry. A great aperitif.
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