Chef's Counter at Willard's

Willards, Cambridge, MN
Tasted Wednesday, October 2, 2019 by rocknroller with 136 views

Introduction

Five of us traveled north for what was a very impressive dinner at the chef's counter at Eric Harcey's new restaurant, Willard's, which is about an hour north of the Twin Cities in Cambridge. Totally worth the drive, the food is outstanding. We were all impressed with the execution and creativity of each dish. Wine pairings worked out really well given we had no idea on what the menu would be. This was homerun all around with absolutely killer wines too.

Flight 1 (4 Notes)

  • 2005 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 95 Points

    France, Champagne

    Light medium golden color. Drank 2 glasses over an hour. This was just as delightful as ever. Comte is always a a delight every vintage, some hit an even higher level, but they never, ever disappoint. This was right there with the '04 and '07, while the '06 seems to have that little extra gear. But we're splitting hairs here. Can't wait to see what the '08 will hold. This was brilliant on the nose, classice Comte, a fine, persistent bead; very toasty, pewar, nutty, a little honey. The palate is beautiful, elegant, creamy, with a gorgeous minerality and excellent length.

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  • 2008 Vincent Dauvissat (René & Vincent) Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 95 Points

    France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru

    Light gold color. Drank a glass plus over an hour. My, this was in the zone tonight. It's been about 20 months since last having this and tonight this was so focused and filled with energy, wax, shells, ocean breezes, lemon and limestone on the nose. The palate is all about purity and clarity, mineral driven with lemon and lightly oily structrue, limestone, brine and very long. Very bright, excellent acidity. Loved it. 95 to 95+pts.

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  • 2005 Frédéric Magnien Charmes-Chambertin 94 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

    Medium dark red color. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 90 minutes. This just opens beautifully over 20 minutes and continues to build over the first hour plus. The nose is alluring with an enticing mix of dried spice and rose petal, sous bois and red fruit with woodsy accent. The palate is medium bodied, lively with a mix of cherry and red currants, sous bois, mineral, and a slowly building earthiness highlighted by the smoky spices. Those complaining about this being heavily oak influenced should take a step back and revisit. 93+ to 94pts.

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  • 2005 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas 93 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

    Very dark red color. PNP; drank a glass plus over 45 minutes. Cassis, black raspberry and hint of huckleberry folloowed by dried earth and dried herbs with an eventually savory note coming through. Beautiful tart red fruits mixed with deeper dark fruits, and full bodied juicy structure. Very pretty and velvety texture; this takes on more power, deep and earthy, mushroom and dried spices as it is still fully comcing to fruition as we closed out the dinner. 93+(+) to 94pts.

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