Brigitte Birthday Dinner

Dinner at Holger and Shelley's with Holger's parents (Klaus and Brigitte), Nancy, Jaimie, Patrick and me. The mood was festive as they had just returned from a surprise trip to Vegas and an evening at Joel Robuchon.

Not so sure this is the actual Champagne we had as I am going by the red label. We had this lovely Champagne as an aperitif and as the accompanyment for the first course of creamy poached (?) shrimp with cucumbers and shredded carrots.

• NV Taittinger Champagne Les Folies de la Marquetterie 91 Points

  France, Champagne

  Crisp but with a distinct forward fruitiness (apples and some citrus) on the nose and palate with good yeast and chalk. This was on the richer, heavier side of the fruit spectrum from my limited contact with Champagne, but it was very nicely balanced by a crisp, chalky acidity.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

These wines were served with two courses. The first was an amazing creamy soup of saffron and fennel with mussels (a WOW dish). The second course was even more amazing and had an idea 'stolen' from Robuchon himself. This featured swordfish that was lightly pan seared and then braised in liquid, topped with a tomato-based veg/herb saute and chestnuts (a la Robuchon). The swordfish was cooked to perfection and the chestnuts added a distinct richness as well (beyond WOW).

• 2007 Franzen Bremmer Calmont Riesling 91 Points

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  This was hand carried by Klaus and Brigitte from the producer in Germany to show us what is possible in a bone dry Mosel riesling. It was quite a treat. On the nose it had brilliant white fruits that were accented by flowers, light spice, some citrus and a really expressive minerality. The palate had light weight fruit that was amazingly refreshing with the mineral-laden acidity that balanced everything, including the seafood dishes, so nicely.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2006 Petra Unger Grüner Veltliner Alte Reben Oberfeld 90 Points

  Austria, Niederösterreich, Kremstal

  On the nose this had spicy white fruits with a flowery component. The palate was softer and a bit richer than the riesling, but with decent acidity that also worked well with the food.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Again we had to 'endure' two courses with two additional stellar wines. The first course was a 'simple' spaghetti a la Holger, tossed in a light sauce that included chopped tomates, fennel and garlic. The second course was a veal scallopini topped with a mango salsa. Each complemented these wines in differnt ways.

• 2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 92 Points

  Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto

  Decanted 4 hours. Served along side the '05 Almaviva. Dark violet red. Very nice nose of dark cherries, cassis, coffee, tobacco and a slight bell pepper component. Rich, dark palate that had an almost chocolaty feel to it. Plenty of tannins, but they were more forgiving and less firm than the Almaviva's. Finished with good length. Most at the table preferred this because it was sexy and more approachable.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2005 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva 94 Points

  Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto

  Decanted 4 hours. Dark reddish violet. Great focused nose of black and blue fruits with an intriguing mix of smokey licorice, spice and a hint of vanilla. The palate had firmer tannins and was less 'open' than the Don Melchor, but the fruits had a wonderful purity and power that was heightened by a lovely minerality. This was very pleasing to drink now, but this is packed and well-balanced enough to have a long and interesting life.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

(Probably 'organic') strawberry cheesecake with birthday candles.

• 2005 Château La Tour Blanche Sauternes 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Spot on Sauternes. Expressive nose of apricots, tropical fruits and nutty butterscotch. Rich creamy nectar-like palate with good acidity. The flavors layer out nicely and persist for some time.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

A lovely evening of great food, wine and company. Many thanks to Holger and Shelley.