Valentine's Day/Anniversary dinner

Valentine's Day is pretty special around here because it is also our anniversary. Last night Peggy and I celebrated 21 years of marriage with take out from our favorite local bistro and a couple of '88s.

With smoked salmon, arugula, fingerling potato, dill and Dijon vinaigrette:

• 1988 Pol Roger Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill

  France, Champagne

  Light gold color, toasty/yeasty nose with citrus, full-bodied, nicely balanced, more complexity than last bottle, long finish, still going strong. Outstanding.

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The following paired nicely with both of our main dishes:
Pan roasted magret duck breast, sautéed parsnips, figs, Port wine sauce, and
Grilled filet mignon with cauliflower gratin and Dijon mustard sauce

• 1988 Château Talbot

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  Dark red core, lighter at rim, nice nose of cassis, cherry, earth, medium body, cherry and cassis fruit follow on palate, nice balance, medium finish, just a little complex, very nice match with both the duck and the filet. Will it develop additional complexity or will the fruit fade?

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We finished with chocolate mousse, and then another glass of the Pol Roger for a nightcap. The Champagne was the clear star of the evening, wine-wise, anyway...