Kent, England
Tasted Sunday, September 18, 2005 by Rani with 1,025 views
With the Mahaffys (or is it Mahaffies?) on a visit to London, I found myself once more on the way to Kent. Due to some engineering work on the tracks, the train was leaving from Victoria station rather than Charing Cross, which meant I could sleep in for 10 more minutes. To my surprise, the train was not of the WWII model that we usually take, but a rather sleak, quiet train with electric doors (!) and air conditioning (!!). Britain's rail system may yet catch up with the 20th century (and yes, I know we're in the 21st).
After a few coordination calls when the train was already moving, I managed to find the others and 90 minutes or so later we were at the door of Sophie's and Nigel's pictureqsue 16th century house. Time for some wine.
We had those with a wonderfully delicate salmon and crab mousse wrapped in leek, as well as a refreshing light pea soup.
We started on these as the main course was on its way. Sophie's culinary wizardry became apparent when the Beef Wellington came. It was coated with walnut and coriandre stuffing, and was the best beef fillet I've had in ages - the meat tender, perfectly cooked and almost sweet in flavour. Words really can't do it justice - it was a carnivore's paradise!
The next flight came as we were moving on to cheeses. The assortment, all from La Fromagerie on Moxon St. (a superb shop) included a delicious, nutty Comte (best one I've had in years), a fantastic Stilton from Colston-Basset, a rather ripe and stinky Taupiniere and a couple of others that I can't recall...
A fine way to spend a Sunday! Thanks again to our gracious hosts, and especially Sophie who managed to outdo herself once more with her cooking. WOTD for me were both the Pegau and Pichon-Baron - great examples of their respective appellations.
I even left armed with a bottle of 1998 Janasse VV, my prize from Nigel for some limericks a few months ago - I still don't know whether Nigel can be trusted, but he does keep his promises!
I was too drunk and well-fed to note any noteworthy anecdotes on the trip back. All I know is that I somehow made it home.
1997 André Perret Condrieu Chery 88 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Dark yellow-gold. Honeydew melon, some alcohol on the nose. Dry, even savoury, with apricots and hazelnuts. A long finish, though slightly bitter.
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