Dinner at L'Arpege

This was a memorable night. Two of us got the ridiculously priced 320 euro tasting menu. While expensive, I am glad I ordered it as it definitely brought the goods. It featured, roughly in order, (1) a sweet onion tart/confit (2) vegetable dumplings in a cucumber mint broth, (3) an out of this world lobster encased in thinly shaved cauliflower in a sweet honey and balsamic sauce, (4) a superb gazpacho with a dollop of mustard ice cream (best gazpacho we've ever had), (5) a fresh vegetable couscous with exotic country veggies, (6) a piece of turbot in an unbelievable Jura sauvignon wine sauce, (7) a bone-in lamb with some outstanding side vegetables and finally, (8) cheese that otherworldly and (9) a whole lot of desserts, including their famous apple tart. There was also a stuffed tomato with rosemary ice cream and fresh berries at dessert. Really really memorable meal. I tried to work with the Sommelier to come up with a good wine pairing for the meal and he directed me well. The wine list was the best I've seen due to its breadth of selection. Some really exclusive bottles on the list.

• 1999 Duval-Leroy Champagne Blanc de Chardonnay Brut 91 Points

  France, Champagne

  Very nutty. Nice mousse. Toasted macadamia, hazelnut and warm milk. Nutty honey on he palate with good crispness and a very nice finish. This offered a lot of substance and body and should drink well from an apertif to a good pairing with food. A very nice BdB.

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When I tasted the first bottle of this, it was definitely corked. Still, a bit intimidating to point it out at a 3 star Michelin restaurant. The Sommelier took one whiff and went to get another bottle. And I took a big sigh of relief.

• 2005 Frédéric Magnien Morey-Saint-Denis Les Larrets Blanc 88 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Morey-Saint-Denis

  Very very nice. Initially a little shy. After a few minutes in the glass, this was singing. Herbs, mint, honey and lemon zest. Good acidity and a nice wine that can bridged the gap from apertif to early courses. As the wine was exposed to air, the honey played a more prominent roll. A nice finish. This is a very nice MSD white. Recommended.

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• 2002 Faiveley Corton-Clos des Cortons Faiveley 94 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru

  This was excellent tonight. Bright red fruit. But the prominent note on the nose and palate was menthol and plenty of it. With some secondary herbs and red fruit. Full and coating. Bramble, underbrush and earth. While this will do well with more time in the bottle, it is drinking well right now and is highly recommended at this price point.

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• 2007 Mas Amiel Muscat de Rivesaltes 86 Points

  France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Muscat de Rivesaltes

  Sweet and delicious. A perfectly good sticky. Apricot, honey and grapefruit with good acidity. Crisp. Unfortunately, a bit thin with some heat and noticeable deficiencies on the finish. Good for the price point.

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