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Chateau Palmer Dinner, Dallas, TX
Lavendou Bistro Provencal
Tasted October 20, 2006 by win with 1,251 views
Flight 1 - Les Hors-d'Oeuvres (1 note)
Quail Legs, French Provencal Tart, Escargots with a garlic cream sauce, Salmon Canapes
White
2002 Château Le Sartre Blanc
88 points
This wine had wonderful aromas involving a hint of tropical fruit, yet it was a bit mundane on the mid palette but finished with nice, crisp acidity. 87-89
Flight 2 - Premier Plat (2 notes)
Halibut served in a crispy crepe with crayfish sauce.
Red
2003 Alter Ego
88 points
Interesting wine, and the first red of the night. Initially, this wine smelled very New World, with fresh red fruit aromas, yet it was very tannic. The initial overall flavor did not match the aromas. This wine was too young right now, but has remarkable potential. 87-89
Red
2001 Alter Ego de Palmer
91 points
Had this wine alongside the 2003 Alter Ego. This wine was definitely more Bordeaux, and specifically Margaux, in character, as compared to the 2003. Wonderful aromas involving some earth, dusty fruit and bit of a floral component—followed by refined tannins. This was a very deep red wine with a nice finish. 89-92.
Flight 3 - Deuxieme Plat (2 notes)
Stuffed saddle of lamb, servie avex Chanterelles Au Jus
Red
2000 Château Palmer
95 points
It was immediately apparent that this wine had multilayered color – almost a falu red with a hint of carmine – deeper colors than most of the wines tonight. Initially, very complex aromas that were somewhat difficult to describe – perhaps dusty layered with red fruit? Many at our table thought this wine was closed down, and perhaps upon the initial tasting it was. But over 30 minutes it started to exhibit more amazing aromas – some floral characteristics, licorice, dusty red currants and black raspberries. Great wine, with the potential to become even better. My WOTN 94-97
Red
1999 Château Palmer
92 points
Had this alongside the 2000 Château Palmer. Initially, the 1999 had more dusty aromas and was more acidic, but opened up over time and seemed to arrive at an optimum drinking stage faster than the 2000. But, overall, the 2000 was deeper and exhibited more refined and polished flavors than the 1999; however, with that said, the 1999 was showing very nicely and reminds me that I need to look into more 1999 Left Bank Bordeaux. 90-94
Flight 4 - Troisieme Plat (2 notes)
Assorted Cheese Plate
Red
1996 Château Palmer
92 points
Classic wine, comprised of 40% Merlot, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Very balanced, with refined acidity. Seemed a bit young still--Had alongside the 1995 Chateau Palmer. 89-94
Red
1995 Château Palmer
93 points
Beautiful wine, which was served alongside the 1996 Chateau Palmer. The 1995 was showing better tonight--just deeper and rounder than the 1996 overall. 90-95
Flight 5 - Dessert Plat (1 note)
Lemon Custard with Raspberries and an Orange Sauce
White - Sweet/Dessert
1995 Château Bélingard Monbazillac Blanche de Bosredon
89 points
Beautiful caramel color, with amazing aromas of tropical fruit, yet the flavors were not as intense at the aroma would suggest.
Closing
Great dinner! It was an honor to finally meet Bernard de Laage de Meux. Francois and Anne Chandou certainly know how to organize a great event!