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Whats in your wine cellar?
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Last: 1 hr ago by JCA1
Wrapping up a day of wine tasting in Dundee. I'm old, so a day equals two wineries. We did Domaine Drouhin and Bergstrom. Drouhin was cool, because they allowed us to work in a Chablis and a couple of red burgundies to try alongside the Oregon wines. Bergstrom was great, and I had no complaints other than when they brought the bill. Ended with an Alexana at dinner tonight that was good as well.
Got a three pack of Roy Piper to see what y'all have been talking about. Now I'll wait until 2035!
I did bust open a 2022 detert the other day and was really surprised by how approachable it was.
I did bust open a 2022 detert the other day and was really surprised by how approachable it was.
would love to hear more about your trip to those cities. Did you drive from Paris? hard to arrange visits? crowded at restaurants? weather during visit?HTownAg98 said:aggiesed8r said:
Based on a recent trip, i would say one tasting a day was right for us. Then pick one you liked and take a couple of bottles for dinner that night. Sleep like a baby.
We did that. You could by all the premier cru champagne you wanted direct from a champagne house for under 35 euros. Most grand cru we got was less than 50 euro. For two of the nights, we pilfered meat, cheese, and bread from the breakfast buffet, stored it in the fridge, and opened a bottle of champagne to go with it for dinner (we had big lunches and weren't really hungry for dinner, and called it our "tax" to the hotel for the WiFi being out). I'm definitely looking to go back soonish, and bringing a couple of wine suitcases.
Probably looking to visit Champ. region in 2027
We hired a driver service that drove us to Reims, drove us around Reims and Epernay for two days, and then drove us back to Paris. Next time we go, we'll take the TGV from de Galle to Reims, and just have a driver for two days. The TGV gets you to Reims in 35 minutes, and you don't have to deal with Paris traffic, which is horrid. A friend of ours set everything up (he's a travel agent just starting out), and all he did was go through another service that set everything up. Thankfully, we didn't pay him much.
We stayed at La Caserne Chanzy. It's next door to Notre Dame de Reims, which might be the most beautiful church I've ever been in. Dinner the first night was at Bistro des Agnes, which was a block from the hotel. Small homey place, and your typical rude French waitstaff, which were awesome. My wife asked what she should drink, and the owner/bartender said "not Coke. Every American comes in here wanting Coke, and we tell them no." I asked for a Tanqueray martini, and he responded "Tanqueray is boring, drink this." Rue Chanzy has been under construction for two years, and nearly 11 businesses have closed due to construction, and this place was hanging on by a thread. I hope they make it, because while the food wasn't the best, they had quite the Champagne list. Get a meat and cheese board, order a couple bottles of Champagne, and call it good.
Wednesday was Lanson, A. Margaine, and Canard Duchene. All were good, though I don't need to go see another cellar anytime soon. Those stairs suck. Lunch was at Brasserie Le Jardin. It was excellent. Entree, plat, and dessert for 42 euros. Might be the best meal we had here (there were only three). Thursday was Phillppe Martin, Moet Chandon, and B. Tornay. I could have done without Moet. Boring. Lunch was at Le Clos Corbier, and it was another good lunch, served family style.
Except for the first night, we didn't go anywhere for dinner because we weren't that hungry. We pilfered meat, cheese, and bread from the breakfast buffet and stored it in the fridge. We called it our tax because the wifi wasn't working. Between us and another couple, we had plenty of food for dinner, and opened bottles we bought during the day.
Here's the driver we used. He was excellent. He's trained a lot of the front of house staff of the champagne houses, and he knows pretty much everyone. Tell him what you want, and he'll set it up. https://mychampagneconcierge.com/en/
Weather was ****ing hot on Wednesday, because most of Europe is going through a bad heat wave. Thursday was better, high around 80, but still above their typical average high. Try to go earlier in April or May to avoid the heat.
As for reservations, most of the bigger houses, especially those on Avenue de Champagne in Epernay allow walk-ins. If you're just going to taste, you can probably do that. I know at Lanson you could not because they were booked up that day, so I'm glad we had a reservation there. You'll definitely want reservations at the smaller places because like most small wineries, if they don't have anyone lined up to taste, there might not be anyone there.
We stayed at La Caserne Chanzy. It's next door to Notre Dame de Reims, which might be the most beautiful church I've ever been in. Dinner the first night was at Bistro des Agnes, which was a block from the hotel. Small homey place, and your typical rude French waitstaff, which were awesome. My wife asked what she should drink, and the owner/bartender said "not Coke. Every American comes in here wanting Coke, and we tell them no." I asked for a Tanqueray martini, and he responded "Tanqueray is boring, drink this." Rue Chanzy has been under construction for two years, and nearly 11 businesses have closed due to construction, and this place was hanging on by a thread. I hope they make it, because while the food wasn't the best, they had quite the Champagne list. Get a meat and cheese board, order a couple bottles of Champagne, and call it good.
Wednesday was Lanson, A. Margaine, and Canard Duchene. All were good, though I don't need to go see another cellar anytime soon. Those stairs suck. Lunch was at Brasserie Le Jardin. It was excellent. Entree, plat, and dessert for 42 euros. Might be the best meal we had here (there were only three). Thursday was Phillppe Martin, Moet Chandon, and B. Tornay. I could have done without Moet. Boring. Lunch was at Le Clos Corbier, and it was another good lunch, served family style.
Except for the first night, we didn't go anywhere for dinner because we weren't that hungry. We pilfered meat, cheese, and bread from the breakfast buffet and stored it in the fridge. We called it our tax because the wifi wasn't working. Between us and another couple, we had plenty of food for dinner, and opened bottles we bought during the day.
Here's the driver we used. He was excellent. He's trained a lot of the front of house staff of the champagne houses, and he knows pretty much everyone. Tell him what you want, and he'll set it up. https://mychampagneconcierge.com/en/
Weather was ****ing hot on Wednesday, because most of Europe is going through a bad heat wave. Thursday was better, high around 80, but still above their typical average high. Try to go earlier in April or May to avoid the heat.
As for reservations, most of the bigger houses, especially those on Avenue de Champagne in Epernay allow walk-ins. If you're just going to taste, you can probably do that. I know at Lanson you could not because they were booked up that day, so I'm glad we had a reservation there. You'll definitely want reservations at the smaller places because like most small wineries, if they don't have anyone lined up to taste, there might not be anyone there.
FriendlyAg said:
Got a three pack of Roy Piper to see what y'all have been talking about. Now I'll wait until 2035!
We opened a 2015 at dinner tonight. Really smoothed out over the last few years. we actually only got half way thru the bottle so I'll try it again tomorrow night.
2018 Realm Bard tonight at dinner in Mexico. Opened at noon and drank around 9pm. So good.
Happy belated 4th everyone.
This was last nights wine pairing at Alinea in Chicago.
Alinea was a pioneer in innovative and immersive experiences. Really cool.
Alinea was a pioneer in innovative and immersive experiences. Really cool.
How was the experience? It's on the bucket list to go try it but curious how it stacks up to other Michelin restaurants.
Daytona22 said:
How was the experience? It's on the bucket list to go try it but curious how it stacks up to other Michelin restaurants.
My wife and I went last year for her 40th birthday, and they really lean into the experience compared to other Michelin restaurants. We started at a communal table before going into the kitchen for the second course and then returning to a reconfigured dining room for the rest of the meal. Dessert is a production and worth experiencing on its own. It was much different than other tasting menus I've done where you just show up and eat.
Found the pic of our menu.
jh0400 said:Daytona22 said:
How was the experience? It's on the bucket list to go try it but curious how it stacks up to other Michelin restaurants.
My wife and I went last year for her 40th birthday, and they really lean into the experience compared to other Michelin restaurants. We started at a communal table before going into the kitchen for the second course and then returning to a reconfigured dining room for the rest of the meal. Dessert is a production and worth experiencing on its own. It was much different than other tasting menus I've done where you just show up and eat.
Found the pic of our menu.
Well said.
I've been to a half dozen of these tasting menu multi Michelin starred places. So a few but not probably like some folks here.
I would say they have the most innovative, creative, and immersive. I think they have an Independent vibe that isn't trying to replicate French cuisine.
They had a course last night that literally blew my mind. And then when they told me how they did it it blew my mind again. I won't spoil it but it was wild. Now, is that the best FOOD? Or is dining about the complete experience - food, service, ambiance, and unique experience? I would
Highly recommend but when they started they were light years ahead of others and now it's been imitated.
I would say if any of you want to share restaurant lists Beli is a great app to do so. Even better when you look at people you trust. PM me if you want the link to the app. And no I don't do MLM. I don't get referrals. I just think it's a cool app. Or you can download it yourself.
Here was the menu and pairings.
Here was the menu and pairings.
I've never been to Alinea but I will have to try it next time I am Chicago. I was up there last week and took the family to Smith & Wollensky and was seated next to none other than Mr. T. We didn't harass him for a picture even though he didnt seem to mind the other patrons interrupting him.
Man, the singular best bite of food I've ever had was the Explosion at Alinea. Additionally, the best whole dish I've ever had was the brown butter risotto with white truffles there.
Be sure to try Next, another restaurant in the Alinea group.
Be sure to try Next, another restaurant in the Alinea group.
In case this gets lostQuote:
I would say if any of you want to share restaurant lists Beli is a great app to do so. Even better when you look at people you trust. PM me if you want the link to the app. And no I don't do MLM. I don't get referrals. I just think it's a cool app. Or you can download it yourself.
Fun incoming…
Love the etching on the bottle. Only had one of those once and it was fantastic. Looks like a solid evening!
QBCade said:
Fun incoming…
One cluster per vine!
An old mag of hundred acre. That's not something you see everyday. How do they age at 20 years, still big as heck?
The final lineup tonite. Unfortunately, a tough outing for the HA, which ended in 3rd place.
aggiejumper said:
An old mag of hundred acre. That's not something you see everyday. How do they age at 20 years, still big as heck?
Yes. V big. Decanted for 4hrs and needed more. Very tasty and would've been the bell of the ball most nights.
I want to drink like you when I grow up.
Happy Friday
A little "inside baseball," but here's an interesting look at a legal battle brewing over To Kalon.
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/federal-board-debates-to-kalon
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/federal-board-debates-to-kalon
Any reason I would not want to be a part The Mascot's founders list?
I have removed myself from all but one other wine program but I am sentimental towards The Mascot. It seems rather friendly, just pick your allocation and not a minimum 12 bottles or whatnot??? Thoughts??
Quote:
[color=#000000][size=3][font=ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"][size=2][font="Neue Haas Unica", Helvetica, sans-serif]What is the Founder's List?[/font][/size]
[color=rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.8)][size=2][font="Neue Haas Unica", Helvetica, sans-serif]Created originally for a few of our earliest and most loyal patrons, the Founder's List provides both priority and special access to an allocation of our wine. As the alternative to our annual offering, the Founder's List operates as a 'standing' allocation, and as such is prioritized and secured, pre-release and pre-offering, each spring on an ongoing basis.[/font][/size][/color][/font][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=3][font=ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"][size=2][font="Neue Haas Unica", Helvetica, sans-serif]What are the benefits of the Founder's List?[/font][/size]
[color=rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.8)][size=2][font="Neue Haas Unica", Helvetica, sans-serif]Priority Consideration
Allocations are secured ahead of our annual offering, and thus are given priority, even as vintage production varies from year to year.
Elevated Access
Members have the opportunity to customize their annual allocation, and are granted preferential access to bottle allocations and magnum formats. Upon joining, they note their 'ideal' annual allocation of our wine, which we use as our goal to work towards. It is worth noting that this 'ideal' can be updated at any time (requests to decrease allocations are implemented immediately, while requested increases will be reviewed and we will endeavor to work towards this goal in future vintages, availability allowing).
Price
While pricing will continue to evolve, the Founder's List represents the most advantageous route for acquiring our wine, with an approximate ten percent difference to our standard pre-release offering price.
Convenience
Founder's List members will no longer need to fill out the annual offering request form each year, as we will have already set aside their allocation.[/font][/size][/color][/font][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=3][font=ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"][size=2][font="Neue Haas Unica", Helvetica, sans-serif]How are Founder's List allocations secured?[/font][/size][/font][/size][/color]
I have removed myself from all but one other wine program but I am sentimental towards The Mascot. It seems rather friendly, just pick your allocation and not a minimum 12 bottles or whatnot??? Thoughts??
If it's a winery you support and like the terms, go for it. With a decrease in Napa demand, it might make their business planning easier. I'd do it for the guys I support if they asked…Roy Piper, Willam and Mary, MacDonald, etc.
EclipseAg said:
A little "inside baseball," but here's an interesting look at a legal battle brewing over To Kalon.
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/federal-board-debates-to-kalon
Graeme was at the DOI the other day. I heard it went well. But it's DC…you never know with all the idiots running the show up there … er, getting paid by "donors" to run the show up there (both sides suck, I don't discriminate when it comes to politics!).
West U, any news from Alex?
EclipseAg said:
A little "inside baseball," but here's an interesting look at a legal battle brewing over To Kalon.
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/federal-board-debates-to-kalon
Constellation will look bad from this. Not that they care.
They've reneged several times I thinkg.
Bsd,
He feels good but too many factors out of their control.
He feels good but too many factors out of their control.
Tonight we the visit the south of France for a pairing with squid ink pasta in a shrimp, lobster, and white wine sauce.
Sounds excellent!
FriendlyAg said:
Got a three pack of Roy Piper to see what y'all have been talking about. Now I'll wait until 2035!
I did bust open a 2022 detert the other day and was really surprised by how approachable it was.
No need at all to wait that long! Had a 2019 last week and it was very good.
I know this thread loves it big bold Cali cabs, but was at a Fort Worth wine bar (The Holly) that specialized in more organically produced wines and whatnot and I can check off Slovenian skin contact wine.
In brutal Texas summer, I enjoy orange wines and this one was very good.
Am I the only one that likes this genre?
In brutal Texas summer, I enjoy orange wines and this one was very good.
Am I the only one that likes this genre?
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