Danger... Danger!
Last night, more proof that the best bar in town is right here at home. We had a couple of friends over for an impromptu degustation session. The comestibles included a braised rump roast with one of our new favorite seasonings, star anise, a gratin of potato and Portobello mushrooms and a macaronade made with comte, jarlsburg and the braising liquid from the beef.
On tap, three bordeaux–
Château Haut-Beauséjour Saint-Estephe 2009. In 1992, Jean-Claude Rouzaud, oenologist and president of Champagne Louis Roederer, acquired and combined two Cru Bourgeois vineyards in the heart of the Medoc’s prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation: Chateau Picard and Château Beauséjour. Together, these properties make up what is now called “Château Haut-Beauséjour.” Yes, this is a bit young but what a nice wine to start off our evening. Dried fruit followed by chocolate on the finish. This will get better with time. Rated ***
Chateau Lanessan Haut Medoc 2001— The Lanessan vineyard has belonged to a succession of eight generations of the Bouteiller family since the 18th century. A young woman, Paz Espejo, took over the management of Château Lanessan from Hubert Bouteiller in August 2009. This change is a result of the Bouteiller family’s stated ambition to inject new life into this fine property. But this is a wine made before the shake up. Just beginning to show its age with the beginnings of a tinge of garnet on the edge. Still delicious with an undeniable intensity. Undeniably fragrant French bouquet. Sweet spices measured up well to the our dinner. Rated ***
Now this is one of those evenings where we should have stopped after the Lanessan. But Ms. R looked over at me and gave the ole “Ahem— I can see the bottom of me glass!’ look. You know I can’t say no to her. Bring on the Beaulieu… “Danger, Will Robinson!” Yeah, we are on a space ship gone completely out of control.
Beaulieu Comtes de Tastes 2002— The estate is owned by Guillaume de Tastes. It comprises 25 acres of vineyards in the Entre-de-Mer which is the large region between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. The terroir is a combination of limestone and clay with south-facing sloping exposure. 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Earthy, savory and lovely fruit. Rated **1/2
Dick Tufeld and his more famous alter ego
And speaking of Will Robinson, the voice of Robot in TV’s ‘Lost in Space,’ Dick Tufeld, passed away at the age of 85 last Sunday. RIP.
sybaritesauvage 
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