This was an assemblage of a local wine study group with which I am associated. The party commenced at 8 p.m. in the hilltop home of one of our members. It continued overnight and through the New Year's Day.
Appetizers:
Assorted Spanish Cheeses with Crusty Bread and Tapinade
American Sturgeon Caviar, Toast Points, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream
Osetra Caviar, Select, Toast Points, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream
Dungeness Crab, Toast Points, Butter, Mayonnaise
Mirabelle Brut NV
Alps French Vodka
Zenato Pinot Grigio
We preferred the American sturgeon caviar because of its delicious flavor and character. The Osetra was milder and much more expensive.
First Course:
Sautéed Foie Gras, Toast Points
1988 Ch. Ribaud Promis Sauternes
1996 Edna Valley Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
1994 Talley Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc:
This course was a revelation. The foie gras, cooked quickly in a dry pan, rendered enough fat and juices to make a delicious pasta course for brunch the following day. Of the three "sauternes," we preferred the Talley by a slim margin over the French. Flavors were quite similar. The Talley was rounder and a touch sweeter and more viscous.
Salad:
Lund's Caesar Salad
Franz Reh & Sohne Piesporter Goldtropchen Riesling, Kabinett
Entrée:
Rack of Venison, Morel Mushroom Sauce
1986 Long Cabernet Sauvignon
1989 Justin Isosceles Reserve
1986 Inglenook Cask Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
These wines should have been at their prime. We found the Long, a high-rated wine, somewhat thin. The Inglenook drank better. The Justin Isosceles was excellent. The venison was perfect and the wines matched the exotic flavors well.
Accompaniments:
Potatoes Duchesse
French Green Beans with Almonds
Dessert: Rolled Walnut Soufflé with Almond Cream
Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec NV
Celebration Wines:
Louis Roederer Brut Premiere Champagne
Schramsberg Blanc de Noir
Taittenger Le Rève, Domaine Carneros
Breakfast:
Bloody Marys with Three Vodkas;
Ketel One
Alps
Stolichnaya Crystall
Oyster Stew
1990 Gravner Ribolla Gialla, Friuli
Duck Ballotine with Pistachios and Truffles in Aspic
1991 Rochioli Pinot Noir Reserve West Block
To die for.