The Liquid Muse

California versus Burgundy

The Liquid Muse attended an enchanting wine tasting at a palatial estate in Pasadena. After sampling passed hors d’oeuvres and sipping a 2003 Domain Bouchard Pere et Fils “Montagny” Premier Cru Blanc in the garden, we sat down to a five-course meal featuring ten significant wines.

With each plate, we sampled two wines - on the left, a Californian and on the right, a French. We compared the wines before food, and with food. It was interesting for me to note that by-and-large, I personally preferred more of the California wines on their own (I found them more flavorful) while the French ones smoothly complemented the cuisine.

(By the way, for Sipsters who enjoy entertaining, this is a really fun idea for a dinner party! The wines we tried at this event were pretty heady and a few were quite difficult to get hold of… However, if you’re on a budget, simply pick a theme, ask each guest to bring a bottle– most importantly –sample small amounts. For the sake of the drive home, we tried one-ounce pours. It was plenty to get a good taste, without losing sobriety!)

Below is the menu, for reference. I hope this provides a little inspiration…

First Course: Spring Pea flan with wild mushrooms
*2003 Williams Selyam “Heintz Vineyard” Chardonnay
2003 Domain Bouchard Pere et Fils “Mersault Les Genevrieres” Premier Cru, Blanc

Second Course: Bay Leaf Roasted Barramundi (Australian white fish)
2003 Paul Hobbs “Cuvee Augustina, Richard Dinner Vineyard” Chardonnay
2003 Domain William Fevre “Les Clos” Chablis Gran Cru, Blanc

Third Course: Seared Foie Gras witih Vanilla Roasted Pineapple
2003 Aubert “Ritchie Vineyard” Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
2003 Domain Bouchard Pere et Fils “Corton Charlemagne” Grand Cru, Blanc

Fourth Course: Braised Short Ribs Bourgogne
*2003 Williams Selyem “Rochioli Riverblock” Pinot Noir, Russian River
2003 Domain Bouchard Pere et Fils “Volnay Caillerets-Ancienne Cuvee Carnot” Rouge

Fifth Course: Pomegranate and Herb de Provence Marinated Rack of Lamb
*2003 Sea Smoke “Ten” Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Valley
*2003 Domain Bouchard Pere et Fils “Le Corton” Grand Cru Rouge

* indicates the wines I particularly loved

Cuisine prepared by Alexandra and Sean Sheridan, wine selections by Michael Farwell

The dinner was to introduce the opening of Vintage Wine Bistro, as of August: 70 North Raymond Avenue; Pasadena California, however Vertical Wine Bistro is what is currently in that spot...