The final fund raising dinner to benefit the Opera Company of Philadelphia was enjoyed in early December. The dinner was purchased by a patron to celebrate a special Birthday. She invited 15 of her best friends, gals only. She also selected a tenor and baritone to perform. It was a serious evening, that everyone seemed to enjoy. Jay Tolson opened his house fot the event, Savonna Restaurant created and served the excellent menu. Steven Somkuti provided all the Grand Format bottles of Haut Brion from his cellar.
Tim Ribchester was the Pianist for the 2 young talents from the Curtis Institute. He is an Oxford educated musician, local conductor and musicologist. Diego Silva of Mexico City was the tenor, he chose a lot of pieces that are associated with Placido Domingo and made a great first impression. Baritone Elliot Madore made a return appearance and I think he and Diego did an interesting program that showed their range.. They both sang Donizetti from different Opera, the Bel Canto suited their voices admirably. Diego finished off the evening with a Zarazuelo piece from Sorozabal's La Taberna del Puerto which once again evoked memories of Placido Domingo. Elliot Madore and Diego Silva are real future stars.
The generosity of Savonna Restaurant and the talent of Chef Drew Mascianglo gave us a great pairing of food and wine.
Aperitif Champagne Pierre Moncuit Grand Cru en Magnum with Hors d'Oeuvres
Plantieres Haut Brion 2006 and Domaine de Chevalier 2005 with
Herb tossed Gulf Shrimp on Mache with Asian Pear, Shitake and Hazelnut Vinaigrette.
1985 Haut Brion en Dbl Magnum and 1992 Haut Brion en Dbl Magnum
Roasted Pheasant Breast, carmelized onion, apple risotto & chestnut foie gras emulsion.
(Haut Brion and pheasant, a spectacular combo)
2004 La Mission Haut Brion and 2003 La Tour Haut Brion
Braised Bison Short Ribs, Red wine strained salsify and Brussels Sprouts.
(Savonna's cuisine paired so well with the wine.)
1997 Ch Lafaurie Peraguey Grand Cru Sauternes with
Apple Bread Pudding, Caramel gelato.
Savonna's Melissa Monosoff the Philadelphia readers choice of Top Sommellier, her enthusiasm is contagious and she was her vivacious self. Great Food, Fantastic Wine, Brillant Young Opera Stars and one of the Great Houses on the Mainline who could ask for more. All for a very good cause, The Opera Company of Philadelphia.
Showing posts with label HAUT BRION. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HAUT BRION. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Chateau les Carmes Haut Brion 2005
Our newest arrival, is the tiny neighbor of Haut Brion. Chateau les Carmes Haut Brion has a unique cepage, 50% Merlot, 49% Cabernet Franc & 10% . It has a large following for its small production. It is such a tiny property, about 2,000 cases, that it is hard to find. The owners daughter Penelope Furt has taken over the duties of wine-maker and has produced a wine that is equal to the 2000. Robert Parker rated 92 pts.
Troplong Mondot is our newest acquisition from St. Emilion. The easy drinking 2004 which Parker rated 92-94 is available for $39.99. One of the most consistent of the Grand Cru Classe` I have been enjoying this property since the mid-60's. Rich opulent Merlot perfume, deep colour.
The other St.Emilion are the 2000 La Grange Neuve de Figeac, and one of the smallest of the 1er Grand Cru Classe` Chateau Magdelaine 2005. The Manoncourt family have made Figeac one of the most consistent wines since 1945. It was a New Orleans favorite, When I moved to Houston in 1976 I was surprised that Pavie was all over the city but very little Figeac. Magdelaine is small, even by St Emilion standards. I first sold the wonderful 1964 vintage of Magdelaine, then when I moved to DC it was seldom seen. It has an unusual richness and aroma that is more like Pomerol. The 2005 is in limited supply, the 2006 is available at the same price. We have so many new arrivals coming in, please check our web site. Call me with special requests, ask about my upcoming (April 2010) Tour de Bordeaux. We will have Wine Tastings at Great Chateau, cooking classes with the Top Chefs of Bordeaux, real in depth visits and meetings with some of the top young wine makers. We will be staying at small hotels like Pavillion Margaux, Source Caudiale at Smith Haut Lafitte and a Chateau in St.Emilion. Call or email me for more information. Rick Geyer
Troplong Mondot is our newest acquisition from St. Emilion. The easy drinking 2004 which Parker rated 92-94 is available for $39.99. One of the most consistent of the Grand Cru Classe` I have been enjoying this property since the mid-60's. Rich opulent Merlot perfume, deep colour.
The other St.Emilion are the 2000 La Grange Neuve de Figeac, and one of the smallest of the 1er Grand Cru Classe` Chateau Magdelaine 2005. The Manoncourt family have made Figeac one of the most consistent wines since 1945. It was a New Orleans favorite, When I moved to Houston in 1976 I was surprised that Pavie was all over the city but very little Figeac. Magdelaine is small, even by St Emilion standards. I first sold the wonderful 1964 vintage of Magdelaine, then when I moved to DC it was seldom seen. It has an unusual richness and aroma that is more like Pomerol. The 2005 is in limited supply, the 2006 is available at the same price. We have so many new arrivals coming in, please check our web site. Call me with special requests, ask about my upcoming (April 2010) Tour de Bordeaux. We will have Wine Tastings at Great Chateau, cooking classes with the Top Chefs of Bordeaux, real in depth visits and meetings with some of the top young wine makers. We will be staying at small hotels like Pavillion Margaux, Source Caudiale at Smith Haut Lafitte and a Chateau in St.Emilion. Call or email me for more information. Rick Geyer
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