One of the joys of my life is to wander around looking at stuff while Janet is doing business or shopping. Last week she went shopping for a party dress, and engaged in deep discussions with a lovely Italian lady at Makola on Madison Avenue. Lots of fancy shops in the area -- particularly some interesting art galleries. (Is it my imagination, or have current paintings started to downsize?)
After Janet finished in triumph, and with an hour to enjoy life before going downtown to pick out a birthday cake design, we stopped by Lady M. http://www.ladymconfections.com/ Lady M makes a superb Mille Crêpe consisting of 20 paper thin crêpes layered with a very light and delicate cream custard. Their store is long and narrow, all in white with black trim, a long glass case filled with several different desserts, including the crêpe, and a few sandwiches, all Madison Avenue style, of course, but quite reasonable in price -- at least the sandwiches were. We sat at one of the six tables and shared a really good ham and cheese on French bread.
To accompany the sandwich I chose a glass of 1999 Domaine Chandon Pinot Menuier Carneros California. $12 a glass. A very pretty red color, light hue, interesting aromas of apples and spices, much better tastes of fruit and spice "and everything nice" -- given the company and the surroundings -- medium mouth feel, a light acidity, a delicate complicated finish. A very pretty match with the ham and cheese and bread. 4* -- perhaps more highly rated than the wine really deserves as a technical matter but "everything was really nice."
Regards, Bob
Notes: Wine Maker
While Domaine Chandon is best known as one of America’s top sparkling wine houses, we also produce limited quantities of still wines from estate grown vineyards. We craft these wines by drawing on our experience with the traditional champagne varieties and by showcasing select parcels from our Carneros ranch, where we were among the pioneering growers and vintners of this region. Pinot Meunier (French for “miller,” in reference to the powdery underside of its leaves that can look as though dusted with flour) is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir that plays a small but vital role in the blending of Chandon sparkling wines. Rarely planted outside of the Champagne region in France where it represents significant acreage of that appellation, Pinot Meunier is being discovered by only a few of the most adventurous winemakers.
Chandon’s experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for our sparkling wine programs over the past three decades gives us unique insight, allowing us to tap the full potential of this variety to create an exceptional red wine. We believe its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover’s table. Hand-crafted since 1989 in boutique quantities, the 2003 Pinot Meunier continues our proud tradition of pioneering unique wine styles. Search for this wine and you’ll be rewarded.
Intriguing aromas of brown spice, cinnamon, truffle, and rhubarb overlay notes of red currant. The palate is soft, long and complex. Flavors of candy apple and cherry complement a lusciously sweet and spicy finish.
Domaine Chandon’s Chef Chris Manning and Winemaker James Kress love the intensity and flexibility of this wine with food. They recommend serving it with full-flavored or spicy foods such as roasted lamb or mu shu pork. For a more casual experience, try it with your next barbecue or on a picnic with blue cheese and a baguette.
Appellation: Carneros
Composition: Pinot Meunier
Aging: 12 months
– 20% new French oak
– 10% new American oak
