We started off with a bottle of 1999 Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs - J-Lab, during a brief discussion a few months ago, had told me this still needs some years in bottle, but curiosity got the better of me (well, and because the only other champagne I had at home at the time was more of the Krug Grande Cuvée Brut which I'd been having rather frequently as of late). I had it opened to breathe for around 30 minutes before pouring and followed it for around an hour as it warmed and aerated.
Enthusiastically fresh, minerally, citrusy, lightly honeyed & slightly chalky baked pear, apple and underlying brioche. Acidity is healthy. After a while, the middle broadened and a sort of milkiness to the fruit emerged (something I don't normally get from blanc de blancs, but, rather, with pinot noir laden bubblies - but it was what it was), laced with candied ginger and nutty whispers. Nice performance as a whole.
That all said, it did seem like it was still "coming together" - either that or J-Lab's earlier comment left a subliminal mark. Either way, while it wasn't particularly memorable, it was a good blanc de blancs with a bright future. We had it with assorted, shared appetizers of:
Crottin de Chavignol Salad (excellent).
Duck Terrine in Red Wine w/ Gherkins, Pearl Onions & Mustard
Goose Foie Gras w/ Brioche & Blueberry Compote (2 orders -excellent).
Boudin Noir on Toast (lovely).
As always, Escargots à la Bourguignonne (3 orders)
Mauro's Ris de Veau & Foie Gras Pasta (a night's special).
Catha's Boeuf Bourguignonne
Lorenzo's Algerian Couscous
Joaqi's Tartare de Boeuf
Some Cassoulet for good measure.
My Dry-Aged US Angus Prime Rib-Eye (rare, of course).
The red wine for the night was a 2001 Prunotto Barolo Bussia - Last I had this particular wine was very recently: on the 19th January 2013, also at Champêtre. My notes at the time were as follows:
For the night's red, I opened a bottle of 2001 Prunotto Barolo Bussia - Roses, tar, violets, cedar, blackcurrants, slight licorice, and some citrus peel in the nose. Full-bodied, properly rigid structure and concentration, precise ripeness to the moderately earthy fruit, joined by nuances of black olives and earthy tobacco notes. Clean lines. Acidity is good; could be a little better, but that's picking nits. Good focus, neatness, and typicity. Confident performance from attack to finish.
Locally available at Bacchus International. I don't recall the exact price, but it should be in the neighborhood of around P3500/bottle at full retail.
The only thing I would change from the above notes is that the acidity of the wine from this bottle was much better and more typical of Barolo as I know it.
I ordered and much enjoyed my usual Chocolate & Grand Marnier Soufflé...
...and then came my surprise gift from Marc - a birthday Paris-Brest Cake (named after the famous, old 1200 kms. bicycle race from Paris to Brest (in Brittany) and back to Paris).
Many, many thanks, Marc. I loved the cake. In the presence of my wife & children, with the great dishes and nice wines, I could not have asked for a better birthday dinner.