Bon Soiree Chicago French-Asian Fusion Dining and Wine Experience

Bon Soiree Chicago French-Asian Fusion Dining and Wine Experience

Gala birthday celebration at this trendy Logan Square neighborhood French-Asian Fusion sensation - walking distance from the kid's Bucktown domicile - a Michelin One Star award winner. A classic food and wine pairing opportunity where this evening the wine stars were the whites over a usual favorite classic super second Bordeaux.

The venue:

The courses:

Fresh Sardine in Flash Pickle with Thai Basil Sformato, Charred Radish & Japanese Cucumber Terrine, Sweet Soy Marinated Shimeji, and Mushroom Aioli.

Assiette of Foie, Honey, Black Truffle, Stout, and Brioche

 Kona Kampachi Crudo, Geoduck Clam, Housemade Tofu, Okara, Bonito, Ponzu, and Scallion

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2.  
   
   
   Seared Scallop, Bacon, Pulled Salsify, Mirin Sauce, and Fried Yuba.
   
   
   
   
   Roasted Wagyu Ribeye, Ginger-Tarragon Emulsion, Purslane, Fermented Back Bean, Mini Parsnip & Purple Potato Pearls.
   
   
   
    Coconut Bavarian, White Miso Cake, Lemon Sorbet, and Shiso Crema.

The wines:

Fantesca Sonoma County Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008

Crisp, clean, rich, well balanced; bright golden light straw in color with aromas of classic chardonnay - green apple, pear, citrus, honeysuckle and lemon meringue pie. Flavors of tropical fruit, lychee, and subtle lemon custard resonate through the broad mid-palate The oak is very subtle and delicate highlighting the fruit.This is the first Chardonnay produced by the legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett whose Napa Valley resume includes winemaking stints at Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, and her own La Sirena.


This classic Burgundian style chardonnay was the highlight and perfect complement to the three seafood courses above.
RM 91 points.



Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Grand Cru Classe Pauillac Bordeaux 2001

95 points and a 'Cellar Selection' from Wine Enthusiast: "The high proportion of Merlot in Pichon Lalande is a good reason why this wine, among the great wines of Pauillac, is always so seductive. This is no exception; it charms as well as excites with vibrant fruits as well as serious, dense tannins and acidity that promise good aging. Give it 7-9 years for full maturity to begin." (11/07) 93 points Robert Parker: "A distinctive bouquet of violets, soy, pepper, blackberries, cassis, and tree bark gives this 2001 a singular style. This dense ruby/purple-colored blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and a whopping 14% Petit Verdot exhibits plenty of structure, wonderful sweetness, a closed style, but a rich, textured, persistent character. The unusually large percentage of Petit Verdot gives the wine more structure and less initial charm. This beauty needs some time in the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018." (06/04) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Plenty of tobacco, berry and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, with sweet fruit and refined tannins. Long and ripe fruit on the finish. Not quite as exciting as from barrel. Best after 2007." (03/04) 92 points Stephen Tanzer: "Red-ruby. Enticing aromas of plum, woodsmoke and Cuban tobacco. Lush, silky and suave, with intriguing hints of mocha and cedar. A wonderfully sweet, impeccably balanced claret without any rough edges. Finishes long and firmly tannic."

Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon: 50%, Merlot: 36%, Petit Verdot: 14%

Tasting Notes - Thomas Dô-Chi-Nam (winemaker)
Exhibiting a dark ruby colour, this Grand Vin develops aromas of rose petal, violets, cassis, and stone fruits.
On the palate; it is both clean and silky, which develops and intensifies through the mid palate and is well sustained by a certain overall smoothness. By the nature of this wine, it sustains a flavoursome and well developed body. With an aromatic finish, it is subtly spiced, showing hints of cinnamon, liquorice, and cherry, all helping to accompany a very notable length in mouth. This is a well structured vintage, both elegant and distinguished and is indeed characteristic of Pichon.

My notes -
Medium-full bodied, dark purple color. Full bouquet and flavors of floral, violets, cigar box and leather that are pervasive from the beginning through the lingering finish, with complex layers of blackberry and a hint of cedar and moderate silky tannins. A high achievement from a modest vintage.
RM 92 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=8222

Inniskillin Niagara  Peninsula VQA Oak Aged Vidal Eiswein 2004

Aromas of apple blossoms, apricot with hint of cinnamon-raison bread. On the palate, this beautifully rich dessert wine follows through nicely with mix of apricot, mango and a strong honeyed fig component. The overall finish has good length with tantalizing flashes of exotic fruit and spice.

RM 92 points.

http://www.inniskillin.com/en/ice/searchWines.asp?AppellationID=3&TypeID=Vidal

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