CONTRAST TOURS DINNERS

MAY 14, 2022, ELITE FRENCH WINE TASTING DINNER, PARIZADE, DURHAM. 6:30.

Domaine Richeaume Rosé and Red.

Only 7 Seats, Sold Out. Please contact me to be put on the waiting list.
wine dinner, parizade
Elite Wine Tasting Dinner at Parizade
And all of a sudden if feels like summer!

This dinner will take place one week after graduation weekend, and you will probably be ready to get your restaurant back! This month we will do a Domaine Richeaume dinner, rosé(s) and red(s), in 2 verticales. Since I only have one bottle each of the 2 oldest rosés, I can only accommodate 7 guests plus myself, but that will make for a more intimate and special congregation, around one nice table in the center of the restaurant.


MENU:


Caesar Salad White anchovy, Reggiano parm, sourdough toast.

Domaine Richeaume Rosé 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, Biodynamic Demeter.

This is one of the best rosés on the planet, and as a matter of fact, it is the favorite rosé of one of the most well known chefs in North Carolina, and of as well many other wine lovers. It will be particularly interesting to be able to taste such a declination in ages, of this wine. The 2019 is the only one I have in stock, and that therefore you'll be able to purchase, should you want to. It is absolutely stupendous, quite evolved with more intense aromas than when it was younger. These aromas are more of cooked rather than fresh fruit, notably raspberry, strawberry, with a bit of smokyness. This makes for a rather substantial rosé, very apt with food.


LAMB CHOPS
saffron couscous, braised chickpeas, dried apricots & plums.

Domaine Richeaume, Cuvée Richeaume 2016, Tradition 2017, 2018, Biodynamic Demeter.

The Cuvée Richeaume 2016 (same wine as Tradition) has enchanted hundreds if not thousands of wine aficionados in North Carolina in the three years that this vintage has lasted. Yes, I was well inspired to buy a fair amount of it. But although it keeps getting better and better, its stock his arriving to its end. So we'll taste this exceptional vintage, along with the two next ones. The 2017 has already been on the shelves here and there for a few months, it is a Decanter Gold Medal with a 95 rating. So, who knows, maybe it is even better than the 2016, and maybe a side by side tasting will be able to settle that score. We'll also discover the 2018, which is the current vintage in Europe, and is already in my warehouse.

For those who have never experienced these wines, they are full body but with a sense of lightness, a clearly thicker texture, almost pulpous. They also are characterized by freshness without too much acidity. Aromatically we'll find black currant, blackberry, plum and a sense of stone fruits. These are absolutely delectable wines, hence their success with those who have tried them.


Cheeses

With the reds above. and

PATRICK GALANT VIOGNIER VENDANGES TARDIVES 2012

This late harvest Viognier is a must try with cheese.. Very dry for such a wine, and evolved, with addictive aromas of grappa melted with apricot, quince, white flowers, it will add a variance to end this meal.



$110 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Seating is very limited, so make sure to reserve your spot, asap.

I look forward to this unique wine and food menu with you.
Domaine Richeaume, Rose
Domaine Richeaume Rosé 2019.
APRIL 26 & 27, 2022, WINE TASTING DINNER, BOUCHON, ASHEVILLE. 5:30.

Sold Out.
toast, bouchon, wine dinner
Wine Dinner at Bouchon
We are doing it again, and as precedently, it is mostly sold out before I can advertise it, although I think there are still a few seats left. So please contact Shannon urgently (call or text) at (712) 229-6971


MENU:


"French Egg" smoked trout mousse sphere filled with sous vide quail egg, toasted almond crust, local honey..

Chateau Saint Maur, Saint M, Côtes de Provence Cru Classé, Blanc 2020

A 100% Vermentino from the French Riviera, near Saint Tropez. It is tempting to write that therefore, it really evokes the lushness of the French Riviera, sunny, floral, and lovely citrus flavors.


Shaved Asparagus Salad toasted almond, apple, lemon vinaigrette, pecorino pistachio

Chateau Romanin Rosé Alpilles, Baux de Provence Appellation, 2020, Biodynamic Demeter

Aromatic, very well balanced with a weighted texture and piercing mineralogy, a rosé to start the rosé season on a high note.


Duck Confit Pithivier fig chutney, oatmeal porter cream sauce

Chateau Coulonge, Bordeaux Superieur, Malbec 2016, Transition Organic

A unique and absolutely delicious Malbec from Bordeaux, with aromas of blond tobacco, violette, blackberry, plum.


Short Rib Ravioli fricotta, black mocha stout cream sauce.

Domaine La Rouviole, Coup de Théâtre, VDF 100% Syrah from Minervois, organic, 2017

A very surprising Syrah from the Minervois, with lots of depth and intensity as well as strong black currants aromas on a body full of spices and earth tones.


Bleu Cheese Rosemary Crème Brulée ricotta, black mocha stout cream sauce.

Chateau Haut-Bergeron, 2013, Sauternes

A wonderful Sauternes, exploding with aromas of apricot, honey, mandarin and many more, that marry sublimely well with blue cheese.



TICKETS are $85 per person.

Seating is limited to about 28 each night, and most tickets are already gone, but please call or text shannon to get the last seats left:

(712) 229-6971
hand, vintner, botrytised grape
Chateau Haut Bergeron, berries with beginning of botrytization.
SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2022, ELITE RHÔNE WINES TASTING DINNER, PARIZADE, DURHAM. 6:30.

6 seats left
parizade, restaurant, elegant
Parizade
We will be set all at one convivial table, in Parizade pure elegance style, for this dinner presenting some of the absolute best wines of the southern Rhone Valley. Starting with a small verticale of one of the most brilliant whites produced south of Valence (my home town). followed by another verticale of nothing else but the stellar Nonciature Chateauneuf du Pape from Patrick Galant.

That's right, it would be really regrettable to miss this dinner, which will not be able to happen again with the vintages here, among the very best ever produced for these wines.


MENU:


ORGANIC GREEN CHICKPEA HUMMUS crisps, garlic.

We will start the evening, with two different vintages, both superb and somewhat different, of this exceptional white wine from Provence that breaks all the molds:

CHATEAU ROMANIN AOP BLANC, 2017 & 2019, Biodynamic, Demeter

a definite citrus at first but all in minerality. You can taste all the gradations of limestone embellished with notes of stone fruits and a distinctive light salinity in the finish. Decanter Gold Medal with a 95 rating for the 2019, but the 2017 is equally fantastic.

I only have 8 bottles left of the 2017. What will not have been poured, will be put for a silent bid, no "winner take all," just for fun, and as a way to get these last bottles in the hands of those who desire them most.



RIBEYE balsamic roasted mushrooms, grated horseradish

Vegetarian Substitution: RICOTTA GNOCCHI, mushroom ragout, shaved parm,

This delicious peace of beef, will be the perfect companion for a verticale of 3 Nonciature Chateauneuf du Pape, by Patrick Galant. These are the Chateauneuf du Pape served in several high mark NC restaurants, including Parizade. Frankly Chateauneuf du Pape can be disappointing, either because the producers were relaxing a bit too much given the notoriety of the appellation and the marketing ease that it gives, or because with climate change, there tends to be a little too much heat in Chateauneuf and its wines. But--that's right, there was a "but" coming--this Nonciature from Patrick Galant is an exception, hence its popularity among my customers. It is extremely well balanced, and rounded with silky tannins. It exhibits a deep velvety structure supporting a seemingly infinite complexity, with aromas of violette, cherry, garrigue, spices, lavender at times and more depending on your palate's direction.

We'll have these 3 different vintages or format:

* PATRICK GALANT CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE NONCIATURE 2015:

An exceptional vintage, probably the best in recent memory, that has been gone for a while, but I kept about 15 bottles for this dinner. We are not going to drink them all, what will not be poured will be for sale.


* PATRICK GALANT CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE NONCIATURE 2015, Magnum:

Same wine as above, but aged in magnums (1500ml). For reasons that I will explain during the dinner, magnums are supposed to deliver a better wine for the same vintage, and it will be interesting to gage the difference here between the two formats of the same vintage.


* PATRICK GALANT CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE NONCIATURE 2017:

This is the current vintage, really fantastic as well, a bit younger and fresher, it will provide a good comparison reference.



TIRAMISU

PATRICK GALANT VIOGNIER VENDANGES TARDIVES 2012

Yes, it is a bit of a Patrick Galant night, these wines are exceptional, and this late harvest Vognier is totally out of the beaten path. Very dry for such a wine, and evolved, with addictive aromas of grappa melted with apricot, quince, white flowers, a delightful way to end such a meal.



TICKETS are $113, including taxes and gratuity.

Seating is somewhat limited (we can't feel the whole restaurant on a Saturday night) so please make your reservation today by emailing me (see button at bottom of page) or calling: 919 416 1111.


I look forward to enjoying this exceptional dinner in such an atmospheric and elegant venue with you.


Cancelation policy, and how to pay for Reservation
patrick galant
Patrick galant in Chateauneuf du Pape
SATURDAY APRIL 2ND, 2022, ELITE FRENCH WINE CLUB TASTING DINNER, CYPRESS HALL, NEW BERN
cypress hall, New Bern, restaurant
Cypress Hall
In the afternoon I will have hosted a Wine Tasting at Savi's Wine Shop, And at 7:00 we will share the bustling energy of the night in New Bern's top restaurant: Cypress Hall.

We will be in the loft that you can see on top of the photograph on the right here. And at bottom of this post is the view from the loft.

The space can only accommodate 12 people, so we have 10 seats available for this uncompromising dinner marrying food and wine excellence, New Bern style.

Please be aware that there is no lift to paradise at Cypress hall, just a comfortable staircase.


MENU:


FRIED OYSTERS cornmeal, pickled pepper tartar

Substitution: Salmon Rillettes

* CHAMPAGNE GOSSET-BRABANT TRADITION 1er CRU & GRAND CRU RÉSERVE LOW DOSAGE:

A little more than 500 years ago, Pierre Gosset started the production of wine in Champagne. He was one of the only two producers served at the court of the King of France. Gosset-Brabant is one of the only two houses of Champagne in direct lineage with Pierre Gosset, and the only of the two who is a grower producer. These two Champagnes comes from some of the best plots in the historic heart of Champagne, and exhibit rich flavors with notes of dried biscotti, pear, toasted almond.

This will provide a chance to experience ultra premium Champagne from a grower producer in both 1er Cru and Grand Cru, as well as traditional and low dosage.



HANGER STEAK cauliflower gratin, greens, vincotto, bleu cheese + sage butter

We will have two really "Blue" wines with this Blue Cheese enhanced steak:


* DOMAINE RICHEAUME COLUMELLE 2015:

Columelle is Domaine Richeaume's Superior cuvée, the result of a tight selection and subsequent sharp barrel aging. The 2015 vintage is one that has marked history, and is becoming rather rare. Enjoy this very round, and fresh velvety wine, with substantial extraction and density, super smooth tanins, and the distinctive black currant, plum, bilberry aromas that seem inherent to the domaine.



* SYLVAIN GAUTHIER SAINT JOSEPH 2019:

A Saint Joseph is among my absolute favorite wines. Of course I grew up not far from where it is made, a Saint Joseph is part of the top of the list in the good restaurants of Valence, my home town, and the real capital of the Côtes du Rhône, whether Avignon likes it or not!

Like all Saint Josephs, this one is 100 Syrah in its purest expression, since this is where "post antiquity" Syrah is from. The tanins are smooth, there is a rather intense extraction and yet a sense of velvet in the mouth. Aromas are really blue, mostly wild blueberries, blackberry with a hint of cherry. A unique bouquet to savor slowly.



THE FAMOUS STRAWBERRY CAKE

* MAS DE CYNANQUE MÉANDRES 2017:

This is a unique wine from north western Languedoc, all in evolved minerality and gentle alcohol. Aromas of Grappa, Champagne, mirabelle. unexpected exctasy.



TICKETS are $157, including taxes and gratuity.

Only 10 seats available, make your reservation today by emailing me (see button at bottom of page) or calling: 919 416 1111.


I look forward to enjoying this atmospheric and uncommon dinner with you.


Cancelation policy, and how to pay for Reservation
cypress hall, new bern, restaurant
Cypress hall Viewed from the Loft
WEDNESDAY MARCH 30, 2022, ELITE FRENCH WINE CLUB TASTING DINNER, ZAMBRA TAPAS, ASHEVILLE
4 SEATS AVAILABLE
zambra tapas
Scouting Dinner at Zambra Tapas
This is a very confidential and convivial dinner. It is confidential because there is only 10 seats available!

We will all be at one table in the cozy atmosphere of Zambra Tapas, for endless discussions about wine, food, and how to fix the world's persistent problems. Or maybe not the latter, since we will enjoy the company of Fabien Christophe, and will have other things to talk about. Fabien is the new face of Domaine La Rouviole, my top notch Minervois producer, and he is coming all the way from more or less Minerve, because he wanted to meet you, and answer all the questions you may have about the Minervois, that obscure region in the north west corner of Languedoc.


Dinner is at 6:30.


MENU:

SEARED FLOUNDER radicchio and fennel salad, green lentils, celery seeds aïoli, crispy onions.

Who knew that some of the very best Vermentinos are produced in France? This dish will give us a perfect opportunity to measure that with two Vermentinos from Chateau Saint Maur, near Saint Tropez on the French Riviera :

* CHATEAU SAINT MAUR EXCELLENCE BLANC 2020:

Enough acidity to be fresh, but not too much to project perfect roundness. The body is somewhat thick and substantial, without any alcool sensation, but rather a persistent, if not penetrating immersion in apricot aromas, dusted with scents of white flowers. A delectable treasure wine.

* CHATEAU SAINT MAUR CLOS DE CAPELUNE BLANC 2020:

This wine come from a special plot in altitude, dominating the Mediterranean. The coolness enhances the freshness and aromas, beautified by aging in special barrels that exhort the aromas of fresh apricot, acacia. Divine.


MIXED SAUTEED MUSHROOMS, peas, sherry, sold poached egg, migas.

We will have two Minervois from La Rouviole with this:

DOMAINE LA ROUVIOLE, CLASSIQUE 2017, Organic:

Rather earthy, now well polished by time, with a lot of freshness coming from aromas of pine, mint, eucalyptus, topped by strong black current aromas. A wine with a strong sense of terroir.

DOMAINE LA ROUVIOLE, SELCTION 2019, Organic:

A rather round Minervois, still a tad earthy, maybe even dusty. Extremely well balanced, with tannins rounded while aging in barrels. Elegant touches of cassis complemented with all sorts of herbs and pepper. A wine with strong accents of honesty, authenticity, and a rare typicity.


POT DE CRÊME

This is chocolate exactasy, and we will try the Minervois as well as the Saint Emilion below with it. The latter is definitely a supreme pairing, but it is worth trying the Minervois as well.

LA GRANDE ABBESSE, SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU 2016

This is one of the best possible wine pairings with a chocolate dessert, due to the freshness of the wine, its abundance of cherry aromas and pronounced notes of chocolate and coffee.



TICKETS are $84, including taxes and gratuity.


Limited seating, make your reservation today by emailing me (see button at bottom of page) or calling: 919 416 1111.


I look forward to enjoying your company during this moment of food and wine loving friendship.


Cancelation policy, and how to pay for Reservation
chateausaint maur capelune blanc
Chateau Saint maur, Clos de Capelune Blanc
MARCH 29, 2022 DOMAINE RICHEAUME WINE DINNER AT BIN 54, CHAPEL HILL
THIS DINNER IS SOLD OUT, SORRY.

Please contact BIN 54 is you would like to be put on a waiting list: (919) 969-1155.
Also please email me if you would like to participate to a second round of this dinner.
domaine richeaume
La Table de Demain at Domaine Richeaume
This dinner has been in the works for at least 2 years. Tim Gordon the wonder Sommelier at Bin 54, is a fan of Domaine Richeaume's wines, which are also the rock foundation of my elite portfolio and at the forefront of wine excellence in Provence. The pandemic and its consequences have delayed this gala type of dinner, but it is now only a few days away.

The only problem is that there are only about 35 seats available ..!

Dinner is at 6:30.


MENU:


CRAB SALAD IN CUCUMBER preserved lemon, fines herbes, mango and kudzu fluid gel.

*
DOMAINE RICHEAUME BLANC 2020:

Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, this Provence white will take you in new territories with notes of apricot, white peach, melon peel, and lots of minerality.


NOT A NIÇOISE SALAD yellowfin tuna crudo, haricots verts, olive purée, cherry tomatoes, boiled potatoes, shallots, quail egg, anchovy, Dijon vinaigrette

*
DOMAINE RICHEAUME ROSÉ 2019:

A somewhat evolved and augmented rosé, lending a smoky tertiary overtone over a crisp body, with notes of citrus, strawberry, raspberry, A rare delight for people seeking more in a rosé.


ROASTED LAMB BELLY carrot, pistachio, rosemary and currant.

* DOMAINE RICHEAUME TRADITION 2017:

This is Domaine Richeaume's main cuvée, very fruit forward and lush, with a dominance of black currant and plum. Decanter Gold medal with a 95 rating. This is a very surprising wine, really fresh yet with little acidity.


BLACK GARLIC AND COFFEE BRAISED SHORT RIB whipped potatoes, brussel sprouts leaves, blueberry horseradish sauce.

*
DOMAINE RICHEAUME COLUMELLE 2015:

Columelle is Domaine Richeaume's Superior cuvée, the result of a tight selection and subsequent sharp barrel aging. The 2015 vintage is one that has marked history, and is becoming rather rare. Enjoy this very round, and fresh velvety wine, with substantial extraction and density, super smooth tanins, and the distinctive black currant, plum, bilberry aromas that seem inherent to the domaine.


GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN fondant potato, haricots verts, truffle demi-glace

*
DOMAINE RICHEAUME TERRASSES 2015:

This is the flagship cuvée of the estate. a 100% Syrah, made from the best grapes grown on the Terrasses plots above and below this very serene arbored area where we have picnics during the Provence Wine Tours, shown in the photograph on the right. Expect to delve into the potential of Syrah grown and aged optimally under the sun of Provence



CHOCOLATE AMARETTO TART



Only 35 seats available, make your reservation today by calling: (919) 969-1155.

Tickets are $125 plus tax and gratuity.


If dinners were collectable, this one would be in the most sought after collections. I look forward to enjoying it with you. You might want to skip lunch that day, or maybe for the whole week!
bin 54, restaurant
Bin 54
SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2022, ELITE FRENCH WINE CLUB TASTING DINNER, PARIZADE, DURHAM
parizade, restaurant
Parizade
This dinner will take place in the main part of the restaurant, in the great Parizade theater scene, maybe symbolizing the effervescence of the budding spring, which will be then officially arriving 2 days later. An all white wines menu to refresh our tastebuds.

Dinner is at 6:30.


MENU:

PHYLLO WRAPPED SHRIMP basil, dill, caper chimichurri

Substitution: Green Chickpea and Mushroom Falafel.

We will first mingle with Champagne, and keep some for the appetizer with which we will be able to also taste with a tranquil wine:

* CHAMPAGNE GOSSET-BRABANT GRAND CRU RÉSERVE LOW DOSAGE:

A little more than 500 years ago, Pierre Gosset started the production of wine in Champagne. He was one of the only two producers served at the court of the King of France. Gosset-Brabant is one of the only two houses of Champagne in direct lineage with Pierre Gosset, and the only of the two who is a grower producer. This Réserve Grand Cru comes from some of the best plots in Champagne, it is a full body champagne with enough Pinot Noir to make it substantial and aromatic, yet refreshing and delicate. This is a superb Champagne like most people have never experienced.


CHATEAU CARBON D'ARTIGUES PRESTIGE, GRAVES BLANC 2016

A very subtle, delicate, but persistent wine, Sémillon rich well tamed in oak barrel and time, perfect to conquer the strong flavors of Chef Jason Lawless's dish.


HERB STUFFED BRANZINO, broccolini, mixed olives, smoked tomato salsa

We will pair this with two different vintages, both superb and somewhat different, from this exceptional white wine from Provence that breaks all the molds:

CHATEAU ROMANIN AOP BLANC, 2017 & 2019, Biodynamic, Demeter

a definite citrus at first but all in minerality. You can taste all the gradations of limestone embellished with notes of stone fruits and a distinctive light salinity in the finish. Decanter Gold Medal with a 95 rating for the 2019, but the 2017 is equally fantastic.

I only have 3-5 bottle left of the 2017 after what will be poured, and these bottles will be put for a silent bid, no "winner take all," just for fun, and as a way to get them in the hands of those who desire them most.


TIRAMISU

PATRICK GALANT VIOGNIER VENDANGES TARDIVES 2012

Very dry and evolved, with addictive aromas of grappa melted with apricot and white flowers, a delightful way to end such a meal.



TICKETS are $125, including taxes and gratuity.


Limited seating available, make your reservation today by emailing me (see button at bottom of page) or calling: 919 416 1111.


I look forward to enjoying this wonderful dinner with you.


Cancelation policy, and how to pay for Reservation
chateau romanin, alpilles
Chateau Romanin
MARCH 10, 2022 WINE DINNER AT AVENUE M, ASHEVILLE
french dinner
French Social Movement at Work
AVENUE M is a gem restaurant up Merrimon Ave in Asheville. I discovered it last August, and was blown away by the refinement and creativity of the dishes. I am very proud of the relationship I have been able to develop since then with Ralph Lonow, one of the two owners. Ralph is a superb sommelier and I am very honored that Contrast Wines has been included rather extensively in the offering at Avenue M.

The next step was a wine dinner, and it is here now before us, a very thoughtful and modern menu for a wine dinner in America, I'll dare to write, with dishes rather outisde of the normal spectrum.

So please book your seats before they are all gone, as there is only room for 50 in this dinner on the frontier of 21st Century Southern Cuisine.


Dinner is at 6:30.


MENU:

LEEK VINAIGRETTE WITH HAZELNUT AND EGG

* CHAMPAGNE GOSSET-BRABANT GRAND CRU RÉSERVE:

A little more than 500 years ago, Pierre Gosset started the production of wine in Champagne. He was one of the only two producers served at the court of the King of France. Gosset-Brabant is one of the only two houses of Champagne in direct lineage with Pierre Gosset, and the only of the two which is a grower producer. This Réserve Grand Cru comes from some of the best plots in Champagne, it is a full body champagne with enough Pinot Noir to make it substantial and aromatic, yet refreshing and delicate. This is a superb Champagne like most people have never experienced.


GENTLY POACHED SCALLOP WITH CELERIAC AND APPLE

CHATEAU CARBON D'ARTIGUES PRESTIGE, GRAVES BLANC 2016

A very subtle, delicate, but persistent wine, Sémillon rich, well tamed in oak barrel and time.


BOUDIN BLANC WITH CAULIFLOWER AND MUSTARD JUS

DOMAINE RICHEAUME ROSÉ, 2019, Biodynamic, Demeter

Lots of tertiary aromas have augmented this rosé, both in body and complexity. A little bit of smoke over a crisp body with wild strawberry, white peach a zest of grapefruit peel and some ghostly notes of raspberry. This is a rosé all in subtlety, matching a dish which is also all in undertones. A pairing all in finesse.


NEW YORK STRIP CRUSTED WITH PARSLEY AND HORSERADISH, Purée de Pommes de terre, Onion Jam, Sauce Chasseur

DOMAINE CATHALA, CUVÉE ABSOLUE 2017

This wine from North West Languedoc, resembles a Chateauneuf du Pape in its complexity and intensity. Strong presence of violette, cherry, over a smoky body leathered with spices. One of my "absolute" favorite red wines.



MILLIONAIRES TART, COFFEE ICE CREAM

LA GRANDE ABBESSE, SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU 2016

This is one of the best possible wine pairings with a chocolate dessert, due to the freshness of the wine, its abundance of cherry aromas and pronounced notes of chocolate and coffee.



TICKETS are $130 for food and wine, plus taxes and gratuity.



Please contact Avenue M for reservations: 828-350-8181 or through website
christian gosset, champagne
Christian Gosset
MARCH 2 & 3, 2022 SMALL PLATES WINE DINNER AT BOUCHON, ASHEVILLE
THESE DINNERS MAY BE SOLD OUT ALREADY

Please contact contact Shannon, voice or text, at (712) 229-6971 to check on availability.
chateau lehoul,vinemakers, vintners
Jean-Philippe et Nicolas, Chateau Léhoul
Bouchon is an Asheville institution, and I am very proud to start a series of small plates wine dinners with them.

Their remarkable chef, Blake Jordan, will craft 6 small plates paired with 6 Contrast wines for a dinner of wonder. We will all be in the cosy upstairs room, in a convivial setting enabling us to share this precious experience, discovering the alchemy between the dishes and the wines, and discuss it all, as well as solve the other world's problems.

As per Bouchon's tradition, the food menu is not disclosed in advance, and you are asked to come with and empty stomach and open mind. I can though share with you the wine menu:

* CHATEAU ROMANIN BlLANC, AOP BAUX D EPROVENCE 2019, biodynamic Demeter:

This is a stunning white, all in minerality, proving that not all great white wines come from Burgundy. Decanter Gold Medal with a 95 rating.


* CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT 2019:

One of the very best white wines from Bordeaux, with the aromatic wealth that Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc provide, "augmented" here by a delicate oak barrel treatment under the expertise of my dear friend Eric Fonta, creator of Chateau Léhoul as we know it, and of which Contrast wines is proud to be the sole U.S. Importer, now with the addition of Jean-Philppe and Nicolas, the new owners and vintners of Chateau Léhoul, see photograph on the right.


* PATRICK GALANT CAIRANNE VIEILLES VIGNES 2016:

A wine of wonder, not all that far from a Chateauneuf du Pape, both due to its geographical origins and excellence, Aromas of garrigue, violette, cherry. A true delight.


* CHATEAU COULONGE JULIETTE 2016:

One of Chateau Coulonge top cuvées, 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, expressing all the power and richness of Cabernet, in a very tamed fashion.


* DOMAINE RICHEAUME TRADITION 2017:

Domaine Richeaume is at the forefront of wine excellence in Provence. This is their main cuvée, very fruit forward and lush, with a dominance of black currant and plum. Decanter Gold medal with a 95 rating. Please tighten your seatbelt, you may very well be blown away.


CHATEAU ROCHECOLOMBE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES Aged in oak 2018, Organic.

This is a very rich and complex Côtes du Rhône, with aromas of cherry, raspberry as well as prune, full body, and well balanced. Absolutely delightful in general, and remarkably suited for the dessert it will accompany. Chateau Rochecolombe is awarded nearly every year with gold medals for its production, and in 2017, Roland Terrasse was named Best Vintner of the Rhône Valley for this very wine by the Guide Hachette, a major French publication on wines, see here (in French).



TICKETS are $75 per person, plus taxes and gratuity.

RESERVATION: call or text Shannon at (712) 229-6971

I look forward to enjoying this wonderful dinner with you.

domaine richeaume, sainte victoire
The Beautiful Domaine Richeaume
FEBRUARY 19, 2022 ELITE FRENCH WINE TASTING DINNER AT PARIZADE
SOLD OUT

Please contact me if you would like to be ut on the waiting list: 919 416 1111, or email through button at bottom of this page.
Parizade, Clubroom
Parizade's Clubroom
We launch this year's dinners series, with a Saturday Night dinner at 7:00.

It will take place in the Club Room at Parizade, which gives plenty of space and excellent ventilation, in order to provide everybody a comfortable setting. All attendees need to be vaccinated, and boosted if applicable.

MENU:

ORGANIC GREEN CHICKPEA HUMMUS with:

* CHATEAU LÉHOUL ROSÉ 2019:

This is a rosé from Bordeaux, with a little more substance than typical rosés, aromas of pomegranate and British candy. While it certainly is totally suiting for summer, it makes a difference with most rosés in winter, thanks to its relative density associated with an ever slight sweetness.

* CHATEAU ROMANIN ALPILLES ROSÉ 2019, biodynamic:

This superior rosé from one of Provence's most exotic, yet remarked rosé producer, has developed tertiary aromas that gives it a weight also suiting for winter. Its original wild strawberry aromas are still there, but combined with a smokiness that suits the cold weather.

We'll sip these rather profound rosés while mingling, and with chef Jason Lawless's premium hummus.


PORK CHOP roasted mushrooms, creamy polenta, bacon jam, with:

CHATEAU ROCHECOLOMBE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES Aged in oak, Organic.


We will savor this juicy, tasty dish with a verticale of one of the very best Côtes du Rhône under the sun, one that make many crus of the Rhône Valley pale. A Verticale is a declination of several vintages of the same wine.

We will sample the 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages. This is a very rich and complex Côtes du Rhône, with aromas of cherry, raspberry as well as prune, full body, and well balanced. Absolutely delightful. Chateau Rochecolombe is awarded nearly every year with gold medals for its production, and in 2017, Roland Terrasse was named Best Vintner of the Rhône Valley for this very wine by the Guide Hachette, a major French publication on wines, see here (in French).

I have a few bottles left (including some for sale at the dinner) of the 2017, the 2018 is the current vintage in stock, and I already have stock of the 2019.

VEGETARIAN SUBSTITUTION: RICOTTA GNOCCHI, mushroom ragout, shaved parm.


DOUBLE CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE layers of chocolate spongecake and chocolate ganache with whipped cream, with:

Red wines above.



TICKETS are $89.75 per person, including taxes and gratuity. Vegetarian meal: $79.75.



Only about 20 seats available, depending on configuration of parties, make your reservation today by emailing me (see button at bottom of page) or calling: 919 416 1111.


I look forward to enjoying this wonderful dinner with you.


Cancelation policy, and how to pay for Reservation
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