Our La Paulée de Carlton meal at the Allison Inn & Spa, prepared for 50 attendees by Jory Chef Nathan Lockwood, was so delicious that I’m rolling around in the memory of it, not ready to let it go.  I just looked up the name of the bright-green olives that were served with the main course plate of Trio of Atherton Lamb.  These Castelvetrano Olives are a revelation, tasting exactly like delicious fruity olive oil, not briny or bitter.  The lamb loin was served rosy and tender, the shoulder was braised and fork tender (shredded really) and the ribs were grilled.  The roasted fennel was delicious.

The salad was beautiful and filled with succulent pieces of duck confit and smoked duck breast with sliced persimmon, and then cherries and pomegranate seeds sprinkled throughout.  That was paired with our 08 Audrey Pinot Noir, which we began serving the first tastes of this weekend in the tasting room.  (Hint for a no-cook meal at home:  smoked duck and duck confit purchased from a great butcher such as Chop are great kitchen cheats — already cooked and luxurious — not inexpensive but you don’t need much!).

The passed apps were delightful.  The thinly sliced beet was topped with a goat cheese, maybe with a touch of citrus?  There were skewers of grilled chicken with bacon and persimmon.  And endive “scoops” with a teaspoonful of rock shrimp salad.  With the apps, we sipped a Chablis from one of our favorite producers, Frédéric Gueguen — his 07 Côte de Lechet 1er Cru.

Set-up, clean-up and break-down?  That was handled by the able staff of the Allison.  Scott, Kelley, Kelly and I agreed that we could get used to entertaining this way!  I wish I had a photo of Kelly Karr seated, because she did indeed sit, relax and eat for the first time at a Scott Paul function.

Thank you to those who joined us.  Same time next year…first Saturday in November!

Guests Arjun Mendiratta and Rachel Smith

First off, thanks to all who joined us Saturday at the winery and Saturday night at the Allison for our La Paulée de Carlton festivities. It was a huge success and it seems everyone had a blast. Each of these events takes on their own personality and character, driven by those who attend and the wines they bring. Shall we just say that Saturday night was stellar on both counts!

Martha with Guest of Honor Andrea Johnson

So many great wines going around the tables! I pulled one of the last three bottles of our very first Pinot, the 1999 Pisoni Vyd. – and it was showing really well. Very happy to see how it had developed and matured. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when that wine was made (not that I have much of an idea now), but it is a miracle and a blessing from the wine gods and goddesses that the wine is silky, rich, and stunning today. Huge kudos to my mentor Greg LaFollete who made sure I didn’t screw it up too badly back then!

La Paulée de Beaune 2008

I will use this space today to make the first “soft” announcement of my upcoming first book. I have begun the research and writing process for a book on the history of the La Paulée celebration – from the ancient tradition of throwing a harvest feast for the crew at each Burgundian estate (a practice that continues today) – to the world famous La Paulée de Meursault and other private Paulées in Burgundy and around the world. It should be rich with historical anecdotes from many of Burgundy’s legendary wine personalities, tasting notes on hundreds upon hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime old Burgundies, and of course some wonderful photography as well. It is my hope that it will appeal to Burgundy lovers, and wine lovers of all stripes. The thought is to have it ready for release in the fall of 2011. I’ll keep you updated here as we progress…

And I am off – for a quick couple of weeks in Burgundy for the Hospices de Beaune auction, two Paulées (my poor liver!), and tastings with all of our producers – it will be over before I know it. I will post as often as possible from over there – and hope to update frequently on Facebook & Twitter as well – so stay tuned.

I am detouring on the way back through England, we’re I’ve been invited to Manchester to see the Manchester United v Everton match. Even though I’m a die-hard Arsenal fan, I’m way excited to go to Old Trafford and see my first English Premiere League game in person – the atmosphere and energy in the stadium is supposedly un-matched anywhere on the planet. I am psyched, to say the least. (And will not be wearing my Arsenal jersey to the match!) More from the road – à très bientôt!

It is a wonderful feeling to have the 2009 vintage put to bed, especially so because the wines are gorgeous!

Here’s a quick look into the winery and some of the action that goes on during crush (and be sure to check out Pt. 1 if you haven’t already seen it…)

Crush 2009 – Pt. 2 – the Video

If you’re more than an occasional reader of this blog, you might know that I’m a huge fan of Arsenal – one of England’s top Premiere League soccer teams. You may also be aware that Michael Alberty, proprietor of Portland retail shop Storyteller Wines is a fan of one of Arsenal’s major foes, Chelsea. (In spite of this, Michael is actually a pretty nice guy, btw.) We made a friendly wager the last time Arsenal and Chelsea played each other. I forget what I was going to have to do if we lost, because of course we won. Michael’s pennance is to come to our tasting room this Saturday from 12-5 and help us pour wines at our La Paulée Open House – while wearing an Arsenal uniform!

This season's "Away" shirt

This is NOT Michael Alberty. (This is Andrei Arshavin - i.e. the Chelsea Killer)

While it would be a joy to have Michael with us under any circumstances, it will be especially sweet to have him in the house in full Arsenal regalia. (I hope the jersey doesn’t give you a rash, Mr. Mike!)

Make plans to join us for all the festivities – the first chance to taste and order our 2008 Audrey Pinot, the release of our 2007 La Paulée pinot, new Burgs from J-J Confuron and Taupenot-Merme,  our own Kelley Fox pouring her own 2007 Pinots, and friend & neighbor Brian O’Donnell from Belle Pente pouring three of his killer Pinots. It is pretty much guaranteed not to suck! See you here on Saturday…