November 4, 2007
Wow – what a night! The 2nd annual La Paulée de Carlton last night was huge fun. I am exhausted and moving a little slow today (too many good wines – had to explore them in the name of science, of course.) Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and made it the fun night it was, and mega thanks to the Scott Paul team for all of their hard work in putting this together and pulling it off without a hitch. Kelly Karr, Emily Freiler & Cheryl Rogers made it all look easy. The food from Simpatica in Portland also rocked – those guys do a great job, and they came up with the perfect menu for a cool fall evening filled with decadent Pinots & Burgs.
Speaking of the wines – there was surely one of the better collections of New World Pinot and Burgundies in one room that you’re ever likely to find. That’s the beauty of the Paulée, you never know what treats and treasures are going to be around. We’re like kids in a candy store on nights like this – every bottle offers the promise of new discovery, a new joy, or perhaps just a learning experience – any and all of which are fine by me. It would be impossible to catalog the hundred of lovely bottles flowing around the room that night, but the generosity of the guests is really overwhelming. I offer up thanks and gratitude to all for sharing their goodies. Some of my personal favorites from the evening:
2002 Chambolle-Musigny les Fuées – Mugnier, 2001 Musigny from Drouhin, 1990 Evesham Wood (in magnum from winemaker Russ Raney’s cellar), the 1996 Musigny from Drouhin, and my fave of the night, a 1985 Charmes-Chambertin from Taupenot-Merme (generously gifted by our friend Romain Taupenot.) Again, what a night. I know it’s a dangerous job, but I have to tackle a bunch of old Burgundies at the original French version of La Paulée two weeks from tomorrow. Hopefully that gives my 53 year-old body enough time to recover inbetween!
