October 20 was the 75th anniversary of the founding of the International Wine and Food Society and the 26th anniversary of the founding of the Philippine branch. The annual President's dinner in honor of these anniversaries was held at Le Souffle restaurant at the Rockwell Club. The wines all supplied from the cellars of the Society.
Domaine Huet Vouvray Petillant Brut 2002 - Served with canapes of fin de claire oysters, marble potatoes with caviar, and duck confit on brioche. Mostly citrus rind flavor. This has some serious depth to it. Very good sparkler.
Domaine Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Les Fourchaumes Vieilles Vignes 2005 - Surprisingly soft with very subtle nose and flavor. Some light orange. Unfortunately, completely overwhelmed by the too-sweet and rather heavy baked pomfret marinated in miso topped with bonito flakes. As far as I could gather, it seems that something happened to the fish between the taste test and the actual dinner, with the taste test fish perfect for the wine.
Chateau Phelan Segur 2002 - Served with lamb rack in herb crust. Classic cedary nose. Still a bit tannic but showing very well. Food softens it sufficiently to make it very enjoyable. Deep color, tobacco, very dry. Dried fruits. Quite complex. Classic Bordeaux. Excellent.
Clos du Marquis 1999 - Served with the cheese plate: cantalet, boursault and saint nectaire. Nice nose. Sweet herbs and fruit. Very good but overshadowed by the Phelan.
Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey 2003 - Paired with a pear poached in port. Lovely. Very creamy. Tobacco leaf, brown sugar, pineapple, marmalade on the finish. Good complexity and excellent balance. Excellent Sauternes.
Dinner finished with coffee, petit fours, and an excellent Cognac Gourmel Age des Fleurs.