Valentine's Day is pretty special around here because it is also our anniversary. Last night Peggy and I celebrated 21 years of marriage with take out from our favorite local bistro and a couple of '88s.
With smoked salmon, arugula, fingerling potato, dill and Dijon vinaigrette:
- 1988 Pol Roger Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut - France, Champagne
Light gold color, toasty/yeasty nose with citrus, full-bodied, nicely balanced, more complexity than last bottle, long finish, still going strong. Outstanding.
The following paired nicely with both of our main dishes:
Pan roasted magret duck breast, sautéed parsnips, figs, Port wine sauce, and
Grilled filet mignon with cauliflower gratin and Dijon mustard sauce
- 1988 Château Talbot - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
Dark red core, lighter at rim, nice nose of cassis, cherry, earth, medium body, cherry and cassis fruit follow on palate, nice balance, medium finish, just a little complex, very nice match with both the duck and the filet. Will it develop additional complexity or will the fruit fade?
We finished with chocolate mousse, and then another glass of the Pol Roger for a nightcap. The Champagne was the clear star of the evening, wine-wise, anyway...
