'02 Dom Pérignon & '64 Faustino I Gran Reserva w/ Dinner.

WINE TALK
1

This past Tuesday, the 1st of May 2012, was my 47th birthday; so, after a day of golf (it being Labor Day holiday), I had a quiet dinner at The Goose Station. We were just 5 for dinner, Catha, the children, and I.

To start off, we had some 2002 Champagne Dom Pérignon - it must’ve been a very ripe vintage for the Champagne region.Toasty, bready aromas mainly with slight white flowers; the ripe fruit is plump, broad, and lush on the palate. Immediately pleasing. I can’t guess how long this can age, but it is already more than a little enjoyable now. Notable rounded bottom in this and quite open for barely 10 years from harvest. I should get more of this vintage for early drinking. A cute, precocious champagne.

Mojito Amuse Bouche.

The Signature Menu.

Foie Gras Cones, delicious as always. Joaqi ordered an extra cone for himself after.

Assorted Rice Cracklings with 2 dips: Avocado & Sinamak

Tomato-Capsicum Soup

The kitchen was quite busy that night.

Caviar Parfait (Cauliflower Panna Cotta, Crab Jelly, Tapioca & Crab “Salad”, Sea Urchin, & Avruga Caviar)

One of the restaurant’s most famous and sought-after dishes: their version of Eggs Benedict.

Catha & Joaqi

Mauro & Lorenzo

A creative and entertaining take on Garden Salad.

Fideuà Negra. Always delicious, the accompanying scallops seared to perfection.

Duck Confit. Catha and Joaqi really liked this. I’ll try it next time.

24-Hour USDA Shortrib “Steak”

With the duck and beef courses, 1964 Faustino I Gran Reserva - Superb as usual with a bouquet and flavors of dark red fruit, berries, sous bois, ceps, cedar, violets, underlying leather and sanguine whispers, with only the telltale balsamico telling one that this is an aged Rioja rather than an aged Burgundy. Refined, silken, slightly over medium-bodied. A confident, moderately long finish. Beautiful wine, if I do say so myself.

Due to the wine’s age, I removed the cork myself, and there was no problem at all - the cork was in excellent shape, though obviously old.

My birthyear is actually 1965, but that was pretty much a crappy vintage all over the planet. Thus, following the advice of Bodegas Contino Wine-Maker, Jesus De Madrazo Mateo (also a '65er), when it comes to wine, I consider myself 1964 - which happens to be a legendary vintage for Rioja (and, anyway, we were both conceived in 1964).

Desserts were Deconstructed Cheesecake…

Panna Cotta with Pumpkin, Chocolate, & Coconut…

Strawberry Sorbet…

Deconstructed Lemon Meringue with Berries, and…

Dark Chocolate Bar with Raspberry.

Petits fours were assorted (delicious) Macarons.

Double espressos ended yet another deliciously entertaining meal at The Goose Station. The kitchen team does credit to Rob & Sunshine in that, although neither of them were in that evening, all the dishes were very nice, showing the technique, playful and precise use of flavors, and over-all polish their cuisine is known for. Until the next!

2

Belated Happy Birthday Noel! Live long and prosper!


Conserve water, drink more wine.

3

Beautiful pictures and a wonderful post. Thx

4

Two terrific wines. A wonderful family. It had to be a perfect birthday!

5

Happy Birthday! Food looks amazing.

6

A great aged Rioja. Nice note. Interesting you see the notes of balsamico, which I associate with Piedmontese wines.

I agree that 2002 Dom is really nice now.

Lovely family dinner Noel.

Al

7

Salamat, Ramon!

Thanks, Neal!

Yes, it definitely was, James. Thanks!

Thank you, Peter! It tasted good too!

I get balsamico often in aged Riojas (and in some not so old as well). Yes, that '02 is nice. I will get more for current popping. Thanks!

Best to all,

N

8

Lovely photos and a descriptive post as well as usual.

Great work.

The food looks very interesting with some nice molecular touches…

9

Happy '47th, recently a fellow taster brought the 64 faustino to one of our weekly afternoon blind tastings. I guessed '82 vintage, others went late 70’s, this wine is an absolute gem, a complimentary hint of the balsamic, iron and semi- sweet red fruits. Tasted much young than the vintage would suggest, a gorgeous experience…cheers

10

Thank you, Paul. Re: the molecular touches, as I recall, one of the co-owners of the restaurant (a husband and wife team) took some lessons in Tokyo from a chef who used to work for Ferran Adrià, so that probably explains it.

Yes, definitely a gorgeous wine, Marc, thanks. I and a regular drinking buddy/business partner actually import this wine into Manila. I do not, as a rule, due to delicadeza, post a notes on wines we distribute, but, since our last batch has been sold out since early February, I figured it would be ok.

Best to you both

11

Happy birthday Noel,with many more to come.As always,thanks for including us in your dinners.

12

Happy Birthday.

That 1964 drunk with lunch in 2000 at the Bodega remains my Rioja high water mark. IIRC their cellar was known to hold over 1 million bottles of Grand Reserva, and we were very fortunate to have been served the 1970 and 1964 as visiting distributors were usually served back to only 1982. We had 2 attractive females in our group and I am certain this aided our cause.

The passed box of Havana Montecristo’s #4’s was a great way to end a long lunch.

13

Happy Birthday, Noel. Thanks for the pix and descriptions, always love your posts. I have been viewing them for a few years now and the kids are growing up fast.

14

All my pleasure, Mike, and thanks!

I’ve had the '64 many times (as mentioned above in a prior response, I and a partner import this in the Philippines, and, so, also keep a good stash of it for ourselves), but I’ve had the '70 only twice (both bottles sent to us in Manila by the producer by air): once to try out at home on the 20th February 2011; and another over dinner for another “look” at the wine (17th March 2012 - no post on that one yet, but the previous bottle was in much better shape). I’ve greatly enjoyed every single of their '64 GRs I’ve had.

Hi, Dave, and you are most welcome. Thanks! Yes, kids really grow up way too fast. The 2 teenagers have gotten bigger than I a while back (though, with my size, that’s not a huge task). At least the youngest still has a way to go.

Best to you both,

N

15

As always, Noel, a wonderful read. I turn 47 in November of this year. If only it will be on par!

So how come no pictures of the old Geezer!? :wink:

16

Noel,maligayang kaarawan ng malaking hapunan!

17

am I the only one disappointed in 02 Dom?
Great report and fun to see the kids growing up.
alan

18

No
+1

19

Thanks, Robert, I’m sure it will. All one needs is the presence of the near and dear, the food and wine are secondary and will take care of themselves.

No picture of me as I am the one with the camera. Well, and because I’ve never really enjoyed having my picture taken.

Maraming salamat, Bill!

I think the '02 is good enough as an early, comparatively casual drinking
Dom. At it’s reasonable price (for a Dom) locally, I find it quite acceptable. Thanks.

Best to all,

N

20

I’ve had it 5 times and it was great - open, lively and really lovely drinking, then one bottle (the last one) that was totally closed, sulphury and very unapproachable.

Obviously there must be considerable bottle variation, or at least some batches that are in a different phase to others…