On our last night, we had dinner at Wild Blue. Like Araxi the night before, it was excellent, and made even better by the $39 CAD prix fixe for four courses (Araxi was $44 CA). During the shoulder seasons, the top restaurants offer these as a thank you and to give local service workers a chance to enjoy what they usually serve. We brought one of my favorite Champagnes.
2002 Ruinart Champagne Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
This bottle reaffirmed why I keep coming back to the 2002 Ruinart. It’s nearly perfect. Floral notes, apple, croissant on the nose. Layers of orchard fruit and citrus on the palate, with that signature Ruinart grace. Hazelnut, a hint of warm pastry, and slight oxidative richness to remind you it’s lived a little, but still has a ways to go.
We’re back home now after an excellent long weekend hiking, skiing, and spending the one rainy day reading. All three dinners were spectacular, and the wines showed beautifully. The old LP Grand Siècle and 2002 Ruinart are high on my list of all-time favorites.
Until the next adventure,
Cheers
