We recently visited the Coeur d`Alene area to attend a family wedding. It was my first exposure to this beautiful locale and I found it to be very special.
On our last night of 4, we dined with the newly weds at the classy, high end Coeur dAlene Resorts restaurant, Beverlys. It is situated on the 7th floor of a high rise building which allowed for great panoramic views of the lake and some of the nearby landmarks, most notably, Tubbs Hill which we had just hiked its 2 mile, lakeside trail the day before. With the pre and post sunset rays casting glowing reflections on the lake, it made for the perfect ambience to compliment the modern, upscale dining room motif.
I had gone on line to peruse their extensive and impressive 2 million dollar wine inventory and also to be sure I did not duplicate a wine on their list as we had a wine given to us that needed to be drunk and we had no extra room/weight in our check-in luggage.
Top quality Riedel stemware graced our table and when the sommelier arrived, it was additionally confirmed that this is a serious and dedicated wine and food venue.
Preferring to drink champagne out of a larger bowl in lieu of a flute, my request was satisfied with Riedel Vinum Chardonnay stems.
NV NICOLAS FEUILATTE LIMITED EDITION BRUT RESERVE- I`ve long enjoyed this champagne and it served to be a credible start to our evening; this special edition was a holiday release and came in a beautiful, classy gold colour with a blue label inset; aged for 36 months, 21 beyond the normal minimum, it is comprised of a blend of a range of different crus; following the pale yellow colour came aromas of spicy pear, apple and kiwi which transmuted into delicious mildly spicy lemon, lime, green apple and pear on the palate; it was nicely balanced, had bright acidity and an element of elegance; it was the perfect champagne for this celebrative occasion.
2016 TOIL OREGON [FIGGINS] PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE VALLEY- When we attended a sibling to the brides college graduation last year at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, we visited Figgins Winery and tasted the 15 version of this wine as well as a few others; this is made by Chris Figgins, son of Gary who has done a masterful job crafting great wines under the Leonetti label; it`s made using 32% new French oak and 68% neutral French oak and aged 11 months in barrel; this bottle was extremely fruit forward with copious amounts of oak influence throughout; super ripe red cherry dominated the fruit profile with underlying wood and vanilla notes most evident.
The sommelier introduced himself as the junior sommelier on staff. He and I engaged in sporadic chats about wine throughout the evening. Midway through, he brought 4 nice unsolicited, but much appreciated pours of the next wine.
2013 FALL LINE WINERY ARTZ VINEYARD RED RED MOUNTAIN- love the name being a skier who ignored the fall line; a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 41% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon; lovely wine with great mouthfeel with its silky smooth texture benefitting from the soft tannins; it had some talc infused black currant with a hint of leather; it was nicely balanced and quite elegant.
As we departed, the somm offered us a Port which we declined, but appreciated immensely. If ever in this area again, I shall be sure to return to Beverly`s.
Cheers,
Blake
