TN: Albany Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Welcomes Laurent Drouhin

WINE TALK
1

ALBANY CONFRÉRIE DES CHEVALIERS DU TASTEVIN WELCOMES LAURENT DROUHIN - Fort Orange Club, Albany, NY (6/11/2026)

The Albany-Capital Region chapter of La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin held a dinner with special guest Laurent Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin. The dinner was held at The Fort Orange Club, in Albany, NY, where Executive Chef Lou Agostinello is turning out some of the best wine-friendly food in our region.

Each course was served with its own wine. Most of the wines were from the chapter's cellar. (See the note on the 2015 Hospices de Beaune Beaune "Cuvée Maurice Drouhin" for the one exception.) None of the wines were decanted, but they were opened for some time before serving. See each wine note for details.

Photos and many more details can be found on my website.

Starters

Passed hors d'oeuvre: Crab Salad, Steak and Boursin on Crostini, Prosciutto and Melon.

Course One.

Poached Lobster Tail With Crème Fraiche, Saffron-Apricot Puree, Grilled Asparagus.

  • 2018 Marquis de Laguiche (Joseph Drouhin) Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
    [Taken out of the wine refrigerator and opened 6:15pm. Poured at 6:40pm for the 7pm toast.] Stunning nose of citrus and minerals. Crisp, expansive, long. Wow! Similar to the 2021 Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles, but two steps up in terms of richness and complexity. (94 points)

Course Two.

Pheasant Cassoulet: Confit Pheasant Leg, Chicken Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Celery, Carrot, White Beans.

  • 2015 Hospices de Beaune Beaune 1er Cru Cuvée Maurice Drouhin Joseph Drouhin - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
    [Opened at 5:30pm, served 7:45pm. This wine was special because it was purchased as a barrel at the Hospices de Beaune Charity Auction by 4 members of our group who each donated 2 bottles so that there would be enough for our whole group.] Sweet nose of red fruit and licorice. Rich and silky with a long, complex, expansive finish. Delicious! (94 points)

Course Three.

Lamb Chop With Sauce Paloise, Fondant Sweet Potato, Cress.

  • 2008 Joseph Drouhin Grands-Echezeaux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru
    [Opened and recorked at 5:15pm, corks off 5:45pm, served around 8:15pm.] Black fruit and spices in the nose. Still tannic but full of rich red fruit. Earthy and long. (95 points)

Course Four.

Filet Tournedos Rossini: 6oz Chairman's Filet, Foie Gras, Summer Black Truffle, Madeira Demi-Glace, Pommes Duchess, Wild Mushroom, Thumbelina Carrots.

  • 2012 Joseph Drouhin Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Procès - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru
    [Opened and recorked at 5:00pm, corks off at 6:30pm, served about 9pm.] Gorgeous nose of red fruit and spice. Dark red and black fruits in the mouth. Still tannic. Rich, young, long and juicy. I would cellar this another 10 years. 94-97 (94 points)

Dessert.

Mint Chocolate Mousse With Chantilly Cream, Strawberry.

  • 1958 Château Villargeil Rivesaltes - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Rivesaltes
    Beautiful nose of sweet mandarin oranges. Rich and expansive. Just gorgeous. Goes incredibly well with the Mint Chocolate Mousse (which wasn't overly minty). (95 points)
  • NV Jean-Marc Roulot Liqueur d'Abricot du Roulot - France
    Lovely nose of apricots. A bit hot in the mouth, but lovely. (Note: I don't generally drink liqueurs. YMMV.) (93 points)

Another terrific evening of wine, food, and friends.

Posted from CellarTracker

3 Likes