Saint Vincent Tournante 2010

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A friend of mine invited me to lunch at Petrus today.  The occasion was Saint Vincent Tournante, held around the world by the Chevaliers du Tastevin - lovers of Burgundy - to celebrate the patron saint of wine (at least in France.)  The celebration rotates around the villages of Burgundy, and this year it is held in Chassagne-Montrachet.  We would therefore be drinking some Chassagnes today.

We started with 2007 Michel Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet.  This was served waaay too cold for my liking, so I cupped my hands around the glass to try to warm up the wine a little. Nose of toasty oak, smoke, minerals, lemon and flint.  The wine was pretty ripe but the finish was slightly acidic.  Turned out to be a very poor pairing with the scallops, as all the "fishy" tastes became more pronounced thanks to the wine.



Before the meal started, all the Chevaliers got up to sing the traditional song.  If you don't know the tradition behind it, you'd definitely think that this group of people have gone cuckoo...

Salade de mâche et de poire, noix de Saint Jacques rôties - this was pretty decent, and the addition of thin slices of pear was pretty interesting.  A poor wine paring, though...

2006 Marc Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gain - a much better wine, a reflection of both the vintage as well as the vineyard.  Pretty sweet, with nose of grass, minerals, lightly toasted oak and popcorn.  A little ripe on the palate with slightly acidic finish, but much more round, voluptuous and gorgeous than the village wine.

Lentil soup with carrots and other vegetables - bleh...  Don't like lentils.

2006 Bernard Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes - this was such a nice red Burgundy.  Very young so it was still rough around the edges, but you know this has potential - all the parts are there and it just needs time for everything to meld together.  Very, very sweet nose, with some vanilla initially then the alcohol hits you.  A little bit medicinal at one point, and definitely farmy.  Curious to see how this wine would turn out in 5 years.

Bavette de boeuf, chou rave confit et brunoise de légumes - beef was reasonably tasty as it was wagyu, but a little overcooked for my taste.  The edges were nice and a little crispy, with enough salt to give it flavor.  The veggie brunoise was nice, as was the black truffle sauce.

Fines feuilles de chocolat blanc croustillant aux amandes et crème mascarpone - a very, very delish dessert.  The crispy almond praline was just...divine.  Would have happily had another portion.

A very nice lunch, with good wines and good company.  Now I'm gonna go off and take a well-deserved nap after all that food and wine...