Monday 15 February 2010

Another day, another year gone by

Well, that's it then - I won't see 48 again, since today is my 49th birthday. No special celebrations for this one (I guess next year may be a bit more of a milestone) but after taking the afternoon off from the day job, I spent a nice afternoon with the lovely Diane (TLD) and opened lots of lovely presents (CD's, DVD's, books, smells, other bits and bobs).

I'm just typing this up whilst TLD prepares us a nice meal of pan-fried duck breast, Dauphinoise potatoes, sweet and sour red cabbage, glazed carrots and mushrooms. And all finished off with a lovely sauce made from home-made chicken stock and red wine vinegar, a large slug of vintage red Banyuls, brown sugar and (dare I say it?) some grated zest and juice of an orange. Very 70's, I know, but it is a real winner with duck, if it is done properly. TLD is pictured on the left, slaving away in the kitchen.

As for the wine, we'll be enjoying a bottle of Paul Jaboulet Ainé Domaine de Thalabert 1983 Crozes-Hermitage. Actually, we're already enjoying it, so I hope there will still be some left by the time we sit down to eat(!) We've had a few bottles of this vintage before - we also have some 1988 and 1990 tucked away - and still have a few left. Although this one probably isn't the best bottle of '83 we've had, it is still a really enjoyable drop. A lovely colour - still very bright and crystal clear, blood red, with shades of amber and a brick. The nose was a bit dumb to start with, but it has opened-out nicely into red fruits (raspberry and redcurrant and cranberry), citrus peel, mineral , with gamey hints, smoked bacon and lilies. Ideally, I'd like a bit more in the way of fruit and flowers, but it is still a lovely nose, given that it is now almost 27 years old. The fruit is also fading a bit on the palate, but there is still enough to make it a joy to drink, with hints of savoury and mineral and cracking acidity - the hallmark of a great (or at least very good) old Northern Rhone Syrah. Perhaps this particular bottle is a year or two past its absolute peak, but I'm still enjoying it immensely. Right - I'm off to eat!
    

7 comments:

AlanM said...

Happy birthday Leon. As I had my 51st last week I can assure you the best is still to come.

Leon Stolarski said...

Cheers Alan - hope you had a good one as well. In fact, come to think of it, I guess you must have done, if that little trip to sample the delights of the London restaurant scene was your treat!

AlanM said...

Ah that's later in the week. Looking forward to it and the Bordeaux tasting at The Landmark on Saturday. Mind I'd swop you for trip to Vinisud!

AlanM said...

By the way pleased to see you getting some Gassman wines. One of my favourite white wines is their Auxerrois. We're going to Alsace at Easter but booked elsewhere this time for tasting

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Leon.looking forward to next week.
Being a tourist is tiring.
Bernard.

Leon Stolarski said...

Bernard, you're supposed to be on holiday - what does Caroline think of you surfing the net, whilst in Rome of all places?!

Anyway, hope you're enjoying your break. Next week will be far more hectic. By the way, we have some snow on the way - I hope it doesn't disrupt our journey to Manc (or the flight)!

A bientot!

Anonymous said...

Leon
Rome is hectic.like any other big city.
The sites are amazing.
Amazing pizzas as well.
I'm sure we'll make it back ok to nottingham.
I'll ring you sat of not before.
B