|
 Wine: 2005 Au Bon Climat, “La Bauge Au Dessus” Santa Maria Valley
Type: Pinot Noir
Alcohol content: 13.5% Alcohol
Restaurant Price: $70
Retail Price: $25
Experienced at: Seasons 52, Orlando, Fla.
Risqué stands stunned, holding a glass of 2005 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir "La Bauge Au Dessus," as he hears the words "chain restaurant." How can one feel agasp and delighted at the same time, you ask? Although Risqué’s not fond of corporate chains, Seasons 52 in Orlando, Fla., was a surprising but pleasing shock! Yes, it's owned by the worlds largest restaurant company, Darden Restaurants (if Risqué must: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, etc.), but Seasons 52's Executive Chef, Clifford Pleau and Master Sommelier, George Millotes, have delivered a wonderful concept. Every menu item is beckoningly delicious and under 500 calories...and more than 140 well chosen and diverse wines and 70 of them by the glass—amazing!
Not to get ahead of Risqué, but the evening began with our host, the ever-so-friendly and adorable (and oh so out) Victor, who made us feel incredibly welcomed the moment we stepped to the podium. Standing there, besides amply surveying Victor (who was dark and mysterious and would be a perfect addition to the house boi staff!), Risqué took in the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired stucco and stone monolith of a building; the luscious, warm, Madera-colored wood beams; and the tongue-and-grove and stacked flat stone walls of the dining room and bar that all created a very warm, leathery, casual environ. Through the dining room, Risqué could see an expansive outdoor terrace dining area as well.
Dining with dear and adorable friends—they had the luxury of having to be nowhere and the time to just revel in each others company. Risqué adores the precious opportunities to linger over an elegant repast of conversation, cuisine and some inspiring vino. In this case, two delicious bottles of 2005 Au Bon Climat, “La Bauge Au Dessus” Santa Maria Valley
"La Bauge Au Dessus" translates to "the decadent party up above"; how appropriate for a wine that paired perfectly with our mixed choices for the evening. Its light, smoky bacon and spice in the nose was perfect to carry the grilled sockeye salmon; the acidity and fruit balanced the decadent tomato, asparagus and cheese stacked salad. Soft but persistent plum fruit slid along gracefully on the palate with marked acidity. With a nice touch of framboise and wet stone in the finish, this becomes a quite quaffable, yet complex Pinot.
The "Party up above" certainly delivered, however, Risqué was a little disappointed that the evening didn’t end with Victor and some “real” chains!
--
For more of the Risqué Sommelier's adventures, visit risquesommelier.com
|
