We finally made it to Domaine Hudson this weekend, and it was worth the
wait. We could not have asked for a better time and it exceeded all
expectations.
We were greeted by Meg as we came in and she
showed us to a table in the window. We were quite impressed by the
place, quiet, serene, yet obviously well run.
Our server came
to the table with two flights of Champagne and sparklers as we looked
at the menu and decided what we wanted. They were
Fabrice Gasnier "La Cravantine" ROSE Sparkling Chinon (NV)
Aubry "Premier Cru" Champagne (NV)
Domaine Barmes Buecher Cremant d'Alsace (2006)
After
they were delivered, Tom came over and we talked wine, the WS crew, and
Wilmington. He is a nice guy and I was pleased to finally meet him. I
asked him to choose what we drank that evening and we started what was
a long and fantastic evening of great food and wine.
We started
with a cheese plate: Tuxford & Tebbutt Stilton, Crottin de
Chavignol, and Drunken Goat. All were excellent and served with
crackers, olives (BTW Tom, My wife wants to know where she can get
those olives, she loved them.) and fig spread.
Served with the cheese was a flight of Rieslings
Chehalem "Reserve" Dry Riesling (2006)
Freiherr von Heddesdorff "Trocken" Riesling (2007)
Peter Mertes "Privatkellerei" Riesling Kabinett (2007)
We
then progressed to the Domaine Hudson Mixed Salad (baby greens, apple,
Jicma, and an orange-champagne vinaigrette)for my wife and a small
plate of the jumbo sea scallops (4 large scallops with mashed carrots,
pumpkin seeds, pomegranates and a walnut-maple butter sauce) for me.
They were perfectly cooked and some of the best scallops I've ever
eaten.
Tom then dipped into his cellar and brought out a 2005
Loring Paso Robles Russell Family Vineyard Pinot Noir. He served it in
two glasses, one a traditional burgundy glass, the other an Oregon
pinot noir glass (with a curved up rim) so we could see how different
they tasted based on the glass. I was supprised, but they tasted
different based on the glass. The burgundy glass tended to deposit the
wine further back on the tongue and gave it a totally different feel
and sensation. In any case, it was a wonderful Loring, lots of wild
berrys and pomegranate with spice and nicely balanced oak. Wonderful
wine.
My wife then ordered the flatiron steak, served with
asparagus, exotic mushrooms, romaine and gorgonzola cream. She loved
it. I ordered the Free-Range duck breast, with a fennel-papaya slaw and
a citrus vinaigrette. To accompany them Tom produced an absolutely
stunning 2004 Quinta do Valle Meao Douro. I wish I had some of this
wine so I could cellar it for 5 or more years. It was inky and
powerful. Flavors of plum, mocha, spices, beef and smoke with fine
tannins and a long finish. What a huge and powerful wine. Wonderful.
For
dessert Karen ordered the chocolate and zucchini brownie while I had
the blackberry sauvignon sorbet. Both were excellent, especially since
they were accompanied by a wonderful South African sticky. A 2001 Vinde
Constance Klein Constantia. Karen's favorite of the night.
I
can't tell you how wonderful the meal was. Great food, fantastic wine,
wonderful service, and two wonderful people to thank for it. Tom and
Meg, you have a great place here, I know you will do well. Thank you so
much for making this anniversary a memorable one. I know that I will
stop in every time I find myself in the area. I also highly recommend
it to anyone who loves great food and great wines.
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