Wine Tasting with Richard Young

Richard Young, from the wine department of Christie's, and the Barclay Hotel collaborated on pairing fine wines with a 4 course menu designed by Executive Chef Serge Devesa. The entire afternoon was influenced by different styles of honey procured from the New York city region. A languorous afternoon where honey flowed and wine flew. And where perfectly ripe figs ached to be picked.

Taittinger, Brut, La Francaise

Corton Grand Cru, Cuvee Charlotte Dumay 2003 

Chateau Fiilhot Sauternes, Deuxieme Cru Classe 1990

Chateau Tirecul, La Graviere, Cuvee Madame 1993

-Pan seared Hudson Valley Fois Gras on Toasted Foccacia

with fig compote and honey lavender reduction

-Barclay Organic Salad with Candied Walnuts

honey vinaigrette and shaved parmesan

-Spiced Roasted Crispy Duck Breast

with honey soy glaze

-Honey, Cinnamon Apple Tartlet

with honey chocolate sauce

Out of the 4 wines tasted, the Monbazillac from Chateau Tirecul 'Cuvee Madame' 1995 stood out. Probably one of the most memorable sweet wines I have tasted in a long time. Profound, elegant and just about as perfect as perfection can get. A blend of 50% Muscadelle, 45% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc from 80 year old vines. On the nose one gets subtle spice notes: orange peel, apricots, nuts, hints of oak. These notes are carried over on the palate and remarkably the sweetness is not cloying or overpowering. Bravo to Claudie and Bruno Bilancini, owners of Chateau Tirecul, who are responsible for the character of these wines.