July 2, 2010

Au Revoir Los Angeles

I've been procrastinating this report. A surface scratch of the cover of any pop psychology manual will tell you why. But I'm knuckling down. The wine culture in Hong Kong is rich and interesting and deserves its reportage. However, before I can properly commence our work here in Asia, I must formally conclude the all-important California chapter of the Lab's illustrious history.

As we packed up our gear and shipped much of the Lab's cellars overseas, I did manage to strategically conclude a few key experiments before turning over control to our new Far East ownership.

The Lab's final farewell was a deep search for DIRT. Surely, our favorite experimental past-time.

Brothers Stork, the elder being the General Manager of the Patina Restaurant Group, organized a sensational dinner that we paired with a number of DIRT THEMED wines (list below). We were joined by a few kindred spirits, ex-officio Lab contributors, and even Lou Amdur of Lou (on Vine).

It was an evening of much celebration and some small sadness. Parting is indeed difficult. We don't all get a send-off like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after all.

So I will tease you with a list. And in subsequent days offer a few, tear-stained notes on the wines.

Champagne
Larmandier-Bernier Brut (non dose) Terre de Vertus 1er Cru, 2004,
and from an adjacent parcel in the same vineyard block on a hillside in Vertus,
Veuve Fourny & Fils Brut Vertus 1er Cru Blanc de Blanc, 2000.

First Course
All from the same vineyard/vintage.
2006 Craggy Range Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 Felton Road Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir

Second Course
All from the same -- though different -- vineyard vintage.
2006 Talley Vineyards Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 Kynsi Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 Stephen Ross Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir

Dessert
2003 Chateau d'Yquem
And from (allegedly) the winery across the road,
2003 Chateau Raymond-Lafon

À bientôt mes amis. À bientôt.


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