RisqueSommelier.com

Bergström “Cumberland Reserve” 2006 Pinot Noir

In Scottsdale, Arizona there is a wonderful, new privately owned restaurant called Canal. The name reflects its overlook of the stylish and hip Canal area with a contemporary loft-like lounge environ, featuring the combined influences of haute cuisine and haute couture. The space showcases the fashionable cuisine of Executive Chef Justin Beckett, larger than life runway videos, dramatic drapery and an illuminated serpentine catwalk… for those daring enough to publicly strut their stuff. Risqué, amused by anything haute couture, was amused by not only the concept of the restaurant, but also, the wine selection presented by our accomplished server, Michala, and at her experienced recommendation, chose the Bergström

The visuals deliver the Rubyist of red that fades into light cherry towards the edge of the liquid. First scents exude striking and prevalent dusty stone developing into red luscious cherry, ripe strawberry, sweet spice and cola that ultimately dominate the other scents. A beautiful long ending tantalizes the senses with ripened cherries, black pepper, wild strawberry and more of the stony dry minerality. Risqué recommends that this wine be decanted to illuminate the subtle flavors more quickly.

Risqué and LUSHES enjoyed not only the vogue wine but paired it with a vast array of stylish cuisine such as saucy Garlic Parmesan fries, Crab Spring Rolls, Lobster, shrimp & Truffled Enchiladas, Roasted Meatballs and Asian Chicken Taquitos.

Multiple bottles of this lusty libation were swirled, swished and swallowed by Risqué’s fashion forward entourage before their evening ended with paparazzi and fanfare… Look!!! Isn’t that Marc! Tre Chic!

Alcohol 14.2% ($45)

Macphail 2004 Pinot Noir, Toulouse Vineyard, Anderson Valley, California

The biggest piece of meat Risqué has every seen showed up on his dinner plate at a Big Apple staple, Fresco by Scotto Restaurant. The Grilled Dry Aged Prime Rib Steak Fiorentina with fresh grilled rosemary, Maldon sea salt and extra virgin olive oil ($64) was unbelievably succulent and primed Risqué for an equally assertive vino.

The MacPhail 2004 Pinot Noir struts a flashy clear red raspberry color that presents a commanding and stimulating nose dominated totally with white Italian truffle, ultimately surrendering up gushing blackberry. The exhibitionist flavors continue in this 100% French Oaked, hand de-stemmed Pinot Noir built on a virile tannic structure driving in with more white truffle across the tongue and holding out to deliver flavors of tight tart expanding cherry, bright hard core pomegranate and hedonistic ripe plum.

This fetish worthy juice still lingers sweet on Risque’s tongue and mind… days later, still haunted by a painful yearning for… “more please!” Although… Risqué is not usually accustomed to being dominated… in this case… there is a lot to be said about submitting!Alcohol 14.5% ($50)

At Postino Wine Bar in Phoenix, Arizona, Risqué had the pleasure of enjoying two fabulous and inexpensive wines while catching up with favorite LUSHES…an adorable thruple. Postino Wine Bar showcases approximately 26 wines for fairly inexpensive price while the menu boasts a tasty selection of very wine friendly bruschetta such as Brie and Apples with Fig Spread and the Prosciutto with Figs and Mascarpone…delish!

 

Chateau Bonnet 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France

The liquid sparkled with a very light straw hue. The blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillion and 10% Muscadelle grapes bursts with indicative scents of sweet honeysuckle and stone fruit ending the nosegay with a touch of lime zest. Swirling in the mouth are flavors of steely peach and juicy tangerine and lime. The light to medium body wine completes with a lovely clean dry mineral finish.

Alcohol 12% ($15)

 

 

 

A to Z 2006 Riesling, Oregon

This very lightly tinted yellow colored Riesling with a hint of green blooms with floral scents of summer honeysuckle, orange blossom, sweet strawberries and Meyer lemon as a weighty slate minerality complements the lofty florals. The medium bodied liquid slips over the tongue with a plush appearance of sweetness (yet dry), with sweet black fig and tangy lemon meringue and more sweet floral straight through to the lingering mineral finish. As a “…just a little gay!” side note… Besides being loved by Risqué, this is one of fab comedian Ellen DeGeneres’ favorite wineries…

Alcohol 13% ($13)

For some of Risqué’s friends the Postman has obviously rang thrice, however for Risqué this evening, the Postman rang… only twice with these two splendiferous wines.

 

 

 

 

Recently, in the glorious city of Manhattan… Risqué dined with darling LUSHES at the deservedly famous Bouley, David Bouley’s namesake destination d’ Cuisine. The coralline tinted environ is a cheeky and charming homage to all things sumptuously Parisian down to the heavy bullion trimmed upholstered silk chairs and the hand painted ivy patterned china. While the establishment’s interior may be flouncy, there is nothing but serious attention devoted to the art of cuisine d’ haute and to the dining experience.

Risqué dined on six courses of delectable morsels all paired with at least one wine course… the most extraordinary of the six were the third and fourth course… a Chilled Maine Lobster Terrine relished with Mango, Fresh Artichoke and Serrano ham, passion fruit, Fresh Coconut and Taramind dressing… unbelievable!!!! The Terrine by the most fantastic, Bobo farms Squab and Foie gras wrapped with Savoy cabbage, Artichoke purée and Squab jus presented with two wine tastings, first a deliciously rich and complexly fruity 2002 Château Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Médoc.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       This Haut-Médoc seduces with succulent black raspberry, leather, smoke and a distinct minerality all on a hearty tannic frame which carried perfectly against the depthy metallics of the Foie Gras and the earthiness of the cabbage and artichoke. The second pairing was a decadent 2001 Priorat, Rotllan Torra, Reserva.

                                                                                                                                                                         

This beauty is 50% Garnacha, 25% Carignan and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and the effect is a nose filled with dark chocolate and a palate of concentrated black cherries, dried herbs and floral notes. The marriage with the Foie Gras was magical… bringing up its buttery richness and the sweetness of the squab reduction. Absolute PERFECTION!

Beyond the BRILLIANCE of the cuisine, the Maitre d’, Sommelier and regiment of Waiters were marvelously accommodating and personable attending to Risqué’s every whim as if he and his entourage where their sole charges. Even if it weren’t for the INCREDIBLE creations of Bouley’s kitchen and the SUMPTIOUS dining room… Risqué would return… solely for the service… EXECELENT!!!!

Salish Lodge

In the world of some wonderfully fabulous luxuries, Risqué and some of his fellow LUSHES sojourned their way through the upper northwest to a wonderful lodge and spa just outside of Seattle, Washington called Salish Lodge on the Snoqualmie River. An unforgettable experience held by all who indulge in Salish’s offerings is the stunning lodge that hangs on the edge of a cliff where a grandiose waterfall plummets hundreds of feet to the river below producing a cool foggy mist.

Gratifying and relaxing is the splendiferous spa experience … Risqué recommends the Earth Cocoon and the River Rock massage. Compounded gratification is the elegant and romantic dining room where one can gaze into the eyes of that someone special or maybe someone new while looking down on the waterfall below and overindulge in the Dining Room’s salacious culinary cuisine which will transport one into a state of bliss. Ah! And don’t forget the wine list which resembles the novel “War and Peace” …definitely not for the faint at heart. The Sommelier au courant will provide ample assistance.

Doing as Risqué did… take a long look at the well developed artisanal Cheese Menu. Risqué recommends pairing your cheese selection with a fabulous Chardonnay from their well-endowed wine list. Warning… lingering in you room in your plush robe over your Chardonnay and cheese selection will likely lead to extracurricular activities especially if you are not alone.

Certainly Salish is a necessary accoutre mon to a life well lived… LA VIE BIEN VÉCUE!

Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2003 Blanc

Elevation, a fabulous restaurant in Aspen, Colorado entertained Risqué and his LUSHES on another dining indulgence. This time only nine LUSHES were in tow, but all enjoyed the vin du jour Risqué had singled out from the wine list. While taking pleasure in his Chateau de Beaucastel 2003 Blanc, Risqué found himself completely amused by the truffle mushroom soup the waiter had promptly delivered in front of him…pairing perfectly with his firmly gripped glass of Blanc. Besides, truffle always reminds Risqué of the smell of rumpled bed sheets.

Beaucastel Blanc is made of 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc exposing a lush light citrine color. Scents of Washington apples and mushrooms share the nose with a fabulous stoney minerality. A sample on the tongue reveals a light citrus blossom, blended honey and house cider all ending with a wet stone finish that is nicely acidic.

Enjoy this fair-haired boy through 2010 to 2017.

Alcohol 13.5% ($200 Restaurant)

2001 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe

This week, Risqué is luxuriating with all the uber rich, the Russians and a gaggle of Gay men in the charming city of Aspen Colorado during Aspen Gay Ski Week. Besides the thousands of gorgeous men, there are droves of amazing opportunities for fine dining and of course, extraordinary wine. Risqué dined with some of is favorite Lushes, 25 to be exact, at a magnifico ristorante, L’Hosteria. Its lovely Italian fare and welcoming ambiance are unmatched in Aspen and has a very impressive wine list boasting a broad range of prominent and boutique Italian, French and American wine offerings.

Risqué perused the wine list and at the recommendation of the suave Italian owner chose an enticing 2001 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe to delight his guests. The owner offered his impression that the San Giuseppe is “a combination of old and new styles” blending the best of old world and new world.

In the glass, the wine was Ruby Red with a powerful intense nose of ripe black cherries, licorice, tobacco and nuances of sarsaparilla. The mouth is layered with rich black cherry, intoxicating smoke, rich exotic spice and a whisper of green bell pepper all with a luxurious mouth feel and lush finish.

Risqué enjoyed Giuseppe with a delightful hand chopped prime steak tartar and a wonderful veal saltimbocca while the Lushes gorged themselves in their selected entrees they reveled in two 1.5 ml large format bottles. Risqué does not refer to them as “Lushes” for no apparent reason.

Botte Piccola Fa Vino Buono… “A small cask makes good wine”

Alcohol 14.5% ($75)

Risqué was in Phoenix, Arizona for a visit with one of his luscious lushes doing the Wine Bar tour in Phoenix and Scottsdale and had the delicious fortune of finding a diaphanous and sophisticated Bistro… Cheuvront. Risqué and lushes noshed on their delicious Sizzled Gnocchi in Sage Brown Butter, the Salad Caprese with Oven Roasted Tomato Confit and Basil. Risqué luxuriated in the Certified Angus Fillet, Medium Rare, of Course, with Roasted Garlic and Balsamic Demi Glace. His lushes dined on the succulent Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast accompanied by Ricotta Gnocchi and Wilted Arugula and Lemon Caper Buerre Blanc Sauce. But the wine… a regular favorite…

2002 Cain Five…a delicious Napa Cuvee in the Bordeaux style of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. This enticing beauty is smooth, round, full-bodied and exactly the way Risqué likes it… quite firm. It seduces with a nose of succulent plums and a noticeable note of mineral. It initiates your tongue with mocha and vanilla and yields to rich cassis balanced against silky tannins and reclines into a seemingly never ending finish… ASTOUNDING!

Next time, when in Phoenix darling lushes… find a way to be diaphanously sumptuous and slip into Cheuvront for some deliciousness.

14.7% Alcohol ($125)

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 so a gasp and delighted at the same time you ask? Although, Risqué’s not fond of Corporate Chains, SEASONS 52 inOrlando was a surprising but pleasing shock! Owned by the worlds largest Restaurant Company, Darden Restaurants (if Risqué must… Red Lobster, Olive Garden, etc.). 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 every 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 with luscious warm Madera colored wood beams and tongue-n-grove and stacked flat stone walls of the Dining Room and Bar with 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. It’s 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 Stack Salad. Soft but persistent plum fruit slides along gracefully on the palate with marked acidity. Add a nice touch of framboise and wet stone in the finish and 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!

13.5% Alcohol

Restaurant Price: $70 Retail: $25

DOMAINE LEFLAIVE 2004 PULIGNY MONTRACHET

Dining with two gorgeous Lushs at a favorite haunt… Katsuya in Brentwood Los Angeles, Risqué aggressively sucked down two over-the-top exotic Leeche Martinis… Delish! As the astounding lineup of Sushi began to arrive to the table, Risqué was of course perusing the wine list for an accompaniment with just a little less alcohol. Risqué spied the Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet and adoring cocks… especially the two golden roosters on the label of any Leflaive offering, ordered a pair…

The lovely Pale yellow liquid glistens with a slight green tinge and has a light body. The nose is curious and sophisticated with smoky toasted sesame seed, lime and musky florals with straw and vanilla oak. In Risqué’s mouth this juicy Montrachet (100% Chardonnay) is nicely balanced, fruity with the impression of sweetness but dry and lean. The palate is bathed with more smoke and lime and heightened with tart peach, dried herbs and a long finish of wet stones.

The astounding lineup of Sushi included only the freshest; Scallop Sashimi, Stuffed Lobster, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Uni , Unagi kabayaki, Baked Miso Black Cod, Cajun Style Halibut Cheek, Kobe Beef Filet with Foie Gras, Toro Sashimi. A decadent feast and the Domaine Leflaive paired perfectly with every delectable morsel as they ordered then another pair… and then another pair (of cocks). Risqué adores Katsuya for its sophisticated spare atmosphere, over-the-top COCKtails, their extraordinary Sushi and the regular glitterati clientele! Who doesn’t love sharing the wine of six golden cocks during a marvelous evening?

Très Risqué!

13% Alcohol (Restaurant: $140)