January 19, 2012 - Haskell's Minnetonka,
Sommelier Series III - Chaîne Cellar
Host: Professionnel du Vin / Vice Echanson Beau Farrell
Chaîne Cellar Wine Tasting
At the Bailliage du Minneapolis, Chaîne events are normally crafted around a warm and attractive space, formal attire, and a Master Chef's precise menu planning and preparation. But once in a while, we are willing to venture out across new frontiers. We did just that in the third in a series of wine tasting events held recently in the actual cellar where our reserve wines are stored. We ventured into the Basement Warehouse of Haskell's Minnetonka store.
The plan was to kick off the New Year by opening and sampling one bottle of each of the reserve wines that we own (see: Wine Cellar). The wine tasting was accompanied by light food fare provided by Haskell's Big Cheese and Deli. Bailliage members, their guests, and prospective members were all invited to attend.
Carl Blanz welcomes Paul Campbell
Bailli Carl Blanz welcomed each new arrival with a smile and a glass of Champagne to kick off the event.
One of Four Wine Sampling Tables
There were four tables of cellar wines to taste, from Bordeaux to Sauternes, and each bottle was accompanied by a card describing that particular wine.
There was enough variety in the wines being sampled that surely each adventurer found more than one to savor.
Charcuterie from Haskell's Big Cheese & Deli
Some truly delicious Charcuterie was also provided to give the palate context in which to experience the wines being tasted.
Tina Kaehn and Jody Anderson
Even in a cool cellar, in the depth of winter, one has to smile with a glass of a superior, aged wine in one's grasp.
Carl Blanz and Don McMillan
Two old friends, Bailli Carl Blanz and Vice Conseiller Gastronomique & Officier Commandeur Donald McMillan exchange tasting notes.
Once the mood of the room had mellowed a bit, host Beau Farrell spoke briefly about the fact that our wines were actually housed in this particular space. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to those members who had the foresight to start and organize a wine cellar so that the advantages of wine aging might be enjoyed by the members.
An attentive group of members and guests
Host Beau Farrell