Dear Friends

Forty years ago, a publicity stunt by a wine merchant became a historical milestone in the recognition of new world wines, and new world wines have not looked back since.

In 1976, Steven Spurrier, a wine merchant from England, collaborated with his American associate Patricia Gallagher to put together a blind tasting competition between some of the finest French wines and, “unknown” California wines. Several very well-known and respected personalities within French gastronomy, including French Sommeliers, a head of a highly regard French vineyard and the Editor of Revue du Vin de France (The French Wine Review) were invited to participate in the blind tasting. Fortunately, there was one journalist who responded to the invitation and later penned The Judgment of Paris, an account of that special day and its aftermath.

The presumption was that French wines would win the competition. On the contrary, the result of the tasting not only shocked everyone but also made history. The two top winners were the 1976 Chardonnay of Chateau Montelena, and the 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

This event serves as our inspiration for this upcoming blind tasting dinner event. The goal is not to identify the origin of the wines, but to determine which we would choose to drink again and again. It is also not about getting it right or wrong, but an opportunity to get to know our palate and preference better, and to have fun.

We will be holding this unique dinner at The Rabbit Stash, located at Klapson, The Boutique Hotel. Chef Matthew Mok and his wife started the restaurant in 2011 with its first location in the Alexandra Road area. Since then, The Rabbit Stash has picked up several awards and recognitions, including a One-Star award from Wine & Dine’s Top Restaurant Guide this year. Today, Chef Matthew has created this fine-dining restaurant well known for creative contemporary cuisine, blending and interpreting technique, ingredients and presentation, and sometimes revealing just a hint of his roots of being a local boy.

Members will have priority over guests during the seventy-two (72) hours after the sending out of the email bulletin. Please book early to avoid disappointment as seats are limited.

The wines that will be featured are as follows:

Flight 1:

Schramsberg Blanc de Noir 2012

Paul Dethune Blanc de Noir NV (Disgorgement Jan 2014)

Flight 2:

Leeuwin Estate Arts Series Chardonnay 1999

Francois Jobard Meursault Genevrières 1999

Flight 3

Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2007

Domaine Taupenot-Merme Bel Air, Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2006

Flight 4

Chateau Montrose (en magnum) 1994

Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet 1996

Member’s Price: $195

Guest’s Price: $250

The Society proudly presents its own Mini Judgment of Paris

Venue: The Rabbit Stash

Klapson, The Boutique Hotel

15 Hoe Chiang Road, Level 1

Singapore 089316

Date: Friday, September 2 2016

Time: Aperitif 7:30 pm, Dinner: 8:00 pm

Dress: Smart Casual

Limited to 40 pax

Best regards

Laurence

 

Dinner Menu

Homemade Deli

Amuse Bouche

Carabeneros
sea Asparagus, shellfish veloute

Schramsberg Blanc de Noir 2012 & Paul Dethune Blanc de Noir NV (Disgorgement Jan 2014)

Angel Hair Pasta
crab, Smoked Caviar, tomato fondue
Leeuwin Estate Arts Series Chardonnay 1999 & Francois Jobard Meursault Genevrières 1999

Slow Cooked Seared Duck
foie gras “creme brûlée”

Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2007 & Domaine Taupenot-Merme Bel Air, Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2006

Grilled Ocean Catch
couscous, truffle beurre blanc, seasonal green

OR

Veal & Angus Beef Jowl
veal jus, chanterello, “chicken rice”

Chateau Montrose (en magnum) 1994 & Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet 1996

Poached Pear in Spiced Merlot
Vanilla bean ice cream, almond, seasonal berries

Please let me know your main course preference by Monday 29th August.
Kitchen's choice will be Veal & Angus Beef Jowl