When we posted to Facebook a few weeks ago unashamedly showing off that we had been invited to review The Vineyard it prompted some interesting comments, most of which went along the lines of…Can we come too? One chef we work with even called to tell us what a treat we were in for, he was right.
After leaving the M4 a five minute drive takes you into the West Berkshire countryside where The Vineyard is hidden away to most but those lucky enough to have a reason to drive in. As you drive in you see a traditional and somewhat discreet English country house. Walking through the front door you then in complete contrast are presented with an impressive green glass arched wine vault with a glass floor looking down into the cellars, holding around 5,000 bottles..
We knew wine tasting was going to be a big part of our evening and arranged to stay, when we were taken to our room we knew we had made a good decision. Rooms that have names are always a good sign and the room was spacious and set a very relaxing mood. After the obligatory check on emails leading to catching up on one or two work items a bath before dinner seemed a good idea. The bathroom was an Italian Marble delight and the bath allowed you to lie down fully and relax properly for ten minutes before getting dressed for dinner.
We were joining a group of Bloggers for dinner and met them in the bar for a drink. We exchanged names and chatted a bit before being taken on a tour of the wine cellars. The sophisticated white wine cellar was first followed by the red cellar. In the red cellar we were shown a bottle of Château Petrus that would set you back £20,000 if you wanted it on your table. The really interesting thing about the cellars was that they were set out geographically by region so on order sommelier has to know exactly what is where and not one sign anywhere to help amongst the circa 30,000 choices.
We were also shown through to a bar where the picture below adorns a whole wall, commissioned by hotel proprietor Sir Peter Michael the picture is called, ‘After the Upset’ to commemorate the Judgement of Paris. Our man Denis Sheehan who had the enviable task of taking on this assignment is pictured, glass of Freemark abbey, Merlot, Napa, CA, 2010 in hand posing in front of the picture.
Photograph by Kavita Favelle
The story behind the picture and even more amazing story behind the wider ‘Judgement of Paris’ event is told eloquently through the video below. The next time you are somewhere talking wine and trying to sound knowledgeable this story will serve you well.
Then we went through to the restaurant. Chef Daniel Galmiche had prepared five courses and Head Sommelier Yohann Jousselin MS selected five wines.
Daniel Galmiche worked under the tutelage of Michel Roux at Le Gavroche and working at some of the UK’s other top restaurants gained and maintained numerous Michelin stars. Yohann Jousselin MS was awarded Moët UK Young Sommelier of the Year Award 2011 and this year’s winner Stephen Raducki, head sommelier at the Hotel du Vin Winchester, named Yohann as the most influential mentor in the profession.
The first course of Confit of duck foie gras, quince and Braeburn apple was served with a Riesling, Eroica, Ch St Michelle, Washington, 2010. Foie gras is almost a guilty pleasure these days and this foie gras was a great pleasure, the Riesling was the perfect accompaniment.
Second course was Diver caught Orkney scallops, cauliflower and walnut served with a Portuguese white, the likes of which I had never tasted before, Quinta do Gaivosa, A.Sousa, Reserva Pessoal, Portugal, 2004. The scallops were a delight but the wine stole everyone’s attention. Most agreed they had never had anything like it and opinions differed from Sherry like to Whiskey like. Initially unsure and taken back by the taste it was a rich, nutty style of wine, which worked well with the flavours within the dish, I liked it lots.
Main course was Balmoral Estate venison, butternut squash, pearl barley and hazelnut with Freemark abbey, Merlot, Napa, CA, 2010. The venison was cooked to perfection but for me lacked bite, I like my venison gamey and this was just a tad too reserved, most loved it. The full-bodied red was packed with fruit and was a great match for the juiciness of the venison.
For dessert Griottine cherry and cranberry terrine, pistachio parfait was complimented by Yves Cuilleron, Roussilliere, Syrah, Rhone, France, NV, this red dessert wine worked well with the intensity of the cherries.
To complete the meal a seasonal farmhouse cheese platter with quince, fig cake and fennel bread. I love cheese and loved this selection with a glass of Eikendal, Chenin Blanc, Harvest, South Africa, 2005. After four courses, this wine had a note of freshness, which refreshed the palate. The taste was of fruit, apple, peach and pear, it balanced well with the cheese platter.
During the meal sommelier Yohann Jousselin MS was the perfect host, he informed and educated us on his wine choices in a way that was helpful but not teacher and pupil. At the end executive chef Daniel Galmiche came and met us and was genuinely interested in our opinions which were unanimously appreciative. The meal was a real treat and every course was delivered with precision presentation and a wonderful range of flavours that worked incredibly well with each other. The wine choices were beyond anything else I have ever tried.
Executive Chef Daniel Galmiche and Head Sommelier Yohann Jousselin MS pictured above, all that is left to say is…Thank You.
More information about The Vineyard can be seen here