It's not often we get to open a fabulous Bordeaux, and it's equally rare the sun will roast Portland to a crisp. This week we had excessive amounts of both vintage prestige wines (literally vintage; these bottles had all been on the earth longer than I have) and overpowering rays of heat. Maybe not the best combo, but, well, heck.
With our lovely visiting family in tow, we ate and drank our way through town, and toted fabulous bottles to some of our favorite eateries. I'm very proud to say we tackled numerous beautiful bottles, glass pours and dishes. Including the infamous:
This city has completely spoiled me... For Beaker & Flask there was Bordeaux. After cocktails at Irving Street, it was Bordeaux round 2. Threw some saucy Italians into the mix for pairings at Nostrana, a couple local faves for the out-of-towners, and a bottle of Provence rosé for good measure. Staycations are the best!
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Weekend's Bottle List & Perfect Pairs
1975 Château de Pez (Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux) + house cured salumi @ Irving Street Kitchen
1979 Château Montrose (St. Estephe)
1982 Château Phelan S (St. Estephe)
1985 Castello di Gabianno Ania (Tuscany) + tagliata aged flat iron steak @ Nostrana
1997 Sassetti (Brunello di Montalcino)
1998 Léoville Baton (Saint-Julien, Bordeaux) + smoked beef shortribs @ Beaker & Flask
1998 Les Forts de Latour (Paulliac, Bordeaux) + Liver Mousse @ Irving Street Kitchen
2008 Podere le Boncie Le Trame (Chianti Classico)
2010 Rex Hill Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
2011 Rex Hill Pinot Gris (WV) + chicken-bacon-garlic pie @ Straight From NY Pizza
2011 Bélouvé Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
