Sunset Champagne Tasting with Ritz Food Pairings

This will be the final event of the season for the Ritz, which will be closing on 31 May for extensive renovations, so please come and make the most of what Chef Frederic and his team have to offer.  In particular, for anyone who missed the absolutely stellar December event at the Bussey residence, this is an additional opportunity to try 5 of the Ritz's fantastic tasting plates.

Chef Frederic has personally designed the 5 Tasting Plates to accompany these Champagnes.  Each of the dishes is in celebration of a different one of the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Restaurants – from Taikun to Blue to Seven to Andiamo – so that you can try them all in one night, before most of them close until November.

All of the Champagnes that we will be drinking are not usually available on Island.  They have been selected and shipped to the Island especially for the IWFS Champagne Tasting and they have been carefully chosen by the Board to illustrate the whole range of Champagne styles from blanc de blancs (100% Chardonnay) through the various blends of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier to blanc de noirs.

THE CHAMPAGNES

The Reception Champagne:

Meunier dominated:

Lassalle Preference, Premier Cru NV

60% meunier, 15% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay:  An elegant, pure and cool nose displays plenty of yeast and citrus characters on the green apple and pear scents. There is excellent vibrancy to the utterly delicious, refined and pure flavors that are supported by a relatively fine mousse while offering fine length on the clean and notably dry finish, indeed this drinks drier than the stated dosage level would suggest. I quite like this for both its quality and its elegant style. In a word, lovely (AM).

The 5 Tasting Champagnes:

Blanc de blancs

Gaston Chiquet Reserve blanc de Blancs d’Ay – 2005  Grand Cru  2005

100% chardonnay: Vibrant yellow-green hue, fine mousse. Delicate, fruity nose: citrus, pear, honey with a touch of oxidation. Lively palate with the finesse of Chardonnay, good balance and long finish.

Blanc de Noirs

Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs NV

100% pinot noir: Sustained gold color. The powerful nose is marked by red fruits with hints of dried fruit and candied fruit (some spicy pinot noir bouquet and herbal & cherry aromas). The palate is  powerful and muscular all in balance with freshness. Pure & elegant.

Blends

Pinot Noir dominated:

Marc Hebrart Mes Favourites Vielles Vignes NV

75% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay: Aromas of apples, pears, tangerine, white flowers, spice and pastry cream. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and nicely structured, with good cut and dry extract.

Drappier Brut Millesime Exception 2012

60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay: very complex, rich nose, hints of white fruits, almond and fresh ginger. Palate: lightly creamy with fresh and a suggestion of brioche. A floral touch testifies to the high proportion of Chardonnay while the depth of the Pinot Noir is expressed in the form of red fruits and appealing bitter notes.

Chardonnay dominated:

Lassalle Special Club 2007

60%  chardonnay, 40% pinot noir: An intensely yeast-suffused nose, aromas of cool apple, lemongrass and a discreet wisp of spice. Lovely intensity to the complex, delineated and crisp middle weight flavors that are shaped by a relatively fine effervescence on the impressively persistent finish. This is a really lovely effort that is drinking perfectly from 2019 (AM).

THE TASTING PLATES

 Micro Plate Menu : Celebrating "The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Restaurants"

 Taikun

Tuna Rose, truffle Miso glazed

Blue by Eric Ripert

Langoustine and Sushi Rice

Seven

Foie Gras and Local Mango

Andiamo

Porcini Mushroom, Swiss Chard,  Ricotta and Mascarpone cheese Ravioli

Dessert

Dulce and Hazelnut Temptation