- Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle with the latest from Grand Marnier
Occasionally, people have accused me of being biased towards French cuisine. I don’t think I am—I love just about all cuisines. But I do admit, having being raised in pre-culinary aware England, that my awakening to serious food came through early trips to France.
This is a round about way of saying that it doesn’t take much to lure me to Le Crocodile, especially when the star of the show (aside from Michel Jacob’s food) just happens to be the charming Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle.
The well traveled president of Marnier-Lapostolle (and great granddaughter of the creator of Grand Marnier) slipped through Vancouver last week to present wines from the family’s various ventures. And while the emphasis was on the Chilean Cuvée Alexandre wines, there was no escaping Ms. Lapostolle’s obvious enthusiasm for recently introduced Kappa Pisco, or the latest incarnation of Grand Marnier liqueur—the less sugared, more nuanced, peach and raspberry kissed Signature Collection No. 2.
It’s been a while since I was at the Apalta winery but I have some indelible memories. It’s a truly remarkable, dramatic, modern design that enjoys spectacular views across the valley. The architecture is quite spectacular and the decor luxurious and elegant without being over the top.
The Lapostolle winery: an architectural wonder. Image supplied
The barrel cellar rivals some of the most best anywhere—including Opus One. In the last few years they’ve added Lapostolle Residence—one of the more exclusive (and smallest) Relais Chateau properties.
I never fail to be impressed by chef Michel Jacob’s cuisine—and this night was no exception…
A few top tastes?
A perfect match …
Smooth and seductive foie gras crème brulée and toasts with barrel fermented, broadly textured, almost nutty toned and creamy Chateau de Sancerre Cuvée Connetable 09. (91 pts)
Lobster – scallop terrine. And, yes, it looks as delicious as it tasted.
An impossibly beautifully presented lobster scallop terrine swimming in saffron beure blanc, well matched with apple toned and creamy textured 2011 Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay. (90 pts).
A perfect match: duck breast and venison two ways, with Cuvée Alexandre Carmenere
Le Crocodile’s duo of duck breast and venison two ways was another stunning dish—even more so when paired with the earthy and gently herbaceous, rich, dark berry toned Cuvée Alexandre Carmenere 2011, (91 pts) in my mind the best match of the three Alexandre Cuvée reds paired with this course.
The other star of the night was the now ten year old icon Clos Apalta 2002. The Michel Rolland orchestrated blend of Carmenere, Cab Sauv and Merlot is still really fresh and vibrant with beautifully balanced black fruit and licorice notes, in plush tannins with a touch of mineral. Judging by its performance the 2012 (BCLS $124.99) should perform equally well, if not better, a decade from now. (93 pts).
Kappa’s package is as sleek and sexy as the liquid within
Lapostolle Kappa made its first appearance a couple of years back. Distilled with a firm nod to Cognac, made from Muscat grapes, It’s crystal clear and tastes as pure as it looks, with floral and fruity notes and a dangerously smooth texture and finish—all befitting its unabashedly sleek and sexy package. You could sip it straight, or weave it into a sexy little cocktail, as did star barman around town, Jay Jones. He married Kappa Pisco with Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Merlot, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Bittered Sling Plum and Rootbeer bitters, and La Fee Absithne mist to make a plummy toned, not too sweet, festive party opener.
Hear what Alexandra has to say about her Kappa …
You’ll have to wait until the new year to taste the Grand Marnier Signature Collection No. 2, as it’s only just been released. And won’t make it here in time for the holiday season (too bad!). But here, again, is why Alexandra likes it!
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