Burgundy @ Normanside, Bethlehem, NY, 6/2/2024

Burgundy Dinner with the Chevaliers du Tastevin
Normanside Country Club, Delmar, NY, 6/2/2024

The Albany-Capital Region chapter of La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin held a dinner at Normanside Country Club in Bethlehem, NY.

All the wines were from the chapter's cellar. None of the wines were decanted, but they were opened for some time before serving. See each wine note for details.

Click on any image with a border for a larger view of that image.

The Venue and Reception

The Normanside Country Club sits above the Normanskill, the stream that is the primary border between Albany and Bethlehem, NY.

The patio where the reception was held has a lovely view of the Normanskill below:

The inside dining area is quite nice too.

The Reception Food and Wine

Cheese Tartlet Topped With Raspberries:

Miniature Shrimp Tacos:

Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella On Toasted Crostini:

Scallop Wrapped In Bacon: I didn't see this one.

NV Philippe Fourrier Champagne Brut Rosé de Saignée - France, Champagne
Rich, complex, fine mousse. Really impressive at this price point. (93 points)

There was also a 2021 Bourcier-Martinot Mâcon, which I did not taste:

The Dinner

The table is set and the Chablis is poured:

As the new Grand Sénéchal, Jared Shulman leads the toast. In addition to toasting the
presidents of the US and France, Jared introduced a third toast to the Vignerons de Bourgogne!

First Course
Grilled Swordfish with Tangerine Beurre Blanc and Green Mango Slaw.
Delicious piece of fish nicely complemented by the mildly sweet and tangy topping.

2012 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru
[Opened at 5:15pm. Tasted about 6pm.] This was right at its peak. Marvelously complex with citrus and loads of minerals. Just delicious and perfect with the swordfish. (95 points)

Second Course
Mushroom Risotto made with Arborio Rice, Mushrooms, Roasted Tomato, Crispy Shallot, Manchego.
Nice preparation, but the rice was too al dente, downright crunchy.

2013 Bouchard Père et Fils Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru
[Opened around 4:45pm. Poured and tasted about 6:30pm.] Lovely nose of red fruit and spice. Lots of raspberries and cherries in the mouth. Very tasty. Good match with the risotto. (93 points)

Third Course
Coq Au Vin: Pan Roasted Chicken, Herbs, Garlic, Tomato, Onion, Mushroom, Bacon, Red Wine.
The sauce was good, but the chicken had a weird texture.

2010 Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Boucherottes Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
[Opened around 4:30pm. Poured around 6:30pm. Tasted about 7pm.] Black fruit and spice in the nose. Rich black cherries with hints of licorice and cardamom. Another tasty wine drinking quite well now. (93 points)

Fourth Course
Barrel Cut Prime NY Strip, Fingerling Potatoes, Red Onion Marmalade.
Nicely prepared.

2009 Comte Senard Corton-Bressandes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru
[Opened around 5:45pm. Poured around 6:30pm. Tasted about 7:30pm.] Big nose of smoky black fruit. Big and rich in the mouth. Still young, but delicious now with the steak. Should improve for another decade. (94–?? points)

Dessert
Raspberry Olive Oil Cake with Crème Anglaise and Asparagus Ice Cream.
The cake was delicious, but ice cream was too weird for me.

Closing Ceremonies

Grand Sénéchal Jared Shulman introduces the restaurant's Managing Partner David Hostig
and presents him with a memento of our visit, which includes the menu for the evening:

David introduces Executive Chef Ken Ruud (with a boot!),
the kitchen staff (in white) and the wait staff (in black):

And now we do the La La song:

Conclusion

Another fun event in a great spot.

Notes posted from CellarTracker.