Blantyre Lunch, A Trip Back To The Gilded Age

Having grown up in the Berkshires in Massachusetts one can not help but acquire an appreciation for all the natural beauty and history it beholds. Blanytre is one of the gems that has always intrigued me and I was fortunate enough to have lunch there with my husband and take a peek at their fantastic wine cellar recently.

We had barely approached the steps and the door was already graciously opened for us and we were gloriously greeted. We were shown around the Main House and then invited to tour their Wine Spectator Grand Award Winning Wine Cellar containing over 26,000 bottles after lunch!

I had already had a peek of their wine "bible" a day before so I knew I wanted to try a glass of
2007 Domaine Tempier, Rosé, Bandol. I adore Rosé and had heard so much about Domaine Tempier I was brimming with anticipation. It was just as beautiful as I had hoped; berries, peach, spice and a hint of fig! It was indeed my lucky day as their soup of the day was a velvety Butternut Squash which paired beautifully with the Rosé.

For my main course I ordered a glass of the
2006 DuMol, Viognier, Lia ,Russian River Valley (floral, peach with a touch of butter) which also was delicious with their special of the day; Cod Placed on a Bed of Roasted Red Pepper Ratatouille and Braised Endive.

Conrad ordered a glass of
2003 Ramey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Jericho Canyon,
Napa Valley (creme de casis, spice, oak, dark chocolate) which sung with their Grilled New York Sirloin Steak with Petite Ceasar Salad, French Fries (which were amazing and seemed never-ending!!) and herb butter.

At the end of our meal we were too full for dessert...well almost...not too full for a half bottle of 2007 Saracco, Moscato D'Asti, Castiglione Tinella, Piedmont
I love ending a meal with Moscato D'Asti because they are slightly sparkling, low alcohol content and just so vibrant, bursting with honeysuckle and peaches. The little town of Castiglione Tinella in Piedmont is somewhat off the beaten path but said to have some of the most profound Moscato.

At the conclusion of our decadent meal we ventured down to the cellar which is owner Ann Fitzpatrick Brown's pride and joy, cared for by Wine Director Christelle Cotar and Sommelier Luc Chavalier. There are deep verticals including 22 vintages of Chateau Lafite Rothschild dating back to 1945, 14 vintages of Ridge Monte Bello, 15 vintages of Sassicaia and 15 vintages of Penfolds Grange to name just a few of the treasures this cellar beholds.

If you ever find yourself in the Berkshires and love all that is extravagant and elegant from the Gilded Age, Blantyre is a place you must visit. As well as serving lunch their dinner is been said to be quite an experience as well as staying on property
Check out all their accolades on their site:
http://www.blantyre.com/