Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting
VGS Chateau Potelle and enjoy their premium wine and food pairing
experience located in the heart of St. Helena. French winemaker Jean-Noel Fourmeaux was sent to
the Napa Valley by the French government in 1980, shortly after the Paris
Tasting in 1976, to “spy” for 6 months. He was the son of a Bordeaux winemaker,
and he sent a telegram home saying: “Looks good, I stay.” VGS (Very good shit) Jean-Noel
Fourmeaux was enticed by the richness of the Napa Valley fruit. He admired the freedom given to California winemakers that allowed for great creativity
and expression. Hence the name of the
winery evolved as VGS Chateau Potelle.
The wines were perfectly paired from Chef Ken
Frank Michelin star rated La Toque restaurant in Napa.
Our host today was Luis. His knowledge and passion
for these great wines made for a very enjoyable day.
We began the tasting with a 2018 Chardonnay
paired with a vichyssoise soup with chive oil and a crispy potato. The VGS 2018 100% Zinfandel was next with a duck
rillette with fig, pickled plums and tarragon. Next was
VGS Potelle Two with a blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon,44% Grenache,16%
Petite Sirah and 14% Merlot. It was paired with a Moroccan Spiced Lamb Loin with
eggplant purée and pansisse cake. The
final taste was the 2017 VGS Cabernet Sauvignon. It was 97% Cabernet Sauvignon
and 3% Malbec and paired with beef loin with choucroute duxelles and garlic
aioli on fried rye. All the wines were great and the food pairings very well
thought out and sensational.
We especially enjoyed the VGS Potelle Two and took
2 bottles home with us.
We would highly recommend this wine and food
pairing experience.
For more information and to make an appointment go
to:
https://www.vgschateaupotelle.
