Yves Sauboua has the title of Estate Sommelier at Chalk Hill but in reality, he is a roving ambassador for the winery. He travels all over the world representing the wines of Chalk Hill...and they've chosen well . Mr. Sauboua has all the credentials, sophistication and polish of a wine steward at a world-class restaurant but he is also a nice guy...warm, welcoming and down to earth...the perfect host for our wine dinner. He guided the guests through the six courses and the six outstanding wines with interesting and informative commentary which was sprinkled with humor and presented with his special charm. At the end of the evening, any notion that sommeliers are supposed to be pretentious, arrogant or aloof was completely put to rest.

Even with Hurricane Isabel threatening to blow through Long Island that very night, the Chalk Hill dinner went forward and actually seemed to have a special sparkle. But that's really not so surprising considering the truly special quality of the Chalk Hill wines, the masterful hosting of Mr. Sauboua, and the usual behind-the-scenes magic of Chef Gulija and his staff. Add to that the special benefit of Chef John Montgomery of The Pine Hollow Country Club, who also lent his considerable talents to the project.
The Plaza Café Canapés
2001 Sauvignon Blanc

***

House Cured Tequila-Lime Salmon
with Mango Salsa, Avocado Mousse and Plantain Chip
2000 Pinot Gris Vineyard Select

***

Sautéed Diver Sea Scallop
with Local Lobster-Corn Chowder and Corn Shoots
2000 Chardonnay

***

Pesto Crusted Lamb Loin
with End-of-Season Ratatouille Cake,
Basil Mashed Potatoes and
Roast-Eggplant Puree
1999 Merlot

***

Braised Short Ribs
with a Red Wine Reduction
Roast Garlic and Crispy Leeks
1999 Cabernet Sauvignon

***

Vanilla Bean- Roasted Berries
with Spice Bread and Frozen Vanilla Soufflé
1997 Semillon Botrytis
Top Row, Left to Right:
1: Jacques Bissat of Sokolin Wine Merchants with Yves Sauboua
2: Chef John Montgomery, Liza Gallia of Lauber Imports and Mr. Sauboua
3: Guests Anthony Barbiero and Kevin Speigel peruse the menu / wine list.

Bottom Row, Left to Right:
1: Yves greets Opus One's France Posener
2: Chef Montgomery at work in the kitchen
3: Chalk Hill's Estate Sommelier
4: Lobster and Corn Ice Cream Cone Canapés being presented.
Chalk Hill Wines are distributed on Long Island by Lauber Imports of Sommerville, NJ.

For more information about Chalk Hill, visit: www.chalkhill.com
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