Review of NYC Eleven Madison Park

I think some of you know I write restaurant reviews for international papers like London's Financial Times.  In Boston I wrote newspaper reviews as well - and now, in NYC, I'm doing the same.

Here's a just -today published reviews of my experience at Eleven Madison Park, one of Danny Meyer's restaurants in mid-December. We had three really great wines with this price-fixe meal, including:

2000 Château Mangot (France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru)

First impression upon opening was that it appeared young, with an aroma of violet, fresh tar, earth, some sort of elusive mineral, slate, truffle, and tobacco. On the palate it seemed a bit thin, with flavors mirroring aroma.

1998 Château Deyrem Valentin (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux)

Preferred wine. Darker purple and more intensely aromatic with a floral aroma hinting at minerals and a deep vegetal scent, and something akin to crushed violets and leaves. Loved the perfumed nose of violets and blackberries. Very silky on the palate with nice balance and a long, sweet finish.

You probably noticed we choose two Bordeaux wines ... this reflects a trend of people ordering the wine they like, rather than pairing it to go with specific dishes - rather difficult when four people are enjoying different tastes and textures.

Happy Valentine's Day!