Judith Henderson’s Wine & Country Living

The Wine: the incomparable L'Ecole 2011 Chenin Blanc, a white wine, $14 dollars a bottle on the shelf of Walla Walla winery tasting room, 509-525-0940. In the 1970s, West Coast steakhouse bar managers looking for a change switched out their jugs of chenin blanc for the oaken chardonnay by Mondavi. For those who don't like oak, a long-lived Chenin Blanc has far more character than any chardonnay on earth and no oak. The cold fermentation of the L'Ecole Chenin Blanc celebrates orange blossom, star fruit and a crisp mineral finish.

Jean Ferguson, Marty Clubb's mother and L'Ecole's first winemaker, developed the Chenin Blanc recipe, an extremely palatable wine with modern foods. I serve this wine with a wedge of room temperature Stilton blue cheese, just baked walnut banana bread and a crisp fresh organic green salad drizzled in a signature Lavender Limestone Dressing

The Honors: Marty Clubb, cellar Master at L'Ecole, for staying true to the original Chenin Blanc recipe created by Mother Clubb. Years later, yours truly, Judith Henderson of Wine & Country Living, honors you with 98 points of wine perfection for your tradition in production of the delicious L'Ecole 2011 Chenin Blanc. Congratulations Team L'Ecole!

Readers, until next week, "Eat Art, Drink Imagination!"

Potato Bacon Soufflé

Serves 4

3 russet potatoes peeled, cubed, cooked tender1 cup grated Gouda cheese½ pound chopped bacon browned4 tablespoons chopped yellow onion5 tablespoons shucked fresh corn½ cup cream6 farm fresh eggs

Method:

Set oven to 350 degrees. Mashed potatoes with half, cheese, cream, crisp chopped bacon, corn and onion. Layer ½ mashed mixture in greased pie pan, pour most whipped eggs over mashed potato, make a second layer of potato, drizzle remaining egg and cheese over the top, place pan in oven and bake soufflé for 40-45 min- utes, pair with a chilled bottle of L'Ecole 2011Chenin Blanc.

Hear Judith's Food and Wine Commentary at: www.chefjudithhenderson.com. Go to recipes; click the red box!