Led by Bailli Paul Koulogeorge, Bailliage members and their guests held their 2025 World Chaine Day (WCD) dinner at Forsythia.

It was a double celebration. Firstly, classic French food in honour of the Chaîne’s origins and the Bailliage’s favourite chef, Christopher Kearse. Secondly, we drank the highly rated wines of Donelan Family Wines (all 95+ points or more), with an extra special guest, Donelan Winemaker David Milner. David worked with Chef Chris to plan the perfect meal to pair with the Donelan Wines.

RECEPTION

Hors d’oeuvres
Champagne Diebolt-Vallois Cuvee Blanc De Blancs NV
and
Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart Extra Brut Rose

MENU

Yellow Fin carpaccio
lump crab, Yuzu Kosho, kumquats, sea beans
Donelan ‘Cuvée Perrine’ Allen Vineyard
Chardonnay 2022 (96 pts)

Foie gras mousse
cider gelee, apple and celery mustard
duck fat Ritz crackers
Donelan ‘Anabelle’s Block’ Pinot Noir
Klopp Laguna Vineyard 2021 (96 pts)

Rabbit confit stuffed crepe
caramelized onion, black truffle cognac jus, mustard greens
Donelan ‘Cardiac Hill’ Syrah 2019 (96 pts)

Dry-aged duck
Rohan duck confit, caramelized endive
satsuma, pistachio, sauce à l’orange
Donelan ‘Mayacamas Mountain Range’
Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (98 pts)

Pot de crème
banana, almond streusel, salted caramel gelée
Donelan ‘Richards Vineyard’ Syrah 2015 (95 pts)

Forsythia
Forsythia is a contemporary French restaurant by acclaimed Chef-Proprietor Christopher Kearse. Kearse and his team exhibit a commitment to excellence and innovation from an open kitchen holding court over bright, modern surroundings. The culinary style focuses on a commitment to executing elevated French Bistro-inspired fare with a contemporary twist.

Forsythia’s name derives from the fact that Kearse grew up on Forsythia Drive in Levittown, Pennsylvania where he spent his younger days watching hours cooking shows. This experience ultimately led him to taking over cooking duties for his family including preparing dinner for his parents and seven siblings every night whilst in high school.

Donelan Family Wines
A boutique Sonoma winery, Donelan produces Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier. They have elected to prize quality over all other factors. Simply put, they think wine - every vintage and every grape - should taste great. The working winery is located in Santa Rosa, California, where the small team puts in their passion and dedication to make Donelan one of the best Sonoma wineries for top-tier wines, especially Syrah.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer
principally using postings to the World Chaîne Day Social Media Wall