Tasting for newbies: Old World vs. New World
San Marcos, TX
Tasted December 17, 2005 by hcampana with 1,284 views
Introduction
A friend who shares my passion for wine asked me to organize a wine tasting for two couples that know very little about wine. I was glad to accept as I love to "hook" new people into wines by hopefully providing them with the proverbial wine epiphany. I chose to compare New World vs. Old World wines to try and show the differences that exist between these two groups.
Wines were tasted single blind (the four countries of origin were known to everyone but not the specific wines) in a variety of wine glasses (some were Riedel, some were ordinary and rather small wine glasses). I recorded the group's ranking of preference as follows: 5 points were awarded for each 1st place vote; 4 points for second and so on.
We started off with a very fresh salad, followed by a very flavorful (and very spicy) Mexican dish made with shredded beef that went great with a side dish of mashed baked sweet potatoes. Dessert was a delicious key lime pie.
Flight 1 (4 notes)
Red
1995 Joseph Phelps Insignia
USA, California, Napa Valley
Very dark ruby color. At first the nose was reticent and giving little. With about an hour and a half, the wine started showing its stuffing. Gorgeous and layered nose of coffee, black currant and chocolaty mocha. Full bodied with awesome texture and a great finish, this wine improved all night long. this wine is already developing aromatic complexity while retaing a lot of its fruit intensity. It was great with food. Group Points: 26 (second group favorite).
Red
2000 Château Barde-Haut
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
Very dark ruby. Smoky nose of black cherries, earth and licorice. Surprisingly complex for its young age. Medium to full bodied with low acidity ripe tannin and a velvety texture. the finish was fruity and persistent. This is a Bordeaux with very ripe and delicious fruit. Group Points: 24. group's 3rd Place.
Red
2000 Damilano Barolo
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Medium ruby color. Fruity and sweet nose of candied strawberries, hot stones and sugary Hawaian Punch. Medium bodied and extremely sweet (Does this have substantial residula sugar???). No tannins, some acidity and a finish that tasted like Fanta. I did not enjoy this wine at all and was shocked when the group picked it the wine of the night. Group Votes: 28. Group Ranking: 1st.
Red
2002 Marquis Philips Shiraz 9
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Inky black with some purple. Intense and slightly hot nose of blueberries, anís and some black pepper. Low acid, full bodied with a sweet, fruity taste that proved a little hot and too much for most tasters. This is the poorest showing of this wine for me. Group Points: 20. Group Ranking: 4th.
Closing
For the most part everyone missed the country of origin. I had the advantage of having concealed the bottles, so I didn't have to guess.
These eclectic tastings are fun but do not provide for a good learning environment. Our guests were very happy as they thought this was a unique evening for them. I hope at least one of them is converted.
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