Wineterfest 2012

each year we have a get together with friends to do a gourmet meal paired with some wines that each couple contributes. Generally the wines are served blind, particularly the reds.

Group generally preferred the shramsburg, though noted that the Clouet was better in pairing with foods

• 2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs Brut

  USA, California, North Coast

  Had been wanting to try Shramsburg for some time, and it did not dissappoint. Very good. (unfortunatly, wasnt taking tasting notes at the time so no specific aromatics or flavors to describe

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• 2002 André Clouet Champagne Brut Millésimé

  France, Champagne

  This was a great contrast to the Shramsburg. More mineral driven, fine bubbles and delicious overall as well. Again wasnt keeping detailed tasting notes at the time, but it was delicious. Paired very well with the hors d'oeuvres.

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Interestingly, group thought the Tokaji was the Sauterne ... while both were delicious, group preferred the Tokaji

• 2006 Château Rieussec

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Had always wanted to try the classic pairing with Foie Gras, and it was special ... will certainly repeat.
  
  Deep amber in color. Nose of appricot, Orange peel, clove, must and blackberry. Flavor profile to match. Rich, lush texture. Very good.
  
  Paired vs a Tokaji

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• 2003 Királyudvar Furmint Tokaji Sec

  Hungary, Tokaji

  Delicious! Paired with Foie Gras vs a Sauterne. Very Sauterne'esque in profile.
  
  Nice amber color. Nose of Honey and orange. Flavors of mushroom, blackberry, casis, hone, apricots, orange, and definite peach notes on the finish.
  
  Delicious.

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Generally group preferred the Alsace ... very nicely balanced wine.

• 2008 Bodegas Valdesil Godello Sobre Lías

  Spain, Galicia, Valdeorras

  Served with a nice beet salad. Wine was marked by crispness that paired well with the wine. Very mineral driven with great acidity. Great wine with food.

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• 2009 Domaine Stoeffler Riesling Schoenenbourg

  France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru

  Very nice pairing with a beet salad with pistacios. Definite orange notes on nose and palate, with great acidity and some chalkiness as well. Nice blend of some fruit and minerality that one enjoys in a riesling.

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1997 Cabs were decanted for about an hour to 90 minutes to develop; Bordeaux were opened to test and left open in bottle to breath ... moved to decanter to serve. While there were varied opinions, the group's overall order of preference was:
1. Gaffeliere,
2. Sterling
3. Heitz
4. Calon Segur.

if the vote was taken at the beginning of the night i think the Segur would have showed better, but it seemed to fade as the night went on. All wines were very good and would be happy to drink any of them any night. All were also excellent pairings for the lamb.

• 1997 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Nose of Chocolate, Licorice, molasses. Flavor of chocolate, licorice, blueberries, plum, and a hint of iodine. Medium finish.

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• 1985 Château La Gaffelière

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

  Nose of bandaid, cassis, saddle leather, pomegranite, mushrooms, black licorice and cedar. Definite earthiness. Flavor dark black fruits, cedar, and a touch of burnt marshmallow on the finish. Very nice aged bordeaux.

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• 1988 Château Calon-Ségur

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Estèphe

  Very much classic aged bordeaux characteristics. Nose was leather, cassis with a hint of mustiness. Mouth was of leather, cassis, cranberry, chalkiness, and was still fairly tannic. Good vino.

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• 1997 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Nose of cassis, tobacco, eucalyptus, and maple syrup. Flavors of leather, pomegranite, and some chalkiness. nicely done and the wine is going strong at this point.

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Group overwhelmingly enjoyed the Kika LH Chenin blanc. Delicious pairing.

• 2009 Miles Mossop Wines Kika

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  This was delicious, and a great pairing with the poached pear and crepes. nice rich dessert wine that the group enjoyed very much. Again, no specific tasting notes, but would certainly buy this again.

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• NV Quinta do Noval Porto Noval Black

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Paired with port poached pear and Crepe Suzettes. Very good. No specific tasting notes, as palates were fatigued after a full night of (over) consumption.

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Great event as always - great food and great wine.