Welcome back everyone!
This is lesson 2 in wine snobbery. It was a special week this week. I surprised my beautiful girlfriend with a romantic dinner for valentines day. I made us a steak dinner and bought an expensive bottle of wine. We have never bought a bottle this expensive, but as you'll read, it was definitely worth the price tag.
The two wines under review are Châteauneuf du Pape by Domaine Du Banneret and Winter Palace by Hincesti.
Châteauneuf du Pape by Domaine Du Banneret
Variety of Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre
Region: Rhône Valley
Country: France
Vintage: 2018
Price: $64.95
Review from WWcellars.com: "Young vintages express a distinctive nose dominated by red fruit. The tannins are firm but silky." "This is a perfect wine for the cellar."
Pairings from WWcellars.com: "Traditionally accompanies meats, venison and cheeses, this wine can also surprise by being served with desserts- particularly with chocolate, the sweet roundness of which it magnifies by the principle of opposing flavors."
Wine Folly: "The GSM Blend is a versatile food pairing wine that works particularly well with dishes featuring Mediterranean spices including red pepper, sage, rosemary, and olives." Pg. 156
Personal Review: At first I smell an oaky flavor, almost like a campfire. It also smells jammy. As for the taste, the tannins aren't overwhelming and it seems balanced. It was very fruity the first day we had this, but now it has mellowed out and isn't as fruit forward. I would absolutely recommend this wine. It was one of the best wines I have ever had. It is best enjoyed with food, especially with gamey meat and earthy foods. My girlfriend and I had paired it with a grass feed steak with a red wine creamy mushroom sauce... and yes we used this wine for the sauce. Absolutely worth the price!
Winter Palace by Hincesti
Variety of Grapes: Vidal Blanc
Region: Cahul
Country: Moldova
Vintage: ?
Price: $19.95
Review from Aiko importers: "On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, rich, nicely balanced, and pleasantly sweet. The flavor profile begins with apricot and orange marmalade blended with hints of golden raisin and honey. The finish remains sweet and drifts away nicely"
Pairing suggested by Wine Folly: "Ice wines are perfect with fruit tarts, cheesecake, ice cream, and soft and pungent cheeses such as Brie and Camembert." Pg. 121
Wine Folly: "To be labeled ice wine, grapes must be picked and pressed while frozen naturally. This only happens in cool climates where temperatures get below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the late harvest period." Pg. 121
Personal Review: I smell brown sugar, molasses, and raisins. It tastes a little smokey with a deep taste of raisin. It is very sweet. I would pair this vanilla ice cream or my girlfriends chocolates. I would recommend this to anyone who really enjoys sweet dessert wines. Definitely drink this in small quantities because it can get overwhelming after a few sips.
-Charlie
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