The French Stuff

 Welcome back again everyone!

This is the fith lesson in wine snobbery right after spring break, which is very sad, so I need something to cheer me up; namely these fancy wines. This time we two French wines one red from Bordeaux and something like a rose from Cotes Catalanes. Needless to say I am very excited to try both of them, so lets pop-em open.

Domaine de Rombeau Rancio Sec

Variety of Grapes: Grenache

region: Cotes de Catalone

Country: France

Vintage: 2010

Price: $24.95

Review from punchdrink.com: "... like dry sherry, it's typically served as an aperitif or alongside seafood, like the Roussillon's famous anchovies. But the easy comparison to dry, oxidatively aged sherries, like amontillado or oloroso, isn't a perfect one, even if they share both a commitment to savory flavors, solera aging and status as some of the world's most singular wines."

Pairing from Wine Folly: "Producers in the United States have taken to oaking this wine, which makes it a great match with buttery meats like lobster, crab, foie gras, and pate" pg-160

Personal Review: The aroma of this wine is quite odd compared to any wine I have had before. Likely due to it's aging process, which is 6 years of fermentation, including being aged in a used oak barrel outside for the last bit of its long fermentation period. It gives off a hot, oakey, raisin smell that is only comparable to what an ice wine smells like. The taste is all over the place with sherry and raisin being the most prominent factors. The oak comes through a bit, but mainly on the finish and undertones on the initial taste. It tastes as hot as it smells witha whopping 16% alcohol content, so it'll get you there fast. Overall, it is a beautiful wine that I would, and did, pair with a light vegetable dip we made from scratch. I highly recommend this to literally anyone, since this is a special fun wine that you will not likely find anything like.

Chateau De Ribebon

Variety of Grapes: Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Cabernet Franc 20%

region: Bordeaux

Country: France

Vintage: 2016

Price: $16.95 

Review from internationwinereport.com: "The 2016 Bordeaux Superieur 'Reserve' from Chateau Ribebon is composed of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. It is an excellent showing in this vintage, offering aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries laced with spring florals, tobacco, toast and exotic spices all coming together in the glass. On the palate this is medium-bodied and nicely structured with velvety tannins that lead into the long, refined finish."

Pairing from Wine Folly: : "The tannins in this blend make it an excellent choice to match with steak and other red meat dishes. Keep seasoning simple-- think salt and pepper." pg-83

Personal Review: On the nose, the wine presents light smells of nuts and berries like blackberry and the tartness that comes with it. It is not nearly as hot as I would have expected since it smells cool, but it is only 13.5% alcohol, so it makes sense. The taste is light compared to other reds, but the presence of blackberry with the tartness, and prune are quite obvious. It also tastes of older strawberries, which is quite a welcome flavor here. It finishes with an earthy taste that I cannot put my finger on, but is overall a wonderful wine. As per the usual with red wines, this would be great with red sauces, red meats, and anything with mushrooms. For it's price, this wine is definitely worth it!

Till next,

Charlie

 

 

Oh It is Sweet This Week

 Welcome back everyone!

This is the fourth lesson in wine snobbery right ahead of spring break, which is saweeeet, so it is the perfect week to open up the sweet bottles I've got. This time we got a little something from California and something from Europe as well. Now lets see what we got!

2012 Rodney Strong A True Gentleman's Port

Variety of Grapes: Zinfandel Blend

region: Sonoma County

Country: United States

Vintage: 2012

Price: $34.95

Review from napavalleywineacademy.com: "A truly expressive wine, A true Gentleman's Port expresses notes of dried cherry and fig, slightly burnt caramel, vinilla and hazelnut, finishing with a prominent spice note. A great choice with cheeses and dried fruits."

Flavor Notes from Wine Folly: "Flavors commonly associated with port wines are black plum, dried cherry, chocolate, raisin, and cinnamon. It is also recommended that it is paired with Stilton cheese." - pg 153-154

Personal Review: The nose on this fella is overflowing with strong spices. Cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate are all pungent features just to the smell. It also smells very sweet and hot, which makes sense for a more alcoholic port wine. The mouth feel was what hit me first, it is very viscus from the alcohol and sugar, but is balanced quite nicely by the spices noted in the smell and the very strong flavors of dates, raisins, and prunes. Something to note is while it is viscus, it does not have the same syrup consistency that cheaper port wines have and feels lighter likely because it is more balanced. While it is strong overall, it is very well balanced and would be perfect with any cheese board, or rather, enjoyed on its own. It is sweet and heavy enough to carry its own, but to heavy to be paired with any real meal besides charcuterie. If you love sweet things, you'll love this!

Richard Bocking 2019 Bocking Riesling

Variety of Grapes: Riesling

region: Mosel

Country: Germany

Vintage: 2019

Price: $17.95 

Review from vivino.com: "Pale yellow in colour, this wine has a good nose, light on the palate showing notes of citrus, green apples, tart and zesty lime. High acidity balanced by the high residula sugar."

Flavor Notes/Pairing from Wine Folly: "Off-dry Riesling wines make a great pairing to spicy Indian and Asian cuisines and do excellently alongside duck, pork, bacon, shrimp, and crab. Rieslings often present flavors like lime, green apple, beeswax, jasmine, and petroleum" - pg 158-159

Personal Review: The aroma is quite light and not at all harsh. It does not present any chemical scents, but does give off a cooling smell. The flavors are quite consistent with the Wine Folly common flavors, but has quite a strong honey and lime flavors that overpower the smaller taste of green apple. While the lime comes forward the most initially, it finishes with the more mellow honey that coats the mouth. The wine is sweet, but not overpoweringly so and has a refreshing, but small hint of dryness on the front that dissipates quickly. Overall, a refreshing white wine that I would classify almost as a desert wine, but could certainly be paired with a fish that is paired with citrus flavors.