LeDomduVin: Casual Tasting

Casual tasting

The other day, a colleague Sommelier made me taste these wines, some of which were featured on his wine list.

It was an interesting tasting as I was unfamiliar with some of them. I heard of them but had yet to taste them.

Champagne Palmer & Compagnie Brut Reserve France NV

Light, dry, crisp, everything up-front and disappearing quickly, unfortunately. I would have loved more substance and a longer finish.

Leeu Passant Chardonnay Stellenbosch South-Africa 2019

Light, crisp, fresh, and mineral, it has fresh butter aromas, lovely acidity, and a zesty mouthfeel. If tasted blind, it would have been challenging to tell it was from South Africa. Very Burgundian for a so-called "new world" Chardonnay. I liked it.

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling Clare Valley Australia 2023

Bone dry, crisp, mineral, and really refreshing, with restrained yet attractive aromas of stone fruits and lime with chalky nuances. Beautiful and well-crafted.

Grace Vineyard Chairman's Reserve Special Edition China 2016

Intense, deep ruby color. Fragrant earthy nose of ripe cassis, black cherry, and black plum with earthy, soil, and leafy nuances. It felt overipped, with burned and smoked flavors. Somewhat rustic. I would have loved to like it more, but I did not. It is a wannabe Bordeaux lacking its French counterpart's depth, complexity, class, and sophistication. It's not a bad wine, but it's not my thing.

Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvee England 2017

Bone dry, crisp, light, fine mousse, nice zesty fruits, good structure, balance, and lingering finish. Compared to the champagne Palmer & Co., I liked it better. Some of these English sparkling wines are undeniably great contenders for Champagne. 

Venturing into the lesser-known path is often surprising. A sommelier must taste everything from everywhere and within any price range. It is the only way to learn, educate, and train the palate and the senses, increase skills and knowledge, and remain open-minded.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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