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Retrospective - France vs USA
Another great tasting here at Bar Divani. We re-enacted the Judgment of Paris tasting here at Bar Divani, with slight modification. For those not familiar with the Judgment of Paris, this was a wine tasting organized by Steve Spurrier, a wine shop owner in Paris, in 1976 where wines from some of the top Chateaus in France were tasted against California wines. Back then, France held the mantle for being the leader in wines. California wines were not considered to be on par with French wines. Well guess what, the results shocked everyone. The upstart California wines beat out the established royalty of the French wine world. California has never really looked back after that tasting and is now considered one of the greatest places in world for wines.
Our tasting here at Bar Divani had a twist. We tasted wines from other areas of the USA, instead of California, versus France. We had a Michigan Chardonnay, an Oregon Pinot Noir and a Washington Merlot. So which country won? Unlike the 1976 tasting where California won, our tasting ended up being a toss up with excellent wines from both sides of the ocean.
Thanks to everyone that attended the tasting. We all had a lot of fun. For those that could not make it, here are the incredible wines that you missed. We hope you will join is next time.
Here are the wines that we tasted and my ratings (out of 5 stars):
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Vincent Girardin, Puligny Montrachet, Vieilles Vignes, Bourgogne, 2005 |
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A beautiful wine from a young and upcoming winemaker in Burgundy. This is a wine that has all the hallmarks of a beautiful Chardonnay from the village of Puligny Montrachet. A chalky, mushroomy nose with loads of citrus fruit flavors. Well balanced with nice acidity on the palate. |
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Wyncroft Cellars, Chardonnay, Avonlea, Lake Michigan Shores, Michigan, 2005 |
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Wyncroft Cellars is a small artisanal winery located in Buchanan, Michigan. Owner and winemaker Jim Lester is hands-on in everything from the growing to harvest to winemaking and then eventually sales. This is one of the finest wineries in Michigan. The Chardonnay exhibited wonderful aromas of ripe tropical fruits with hint of oak on the background. Full and lush on the palate. This wine needs some time to settle down but can hold its own with some of the best Chardonnays from around the world. |
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Domaine Serene, Pinot Noir, Evenstad Reserve, Willamette Valley, OR, 2005 |
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The wine of the night – what a great Pinot should be. This is a wine that has beaten out the greatest Pinot Noirs from Burgundy in previous blind tastings and at a fraction of the cost. A structured Pinot from Willamette Valley showing ripe red fruits with dusty, earthy nuances on the nose. Wow. Full on the palate – ripe cherries, berries with beautiful soft tannins and a burst of acidity. One to hold and try in ten years. |
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J. M. Boillot, Pommard, 1er Cru, Jarollieres, Bourgogne, 2005 |
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A sexy wine from a beautiful village near Beaune in Burgundy. The 2005 Pinots from Burgundy were well structured with a great balance of fruit, tannins and acidity. This wine is a classic example of that. Grips you up front with wild berries and dark cherries and finishes oh so smooth with the fruits lingering on for over half a minute. Such a harmonious wine all around. |
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Château Couronneau, Cuvée Pierre de Cartier, Bordeaux, 2006 |
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I gave this one four and half stars for the Merlot tasting last week and it does not disappoint in this tasting either. This one is big – like a Cabernet. Made from organically grown grapes, this wine has a beautiful nose of black cherries, cedar, earth and chocolate. Grips you on the palate with well behaved tannins that coat your mouth. Rich and decadent, this wine lasts a long time. Needs some time in the bottle but who can wait. Great with grilled steaks. |
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Chateau St. Michelle, Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA, 2005 |
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I have always said that some of the best Merlots come from Washington State. And this wine pretty much sums it all. This is a well balanced and structured wine showcasing black plums and cherries with hints of chocolate. A great finish ending with fine tannins. This one lingers. I know that Chateau St. Michelle is a big winery, but they have done this wine really well. |
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