We started the evening with the 09 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry, dark cherry, ripe plum with a slight oak finish. Wonderful aroma and flavor. When pairing the chocolates I started with the 72% cocoa and worked my way down to 55%. The darker sample to me was too bitter and the lower end drowned out the fruit. 61% was my favorite chocolate which showcased the cherry and plum in the cab.
Next up the Knotty Vines Zinfandel. Jammy raspberry with hints of blackberry and peppery/spice finish. Big ripe fruit on the nose yet soft in the mouth. Favorite chocolate was the 55%. Complimented the raspberry perfectly while softening the pepper and spice notes. One of my favorite Zins and wines of the evening.
The final wine A True Gentleman's Port. Both elegant and rich with a combination of red/dark fruit. Raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, plum followed by golden sweet raisin. If you're a fan of port this one also has some nice heat which warms you right up. Pairing with the chocolate the 72% magnified the warmth of the port where the 55% I thought brought out the sweetness. The 61% was perfect and allowed you to taste the layers of fruit, sweetness and heat in combination with the chocolate. Picture yourself sipping this beauty by a raging fire and maybe a nice cigar.
Always special to sip/taste Rodney Strong Vineyards wines. A big thank you to Robert Larsen of RSVineyards, Cailyn McCauley and Joel Quigley of Creative Furnace/TasteLive. You guys spoil me with your selections. If your attending the 2012 Wine and Chocolate Fantasy Feb 4th I would love to hear how you enjoyed the wine and chocolate pairings. Visit the winery website by clicking here Rodney Strong Vineyards to learn more about their portfolio of wines.
Cheers
Dan
1 comment:
We can't think of a better combination! Cheers, Ashleigh & Tiffani, The Drinking Girls
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