Pairing Meritage and Bordeaux Style Wines

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Cabernet from a Red Mountain

In this taster's opinion, Washington State is now producing some of the most exciting Bordeaux blends in the U.S. These are wines of power that are blended with red earth and minerals. They are not Californian in style, nor are they French; instead Washington State has found its own middle ground, and the results are stunning.

I found a hearty Beef Stroganoff with Cremini & Porcini Mushrooms to be the perfect pairing. The wine's intensity is slightly mellowed by the meat that simply melts in your mouth, along with complementing flavors and mushrooms in the sauce to add masses of depth to an already zesty and exciting wine. This pairing begged for a sip of wine with each bite.

2005 Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard - After a double decant and an hour opened in bottle, the 2005 Cadence Ciel du Cheval showed a mix of sour cranberry, black cherry with dark chocolate and slate dust. Upon first sip, my palate was assaulted by massive waves of rich raspberry fruit, which started out jammy but turned fresh as it left flavors of mint and clove behind. The finish was long with flavors of wild berries. This bottle was so rich yet so balanced and fresh that I could have finished it myself. I love this wine.

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Beef Stroganoff with Cremini and Porcini Mushrooms

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Comments

Nathan-
Ophardt

905326 324

Nice choice on the NY meritage. Dr. Frank in the Finger Lakes also does a nice one.

Apr 20, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Eric Guido

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

92549 59,638

Thanks for the suggestion, I plan to make it out to the Finger Lakes this August.

Apr 21, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Nathan-
Ophardt

905326 324

If you want trip suggestions, let us know! We're Finger Lakes geeks :-)

Apr 21, 2012 at 8:10 AM
JonDerry

Hand of Snooth

680446 2,099

That 2008 Firebelle's a beaut, the 09' is very good too, will be best toward the end of the year I'd imagine.

Apr 23, 2012 at 1:11 AM
Eric Guido

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

92549 59,638

I have the '09 waiting to be tasted. I'm really looking forward to it.

Apr 23, 2012 at 6:47 AM
kathleen-
wright

990029 27

The Meritage on Long Island is also a very good wine. 2008 Paumanok vinyards in Jamesport produced an excellent vintage.

Apr 29, 2012 at 9:35 PM