Saturday, August 13, 2016

Judgment of Dublin

A couple of months ago we were invited by Dom and Marie-Anne to try out Pacific Catch in Dublin with Bob and Carolynn. During our dinner conversation it came up that Marie-Anne's father thought that while California did a great job on reds, it had gotten whites all wrong. I asked if she had ever heard of the Judgment of Paris. She had not, so we planned this tasting.

Maria-Anne generously supplied all the French wines.

I supplied the Californian wines. I found all the ones we used at K&L. After I purchased the Chateau Montelena, I read an article that detailed how the original wine maker of the Chateau Montelena had moved on to his own winery, Grgich Hills Estate. Further research revealed that he made a commemorative wine. I picked up one of these as well, but decided to stay with my original purchase. We'll enjoy this special bottle at a future date.

Dom brought in the wines to work days before, so that the temperature of all the wines would be the same when served.

We delayed randomizing until everyone arrived due to concerns about warming the wines, but I was able to prep the decanters and bottles.



Since we were only six we were able to have a glass for each wine.


I was worried the wine would warm, which it did, but Sue found a basket that held two decanters with ice quite nicely.


We started with a lovely glass of Veuve Clicquot. We randomized the wines and had a wonderful time tasting and talking.

Results


We tasted a lot of great wines.


Top to Bottom from Left to Right

D - 2013 Francios Carillon, Puligny-Montrachet came in first place with an average of 3.25.

A - 2013 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley tied for second place with an average of 3.17. It cost $40.

E - 2014 William Fevre, Chablis tied for second place with an average of 3.17.

C - 2009 Kistler Vineyards, Kistler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley came in fourth place with an average of 2.97. It cost $125.

F - 2009 Mount Eden Vineyards, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fifth place with an average of 2.92. It cost $80.

B - 2014 Grand Vin De Bourgogne, Pouilly-Fuisse came in last place with an average of 2.58. Bob told of of a co-worker from the past, Jeff, who would always say "There's no such thing as a bad Pouilly-Fuisse." My experience is limited, but so far I agree!

The French wines averaged a 3.00. The American wines averaged 3.02.

History did not repeat itself, but we all enjoyed tasting some excellent wines.

After the tasting Sue treated us with a wonderful New England Clam Bake, with a side of steak and chicken for non seafood lovers.