The Wine & Food Society of Jacksonville gathered for our 3rd wine class at Royal Palm Tapas & Wine Bar on January 20th. Once again led by Cam Bendetsen, this class focused on the differences between grapes grown close to the mountain tops versus those grown in the valleys. The first set of wines were labeled either mountain or valley. Cam helped us recognize the different qualities of each, emphasizing that there was no right or wrong, just a preference of style. The remaining wines were bagged and poured and members were asked to identify either mountain or valley. We sampled 12 different wines in pairs, each pair matched with complimenting Tapas.
First
Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, California, 2015
Talley Chardonnay, Arroyo Grande Valley, California, 2014
Marinated Local Shrimp with Cucumber, Dill, Chiles, Olive Oil & Preserved Lemon
Second
Champ De Reve Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California, 2013
Boen Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2016
Polenta Cake, Borsin Mousse & Roasted Wild Mushroom Gyo Greens
Third
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia "Vina Cubillo" , Rioja Alta, Spain, 2008
Finca Villacreces "Pruno" Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2015
Smoked Pork Slider with House made Datil Barbeque
Fourth
Robert Craig Affinity, Napa, California, 2014
Mettler Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, California, 2014
Lamb Lollipops with Marinated Olive & Feta Salsa Verde
Dessert
Chappellet Mountain Cuvee, Napa, California, 2015
Kuleto Estate Frog Prince Red Blend, Napa County, California 2014
Bacon & Red Chile Dark Chocolate Truffles
