The Hedonistic Taster
Exotic + Sparkling Wines
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne + Champagne Master Level
The Hedonistic Taster provides an intimate format to share industry trade sample tasting notes with you.
Please enjoy this Exotic + Sparkling Wines Holiday edition, showcasing bubbles from Champagne and Alsace, Pinot Noir from New Zealand, and red wines of Chile.
Disclaimer: No compensation is received; all opinions expressed are that of the author.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Rosé Sauvage
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 12%
Robe: Distinctive, deep scarlet robe. Tiny, effusive bubbles rise to a luxurious mousse.
Nose: Burnished biscuit and lush strawberry aromas.
Bouche: A gloriously dry, well-orchestrated riot of pink grapefruit and blood orange play upon the palate. A champagne both endlessly entertaining, and deeply satisfying.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Brut
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 12%
Robe: Deep, amber-gold robe. Profuse, pinpoint perling eddies into a profuse mousse.
Nose: An exotic ambrosia of brioche, butterscotch and floral aromas.
Bouche: A well-balanced, textural tap dance of pear, grapefruit and citrus upon the palate.
More about Piper-Heidsieck Champagne here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 12.5%
Robe: Vivid golden hue.
Nose: A bright bouquet of white floral notes, pinhead beading, and generous mousse.
Bouche: A cuvée of 50% Pinot Blanc, 50% Auxerrois that offers a well-rounded, fresh mouthfeel, with notes of golden apple and yellow stone fruit.
This crémant checks all the right boxes: quality, affordability, and charm – suitable for any celebration.
More about Lucien Albrecht d’Alsace here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Château de Sales Pomerol – Bordeaux, FR.
Vintage: 2015 & 2016
Alcohol: 14%
Link to 2015 Pomerol Producer Specs here.
Link to 2016 Pomerol Producer Specs here.
Suggested Retail: $31/each bottle.
Robe: Deep garnet robe.
Nose:
2015: Plush red fruit gives way to lush plum and muted, earthy aromas.
2016: More pronounced red fruits, black tea and green pepper back note.
Bouche:
2015: Supple tannins, velvety red fruit and lush black plum on entry through to mid-palate, with a wisp of spice box through to the refined finish.
2016: Raspberry coulis gives way to blackberry, with a hint of black pepper and capsicum on the finish.
More about Château de Sales here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Odfjell Armador Cabernet Sauvignon Organic Wine – Valle del Maipo, Chile
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13.5%
Robe: Deep ruby-violet robe.
Nose: A cornucopia of red fruit, spice and mushroom aromas.
Bouche: “Armador’ means shipbuilder. Owner Dan Odfjell, a Norwegian shipowner turned South American organic winemaker, captures the essence of adventure in this surprisingly light-medium bodied, high quality, entry-level 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley in Chile.
Tasty red fruit lead through to spice and licorice mid-palate, with a hint of cocoa on the lingering finish.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Odfjell Orzada Carignan Organic Wine – Valle del Maule, Chile
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol: 15%
Robe: Deep purple hue rimmed in ruby.
Nose: A mélange of juniper, clove, and loam.
Bouche: Light-to-medium body, bright acids on the attack that soften to silky tannins on the finish.
Savory hints of tamarind, persimmon and plum leave a patina of umami on the finish.
“Orzada” means ‘to sail into the wind.” For anyone with doubts about trying a Carignan dominant – worth sailing into the wind for this one.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Odfjell Aliara Organic Wine – Valle Central, Chile
Vintage: 2013
Alcohol: 14,5%
Robe: Intense garnet robe.
Nose: A heady array of tobacco, sous bois, and rich red fruit.
Bouche: This 65% Carignan, 20% Syrah, and 15% Malbec light-bodied, artfully balanced red blend shape-shifts between blue and red fruits, with a fillip of fennel and pinch of tobacco to add interest and depth.
A ‘liara’ was a tin cup measurement used in sailing to denote a crew’s daily ration of wine. This assemblage will leave you wishing to exceed your own daily wine ration.
More about Odjfell Vineyards here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Wairau River Pinot Noir – Marlborough, NZ.
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13.5%
Robe: Pellucid ruby robe.
Nose: Dusty rocks, and steely blue and black fruit aromas.
Bouche: Light-bodied, well-structured array of red currant, cranberry, and bramble berry, with a gunmetal finish. A quality value wine.
More about Wairau River Wines here.
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Have a favorite exotic or sparkling wine? Feel free to leave your comments below.
Cheers!
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Copyright © 2018 L.M. Archer. All Rights Reserved.