South Pacific 2015 – Wine Tastings

Wine Tastings on board Regent Ships are a good way to find out what is on offer whilst having a bit of fun. On this cruise there were three organised tastings, A Walk Around The World Of Wines, A Blind Walk Around The World Of Wines and the Connoisseur’s Wine Lunch.

All of these events were organised by the Head Sommelier Emiliano Chumacera. Emiliano and his team of Sommeliers, Mark, Anthony and Roderick, do a great job helping the passengers to select wines to have with their dinner or to choose something for a special dinner or occasion. They also help people who bring their own wine to decant it or to make sure that it is ready for drinking at the appropriate time.

A Walk Around The World Of Wines was the first tasting, the wines that are available at no extra cost are shown and they also offer discounts on some of the premium wines on board. The main reason I make sure that I turn up for this tasting is to find out what wines are on offer a part of the cruise package as there are always a large numbers of wines that I have never seen or heard of.

An example of the premium wine list is provided at the end of this post.

On this cruise there was a “Blind” Tasting of the wines that are included as a part of the cruise. A “Blind” Tasting is where the bottles are masked so that the taster is not aware of which wine they are tasting, you are asked to identify each wine.

There was only 45 mins to taste all of the wines, there were around 20, 10 New World and 10 Old World, so we had to get moving. We did ok, identified a bit over 50% of the wines, varietal and nationality, our lack of knowledge of Old World Wines was the problem. Guess I will have to perform more research.

The two wines stood out, in my opinion, the worst two available on-board, embarrassingly they were both from Australia, Jackaroo Chardonnay and a Barossa Shiraz that I did not recognise, which does not happen often as that is my patch of terroir .

My recommendation is that any time you see an Australian Wine that does NOT provide details of where the grapes are sourced from, South Eastern Australia is a very large area, leave it alone, save your palate and money for something else. I know that there are a people who enjoy these styles of wine, but not I.

The final wine event for the cruise was the Connoisseur’s Wine Lunch, where Emiliano and the Head Chef, Kelly Cochrane, paired premium wines and foods for a very enjoyable and informative lunch. This event was one that you had to pay a bit extra for, but is well worth it as there are always some very good wines included.

The wines we tasted were:

• 2004 Moet Et Chandon “Cuvee Dom Perignon” Brut, Epernay, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
• 2011 Lous Jadot Puligny Montrachet AOC, Chardonnay
• 2007 Chateau Figeac Grand Cru Classe “B”, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
• 2009 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot (Magnum)
• 2011 Cakebread Cellars Dancing Bear Ranch Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabinet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
• 2006 Joseph Phelps Vineyards “Insignia” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1985 Dow’s Vintage Port Oporto Portugal
• 2006 Vin Santo Tenute Marchesi Antinori D.O.C Tuscanny Malvasia, Trebbiano, Malvasia

The Menu:

• Tuna Tartar with crispy leek and caviar (served with Dom Perignon)
• Porcini Dusted Jumbo Scallop, Roasted Shallot and Truffle (served with Louis Jadot)
• Ballantine of Quail with Roasted pine nut, Apricot Farce and Port Jus (served with the Chateau Figeac)
• Grilled Medallions of Lamb with Pistachio Crust and Bing Cherrie Frangelico Sauce (served with the Insignia)
• Roquefort, Bel Paese, Saint Paulin, Reblochon and Saint Marcellin Cheese Plater (served with the Dow’s Port)
• Grand Marnier Souffle with Vanilla Sauce (served with the Vin Santo)

As you can tell from the above, a great lunch. My favourites were the:

• Chateau Figeac, would like the opportunity to taste this again in a few years, the nose still posed youthful floral aromas, great structure and balance with a long finish.

• Vin Santo, the first thing I noticed was the amber colour, followed by the honeyed aroma, it was not overly sweet with a long finish. Paired very well with the Souffle.

On the food front my favourites were the scallops and the cheese platter!!

Can’t wait to do this again sometime! Hopefully before my next cruise. Watch this space!

Example of the Premium Wine List on the Mariner

CHAMPAGNE
Domaine Mandoís BrutPierry | Champagne | NV	$41
Taittinger “La Française” BrutReims | Champagne | NV	$69
Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” BrutReims | Champagne | NV	$69
de Venoge “Cordon Bleu” Brut SelectEpernay | Champagne | NV	$75
Brice Brut RoséBouzy | Champagne | NV	$88
Robert Moncuit Blanc de Blanc “Demi Sec” BrutMensil-sur-Oger | Champagne | 2005	$88
de Venoge “Louis XV” BrutEpernay | Champagne | 1995	$194
Möet & Chandon Cuvée “Dom Pérignon” BrutEpernay | Champagne | 2003	$199
Taittinger “Comtes de Champagne” Blanc de Blanc, BrutReims | Champagne | 2000	$225
Armand de Brignac “Brut Gold”Reims | Champagne | NV	$320
Louis Roederer “Cristal” BrutReims | Champagne | 2004	$325
Armand de Brignac “Brut Rosé”Reims | Champagne | NV	$499
Louis Roederer “Cristal Rosé” BrutReims | Champagne | 2002	$525
SPARKLING WINE
Italy
Castello Banfi, Brachetto D’Acqui, “Rosa Regale”Brachetto | Piedmont | 375ml	$19
France
Domaine Florence Pelletier “Saint Ange”, Brut RoséCoiffy-le-Haut Marné | NV	$38
WHITE WINES
United States
Caymus “Conundrum”White Blend | Napa Valley | 2009	$39
Cakebread CellarsSauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | 2009	$42
Joseph PhelpsSauvignon Blanc | St. Helena | Napa Valley | 2006	$44
Stonestreet “Broken Road”Chardonnay | Alexander Valley | 2006	$61
Roessler CellarsChardonnay | Alder Springs | Mendocino | 2006	$63
Far Niente WineryChardonnay | Napa Valley | 2009| 2010	$68
DESSERT WINES
Far Niente Winery “Dolce”Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | 2005 | 375ml	$79
Duckhorn VineyardsSauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | 2008 / 2010	$39
Château St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen “Eroica”Riesling | Columbia Valley, Washington State | 2008	$45
Beringer, Private ReserveChardonnay | Napa Valley | 2009	$48
Sbragia Family Vineyards “ Gamble Ranch ” VineyardChardonnay | Napa Valley | 2007 / 2008	$50
Cakebread CellarsChardonnay | Napa Valley | 2009	$55
Argentina
Bodega Catena Zapata, CatenaChardonnay | Mendoza | 2007	$58
Australia
Leewin Estates, PreludeChardonnay | Margaret River | 2007	$34
Chile
Casa Lapostolle “Cuvée Alexander”Chardonnay | Casablanca Valley | 2008	$42
France
Daniel–Etienne-Defaix, Chablis “Villes Vignes”Chardonnay | Burgundy | 2007	$30
Château de Sancerre, Sancerre, A.O.C.Sauvignon Blanc | Loire Valley | 2009	$46
Château Olivier, Grand Cru Classé de GravesSauvignon Blanc, Semillon | Pessac-Leognan | 2004 / 2006	$53
Trimbach, Cuvée Frederic EmileRiesling | Alsace | 2002 / 2006	$63
Domanie Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé, Chateau du NozetSauvignon Blanc | Loire Valley | 2006	$67
Louis Jadot, Puligny MontrachetChardonnay | Burgundy | 2009	$70
Louis Jadot, Le MontrachetChardonnay | Burgundy | 2006	$325
Colin Deleger, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru MaltroieChardonnay | Côte de Beaune | 2007	$75
Germany
Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch, Bernkasteler DoctorRiesling, Spatlese | Mosel | 2008	$87
Italy
Castello Banfi, San Angelo, Toscana I.G.T.Pinot Grigio | Tuscany | 2009	$34
Weingut, J. HofstatterGewürztraminer | Alto Adige | 2009	$36
Inama “Vigneto du Lot”, Soave Classico Superiore, D.O.C.Garganega | Veneto | 2008	$38
Marchesi Antinori “Cervaro Castello della Sala” I.G.T.Chardonnay | Umbria | 2007	$40
Planeta Estate I.G.T.Chardonnay | Sicily | 2008	$41
Angelo Gaja, “Rossj Bass”Chardonnay | Piedmont | 2008	$85
New Zealand
Cloudy Bay EstateSauvignon Blanc | Marlborough | 2010	$52
South Africa
Hamilton Russel Estate VineyardsChardonnay | Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 2007	$33
RED WINES
Argentina
Nicolas Catena “Catena”Malbec | Mendoza | 2008 / 2009	$38
Allegrini-ReNacer, “Enamore”Malbec, Syrah | Mendoza | 2008	$58
Bodegas ReNacer, Reserva “Punto Final”Malbec | Mendoza | 2007	$62
Australia
Mitchelton PrintShiraz | Central Victoria | 2002	$53
Two Hands “Yesterday’s Hero”Grenache | Barossa Valley | 2006	$60
Colonial Estate “Exile”Shiraz | Barossa Valley | 2005	$175
Chile
Vina Haras de Pirque “Elegance”Cabernet Sauvignon | Maipo Valley | 2007 / 2008	$38
Casa Lapostolle, “Cuvée Alexander” Apalta VineyardCarmenère | Colchagua Valley | 2007 / 2008	$46
Concha Y Toro “Don Melchor”Cabernet Sauvignon | Puente Alto | 2008	$85
France
Roux Père & Fils, VolnayPinot Noir | Côte de Beaune | 2007	$40
Château Mont-Redon, Châteauneuf – du – PapeGrenache, Syrah | Rhone Valley | 2007	$45
M. Chapoutier, Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Bernardine”Grenache, Syrah | Rhône Valley | 2005	$49
Domaine Antonin Guyon, Savigny-les-Beaune, A.O.C.Pinot Noir | Côte de Beaune | 2008	$54
Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru ClasséCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | Haut Médoc | 2004	$60
Château Fombrauge, Grand CruCabernet Franc, Merlot | Saint-Émilion | 2008	$70
Château Talbot 4ème Cru ClasséCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | St.Julien | 2004 / 2006	$107
Château Clerc Milon 5ème Cru ClasséCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | Pauillac | 2007	$110
Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé de GravesCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Pessac-Leognan | 2007	$140
Château Figeac, Grand Cru Classé “B“Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot | Saint-Émilion | 2007	$250
Château Palmer 3ème Grand Cru ClasséCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | Margaux | 1998	$450
Château Cheval Blanc Grand Cru Classé AMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc | Saint Emilion | 2002	$604
Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Grand Cru ClasséCabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot | Pauillac | 2007	$622
Château Ausone 1er Grand Cru Classé AMerlot, Cabernet Franc | Saint Emilion | 2002	$1109
Château PetrusMerlot, Cabernet Franc | Pomerol | 2007	$2500
Italy
Castello Banfi, Rosso Di Montalcino D.O.C.Sangiovese | Tuscany | 2007 / 2008	$32
Castello Banfi, Sant’ Antimo “Cum Laude” D.O.C.Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah | Tuscany | 2006 / 2007	$39
Planeta, “Santa Cecilia” I.G.T.Nero d’Avola | Sicily | 2005 / 2007	$41
Castiglion Del Bosco, Rosso di Montalcino D.O.C.G. FerragamoSangiovese | Tuscany | 2006	$45
Sartori di Verona, Sartori Corte Bra Amarone D.O.C.Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Veneto | 2003	$58
Angelo Gaja, Ca’ Marcanda Estate, Magari, I.G.T.Merlot, Shiraz, Sangiovese | Tuscany | 2008	$58
Castello Banfi, Sant Antimo “Summus” D.O.C.Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah | Tuscany | 2006	$68
Tenutta Il Borro “Il Borro”Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah | Tuscany | 2007	$70
Agricola Allegini, Amarone della Valpolicella D.O.C.Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Veneto | 2006 / 2007	$85
Angelo Gaja, “Darmagi” Langhe D.O.C.Cabernet Sauvignon | Piedmont | 2005	$155
Sori Paitin, Veche Vigne, Barbaresco, D.O.C.G.Nebbiolo | Piedmont | 2003	$160
Mondavi / Frescobaldi “Luce delle Vite” I.G.T.Sangiovese, Merlot | Tuscany | 2006	$160
Marchesi Antinori “Solaia” I.G.T.Cabernet Sauvignon | Tuscany | 2006	$225
Agricola Allegini, Amarone della Valpolicella D.O.C.Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Veneto | 2006 | Magnum	$230
Tenutta San Guido, “Sassicaia”, D.O.C.Cabernet Sauvignon | Tuscany | 2008	$242
Angelo Gaja “Sperss” Langhe, D.O.C.Nebbiolo, Barbera | Piedmont | 2005	$289
New Zealand
Craggy Range Winery, Te Muna Road, Single VineyardPinot Noir | Martinborough | 2008	$80
South Africa
Hamilton Russel Estate VineyardsPinot Noir | Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 2004 | 2009	$38
Spain
Marques de GriñonCabernet Sauvignon | Toledo | 2002	$48
Bodegas Miguel Torres, “Mas la Plana”Cabernet Sauvignon | Penedes | 2006	$93
Bodegas y Vinedos Maurodos, PrimaTempranillo | Torro, Terrasania | 2006 | Magnum	$99
United States
HartfordZinfandel | Russian River Valley | 2006	$40
Sequoia GroveCabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Napa Valley | 2008	$48
ArgylePinot Noir | Willamette Valley | Oregon | 2007	$48
Byron VineyardsPinot Noir | Santa Maria Valley | 2006	$50
RubiconMerlot | Napa Valley | 2007	$72
ChappelletCabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2008	$72
Atalon, “Keyes Vineyard”Merlot | Napa Valley | 2003	$81
Benziger “Tribute”Cabernet Sauvignon | Sonoma County | 2006	$83
AtticusPinot Noir | Willamette Valley | 2007	$30
Dry Creek “Old Vine Zinfandel”Zinfandel | Sonoma County | 2006	$32
Château St. Jean EstateMerlot | Sonoma County | 2005	$34
Foley Estate, Santa Rita Hills VineyardPinot Noir | Santa Barbara | 2007	$34
La Sirena VineyardsSyrah | Santa Ynez Valley | 2004	$44
Robert MondaviCabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2006 / 2007 / 2008	$45
Dry Creek, “The Mariner”Meritage | Sonoma County | 2006	$46
Chiarello Family Estate “Giana Single Vineyard”Zinfandel | Napa Valley | 2007	$49
Matanzas Creek “Bennett Valley”Merlot | Sonoma County | 2005	$49
Domaine DrouhinPinot Noir | Willamette Valley | 2009	$68
Lagier – Meredith Vineyards “Mt. Veeder”Syrah | Napa Valley | 2004	$69
Duckhorn VineyardsMerlot | Napa Valley | 2007 / 2008	$70
Caymus VineyardsCabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2009	$75
Groth WineryCabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2008	$79
Nickel & Nickel “Ponzo Vineyard”Zinfandel | Russian River Valley | 2007	$79
Chiarello Family Estate “Eileen Single Vineyard”Cabernet Sauvignon |Napa Valley | 2007	$89
JordanCabernet Sauvignon | Alexander Valley | 2006	$90
Château Ste. Michelle & Marchesi Antinori, “Col Solare”Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese | Columbia Valley | 2006	$104
Heidi Barrett “Pirate TreasuRed”Meritage | Napa Valley | 2008	$110
Cakebread Cellars “Dancing Bear Ranch”Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2007	$120
Duckhorn VineyardsMerlot | Napa Valley | 2006 | Magnum	$138
Far Niente Winery, OakvilleCabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2008	$155
Christian Moueix “Dominus”Cabernet Sauvignon Blend | Napa Valley | 2006	$209
Baron Philippe de Rothschild & Robert Mondavi “Opus One”Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot | Napa Valley | 2005	$225
Verité la JoieCabernet Sauvignon | Sonoma County | 2002	$240
Joseph Phelphs Vineyards “Insignia”Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2006	$272
Rubicon Estate, “CASK”Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 2005 | Magnum	$307
Heidi Barrett “Amuse Bouche”Merlot, Cabernet Franc |Napa Valley | 2009	$395
Heidi Barrett “Screaming Eagle”Meritage | Napa Valley | 2006	$2250
DESSERT WINES
Austria
Leo Hillinger, Hill 3, TrockenbeerenausleseChardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc | Burgenland | 2005 | 375ml	$97
Canada
Inniskillin, Ice Wine ,VQAVidal | Niagara Peninsula | 2005 | 375ml	$95
France
Château Filhot 2ème Cru ClasséSemillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Sauternes | 2005 | 375ml	$65
Château d’Yquem 1er Cru ClasséSauvignon Blanc, Sémillon | Sauternes |1998 / 2004 | 375ml	$286
Italy
Fantinel, La Roncaia Estate D.O.C.GPicolit | Friuli | 2006 | 375ml	$47