Grape Wine Journey

The idea of roasting a lamb from New Zealand serving with Bordeaux red was very tempting.  It wasn’t long that the idea came to fruition, with many lamb lovers and wine enthusiasts jumped with joy and joined the feast.

The moment that you walked into the terrace, the smell of the charcoal and the lamb was mouth watering.  The line up of the Bordeaux wines was also interesting.  I wondered why my friend picked 2006 vintage for the dinner; it seemed a bit too early for drinking.

Well, he started with the 2^nd growth Chateau Rauzan Segla, which he thought would be a good match to the lamb.  Then he stocked up the rest of the wines from Bordeaux all with the same vintage.   He did some research on the wines and opened all the wines 3 hours prior to serving.

I was pleasantly surprised with the lineup of the wines:

Chateau Cantermerle, Haute Medoc

Chateau de Fonbel, Saint Emilion

Chateau d’Armailhac, Pauillac

Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Margaux

Chateau de Fonbel from Saint Emilion was not a good match for the lamb.  With its strong Merlot base, the wine started to taste blend after serving with the meat.

Of the 3 left bank wines, the 2^nd growth Chateau Rauzan-Segla was the best match. The tannins were still rough, with red fruit and a bit of cinnamon showed on the palate.  The roast lamb was very juicy and tender; the full bodied Bordeaux softened and tasted refined and smooth with the meat. 

We were all pleased with the food wine matching and it was a fun evening with friends that shared the same passion!