My fiancé is playing video games – slightly visible in the TV behind a bottle of wine I just opened – and I am designing a logo for this blog. You can most likely see it in the top left corner of this page as I finally finished it, somewhere between two glasses of Cedar Valley Winery Chambourcin.
We have picked up this bottle a few months ago on our way back from Menards in Ottumwa, IA. We have just bought paneling for our basement walls, attached them to the roof of our car, and drove slowly back, doing our best not to become airborne (the paneling on the roof started acting like a sail and, at a speed higher than 35 mph, was reminding us with an ominous noise about slowing down). The day was very hot, the drive was very slow, and the winery manifested itself at an exactly right moment, offering much needed pick-us-up.
After a quick wine tasting we decided to buy a few bottles and an absolutely adorable cheese board made of pressed glass bottle. Since the Chambourcin was my favorite from all of the 8, I decided to keep it till the right time comes…
Cedar Valley Winery Chambourcin
Color:
Deep burgundy red with warm brown notes.
Aroma:
Very strong and spicy aroma, notes of black cherries. Very fruity.
Structure:
Oh, the first sip is exquisite! Smoky, oaky, low tannins… spicy! On a second glass I can definitely taste coriander. Oh, how I would love to sit by the bonfire, with the sparks flying towards the night sky, listen to cicadas while sipping this delicious glass of wine and eating a piece of juicy meat… This is the wine I would love to pair with a pork shoulder roasted with garlic, herbs and onions, or a delicious strip of fried bacon… Chocolate covered cherries would pair wonderfully as well, although maybe it would be too much cherries, both in the wine and in the candy? Not sure. Definitely some ideas to explore.
The fact that it was aged in an oak barrel definitely brings out the woodsy notes in the flavor. I think the body is what makes this wine.
Long, fruity, a bit acidic finish, smoky but bright. There is a slight sweetness to it as well, but not on a first taste.
Overall quality:
Such a satisfying bottle! I have chilled my second glass and that definitely tamed the fruitiness. This is the way to go with this wine.