Listening to Jazz, What’s My Wine Pairing?

Miles Davis, Kind of Blue – new to Jazz?  Start here:

‘JAZZ IS LIKE WINE. WHEN IT IS NEW, IT IS ONLY FOR THE EXPERTS, BUT WHEN IT GETS OLDER, EVERYBODY WANTS IT.’ STEVE LACY

You are going to want a wine that can keep up to the layers and complexity of jazz.  In this case, price will make a big difference.  In terms of complexity, you generally get what you pay for.

I have heard people talking trash about blends.  Bordeaux wines, famous the world over, are blends.  Primarily, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Bordeaux region is divided by a body of water and are labelled right and left bank. The soil on each bank differs in character with some of the greatest Cab Sauv soil on the left and some of the greatest Merlot growing soil on the right.  On the right, the Merlot is either blended with Cab Sauv or Cabernet Franc.

Depending on the quality of the grapes and the skill/aim of the winemaker you will typically find the deep dark Cab Sauv full of pepper, dark berries and leather.  When you add some Merlot, which brings chocolate, dark berries and riper fruit and a touch of sweetness, you get a lovely textured and nuanced blend.

Here in the sunny Okanagan I love Hester Creek’s The Judge. Here is Hester Creek’s wine descriptors: A sumptuous Bordeaux style wine that sums up the richness of a warm year, this red blend of estate fruit has heady aromas of black cherry, malt, plum and caramel. Crafted with nicely ripened fruit, enjoy a generous palate of black cherry, mocha, and vanilla flavours with a touch of cedar and mint. Beautifully structured with supple, fine-grained tannins. A delicious wine that can be savoured on its own or enjoyed with big flavourful dishes like char-grilled New York Steak. by medium soft tannins with a lengthy finish. Pair this classic wine with prime rib, or beef tenderloin.

Yes, they talk about food pairings.  But my life pairing says Jazz.  Try to get the 2015.  It was a golden year for Okanagan wines with a long hot fall.  Click here to order direct from the winery, while supplies last. If they are out you can check in some private wine shops. It is about $50.