Vintage Room Wine Pairing Dinner #1 on the Crystal Serenity 2018 World Cruise

On board the Crystal Serenity, cruising around the world still keeps me well connected to the world of wine.  Previously I spoke of the “all inclusive” wines that one can choose from (any time of the day or night) while traversing the oceans and other waterways of the world.  Another choice offered to guests is to book a night in the elegant Vintage Room for a wine pairing dinner, with special wines (to be chosen from Crystal’s premium wine list) to pair with multiple courses prepared and served by Crystal’s Executive Chef and his team on board.  Here are highlights from our first Vintage Room experience on this 2018 World Cruise, as invited guests of Miles Gauntt and Daniel Daigle.

Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Reserve; Reims, France:  The tiny bead and shimmering gold hue capture the eye, and the expressive nose fully engages the senses.  Layers of fresh baked brioche, warm cherry pie, butterscotch, spicy ginger cookies, blanched almonds, and grilled peaches and cream create a delicious cornucopia of flavors on the palate.  Generously flavored and well balanced with a nice minerally note lingering through the long, tingling finale.  Paired with poached lobster tail and black winter truffle sauce.

Vintage Tunina 2015 Silvio Jermann; Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy:   Here is an uber aromatic dry white blend crafted of 20% Chardonnay, 20% Malvasia Istriana, 20% Picolit, 20% Ribolla Gialla, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.  Florals on the nose are promising.  Ever so bright and lively on the palate, with notes of fresh stone fruit, chamomile, red apple, a touch of herbs, and a healthy squeeze of lemon.  Bright, lively and easy to quaff.  Paired with Arctic Sea Bass and artichoke leaves.Leeuwin Estate 2013 “Art Series” Chardonnay; Margaret River, Australia:  This rich and aromatic Chardonnay opens with scents of tree fruits and spice.  Unfolding on the palate are layers of Asian pears, fig and date jam, toasty oak, a splash of lime and creamy bread pudding. Lush and velvety with just the right level of nervy acidity, keeping it clean, and well balanced. Deeply flavored and nicely complex, with plenty of personality.  Paired with porcini mushroom risotto.Antinori 2013 Guado al Tasso; Bolgheri, Tuscany Italy:  Enticing from first whiff, this dense and multilayered red blend is crafted of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.  Wild berries, black currants, anise, cacao nibs, blueberry preserves, ground peppercorns and a pinch of herbs interlace with minerality and fresh-turned earth notes.  A firm backbone of tannins and well placed oak nuances add complexity, and the finish is persistent.  Paired with Wagyu beef tenderloin.Opus One 2014; Napa Valley, California:  This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant (80%) wine is blended with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.  Intensely structured with a solid frame of tannins, dark cherry, blackberry and black plum fruit at the core join savory spice, tobacco, hints of espresso bean, crushed herbs and a subtle earthy element.  Tightly wound with plenty of promise, it’s almost a shame to open it now.  It begs decanting if you cannot resist popping the cork immediately.  Better yet, cellar for at least another year or two, if not ten or more.  It, too, was paired with the Wagyu beef tenderloin.  I held a second glass overnight, and it was lovely and more approachable the next day; highly recommend as a cellar selection.Kracher 2003 Trockenberrenauslese Cuvee No. 1; Burgenland, Austria:  This outstanding botrytis affected wine made from Scheurebe, Welshriesling and Pinot Gris is decadent.  Fragrant aromas of citrus blossom and honey rise from the glass.  The palate overflows with rich layers of apricots, honey-drizzled baked apples, ginger dusted candied peach, orange zest, papaya, caramel corn, and roasted nuts.  Velvety in texture and nicely balanced with a long-lived, lip-smacking aftertaste.  Paired with ricotta cheese strudel.Lovely wines (selected by Crystal’s Head Sommelier Mario da Silva), and the pairings (created by Executive Chef Werner Brenner and his culinary team) were nicely suited to each dish.  A delicious experience; carried out beautifully by all.