When the opportunity presents itself:
Palmer 2009 & Lafleur 2008
The other day, I served a small group of cigar enthusiasts in one of our private rooms. It was an evening of cigars, wines, snacks, and karaoke.
Usually, for cigar evenings, I like to serve aromatic, flavorful, deep, and powerful wines so that the aromas and taste are not masked by the smoky smell and taste of the cigar.
In general, Pauillac and Pomerol wines go well with cigars. Their richness and complexity complement those of the cigars.
However, that evening, I decided to open a Margaux: Chateau Palmer 2009.
Margaux is definitely not my go-to choice when it comes to pairing wine and cigars. Usually, Margaux wines are too fine, light, and delicate; they fade rapidly when paired with the cigar.
But those who know the 2009 vintage from Chateau Palmer know that it is a great wine, harmonious and rich in ripe dark fruit, with amplitude, richness, complexity, and thickness, with an endless finish, which can definitely tolerate cigars or even enhance them.
It was a wise choice, and I was very satisfied with it, and the guests too.
Suddenly, one of the guests asked me if I had a 2008 wine because it was a special vintage for her.
I told her, "I'll check." I ran to the cellar. I didn't have much choice in stock. It was either a bottle of “La Fleur-Petrus” or one of “Lafleur," two beautiful wines from Pomerol. I took both bottles.
Back in the private room, I decided to open the bottle of Lafleur Pomerol 2008. After all, when the opportunity presents itself, why not?
First of all, because I love this wine. And, since the price was apparently not a problem, might as well treat myself and taste a wine I don't open very often.
Although Lafleur 2008 is lighter in taste and texture and slightly more advanced in age than Palmer 2009, it is no less aromatic or complex. It has tertiary aromas and a rustic, earthy feeling that I like. The lingering finish is delightful.
Despite their differences, one is bold and powerful, and the other is medium-bodied and heartier yet refined and elegant; both these wines work wonders with the cigars!
Cheers! Santé!
Dom
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