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Solving the Puzzle: What to Pair with a Chocolate Dessert By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady |
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According to Millard, every year the California vineyard crafts a single wine that represents the finest expression of its Spring Mountain Estate. Much like finding the right pieces to a puzzle, the winemaker hand selects fruit from 112 separate vineyard blocks. To preserve the unique character of each parcel, the fruit remains isolated by vineyard block for natural fermentation and barrel aging. Then Newton produces a complex blend that is known as The Puzzle. The elegance and finesse of 2008 The Puzzle makes it an exceptional accompaniment to a rich dessert. Millard suggested savoring it with a Valrhona chocolate tart with smoked salt.
Tasting Note 2008 The Puzzle: This opulent and opaque wine opens with delicate scents of vanilla mingled with mocha, black cherry, currant and spice aromas layered with dark ripe fruit. The palate explodes with concentrated black fruit with hints of smooth mocha espresso tannins on the finish. The firm structure and well-integrated tannins suggest this wine will reward careful cellaring. |
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looked at the menu and saw the
irresistible chocolate choices. I asked Millard which of the Newton
wines he would pair with chocolate. He answered, The Puzzle.
And while the Mansion didn’t have a chocolate
tart the day we dined there, 2008 The Puzzle was a perfect match
with an orange-chocolate creme brulee accompanied by orange sorbet,
and the Mansion’s Dark Chocolate Composition (chocolate brownie,
cremeux, cafe latte ice cream). We also tried the Exotic Composition
of coconut mousse, exotic fruit cremeux, served wtih pina colada ice
cream. All in all, a perfect ending to a perfect wine luncheon.