Last week saw our last event before the summer break with our US vs Europe tasting at EuroCave in Chiltern Street.
Keep reading to find out who triumphed.......

[caption id="attachment_4096" align="alignleft" width="300"] The group unanimously declared the Californian Chardonnay the winner[/caption]
Round One - Brownstone Winery Chardonnay 2013, California vs Perraton Frères Mâcon-Loché Chrisalys 2013, Burgundy
Our mineral and refreshing Californian Chardonnay paired off against a more rich and complex Mâcon-Loché from two brothers out in Burgundy. On this occasion, the Brownstone Chardonnay pipped Perraton Frères to the post, with its subtle use of oak and fresh style.
Verdict: The US wins!
 
[caption id="attachment_4097" align="alignright" width="300"] The roses were well received on a warm summers evening[/caption]
Round Two - Red Car Winery Sonoma Coast Rosé 2014, California vs Domaine de la Croix "Eloge" Rosé 2014, SE France
Two superb rosés came next, a Pinot Noir from California and a Cinsault/Grenache blend from South East France. Very different in style, the Red Car instantly garnered some fame from it's beautifully crafted bottle and modern looking label. However, the 'Eloge' soon took the lead with it's generous cocktail of citrus fruits, peaches and fresh fragrances of crushed strawberries.
Verdict: Europe wins!
 
Round Three - Art & Science Armstrong Pinot Noir 2014, Oregon vs Domaine Jean-Baptiste Ponsot Rully 2013, Burgundy
A couple of light reds followed, both Pinot Noirs with one hailing from the more northern and cooler part of the US West Coast wine growing country of Oregon, and a classic Burgundian. They showed two completely different characteristics of the Pinot Noir grapes; the Oregon Armstrong had a nose of fruit cake spice, marzipan and a whiff of incense, packed with more savoury flavours while the Ponsot Rully, a firm favourite amongst of wine club members, very much collared the earthy, red fruit spectrum. It was a close call, but the Armstrong Pinot Noir won the vote in the end.
Verdict: The US wins!
 
[caption id="attachment_4104" align="alignleft" width="300"] It was a close call between the US and European reds[/caption]
Round Four - Varner Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California vs Tenute Fiorebelli Cabaletta Rosso delle Venezie 2014, Veneto
The final battle was between a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon and an Italian Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The Cabaletta showed beautifully, with black cherries, coffee and dark chocolate on the nose, reminiscent of an Amarone but at a vastly lower price point. However the Varner Foxglove, the product of twin brothers who wanted to let the fruit speak for itself, stole the show with it's deep flavours of black fruits plus some liquorice and black pepper.
Verdict: The US wins!
 
Written by Marie Wilton