Wine Pairing Sesh with Jacob's Creek

Last week, I was invited to join the members of the media for a wonderful wine pairing dinner sesh with Jacob's Creek which was held at Eight Gourmets Gala in Sunway. It was also the launch of its latest groundbreaking innovation - The Double Barrel.

Let's be real here, I am not a wine expert.

However, attending wine pairing sessions for the past few years and still learning how to distinguish the specialties for each wine that I've had, I learn how to appreciate wines.

And oh, it probably wasn't a good idea to drink so much especially when you're not really a good drinker and have a flight to catch the next morning. But then again, YOLO. :p

“Each barrel performs differently, so it took time to understand the true effect on the drink, and achieve a result that was perfectly balanced,” explains Jenny Rothenberg, Brand Ambassador for Jacob’s Creek. “We started with high-quality fruit from carefully selected vineyards, from which we crafted premium red wine. We then matured the parcels traditionally in French and American oak barrels, before finishing it in old whiskey barrels.”

Driven by a culture of innovation, the iconic Australian brand Jacob’s Creek launched its latest blend of unique reds – the Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel. Coming as a pair, the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon reds have been finished in aged whiskey barrels to add another layer of complexity and texture to traditionally barreled beverages. Sounds interesting heh?

= WINE PAIRING MENU =

	Pan- seared Foie Gras x Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir  Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine
I always fancy the sparkling wines over the reds. As for the appetizer, both pan-seared foie gras and Jacob's Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir were perfect!

Next, we were served with the White Truffle Pumpkin Potage soup.

Super delicious and I wish I could have another serving of this! :p

	Smoke Turkey Drumstick x Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz and Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz

It was then followed by the entrée - smoked turkey drumstick - to be paired with both Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz and Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz. If you ask me, my personal choice would be the Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz.

Just so you know that the Double Barrel Shiraz has a full body and a generous palate which integrates a mix of sweet red fruits and dark chocolate. While subtle toasty vanilla flavours are derived from the aging process in traditional French and American oak wine barrels. Finally, the careful use of aged Scotch whiskey barrels for finishing has added complex nuances of almond husks and also softened the dense tannins to yield an incredible smoothness.

	Pan-seared Wagyu - Marbling Rade 9 x Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon and Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
Poached Lobster with Truffle Garlic Oil x Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon and Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

For the mains, we get to choose either to have the pan-seared wagyu or poached lobster with truffle garlic oil, to be paired with Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon and Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. Again, I also prefer the double barrel version of the Cabernet Sauvignon to go with my mains.

In comparison with the Double Barrel Shiraz, the Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon offers a complex palate yet reveals itself with style. Traditionally assertive tannins are evident at first, before giving way to a mid palate filled with ripe cassis, olive tapenade, and complex briary hints. Fine, dusty tannins give excellent line and length to the beverage and are layered with sweet and toasty characters reminiscent of crýme brýlýe. The unique Double Barrel technique of finishing in aged Irish whiskey barrels has integrated the myriad of flavours and brought extra richness to the palate.

It was a wonderful wine pairing session and to conclude the night, we had the Premium Chocolate and French Macaron for the sweet ending. It surprisingly goes really well with the Jacob's Creek Double Barrel!

If I have to choose one, I would go for the Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz anytime. :p

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