Passing somewhere through the windy channel that runs between Cuba and Haiti, Lisa and I went below deck to take part in a wine tasting at sea. It was an elegant affair, even if we didn’t understand more than a few words from our English-challenged host/teacher (and I confess… my Italian is equally weak). It was all good though because the wines’ look, aroma/bouquet, and flavor communicated beyond mere words.

My friend (and loyal blog subscriber) Dennis Emerson would have liked the 2005 Nobilo, a peachy Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It was so surprisingly good, with hints of lemon and passionfruit, that I found myself asking for a second taste. I’m not crazy about acidity, and that might be why I liked the Nobilo so much. This wine was very well balanced (more than the ship last night). Please let me know if anyone can find it anywhere on the mainland, and if you give it a try, feel free to share your comments.

Strangely enough, I keep saying that I’m a “red” man, then recommending and purchasing whites. Maybe this is a mid-life wine crisis. I’m not sure, but I found myself enjoying the Nobilo and a 2004 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay much more than the La Crema (Sonoma Coast) Pinot Noir. I still haven’t found a California Pinot that holds a candle to most we’ve discovered in Oregon. Cabernets, Merlots, and many whites are a whole different matter (and topics for future posts).

Rounding out the high seas tasting were an eye-opening bottle of Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia), which was so sharply tart that my eyes watered and mouth puckered up, and a very sweet Errazuriz, 1999 Late Harvest Savignon Blanc, that the ladies sure liked, but was a bit like drinking syrup for me. Let’s just say that after one quick sip, I happily shared the rest of my glass. What a gentleman!

Well, enough about wine - it’s off to another buffet. I haven’t eaten for over an hour. But before I log off, a quick tip. For anyone plotting a cruise, check your ship’s activities for these tastings. It’s a very relaxing way to enjoy an hour or two at sea, even if the only thing that you learn is maybe you have a little thing for whites. Bon voyage!

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