Joie Noble Blend (2006) - A Pairing Experiment Part II

An addendum to the Joie Noble Blend (2006) - A Pairing Experiment post. We drank the rest of the Noble Blend last night (by itself). To my surprise, it was not as tropical as we had remembered, explaining some of the flavors from the night before. Still, we definitely tasted more of the fruits when drinking it by itself, especially as it warmed. We had not served it particularly cold the previous evening – so that was not the issue. It may be that we were recalling the 2005, which had a slightly different composition. Alternatively, it may be that the flavors changed over the year, or it may just have been that bottle (storage, etc.). My bet is on the vintage. The 2007 is slightly different again. It seems to me that the Noble Blend blend is becoming more refined and less in-your-face lush fruit with each offering. (I must admit, I loved the in-your-face lushness.)

I do, however, have a pairing suggestion for the 2006, if you’ve still got some around: grilled halibut with a lemon butter caper sauce, topped with a little tomato jam with lemon and coriander, served over an Israeli cous-cous ‘pilaf’ (with shallots, stock, and lemon thyme), and sautéed baby spinach.