Dr. X Tweets from...Tweeter
I'm here today to talk about my three passions - wine, cheese, and audiophile equipment. Taking your questions. Ok here's one...
Q - What cheese goes well with a Benziger Merlot and Monitor Audio Silver RS1 bookshelf speakers powered by a Harman Kardon HK 3250?
A - Wow, tough one right off the bat. You may not fully understand what a delicate balance you're trying to strike, pairing a mellow, yet insouciant wine with an audio setup that screams "forward soundstaging and aggressive sibilance." I'm playing it right down the middle: Wisconsin cheddar, and watch your footing.
Q - My wife likes Trader Joe's manchego cheese, but I prefer McIntosh amps with Klipschorns. Can this marriage be saved?
A - No need for counseling just yet, but you need to - gently! - move yourselves closer together. May I recommend a Thévenet Domaine de la Bongran Cuvée Tradition, not too threatening for her back-to-basics sensibility, but more than up to the challenge presented by your (perhaps excessively) discriminating palette. Just don't play bossa nova while you're drinking it, or the tropical intensity may melt even your iron will.
Q - We're having a party at my place next Friday, and we're having a nice spread with a selection of California artisan cheese and some of my favorite reds from the Mondavi cellars. I'm just concerned that my tinny old system (an ancient Pioneer SM-B201 with Marantz speakers my Dad got at the mall in the 80s) won't be up to the job. Help!
A - Aperion 632s. You can thank me later.
posted by The Front at 6:08 PM
2 Comments:
Dr. X, I'm provisionally happy with with the triplet I've selected for the dining room: Paradigm v3 Atoms, Adcom GFA-535 power amp, and GTP-400 tuner/preamp. I know that I like most cheeses and prefer red wines, but I'm just not sure where to take it from there. Can you help?
Dr X replies:
My goodness, you are a provocateur! While I admire your chutzpah, I feel compelled to caution you against overreaching in your culinary ensemble. After all, as capable as they are for the money, it would hard to ask more of those "can do" Paradigm Atoms.
If I were you I'd fly in some aged organic Pastureland Gouda. Like its Minnesota progenitors, it has plenty of character, without being obnoxious. Its creamy texture will complement the impressive-for-the-money but still undeniably slightly underdeveloped Paradigm rendition of that great Adcom soundstaging.
The wine is a different matter. With a GOOD sonic backdrop and a GOOD dairy confection, we need a GREAT wine, preferably one that costs less that $1,000 a bottle.
It's a tall order, but I think the 2006 Dehlinger Estate Russian Valley Pinot Noir will do the trick. In a thirsty year for Pinot Noirs, the Dehlinger stands out: rich without being overbearing, complex without unnecessary complication. It is a fine wine with great character that exemplifies your restrained but uncompromisingly epicurian lifestyle.
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