Welcome to Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
In this edition, Hockey WineUp drops the puck on the Western Conference wine match-ups. We’re pitting wine pairing against wine pairing and reminding readers why specific pairings were made. Ready for the Hockey WineUp predictions for which bottle will have the right stuff to advance to Round 2.
Let’s Go!
Matchup 1: Central Division Clash – Jets vs. Blues
The Contenders: Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Winnipeg Jets) vs. Badenhorst ‘Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc 2023 (St. Louis Blues)
HWU Prediction: Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Winnipeg)
The Sip: Our reigning Hockey WineUp Champion, the Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port, faces a feisty Wild Card challenger in the Badenhorst ‘Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc. As we noted in Part 3, the Secateurs is bursting with that vibrant, zesty energy perfect for the Blues’ underdog spirit and springtime hockey. It’s crisp, refreshing, and definitely shouldn’t be counted out. However… the Champ is the Champ for a reason. This Tawny Port boasts layers of complexity (dried fruits, orange peel hints), an elegant structure, and a long, persistent finish – all hallmarks of a contender built for the playoff grind. Think of it as the savvy veteran presence against youthful exuberance. While the Chenin is a fantastic bottle, the proven pedigree and richness of the Churchill’s Tawny feels like the favourite here. We predict the Jets’ Port pairing will have the depth to outlast the Blues’ Chenin in this opening round wine battle.
Matchup 2: Port vs. Port Power Play – Golden Knights vs. Wild
The Contenders: Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009 (Vegas Golden Knights) vs. Real Companhia Velha Vintage Port 2007 (Minnesota Wild)
HWU Prediction: Real Companhia Velha Vintage Port 2007 (Minnesota)
The Sip: This is a heavyweight tilt! A true Port showdown in Round 1. Representing Vegas, the powerful Graham’s Malvedos 2009 Vintage Port, known for its structure and intensity. For Minnesota, the elegant Real Companhia Velha 2007 Vintage Port, from a vintage widely praised for its balance right out of the gate. Both are phenomenal wines, built for aging and deep contemplation – perfect for analyzing those tight playoff contests. So, what tips the scale? While both Ports are top-tier, the storyline here is compelling. Marc-Andre Fleury’s potential final playoff run adds a touch of magic and sentimentality to the Wild’s cause. That ‘Flower Power’ narrative, combined with the slightly older, highly regarded 2007 vintage, gives the Real Companhia Velha 2007 the edge in our prediction. Expect a long, complex series… best enjoyed sipping Port, of course!
Matchup 3: Pacific Power vs. Central Skill – Stars vs. Avalanche
The Contenders: Vina Real Reserva 2016 (Dallas Stars) vs. Le Mont Sec 2019 Domaine Huet Vouvray (Colorado Avalanche)
HWU Prediction: Le Mont Sec 2019 Domaine Huet Vouvray (Colorado)
The Sip: A clash of styles! The Vina Real Reserva 2016 brings savory complexity and structure from Rioja, representing the Stars’ solid, veteran-savvy game. It’s a reliable performer. But facing it is the electrifying Le Mont Sec 2019 Vouvray from the iconic Domaine Huet – pure Chenin Blanc star power for the Avalanche. Forget simple blended whites; this is Chenin Blanc unleashed, showcasing laser-like acidity, intense minerality, and layers of evolving fruit. Think Nathan MacKinnon slicing through defenders – dynamic, precise, and built to make a difference. While the Vina Real is a truly excellent wine, the sheer brilliance and energy of the Domaine Huet Vouvray feels like it mirrors the Avalanche’s game-breaking potential. We predict Colorado’s wine takes this match-up with dazzling skill.
Matchup 4: Hollywood vs. High-Octane North – Kings vs. Oilers
The Contenders: Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (L.A. Kings) vs. Kopke Fine Ruby Port (Edmonton Oilers)
HWU Prediction: Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (L.A.)
The Sip: Talk about contrasting approaches! L.A. is paired with the legendary Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 from CVNE. This isn’t just any wine; it’s an icon, crafted only in exceptional years and designed to evolve and improve over decades. It screams structure for a championship push – sound familiar, Kings fans? Going up against this titan is the Kopke Fine Ruby Port for Edmonton – fruity, bringing immediate punch and sweetness, much like the Oilers’ dazzling offensive firepower. Kopke’s Ruby is enjoyable, no doubt. But in a grueling, seven-game playoff series where depth and resilience matter? The proven structure, complexity, and sheer class of the Imperial Gran Reserva feel tailor-made for playoff success. We predict the Kings’ sophisticated Rioja has the structure and staying power to outlast the Oilers’ upfront Ruby attack in this wine war.
The First Round Battles Are Set!
What incredible wine matchups we have decanted in the Western Conference!
Which pairing will be the most palatable alongside victory – the defending champ’s smooth Tawny or the challenger’s vibrant Chenin? Will sharing a glass of Vintage Port make a late-game goal even more memorable? Does the crispness of Vouvray heighten the excitement of end-to-end action? Can the classic Rioja turn a nail-biting finish into a sophisticated sipping moment? The best way to find out is to gather your friends, watch the puck drop, cheer loud, and simply enjoy the perfect marriage of great wine and playoff intensity!
Stay tuned for Hockey WineUp Playoff Guide Part 5, where we shift our focus to the Eastern Conference and ignite the Round 1 Wine Wars out East!
© 2025 Nicholas Shalagan and Hockey WineUp. All rights reserved. Hockey WineUp is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHL or its teams.
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