Red Wine Dry River Pinot Noir 2016. No need to decant, it may benefit from breathing before serving. Dry River winery is based in Martinborough, a sub-section of the wider Wairarapa region on New Zealand’s north island. The winery is run by a small but dedicated team of six and was founded in 1972 by Dr Neil McCallum and soil scientist Dr Neil Milne. The duo were the first to discover the potential of Martinborough Terrace, which has steadily become a focal point of the region. The soils at Martinborough terrace are dry and free-draining, ideal for delicious French grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, which are the most widely grown. Dry River winery takes a minimal intervention approach to wine-making. Natural tools are used as much as possible. Dry River’s vineyards are punctuated with beehives, and weeds are removed by hand. Scents of black cherry and raspberry take the lead, with notes of fresh herbaceousness and a cinnamon layer of earthy spice. Dry River produce a limited amount of wine each year, valuing premium quality over quantity. This Pinot Noir represents a window of opportunity to taste the very best of what New Zealand has to offer. On the palate, it is succulent and medium-bodied, with red berry flavours, notes of plum, cloves, and gentle tannins. Enjoy it now with some lamb or charcuterie boards, or hold it for a few years more.
2016
Red Wine Dry River Pinot Noir 2016
Red Wine Duckhorn The Discussion 2016. Decant 1 hour before serving. Duckhorn is the culmination of forty years of winemaking and direction by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn who fell in love with Napa Valley, then Merlot, and studied techniques of vinifying it in France and beyond. Their first release was 1978. TSG Consumer Partners took ownership of the company in 2016 but the Duckhorns are very much still involved today. This vintage marks the ten year anniversary of The Discussion, a wine that aims to highlight the expressive diversity of Napa Valley exhibited through Duckhorn’s estate vineyard program. Staying true to the brand’s dedication to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this blend is 55% and 43 % of each, respectively, and features 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The near-perfect growing season delivers a wine juicy on the nose — black cherry and wild blueberry — and still bright on the palate. Savory accents of bittersweet chocolate and cardamom follow-up with spice notes owing to 18 months in new French oak. With good structure, The Discussion bears both intensity and grace.
2016
Red Wine Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel 2016. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. In California’s northern reaches, Edmeades winery craft a variety of rugged and robust mountain wines. They have called the region home since the 1960s when Dr Donald Edmeades planted a parcel of grapes near the village of Philo in Anderson Valley. It is currently under the ownership of Jackson Family Wines and is led by chief wine-maker Ben Salazar. Anderson Valley is just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean and harbours one of the coolest climates in California. Rain, fog and salty ocean winds are funnelled into the valley, which runs approximately east to west. Slightly further south in the canyon, warmer climate varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and intense Zinfandels can ripen, each with a unique and distinctly New World style. This Zinfandel features splashes of both Syrah and Petite Syrah, together making up 20% of the blend. It is bold and aromatic on the nose, with notes of cassis, roasted coffee, and warm, homely cinnamon. Its deep red colour is matched by its striking flavour and potency – this is a perfect bottle to share with friends. Full-bodied and round on the palate, notes of jammy blackberry and chocolate give way to plum and oak on the finish. Perfect company for smoke-rich food, gamey meats, or lentil-based dishes.
2016