Red Wine Charles Smith CasaSmith Cervo Barbera 2019. Charles Smith started out his working life as a rock band manager, and it was here that he first fell in love with wine while touring Europe. When he was finally ready to return to settled life in the US, it was only natural that he would choose winemaking for his next endeavour. After successfully teaching himself how to make wine, Smith celebrated his first vintage in 1999 with 330 cases of Syrah. Since then the label has flourished and Smith has been named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine and by Wine Enthusiast magazines. This elegant Barbera is frequently lauded as one of the best expressions of the grape to be found outside Italy. It is a single vineyard cuvee made with fruit from Northridge Vineyard in Washington State’s Wahluke Slope appellation. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels on the lees before bottling. Enticing notes of cassis, black cherry, and plum immediately burst out of the glass followed by deeper hints of sunbaked earth, sweet spice and licorice. The elegant yet intense flavour profile makes it a great option to pair with game dishes like venison or guinea fowl as well as charcuterie, hard cheeses and pasta dishes.
2019
Red Wine Charles Smith CasaSmith Cervo Barbera 2019
Red Wine Charles Smith CasaSmith Porcospino Primitivo 2019. Self-taught winemaker Charles Smith spent his early career working as a rock band manager and touring Europe. It was here that he first fell in love with wine culture, and later when he returned to the States it was an easy decision to go into winemaking in Washington State. Smith celebrated his first vintage in 1999 and since then he has been recognised for his talent numerous times, including being named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine and by Wine Enthusiast magazines. This elegant Primitivo is a great example of the Smith style with plenty of rich ripe fruit balanced with grace and poise. The fruit all comes from Northridge Vineyard in the Wahluke appellation and once in the winery it is fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The young wine is then aged on the lees for 10 months in neutral French oak. This light touch in the winery allows the natural beauty of the terroir and grape to shine through. On the nose there are enticing notes of plum, crushed wild berries, and dried fruit while the first sip reveals a robust full body, firm tannins, and velvety texture.
2019
Red Wine Charles Smith Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Self-taught winemaker Charles Smith grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just outside Sacramento. Bitten by the travel bug, he spent his early career managing rock bands including the famous Danish group The Ravonettes. While living in Denmark and Scandinavia and touring all over Europe, he developed a passion for fine wine that would eventually drive him to open his very own winery. In 2001 Smith made his first batch of just 300 cases of Washington State wines. Since then he’s been named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine, Wine Enthusiast, and Seattle Magazine. This easy-going red is a great example of the Charles Smith style with plenty of fruitiness, a rich full body and real depth of flavour. On the nose there are intense notes of blackberry, dark plum and baking spice while the first sip reveals smooth tannins, a well-built structure and a pure, clean finish with subtle notes of vanilla and liquorice. This light-hearted red is great to enjoy on its own, alongside a generous platter of charcuterie and cheeses, or paired with your favourite pizza and pasta dishes for a casual family dinner.
2019