Red Wine Matias Riccitelli The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Malbec 2018. Matias’ father, Jorge Riccitelli, worked for the famous Bodegas Norton as chief winemaker and is one of Argentina’s most famous enologists. So it was little surprise that Matias would want to follow in his father’s footsteps. In 2009 Matias founded his own winery in Lujan de Cuyo with 20 hectares of prime vineyards set at an altitude of 980 to 1120 metres above sea level. This unusual bottling was inspired by Matias’ family history and the wealth of knowledge and understanding he learned from his father. Half of the grapes are sourced from vineyards in Pedriel and the remainder from the high altitude Uco Valley with all of the fruit carefully harvested by hand to maintain quality. Once in the vineyard the grapes are sorted and vinified in neutral tanks. The young wine then spends 12 months ageing in French oak barrels before bottling. Wild blackberries, damsons and plums leap out of the glass along with hints of toasted oak, sweet spice and vanilla from the oak ageing. The first sip reveals a luscious full body and silky smooth texture along with ripe tannins and a well-developed structure. A great wine to drink with charcuterie, aged cheeses, tomato-based pasta dishes and red meats.
2018
Red Wine Matias Riccitelli The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Malbec 2018
Red Wine Meerlust Pinot Noir 2018. The very first owner of the Meerlust estate, a German immigrant Henning Huising who settled there in 1693, named the property pleasure of the sea” after its stunning location on a granite outcrop just 5km from False Bay. Today it is run by Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation of the family to work the estate since they purchased it in 1756. Blessed with cooling ocean breezes and fogs which help moderate the hot summers, the property is located just 15km from Stellenbosch with 110 hectares planted with Bordeaux varietals and some Pinot Noir. Although the region isn’t well-known for Pinot, this example is made from three clones planted at the top of a hill where conditions are ideal for making elegant, Old World-style Pinot Noir. In the glass there’s an attractive vibrant ruby hue and gentle hints of floral perfume, dark berries, and wild mushrooms. The first sip reveals plenty of ripe red cherry, fine tannins, and a pure, clean finish with a lingering bright streak of acidity. It’s a great Pinot to enjoy with classic pairings like roast duck, charcuterie, herby braised lamb, or wild mushroom risottos.
2018
Red Wine Mettler Copacetic 2018. The Mettlers have grown grapes in the Lodi Valley in California ever since the late 1800s. In 1999 they finally started producing their own wines, and in 2018 Adam Mettler was named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. Today the eight generation of the family are passionate about sustainability and farm their estate organically to preserve the land in perfect condition for the future. Lodi is blessed with a warm Mediterranean climate with ample sunshine and low rainfall. This makes it ideally suited to growing powerful reds like Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Copacetic is the family’s Zinfandel-based blend made from estate vineyards planted on sandy loam soils which force the vines to dig deep for nutrients and water. The Mettler vineyards are planted in Mokelumne River which is referred to by some as Old Lodi” as it’s considered the historical centre of the region. Luscious dark berries, cherries, and hints of toast and dark chocolate dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a generous full body, smooth tannins, and a long and elegant finish. The careful balance between mouthwatering freshness and bright fruit flavours makes this red a great match for rich tomato-based sauces like a hearty wild boar ragu or a prime steak.
2018