Red Wine San Pedro de Yacochuya Red 2019. Reminiscent of the American Southwest, Cafayate in northern Argentina is one of the highest altitude winemaking regions in the world. Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya was founded here by renowned winemaking consultant Michel Rolland and the local Etchart family who have been making wine here since 1850. The estate’s vines grow at around 2000 metres above sea level in desert-like conditions. The high altitude helps to produce intensely concentrated and richly-flavoured wines thanks to the intense UV rays and dry, arid conditions. Composed primarily of Malbec along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes for this vibrant red are harvested by hand in the early morning to help preserve freshness and aromatics. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless tanks and then aged in new and used French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. The result is a luscious darkly fruited wine which is bursting with cassis, blackberry and black cherry accented with hints of licorice, woodsmoke and cigar box spice. Bold and robust, this full-bodied red is a great partner for red meats including a prime steak, juicy barbecued ribs or even charcuterie.
2019
Red Wine San Pedro de Yacochuya Red 2019
Red Wine Sassetti Livio Pertimali Rosso di Montalcino 2019. Livio Sassetti was one of the founding members of the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino, and today he is supported by his sons Lorenzo and Luciano to make sensational wines that rank amongst the appellation’s finest. The Sassetti family have been making wine here for over a century and today they have 16 hectares of prized vineyards set on the slope of the Montosoli hill to the north of Montalcino. The key to their success is the quality of the terroir on the estate as well as Livio’s insistence on preserving the genetic heritage of the old vines planted here. He has also built up an impressive library of back vintages, including one precious bottle from the 1915 vintage. As well as respecting their past, the family is also at the forefront of modern winemaking in Brunello with wines like this lively and vivacious Rosso di Montalcino which is ideal for casual dinners with friends and family. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in the tank for 6 months and then in the bottle for another 6 months. This helps emphasise the vibrant plum, cassis and dark berry notes which are seasoned with hints of herbs, baked earth, and dried violets.
2019
Red Wine Sea Sun by Caymus Pinot Noir 2019. Sea Sun is the personal project of winemaker Charlie Wagner, son of Chuck, who founded the prestigious Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley, in 1972. The Wagner family has a long winemaking tradition that dates back to the mid-1850s, when their ancestors moved to California from France and Germany. But while his father, Chuck Wagner, made his reputation on prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon, the son found success with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This Pinot Noir is a full expression of the unique beauty and character of the Californian coast. Grapes are sourced in the coastal regions of Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Solano. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Its color is a light cherry red with some darker hues. It is very fragrant, rich, and expressive with aromas of ripe cherry, plum and red berries jam, toasted vanilla, black pepper, soft spices, and aromatic herbs. On the palate it shows all its elegance and silkiness. It tastes like a mix of toasted oak spice and cherry tart, followed by ripe plum and black pepper. Soft tannins and balanced acidity are perfectly integrated. Have it now with grilled steak or roast duck, or keep it for a few more years in the cellar.
2019