Red Wine Scarpa Casa Scarpa Barbera d’Asti 2017. In the Piemonte wine region Antica Casa Vinicola Scarpa has a reputation for pursuing traditional local winemaking practices in a thoroughly modern way. Scarpa has been making wine here in the Monferrato hills since 1854 and one of their specialisms is magnificent Barberas which are matured for long periods in large casks just like their more famous cousin, the Nebbiolo grape. This particular example is a stunning young Barbera d’Asti which showcases the tart cherry, cranberry, and red plum notes which are so typical of this style. The grapes are sourced from Scarpa’s 50-hectare estate vineyard, Poderi Bricchi, in the heart of the Monferrato. Half of the area is given over to forests and fields to protect the biodiversity of the estate which helps to ensure the vines are healthy. Following the harvest the wine is fermented and then aged in stainless steel tanks for a year. The wine is then bottled and aged for at least six months more before it is released. The resulting wine is a lively, vibrant Barbera which is ideal served with charcuterie, cheeses, or a bowl of fresh pasta with a tangy tomato sauce.
2017
Red Wine Scarpa Casa Scarpa Barbera d’Asti 2017
Red Wine Shafer Relentless 2017. Decant 1 hour before serving. Named …one of America’s foremost winemaking families…” by the Robb Report, the Shafers have been crafting top Napa wines since the 1970s when John Shafer quit a decades-long career in publishing to make wine. In 1983 he was joined in the new family business by his son Doug and in the 1980s the family spearheaded efforts to get Stags Leap recognised as an AVA. This magnificent red was first made from the 1999 vintage and is named Relentless” in honour of winemaker Elias Fernandez who still heads up the estate’s winemaking to this day. Fruit is sourced from two vineyards set on the sloping foothills of the Vaca Mountains just to the south of Stags Leap District. The terroir here is well-suited to Syrah, helping to create a brooding, intense red with plenty of richness and depth. Succulent black plum, baked cherries, and savoury herbs dominate on the nose, while the palate offers a dense core of fruit seasoned with gentle hints of spice from 30 months of ageing in new French oak barrels. The ripe yet firm tannins and powerful full body make this a great wine to stash away in the cellar for a few more years.
2017
Red Wine Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. One of Napa’s most famous names, Silverado Vineyards is located in the legendary Stags Leap District which is home to so many of California’s top producers. The estate was founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller and Diane’s mother Lillian Disney who chose to name the property after a nearby abandoned silver mining town. Today the estate is run by the third and fourth generations of the family who continue to specialise in sensational Cabernet Sauvignon grown on one of the Valley’s finest terroirs. Their Estate Grown Cabernet was recently selected as one of the best Cabernets by Wine & Spirits magazine and is regularly awarded 90+ point scores by the likes of Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling. Fruit is sourced from Silverado’s vineyards in both Stag’s Leap District and Coombsville with a small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended in to add complexity and character. In the winery the fruit carefully sorted and vinified with the young wine aged in 48% new French oak barrels for 18 months. This lengthy maturation adds polish and sophistication to this extremely ageworthy Cabernet, bringing subtle notes of cigar box spice and woodsmoke to compliment the luscious dark berry notes and hints of sweet tobacco. Firm tannins and a robust full body will help this wine to age beautifully over the next decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside a hearty beef stew, pasta served with a rich ragu sauce or even barbecued meats.
2017