Red Wine Tardieu Laurent Hermitage 2017. Hermitage is easily the most prestigious appellation in the Rhone Valley and is famed for its incredibly long-lived reds which can easily rival the world’s greatest wines in depth and complexity. This example from Domaine Tardieu-Laurent is crafted from exceptional old Syrah vines tended by their partner growers and ages in new oak barrels for 12 months followed by a further year in large oak casks called foudres. This extensive maturation process helps to soften the firm tannins and also add finesse and polish to this magnificent red. On the nose you immediately notice the intense cherry, blueberry and sweet spice notes along with hints of woodsmoke, dried violets and cigar box. The first sip reveals a generous full body, well-developed tannins and a structure which will respond very well to further cellaring. This is a powerful yet balanced red which would make a fine addition to any collection and can also be enjoyed now alongside a prime steak or hearty beef stew. Founded by winemaker Michel Tardieu and Burgundian vigneron Dominique Laurent in 1994, Domaine Tardieu-Laurent operates as a negociant and sources young wines from their respected partner wineries. To maintain excellent quality standards they insist on working with small producers and use biodynamic practices wherever possible.
2017
Red Wine Tardieu Laurent Hermitage 2017
Red Wine Emilio Moro Cepa 21 2017. Made with 100% Tempranillo, the classic Ribera del Duero grape, the Cepa 21 is a thoroughly modern, elegant expression of the variety with plenty of intense fruit character. On the nose there are generous notes of black cherries, ripe plums, tobacco, and hints of sweet spices. The first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins, and deeply concentrated cassis, blackberry, and baking spice flavours which linger long on the tongue. The extreme continental climate of the Ribera del Duero region means the grapes achieve optimum ripeness while retaining freshness and balance. The Moro family age the wine in French oak barrels for 12 months to soften the firm structure and add complexity and spicy hints to the flavour profile. The result is an intense, harmonious wine which will continue to develop if cellared over the next decade or so. The Cepa 21 project first began some 20 years ago when the renowned Moro family decided to take a fresh, modern approach to Ribera del Duero winemaking. The Emilio Moro winery has been in the family for three generations, but this recent venture has allowed Jose Moro and his siblings to apply their extensive winemaking experience to a new challenge.
2017
Red Wine COS Maldafrica 2017. Founded by three friends in 1980, the COS estate in south-eastern Italy has built a solid reputation for producing exquisite Sicilian wines using techniques which draw on ancient viticultural practices. The trio behind the winery, Giambattista Cilia, Cirino Strano and Giusto Occhipinti, use biodynamic agricultural practices to ensure their grapes are of the highest quality possible and seek to create wines that express the unique characteristics of the local terroir. Their COS Maldafrica is a sumptuous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which are grown on clay and limestone soils. After the harvest the wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts in large terracotta amphorae known as giare” which were used in ancient times to make and age wines. The wine is then aged in oak barrels before it is ready for bottling. The result is an incredibly pure and focused expression of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. On the nose there are intense aromas of cherries and dark berries along with hints of dried herbs and licorice. The first sip presents a soft, full bodied wine with ripe tannins and a generous structure which would make an ideal partner for hearty dishes like beef stews.
2017