Red Wine Beran Zinfandel 2017. Fifth generation Napa winemaker Joseph Wagner started making his own award-winning wines a decade ago, and in 2014 he founded the Copper Cane label which captures the essence of the California terroir. He’s the youngest son of Chuck Wagner who founded Napa’s famous Caymus Vineyard in the 1960s. Beran is Joseph’s line of magnificent Zinfandels which are named after the powerful bears living in the Golden State’s wilderness areas. Like those strong and untamed beasts, this Zinfandel captures the true power and authenticity of the grape with an emphasis on rich fruit flavours and a silky-smooth texture. Grapes are sourced from across California including prime vineyards in Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and the rugged Sierra foothills of Amador County. Each plot brings its own character to the finished wine, creating a complex and multi-layered flavour profile. Seductive notes of ripe cassis, blackberries, plums and dried fruit dominate on the nose while on the palate there are deeper notes of sweet licorice, spice and leather. The firm tannins, long finish and well-rounded mouthfeel make this a very easy wine to drink, especially when served alongside a generous platter of charcuterie, barbecued ribs, or a ribeye steak.
2017
Red Wine Beran Zinfandel 2017
Red Wine Bessa Valley Enira 2017. The Bessa Valley winery occupies a stunning setting between Bulgaria’s lofty Rhodope Mountains and the Maritsa River. It was here that Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several esteemed Bordeaux estates including Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, found the perfect spot to create Bordeaux-style wines from the exceptional local terroir. Bessa Valley’s 140 hectares of vines benefit from hot, sunny summers with temperatures moderated by the nearby mountains and excellent clay limestone soils. This particular cuvee is a great introduction to their house style, blending plenty of Merlot with Syrah and a dash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After vinification the wine spends one year ageing in French oak barrels for extra polish and complexity. Succulent dark berries, plums and mulberries immediately jump out of the glass along with deeper hints of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. On the palate there’s a robust full body, firm yet smooth tannins and a long finish seasoned with woodsmoke and sweet spice. The easy-going nature of this red make it a great choice to combine with charcuterie and mature hard cheeses as well as to drink on its own in good company.
2017
Red Wine Schuster Eisenhut Reserve Pinot Noir 2017. The Schuster winery is located in Großriedenthal in the Wagram wine region which is considered to be one of the “most beautiful villages in Austria The Schuster family have been making wine here for over 250 years and adopt a long-term approach to their winemaking by seeking to work in harmony with nature wherever possible. Although 75% of the family’s annual production is white wines, the cool climate conditions in this part of Austria are also ideal for creating elegant, fresh red wines like this Eisenhut Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine is made with selected grapes from the family’s top plots along with small quantities from trusted neighbouring growers in some vintages. The family only produces a few thousand bottles each year. The nose opens with charming notes of cranberry, red cherry, and earthy and herbal hints while the first sip offers a mouthwatering freshness and spicy notes which linger long on the tongue. The fine texture, smooth entry, and refined tannins make this incredibly easy to drink and a versatile gastronomic wine. Try pairing with charcuterie, mature cheeses, and fresh pasta served with a hearty tomato-based ragu.
2017