Red Wine Vina von Siebenthal Parcela 7 2018. This graceful Bordeaux-style blend is the handiwork of Vina von Siebenthal, a Chilean winery founded by Swiss lawyer Mauro von Siebenthal. Mauro emigrated to Chile to pursue his passion for wine and soon fell in love with the Aconcagua Valley where wine has been produced for centuries. The winery is set in an old colonial era country house and surrounded by stunning natural beauty with the lofty Andes Mountains in the background. Parcela 7 is a 10 hectare single vineyard right next to the winery which was part of the first land Mauro purchased here and boasts excellent well-draining alluvial soils ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. To create this cuvee the Cabernet is blended with Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which add complexity and firm tannins as well as rich fruit flavours. Each block of vines is vinified separately to allow maximum control over the final blend, and the individual components are aged in oak barrels for 14 months. The result is an elegant blend which is reminiscent of the wines of Bordeaux’s Left Bank with plenty of herbal and savoury notes along with the full body and well-developed structure. A great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes.
2018
Red Wine Vina von Siebenthal Parcela 7 2018
Red Wine Vistalba Corte B 2018. Carlos Pulenta, one of Argentina’s leading winemakers, founded Bodega Vistalba in 2002 based on the Bordeaux chateau model of crafting exceptional blends with great ageing capabilities. Fruit is sourced from estate vineyards in the Vistalba sub-region in Lujan de Cuyo, and the property is the only winery allowed to use the Vistalba appellation on its bottles. The winery itself is built in a distinctive criollo” style inspired by native Argentinian architecture with a clever design that uses gravity to move the grapes and wine through every stage of the winemaking process. The fruit for this wine is grown at just under 1000 metres above sea level and picked by hand to ensure quality. Malbec from 70 year old vines dominates the blend along with roughly equal amounts of Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in concentrate vats and the young wine then ages for a year in French oak barrels. This oak influence shows itself on the nose with delicate hints of cinnamon and cloves mingling with ripe plums, blackberries and dark cherries. Silky smooth tannins and a full body make it a great match for a fine steak, barbecued meats, or tomato-based pasta dishes.
2018
Red Wine Vitkin Cabernet Franc 2018. Decant for 30 minutes to an hour. Vitkin is a boutique winery that has rightfully earned a reputation for innovation among the Israeli wine community. This family enterprise began in 2002, with two experimental vineyards planted in the clay-rich soil of Kfar Vitkin, situated in the Judaean Hills, where a third of Israel’s vineyards can be found. With an aim to develop Israeli wine culture, Vitkin Winery has a penchant for elevating and experimenting with grapes that are often overlooked or underappreciated by other local wineries. Overflowing with luscious plum, chocolate, and vanilla perfume, this kosher Cabernet Franc is perfect for those who want something bold and luxurious. It is naturally spicy, exuberant, and peppery on the palate, with a silky mouthfeel and generous flavours of black fruit. It is still in its youth, with plenty of potential for cellaring. Most Cabernet Francs are best enjoyed within 5-10 years, so this vintage will be hitting its stride from 2022. When pairing it with food, consider something herbal and hearty that plays into the natural spiciness of the fruit. Roasted vegetables, creamy herby chicken, or a rack of lamb would all be excellent companions for this powerful and delicious wine.
2018