Red Wine Bosquet des Papes Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf Du Pape 2018. One of the oldest winemaking families in Chateauneuf du Pape, the Boirons have been making wine at Bosquet des Papes since 1860 when they first bought the property. The estate is now run by the sixth generation and has a reputation for producing top quality traditional-style Chateauneuf du Pape which ages beautifully over at least a 8-10 year timeframe. The family works a total of 40 different parcels across the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation with an average vine age of 50 years which helps to add intensity and real depth to their stunning wines. Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is their flagship wine and is produced from the family’s oldest vines which are between 70-100 years old. The blend is primarily composed of old vine Grenache along with a dash of Syrah and Mourvedre. Once in the winery the grapes are not destemmed and the varieties are fermented together. The young wine is then aged in a combination of standard barrels, demi-muids, and larger foudres to add polish to the finished wine. The result is a complex, remarkably intense wine that has won international acclaim from publications like Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate who gave the 2017 vintage an outstanding 97-99 point score.
2018
Red Wine Bosquet des Papes Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf Du Pape 2018
Red Wine Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2018. Tucked away in a hidden valley close to the southernmost point in Africa is the 125 hectare Bouchard Finlayson estate which combines the vivacity and dynamism of the New World with the knowledge and heritage of the Old World. The winery was founded in 1989 as a collaboration between famed Burgundian winemaker Paul Bouchard and Peter Finlayson who is regarded as South Africa’s Pioneer of Pinot Noir”. The estate’s flagship wine is their Galpin Peak Pinot Noir which enjoys a cult following around the globe and helped put the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the map as a Pinot hotspot. The grapes for this bottling are sourced from 8 vineyards on the estate with the fruit harvested by hand to ensure it arrives at the winery in optimum condition. The grapes are then fermented using wild yeasts found naturally in the winery environment and on the skins, with each parcel vinified separately to give the winemakers full control over the final cuvee. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for 11 months and once the composition of the blend has been selected it is allowed to rest for another 4 months in neutral tanks. Bursting with bright berry fruit and hints of fresh mint, cinnamon spice and ground coffee, this elegant Pinot offers fine tannins, a silky smooth texture, and a pure and clean finish.
2018
Red Wine Bovio Firagnetti Langhe Nebbiolo 2018. The story of Bovio begins in 1977 when famous local restaurateur Gianfranco Bovio set out to revive his father’s estate in La Morra which had dwindled to just three hectares of vines. Gianfranco soon added some 7 hectares of top quality vineyards on the slopes of Arborina, Gattera, and Rocchettevino and recruited expert winemaker Walter Porasso to dramatically improve the quality of Bovio’s wines. Today the estate is run by the third generation of the family who have embraced traditional winemaking techniques and sought to keep production levels to a minimum to ensure exceptional quality. Long maturation periods in large Slavonian oak casks are very common at Bovio, as is the case with this Nebbiolo. The fruit is sourced from La Morra and fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by 12 months in Slavonian oak casks. The result is a vibrant yet polished red with plenty of bright red fruit along with subtle floral and licorice notes. The first sip reveals a smooth texture, medium body, and firm tannins along with a long finish. A great partner for charcuterie, mature cheeses, or pasta dishes served with a tomato-based sauce.
2018