Red Wine Cavallotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2018. Described as the greatest Barolo producer few people have ever heard of” by legendary Italian wine critic Antonio Galloni, Cavalotto has been growing exceptional Nebbiolo in the legendary Bricco Boschis cru in the Castiglione Falletto since 1929. In 1948 they began to bottle their very own Barolo wines under the Cavallotto family name. The estate is now owned by the fifth generation of the family, Alfio, Giuseppe and Laura Cavallotto, who also produce exceptional Langhe wines like this bottling which is crafted from the youngest vines of their prized Bricco Boschis plot. The grapes are harvested in mid-October at optimum ripeness and then fermented using indigenous yeasts over a 18-30 day period. The final stage is to age the young wine in large Slavonian oak casks for 18 months before bottling. The result is a well-structured, elegant red with ample crushed red cherry and plum notes along with more delicate hints of spice and woodsmoke from the cask. On the palate there’s a medium body, refined tannins, and a rich core of dark fruit which lingers long on the tongue. A great match for traditional Italian dishes like beef tartare and vitello tonnato or a platter of prosciutto and salami.
2018
Red Wine Cavallotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2018
Red Wine Caymus Suisun Grand Durif 2018. Decant 1 hour before serving. The Suisun Valley became an AVA in 1982 yet it remains almost undiscovered, tucked away just a 30-minute drive from Napa. Similar to Napa Valley in the 1960s, it is still largely an agricultural region with many farmers who have worked this land for generations. Thanks to the Wagner family who founded Napa’s legendary Caymus Vineyards, the region is slowly gaining a reputation for exceptional wines like this Petite Sirah or Durif” as the variety is also known. The Wagners chose to label this bottling as Grand Durif” in recognition of its opulent and luxurious style which is shaped by the warm days and cool nights of the Suisun Valley. The wine is made from old Petite Sirah vines that the family discovered in the valley which give small quantities of especially rich and concentrated fruit. Once in the glass you’ll immediately notice the inky black hue that is so typical of Petite Sirah along with complex, multi-layered aromas of crushed blackberries, cassis, dark plum and wild herbs. On the palate there’s a generous full body, grippy tannins and luscious dark berry flavours that linger on the tongue along with hints of spice, tobacco leaf and woodsmoke. Ideal to cellar for another decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
2018
Red Wine Claymore London Calling Cabernet Malbec 2018. Claymore Wines, located in the beautiful Clare Valley in South Australia, was founded by Anura Nitchingham, a medical professional who aimed to cultivate her passion and perhaps retire early. The adventure began in 1997 with small volumes of Grenache and Riesling, from a single vineyard in Penwortham and has now grown to nearly 44 hectares in three additional vineyards in Watervale and 15,000 cases per year across a highly awarded range of 10 wines . Most of their wines are inspired by music or football. The Claymore London Calling is a blend of 70% Cabernet-Sauvignon and 30% Malbec and shows all the true characteristics of these two leading varieties. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months. In the glass, this wine shows a ruby red color characterized by great depth. The nose is full of explosive aromas of red fruit (blackberry, raspberry, blueberry), with soft herbaceous and spicy notes that provide complexity. On the palate, the wine is juicy, rich, opulent, and smooth with soft yet lively tannins and a long, savory finish. Extremely food friendly. It is the ideal companion with second courses based on red meat, and if you are planning a succulent barbecue, this is your wine.
2018