Red Wine Chateau Saint-Maur Saint M Rouge 2018. This stunning estate is located just 10km from Saint-Tropez close to the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Massif de Maures mountains. The original chateau was built in the 19th century, and in 1955 the winery was elevated to Cru Classé status alongside just 22 over estates in the whole Côtes de Provence. This tradition of winemaking excellence continues to this day, with owner Roger Zannier working alongside his son-in-law Marc Monrose to continually improve and equip their winery for a very successful future. Although best known for their rosé wines which make up 85% of the chateau’s production, the winery also makes stunning red wines from indigenous varieties like Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tibouren which thrive in the dry, hot conditions. Their Saint M Rouge is a complex blend of Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre planted on calcerous soils which are rich in quartz and zinc. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and used oak barrels to soften the tannins and give greater complexity and elegance to the wine. The result is a powerful yet balanced red that’s bursting with ripe plums, crushed wild berries, cherries and gentle hints of toast, spice and tobacco leaf.
2018
Red Wine Chateau Saint-Maur Saint M Rouge 2018
Red Wine Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf Du Pape 2018. Decant 1 hour before serving. The Diffonty family who own Chateau Sixtine are one of the Southern Rhone’s oldest winemaking families with roots here that go back to 1673. Until the beginning of the 20th century the family sold their grapes on to local merchants, but in 1902 they began bottling their own wines and selling them directly from their winery. Over the years the family has played a key role in the local Chateauneuf du Pape producers’ associations. In total the estate has 22.4 hectares of vineyards including some very old Grenache planted back in 1905. Their classic Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf du Pape is predominantly made from Grenache along with a smaller proportion of Syrah and Mourvedre planted on a wide variety of soil types. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel vats before maturing in a mixture of tanks and oak barrels. The result is an excellent value Chateauneuf du Pape which punches high above its price point in terms of ageability and complexity. The well-built structure, full body and firm tannins makes it a great choice for extended cellaring, or it can be enjoyed now with hearty red meat or tomato-based dishes thanks to the powerful dark fruit flavours.
2018
Red Wine Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno 2018. Founded in 2004 by brothers Josh and Jake Beckett, Chronic Cellars was born out of a vision to turn chronic” or exceptional quality fruit into memorable and delicious wines. The duo grew up in California’s famous Paso Robles wine region and learned how to wash down barrels and bottle wine while helping out at the family winery. These formative experiences planted a passion for winemaking which inspired them to create their very own label. At Chronic Cellars the driving philosophy is a commitment to using the very best wherever possible. Their deep local connections in Paso Robles mean they have access to the finest grapes which are carefully sorted and selected by winemaker Josh and crafted into big juicy blends. The striking labels are also the result of a local collaboration between the brothers and an old friend who creates the striking artwork seen on their bottles. Sofa King Bueno is the brothers’ punchy Rhone-style blend crafted from Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and a little Tannat. Powerful cassis, redcurrant and dark plums define the nose along with hints of leather, dark chocolate, and caramel. There’s a generous full body, smooth tannins and a long finish with delicious dark berry notes lingering on the palate.
2018