Red Wine Davis Bynum Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017. Davis Bynum was the first winemaker in the Russian River Valley to produce a single vineyard Pinot Noir in the 1970s. He was amongst the region’s pioneers who realised the cool climate was ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and he set out to emulate the Burgundian approach with a uniquely Californian twist. In 2007 the estate was taken over by Bynum’s great friend, Greg Morthole, who continues his mentor’s legacy by seeking to innovative while maintaining the highest possible quality standards. This stunning single vineyard Pinot is made in a richer style with plenty of dark fruit character balanced by a crisp freshness. On the nose there are hints of cassis, blackberry, and ripe dark plums while the first sip reveals a full body, velvety texture, and very soft tannins. Following vinification the wine is aged in a combination of French and Hungarian oak for 11 months which adds subtle smoky and sweet spice notes. The power and finesse of this wine make it a great match for rich duck dishes like Peking duck and smoked duck salads. It also shines alongside beetroot risottos, pasta served with mushrooms, and roasted pork.
2017
Red Wine Davis Bynum Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
Red Wine Querciabella Camartina 2017. Decant 1 hour before serving. Querciabella is considered one of Chianti’s premier producers thanks to the vision and foresight of owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni who converted the estate to organics in 1988 and biodynamics in 2000. Today the property has some 74 hectares of vines in the Chianti Classico appellation which include many of Chianti’s most prized crus. Querciabella’s flagship wine is Camartina, a legendary Super Tuscan which was first produced back in 1981. Composed of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this magnificent cuvee was named Best Italian Wine in 2004 and regularly receives rave reviews from wine critics like Antoni Galloni who described it as Superb!” in 2020. Camartina is produced in tiny quantities only in the very best vintages, with the two grape varieties vinified and aged separately in French oak barrels for 18 months. The top lots are then selected to go into the final blend and the wine is left to mature and fully integrate before it is deemed ready to release. The power and complexity of this opulent red make it a great wine to cellar for a while longer or to enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
2017
Red Wine Querciabella Turpino 2017. Recognised as one of Chianti’s top producers, Querciabella means beautiful oak” in Italian in reference to the charming woods that surround the estate’s 74 hectares of vineyards. Nature comes first on the Querciabella property which was certified as organic in 1988, embraced biodynamics in 2000, and recently adopted vegan principles throughout their operations. The success of this pioneering winery is largely thanks to visionary owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni who founded the project in 1974. Querciabella is probably best known for its magnificent Super Tuscan wines which are crafted from international grape varieties. Turpino is an enchanting blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah which are sourced from Querciabella’s 32 hectares of vines in Tuscany’s coastal Maremma region. Conditions here are ideal for these grapes due to the proximity of the sea which provides regular cooling breezes to help preserve freshness and aromatics in the fruit. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in traditional-style wooden vats and the young wine then ages in French oak barrels for 16 months to add extra polish and complexity. Production is limited to just 10,000 bottles per vintage to maintain quality. The result is a perfectly-balanced Super Tuscan that exudes notes of wild berries, savoury herbs, and hints of sandalwood and baking spice from the oak.
2017