Red Wine Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape 2019. Decant for one hour before serving. Domaine du Vieux Lazaret ranks amongst Châteauneuf du Pape’s largest and most successful wineries thanks to some 93 acres of prime vineyards spread across the appellation. This diversity of plots helps to create especially complex and multi-layered Chateauneuf du Pape wines thanks to the broad range of soil types, microclimates and different vine ages. The unusual name of the estate is the legacy of an 18th century hospice run by the Lazarist monks which have been owned by the Quiot family for generations. Their powerful red Chateauneuf du Pape is crafted from 13 indigenous varieties as is common for the region, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan. The vines used have an average age of 37 years which ensures high quality and intensely-flavoured fruit. To add additional complexity and polish the young wine is aged in large oak foudres and vats for 18 months. Boysenberry, blackberry and ripe plum characterise the nose, while on the palate there are hints of dried herbs, dark chocolate and subtle spice as well as the luscious dark berry flavours. The first sip reveals a generous full body, firm tannins, smooth texture and long, balanced finish. The powerful structure and flavour profile will help this wine age gracefully in the cellar, although it can also be enjoyed now with hearty beef stews, game or prime cuts of red meat.
2019
Red Wine Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape 2019
Red Wine Vatan Tinta de Toro 2019. Decant for one hour prior to drinking. Hailing from DO Toro, this wine is made from an ancient clone of Tempranillo called Tinta De Toro, from vines that were planted between 1910 and 1943. Extremely low yields from these old vines produce a big, structured, and powerful red wine. Deep ruby in color, this wine displays aromas of red fruit and spiced cake, with a light floral note. The palate is deep and dark, with blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate flavors providing a core, and cinnamon accents rounding out the slightly spicy finish. Firm tannins and a slightly bitter orange peel note will resolve themselves with some time spent in the cellar or a decant prior to drinking. A modern styled red wine, this Tempranillo is rich and bold, and should be matched with equally rich and bold foods. Pair with braised or barbecued red meats, game dishes like wild boar stew, or even luscious dark chocolate desserts. Bodegas Ordonez’ holdings in the Toro region consist of two vineyards of the Tinta De Toro grape. The Vatan plot that this wine is made from is planted on sandy soils with red clay subsoil. The sandy soils and intense dry heat of this region prevented phylloxera from touching many of these vines, and as a result many of the vines are ungrafted, and extraordinarily old. The Vatan is fermented in stainless steel tanks, and aged in new French oak barrels for 22 months before being bottled.
2019
Red Wine Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise 2019. Chronic Cellars was founded by two brothers, Josh and Jake Beckett, in 2004 out of a desire to turn chronic” or the very best grapes into delicious, easy-going wines. The siblings were born into a winemaking family in Paso Robles and spent their formative years on the bottling line and washing down barrels, experiences that would serve them well when they decided to found their own wine label. The duo strive for excellence in every area of their winemaking, sourcing the very best quality fruit from the local area thanks to their deep connections in Paso Robles. Winemaker Josh then carefully sorts and selects the fruit to create his signature blends. Another striking feature of Chronic Cellars is their vibrant labels which have been created by a local artist who also happens to be a childhood friend. Purple Paradise is a punchy blend composed primarily of Zinfandel, one of Paso Robles’ classic grape varieties, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Rich plum, cherry and dark berry notes immediately leap out of the glass while the first sip reveals a silky smooth texture, powerful full body, and long, lightly spiced finish. The juicy, fruit-forward flavour profile makes this a great partner for burgers, pizza, or pulled pork dishes served with barbecue sauce.
2019