Red Wine Domini Veneti La Casetta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2018. Domini Veneti is the flagship label given to the finest wines made by Cantina Valpolicella Negrar, widely regarded as one of Veneto’s most important producers. Founded in 1933 by seven local families, the very first Amarone was produced here in 1939 and today the winery has over 200 members which continue its legacy of making benchmark Valpolicella, Amarone and Recioto wines. This Valpolicella Ripasso is so named because once the young wine is vinified it is then repassed” or refermented on the skins of grapes that have already been used to make Amarone. These grapes are dried out on mats before vinification so they’re packed with really concentrated flavours and aromas. The young wine is aged in oak barrels for 18 months to add finesse and polish followed by another 6 months of maturation in the bottle. The result is a hearty Valpolicella with intense aromas of plums, red cherries, raspberries and hints of dark chocolate, sweet spice and vanilla. The full body is complemented by soft, well-rounded tannins, a smooth texture and a long finish. A great wine to pair with rich red meat dishes, game or a generous platter of charcuterie and hard cheeses.
2018
Red Wine Domini Veneti La Casetta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2018
Red Wine Dorli Muhr Carnuntum 2018. The story of Dorli Muhr begins in 1912 when the 18 year old Katharina Muhr was given a modest 0.17 hectare plot of vines by her aunt. Over the years Katharina tended to the vines and enjoyed the wine they gave until the vines eventually died off and the land was left fallow. In 1995 Katharina’s granddaughter Dorli Muhr had her own dream of making wine and began to replant the fallow land. The project soon blossomed and grew into a boutique winery where Dorli now works alongside her daughter, Anna. Carnuntum is crafted from 65% Blaufränkisch and 35% Syrah and undergoes very light-handed treatment in the winery to showcase the character of the varieties and terroir. The grapes are fermented using wild yeasts and without the addition of sulphur with maceration taking place slowly in large wooden casks. The young wine is then left to mature for two years to produce a very well-rounded and balanced red with a lively personality. On the nose there are enticing hints of red cherries, plums and violets while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity and medium body. The rich red fruit flavours on the palate linger long on the tongue and the moderate tannins and finely-built structure make this a great choice for extended cellaring over the next few years.
2018
Red Wine Duckhorn Goldeneye Confluence Pinot Noir 2018. Established in 1996 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, owners of Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye is a Californian winery, widely known for producing high-quality Pinot Noirs. Its first grapes were harvested in 1997, and they only produced 375 cases of wine. The estate extends over 81 hectares of land divided into 4 vineyards: the Narrows is the northernmost and closest to the Pacific, the Split Rail and Gowan Creek vineyards are located in the heart of the Anderson Valley, where they are affected by coastal fog, and the southernmost site is Confluence Vineyard, near the headwaters of the Navarro River. This wine is a varietal Pinot Noir. The grapes come from the Confluence vineyard which is located in the Anderson Valley near the Navarro River. The vineyard offers a wide range of soils, from lowlands to gravelly layers, as well as various exposures including hilly slopes and protected pockets. This diversity allows Duckhorn to work with ideal clones for each specific vineyard block, obtaining grapes that possess very different flavors and expressive characteristics. This Pinot Noir is delightfully lively with a seductive nose of red berries, rustic earthy undertones, and leather. The aromas of red fruit come back on the palate, where strawberry, rhubarb, and candied cherry mix with hints of blueberry, and sweet tobacco leaves. The fine tannins and the strong acidity add balance, leading the wine to a persistent finish. Perfect with guinea fowl or duck.
2018