Red Wine Dry River Lovat Vineyard Syrah 2017. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded by Dr. Neil and Dawn McCallum in 1979 with the intent of producing high-quality wines, Dry River is one of Martinborough’s historic wineries. In the vineyards, there is no irrigation, and the focus is on careful canopy management and thinning of the crops to produce grapes of remarkable concentration. Today Dry River is led by a team of 6 professionals which includes Chief Winemaker Wilco Lam and Vineyard Director James Pittard. Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most interesting Syrahs, this wine is produced from selected grapes from the Lovat vineyard, one of the oldest Syrah vineyards in Martinborough, planted in 1992. After fermentation, the wine ages for 12 months in oak barrels and then for another 6 months in large barrels. The wine has a deep and bright red color. On the nose, it shows aromas of wild berries such as cranberries and black currants intertwined with vanilla, dulce de leche, and nutmeg, followed by the hints of black pepper that are typical of Syrah. The wine is very balanced with good acidity and a great body and shows an impressive aging potential. Excellent with beef and grilled game.
2017
Red Wine Dry River Lovat Vineyard Syrah 2017
Red Wine Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. It is recommended to decant it for at least one hour. Founded in 1976 by the Duckhorn spouses, Duckhorn Vineyards began its production in 1978 with a modest production of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot. Over the course of over 40 years, the company has vastly expanded its production and gained an excellent reputation as one of Napa Valley’s leading wine producers. Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon contains, in addition to the main grape, a 10% of Merlot, which gives the blend a more rounded body and a pleasant fruity intensity. In the glass, the color is deep red. The olfactory profile is strongly characterized by fragrant aromas of dark mountain fruit (especially raspberries, black currants, mulberries, and blueberries in jam), notes of chocolate, and some final hints of cedar and spices. In the mouth, the wine is rich and opulent, with intense red fruit flavors. The strong tannins and the brilliant acidity give it a perfect balance. The finish is persistent and recalls notes of ripe red fruit. This is a wine that can evolve beautifully in the cellar but can also be enjoyed right now with some good food. Try it with roast or grilled lamb, slow-braised beef, or venison.
2017
Red Wine Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon XXIII 2017. Set in a quirky World War II aircraft hanger, Dunham Cellars is one of the most celebrated small family-owned wineries in Washington State’s stunning Walla Walla Valley. Despite only starting to produce wine just over 25 years ago, the winery is renowned for its powerful Cabernets and Bordeaux-style blends. This is their flagship Cabernet is blended with a little Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot for extra complexity. Fruit is sourced from their top estate vineyards in Walla Walla and the Columbia Valley where conditions are ideal for premium winemaking. Once in the winery fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks followed by ageing in French and American oak barrels for an extended period. Expect plentiful aromas of cedarwood and spice from the oak as well as juicy cassis, cranberry and plum which linger in the glass. On the palate there’s a robust full body backed up by plenty of firm tannins and a well-built structure which will help this punchy Cab age well in the cellar. Enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes such as a ribeye steak, barbecued meats, or game like venison and wild boar.
2017