Red Wine Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 2018. A deep ruby red hue delights the eye while the nose reveals sublime notes of red cherries, dried Mediterranean herbs and tobacco. On the palate there is a definite sense of elegance and refinement thanks to the well-defined tannins, medium body and balancing freshness. The rich red berry and sweet spice flavours and the firm structure make this an excellent partner for red meat or fresh pasta served with a rich tomato sauce. The grapes used for this wine come from Felsina’s vineyards in Castelnuovo Berardenga in the southeastern corner of the Chianti Classico appellation. The Sangiovese vines here grow on southwesterly-facing slopes at an altitude of 320 to 420 metres which helps to retain freshness in the grapes while achieving optimal ripeness. Come harvest time the grapes are carefully selected and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The following spring the wine is transferred to Slavonian oak barrels where it is left to mature for 12 months. A small proportion of the wine is aged in second and third use oak barrels. The final blend is then composed and the wine is bottled and released to the market after an additional three months of ageing.
2018
Red Wine Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 2018
Red Wine Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Family-owned winery Sequoia Grove was founded in 1979 and sits in one of Napa’s top sub-regions, Rutherford, which is known for producing sensational Cabernet. Vines were first planted here as far back as 1865 and the present-day tasting room was built in 1908. The property was bought in 1978 by James Allen and his wife Barbara and in 2002 the property was purchased by the current owners, the Kopf family. The grapes used for this wine are sourced from a selection of acclaimed local growers as well as Sequoia Grove’s own plots. The family have been working with their partner growers for decades which gives them access to the very best quality fruit each year and allows them to create this complex wine which truly expresses the Rutherford terroir. On the nose there are seductive notes of dark cherry, crushed berries and cassis while the first sip reveals blackberry, toast, and black pepper flavours. The young wine is aged in oak barrel for 20 months which adds sweet spice notes and extra complexity to the finished bottling. The rich, powerful flavor profile makes this a winner with lovers of big, bold reds and a great match for red meats.
2018
Red Wine Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes Du Rhone Pavillon Des Courtisanes 2018. Decant one hour before serving. This easy-going red Rhône blend displays a gorgeous ruby colour and enticing aromas of licorice, blackberries and blackcurrant jam. Ripe tannins and a fruity attack are immediately evident from the first sip along with hints of sweet spice, strawberries and a hint of black pepper from the Syrah. This very likeable wine is perfect to savour on its own, but also works wonderfully alongside charcuterie boards, soft cheeses or even barbecued lamb seasoned with thyme. Composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the grapes for Pavillon des Courtisanes are sourced from pebbly vineyards in Cairanne. As one of the nominated Côtes du Rhône villages whose wines are considered to be of exceptional quality, Cairanne producers are permitted to the village’s name to the bottle label. Cairanne’s other claim to fame is its proximity to the majestic Mont Ventoux which is renowned for being the toughest climb of the Tour de France. Jean-Luc and his wife Anne have specialised in making top quality wines across the Rhône Valley and the South of France since purchasing their first vineyard in Cornas in 1986. They’ve recently been joined by daughter Laure who is developing her own estate in Saint-Péray and has a keen ambition to gain recognition for this little-known Rhône appellation.
2018