Red Wine Hess Mount Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Donald Hess was on a business trip to Napa Valley in the 1970s when he first discovered the beauty of mountain wines. The wine enthusiast and art lover embarked on extensive research in the Mount Veeder sub-region to find the perfect spot to set up his own winery. By 1978 he had purchased 900 acres here and started to build what is now one of Napa’s most innovative and pioneering mountain wineries. Central to Hess’s philosophy is the unique mountain terroir which helps to create balanced yet powerful red and white wines. This classic Cabernet is a great example of their house style, with fruit exclusively sourced from their rugged Mount Veeder Hills vineyard which sit on steep slopes at 200 to 350 metres above sea level. Hess adds a small amount of Malbec to the cuvee which they say acts as a lion tamer” to soften the punchy tannins of the Cabernet and add luscious dark fruit flavours. The young wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 22 months to fully integrate the different components and at yet more complexity. Bursting with luscious cassis, blackberry and ripe plum notes, this robust red is a great wine to cellar for a few more years or to enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
2018
Red Wine Hess Mount Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Red Wine House of Cards Red 2018. House of Cards is the handiwork of winemakers Tom Hinde and David Sayre who decided to combine their extensive experience of making wine all over California to create a brand-new project together. Their striking labels feature the cunning Joker, a symbol of both power and strength who they consider to be the ultimate master of the House of Cards. Their wines are crafted from select vineyards across California’s Napa Valley which have a reputation for producing top quality fruit. This dark and handsome red blend is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with a smaller dash of Merlot, plus a drop of Zinfandel and Syrah. These powerful grape varieties harmonise well, creating a powerful wine that’s ideal for enjoying alongside hearty red meat dishes like steak, barbecued meats, or a rich lasagna or moussaka. Ripe plum, black cherry and blueberries dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a medium body, smooth tannins and a well-built structure. The finish is seasoned with hints of spice, leather, and succulent wild berries which linger on the tongue. The well-rounded texture and easy-drinking nature of this red make it a great wine to enjoy now, although it can be kept for a few more years in the cellar if desired.
2018
Red Wine Charles Smith K Vintners King Coal 2018. Decant 1 hour before serving. Some of the most exciting and innovative wines to come out of Washington State are the handicraft of Charles Smith. The self-taught winemaker celebrated his first vintage in 1999 after falling in love with wine while touring Europe as a rock band manager. He then went on to produce 330 cases of Syrah in his first year which were met with great success. Today there are a huge range of styles and grape varieties being produced under the label, and Smith has been named Winemaker of the Year by both Food & Wine and by Wine Enthusiast magazines. This punchy cuvee is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the Stoneridge Vineyard which sits above the floodplain of the Columbia River. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented using wild yeasts and then aged in 58% new French oak barrels for 22 months. This extended maturation period helps to add complex hints of spice, woodsmoke, and toast to the final cuvee. Bursting with luscious dark berries, cherry and plum, this punchy red immediately offers up a generous full body, firm tannins, and a long, multi-layered finish. The power and poise make it a great choice to pair with dishes like barbecued ribs, a fine ribeye steak, or even pappardelle served in a rich ragu sauce.
2018