Red Wine Idiom Bordeaux Blend 2014. It can benefit from decanting. Created by the Bottega Family winery, the Idiom line is a selection of high quality wines from the Stellenbosch wine region. The production is a complete family affair with everything down to the design of the labels created by the family members. The vineyards are located at the foot of towering granite mountains overlooking False Bay at 200-350m above sea level. The soils are composed of decomposed granites, in some places relatively shallow and very stony, on a clayey bottom, ideal for growing grapes. This full-bodied cuvée in classic Bordeaux style is the flagship wine of the Idiom range. The blend, made of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, matures for 14 months in small 225 liter French oak barrels. The wine shows a very expressive nose with fascinating aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, and tobacco, hints of sour blueberry and cherry which compete well with blackcurrant leaves and soft smokey notes. On the palate, the wine is succulent with firm tannins and a lot of red and black fruit, hints of cedar wood, vanilla, spices, and dark roasted coffee. The finish is long and extremely pleasant. It makes the perfect companion for Beef Wellington, roast lamb, or medium-aged cheeses.
2014
Red Wine Idiom Bordeaux Blend 2014
Red Wine Michel Rolland Mariflor Pinot Noir 2014. Decanting is optional, up to an hour before serving. Mariflor is a stunning range of wines produced by Bodega Rolland, the Argentinian venture from legendary wine consultant Michel Rolland. Mariflor wines are all sourced from a 247-acre vineyard, found in Uco Valley at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The vineyard is situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level and is managed personally by Michel and his wife Dany, who is also a renowned wine-maker. Most of the land is given over to bold red wine grapes, but a small portion is dedicated to more delicate varietals, such as Pinot Noir, which is an absolute must-try from this label. While Pinot Noir struggles in most environments, the harsh, pest-resistant soil of Uco Valley pushes the grape to its magnificent limit. It has a subtle nose, with understated dark and red fruits, hints of vanilla, liquorice and a belt of oakiness that verges on tar. On the palate, the wine’s elegance becomes more obvious, as do flavours of ripe raspberry, plum and wild hedgerow. It has a beautiful balance between alcohol and acidity, which gives it a brilliant liveliness and a lingering finish. Pair it with a savoury roasted bird, a salmon dish, or a mushroom risotto.
2014
Red Wine Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino 2014. Decant 1 hour before serving. Set in the gorgeous Val d’Orcia hills, this stunning Montalcino estate has been in the hands of the same family for over two centuries and still upholds many of the old traditions of the region. The 30-acre estate is divided between vineyards, olive trees and cereal production, with just 3 acres dedicated to the production of their exceptional Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines. Their Brunello in particular consistently receives outstanding scores in the mid to high 90s from international wine critics like James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast. The complex nose opens with layers of rich dark berries, mushroom, leather and hints of forest floor which develop and intensify on the palate into cassis, smoky tobacco, cured meat, and bitter licorice and chocolate. Structurally the full body and smooth tannins are carefully balanced by a bright acidity and impressively long finish which will respond well to further ageing over the next decade or so. An excellent addition to any collector’s cellar, this powerful red is also a great wine to enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes such as a prime steak, rich beef stews or seasonal game served with roasted vegetables.
2014