Red Wine Iuris Saltwater Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Decant 2 hours before serving. Iuris Winery owner Domagoj Klasiček has a local reputation for being a bit of a maverick thanks to his ambition to craft sumptuous red wines in a region traditionally known for its white wines. The project began in 1976 when Domagoj’s father purchased 56 hectares of vineyards in the Danube which had been planted in 1910. After the turmoil of the Croatian-Serbian war of 1991 to 1995, Domagoj returned to his homeland having spent time working at top Bordeaux estates like Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau d’Yquem. Keen to combine French winemaking techniques with Croatia’s blessed terroir, Domagoj began planting red grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Domagoj’s Saltwater Cabernet Sauvignon is a fitting tribute to the world’s most famous grape, combining rich, complex layers of blackberries, redcurrants and dark cherries with hints of mint, dried herbs and salty minerality from the Danubian soils. Following vinification the wine is aged in a combination of French, Slavonian and American oak to give the wine finesse and a generous, well-rounded mouthfeel. An excellent bottle to share at a summer barbecue or to enjoy alongside a plate of fresh pasta with a hearty tomato sauce.
2018
Red Wine Iuris Saltwater Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Red Wine Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2018. The Tedeschi family have been making wine in Valpolicella since 1630 when records show they purchased their first vines here. In 1824 Nicolò Tedeschi founded the company that bears the family name, but the estate’s modern history really began in the 1960s when pioneering winemaker Lorenzo Tedeschi began to produce exceptional single vineyard wines from the family vineyards. This enchanting Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore is made according to traditional winemaking techniques which involve creating a base Valpolicella wine which is then refermented on grape skins previously used to make powerful Amarone wines. The grapes used for this bottling come from prime family vineyards on the Moraine hills which sit on top quality clay and limestone soils. The vineyards are planted with a complex mix of local grape varieties which includes Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Rossignola. After vinification is complete the young wine is aged in Slavonian oak casks for 6 months followed by another six months of ageing in the bottle. The result is a rich, silky Valpolicella Ripasso which is bursting with deep berry, plum and dried fruit flavours along with ripe tannins and a firm structure. This is a great wine to serve with a rich ragu served with fresh pappardelle pasta, hearty beef stews, or a generous platter of charcuterie.
2018
Red Wine Te Mata Awatea 2018. Decanting time: An hour. Deep, intense crimson in colour, the deliberate nose carries elegant hints of chocolate, vanilla, dark roast coffee underneath the expertly blended grape varietals. Fresh, vibrant herbs and cassis, licorice and mineral notes contribute to the delightful, lively aroma which only enhance the intensity of the aromas. Flavours of ripe berry expand into a full mouthfeel that offers a concentrated palate with an intense core of ripe red and black berries. Flavours of tobacco leaf and black cherry intersect along the tightly woven palate, with expanding, penetrating expressions continuing to emerge along a long, clean line.The wine is well supported and carries a precise, expertly-crafted structure that promises to grow with intensity, while maintaining its accessibility. This vintage benefited from a perfect growing season, and the ripe fruit has been ideally cultivated into an expertly crafted wine. A fine, clean, lingering finish is carried by ripe,powdery tannins support this powerful wine whose lacy acidity carries through to the sustained end. Renowned as one of New Zealand’s top premier wine offering exceptional value, the 2013 TeMata Awatea is a wine which is one of those well-known and loved selections that flies off the shelf. And for good reason. Aged 15 months in approximately 35% new French oak barriques. First made in 1982 from a single vineyard, this elite Bordeaux blend is now the culmination of over 30 parcels. A very good wine, and an outstanding vintage, especially for the price. Serves well with red meats, hard cheeses and pasta.
2018