Red Wine Jordan Cobblers Hill 2017. Decant 2 hours before serving. Set on the site of a historic 300-year old farm in the idyllic surroundings of Stellenbosch Kloof, the Jordan estate’s modern incarnation as a top South African producer began in 1982 when Ted and Sheelagh purchased the 146 property in 1982. The couple extensively replanted the 146 hectare farm and carefully selected varietals which were a good match for the local soil and climatic conditions. Gary and Cathy Jordan, the couple’s son and daughter-in-law, spent a couple of years working internationally to learn the winemaking trade before returning home in 1993 to take over the running of the estate. This unique wine honours the Jordan family’s history as talented cobblers and is a limited release wine crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. The unique climatic conditions of Stellenbosch Kloof make this an excellent area for growing these Bordeaux varietals as the vineyards enjoy a Mediterranean climate cooled by early morning mists and breezes from the nearby False Bay. The result is perfectly-balanced, aromatic grapes that are both ripe and concentrated as well as fresh and spicy. The intense dark cherry, blackcurrant and cacao character of this wine make it an excellent partner for hearty dishes like steak or beef bourguignon. If you prefer to wait a while, thanks to the 24 months of ageing this is a complex wine which will mature well in the cellar over the next decade or so.
2017
Red Wine Jordan Cobblers Hill 2017
Red Wine Edi Simcic Kolos 2017. Decant 1 hour before serving. This majestic red wine is widely considered one of Slovenia’s finest Bordeaux-style blends thanks to the winemaking talent of Edi and Aleks Simcic. Edi founded his namesake winery in 1990 in Vipolže in Slovenia’s Gorizia Hills and has since expanded the venture to encompass 30 acres of prime vineyards on the slopes around the village. In recent years he has been joined by his talented winemaker son, Aleks, and together the duo craft very small quantities of excellent artisanal wines from both local and international varieties. Kolos is their flagship wine and is composed predominantly of Merlot along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The fruit is taken from Edi Simcic’s very finest vineyards and is only made during the best vintages. In the winery the young wine is aged in new oak barrels for 48 months to add complexity and to fully harmonise the individual components of the blend. On the nose there are powerful cassis, black cherry and plum aromas seasoned with hints of toast, tobacco, woodsmoke and cigar box spice from the long maturation. The first sip reveals a muscular full body and intense tannins that will age gracefully with another decade or so in the cellar.
2017
Red Wine El Enemigo Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2017. It is recommended to decant it for an hour before service. The award-winning El Enemigo was created when Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, Nicolas’s youngest daughter, decided to create the Aleanna winery, in the high-altitude wine region of Mendoza, to rescue some of the forgotten traditional techniques of Argentine viticulture. The ultimate goal of the winery is, according to Alejandro Vigil, to obtain a wine with the least possible intervention, a wine in which the oenologist’s hand does not leave a mark, but only serves as an interpreter of the terroir. The grapes come from the district of San Carlos, in the Uco Valley, at 1450 meters above sea level, on alluvial soils of glacial origin. Harvest takes place in distinct phases over a period of approximately a month and a half to ensure that each grape reaches perfect ripeness. To give the wine freshness and extra tannins, 30% of the stalks are kept. The wine is then fermented in used French oak barrels and aged for 15 months in ancient centenary foudre. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo El Cepillo is an austere and well-defined wine with an intense minerality reminiscent of crushed stone and graphite, toasted and spicy traces given by the oak, accompanied by extraordinary juiciness and vibrant acidity. It is deep and full-bodied on the palate, expressing flavors of black fruit, refreshing herbaceous tones, and fresh tobacco leaves. Try it with lamb, and rich grilled meat.
2017