Red Wine Lagvinari Aladasturi 2019. Eko Glonti worked as a medical doctor and geologist before a chance encounter with the natural wine champion Isabelle Legeron led him to start making his own wines. He produced his first vintage in 2011 at the age of 49 and since then he has dedicated his winery to crafting sensational Georgian wines using traditional winemaking methods that date back to ancient times. Eko’s Aladasturi red wine has been compared to a fine red Burgundy thanks to the elegance and poise of this classic Georgian grape variety which is barely known outside of the country. Eko uses large clay pots or qvevri to ferment the fruit, a practice which is thought to have been used by the earliest winemakers. After 8 months in the vessel, including 3 months of skin contact, the wine is ready to be bottled. In the glass the first thing you’ll notice is the delicate pale red hue and enticing aromas of pomegranate, red cherries, and bay leaf. The first sip reveals a medium body, refreshing acidity, and a gentle core of ripe red fruit which lingers on the palate. The subtle tannins and balanced flavour profile make this a great wine to match with tomato-based dishes or charcuterie.
2019
Red Wine Lagvinari Aladasturi 2019
Red Wine Lagvinari Otskhanuri Sapere 2019. The country of Georgia has been making wine for thousands of years, but it is only recently that the rest of the world has discovered their unique natural wines made using ancient techniques. The wines of Lagvinari winery in the Kakheti region are a great introduction to Georgian winemaking thanks to the passion and dedication of former doctor Eko Glonti who produced his first vintage in 2011 in collaboration with natural wine writer Isabelle Legeron. This cuvee is made from the indigenous Otskhanuri Sapere variety which is fermented and matured in large clay pots or qvevri. The qvevri are buried in the ground to help maintain a constant temperature during the vinification process, and the young wine is left to age for 8 months before bottling. The result is a very special and original style of red wine with a rich purple colour and enticing aromas of plum, bramble and dried herbs. The first sip reveals a generous full body balanced by a streak of freshness and smooth tannins. The finish is long and harmonious with plenty of dark fruit and notes of cedar and undergrowth.
2019
Red Wine Lapis Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. This otherworldly California winery is named after the Latin words for stone” and the moon”, a reference to their belief that humanity is always reaching for something better. In this case, their delicious wines are designed to offer an excellent flavour profile at a very good price, using quality fruit from the Lodi and North Coast AVAs produced by their partner growers. For this approachable and easy-going Cabernet, winemaker Drew Stap carefully selects fruit from the well-known Shoup Vineyard in Lodi which is known for its balanced and perfectly ripe grapes. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified using the latest winemaking technology and aged in oak barrels to add polish and complexity without overpowering the naturally luscious fruit flavours from the Cabernet grapes. Bright black cherry, plums and crushed dark berries immediately jump out of the glass, while the first sip reveals punchy tannins, a smooth texture, and a robust full body with ample dark fruit flavours. On the finish notes of blackberries and blueberries mingle with toasted oak, spice, roast coffee beans and dark chocolate, inviting you to take yet another sip of this enchanting Cabernet.
2019