Red Wine Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2020. Lapis Luna’s eyecatching labels reflect the winery’s Latin name which refers to the stone” and the moon’, two elements which they believe play a crucial role in crafting delicious wines. The 400-year old copperplate engravings illustrate the complex relationship between the earth and the moon, which is always calling humanity to reach higher and exceed our earthly limits. Winemaker Drew Stap takes a similar approach in discovering top quality vineyards in the Lodi and North Coast appellations to create otherworldly wines at excellent price points. This big and juicy Zinfandel offers knockout flavours of cassis, crushed wild berries, violets and hints of black pepper and sweet vanilla on the long finish. On the palate there’s a rich full body, firm tannins and bold structure which makes this a great partner for barbecued meats, steak, lasagne or fresh pasta served with a hearty bolognese sauce. The fruit for this wine comes from choice sites in the North Coast AVA and is carefully selected for its balance, freshness and aromatic qualities. Once in the winery the fruit is vinified with the latest winemaking technology and aged in oak barrels to add a delicate touch of spice without overwhelming the natural fruit character.
2020
Red Wine Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2020
Red Wine La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo 2020. When Giuseppe Rivetti founded La Spinetta in Castagnole Lanze in the heart of the Moscato d’Asti region in 1977, the local area was primarily known for its sweet and simple dessert wines. The visionary Giuseppe was quick to recognise the potential of the land for producing top quality wines and began by creating a selection of excellent white wines. In the 1980s the Rivettis also began experimenting with red wines and later acquired land in other appellations including Barolo and parts of Tuscany. This benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo is crafted with fruit from the family’s three Barbaresco vineyards in Neive. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified in temperature-controlled vats. The young wine is then transferred to used French oak barrels for 12 months followed by another 6 months of bottle ageing. Fresh red berries, dried herbs and mint characterise the nose while on the palate there are intense notes of plums, red cherry and tobacco leaf. The first sip reveals a medium body, well-developed structure and Nebbiolo’s classic firm tannins which will soften with additional cellar ageing. The rich fruit character and robust structure make this a great match for roasted and barbecued red meats, stews, and rich pasta dishes.
2020
Red Wine La Vizcaina La Vitoriana Mencia 2020. No need to decant before drinking. Raul Perez is quickly becoming one of today’s most well-known winemakers with his commitment to nature and making wines that are unadulterated and truly resembling where they come from. The La Vizcaina label is a relatively new project for Raul, as he continues his exploration of the hillsides and crus surrounding his home village of Valtuille de Abajo and Loma de Valtuille in Spain’s Bierzo region. The La Vitoriana comes from a dry farmed, field blend of mainly Mencia from ancient bush vines densely planted in the vineyard. The parcel was originally planted in 1890 and enjoys both northern and southern exposures. The soils are dominated by sand in the upper sections and clay and river rock stones in the lower. Typical of Raul Perez’s Mencia is a true expression of terroir, displayed with balance and freshness. La Vitoriana is no exception. The nose is powerfully aromatic with bright red and dark berry fruits, earthy spice, a generous minerality, and floral perfume. On the palate the wine is highlighted with bursts of fruit, leather, balsamic reduction and chalky tannins. This wine can certainly be the star of the show or enjoyed with a variety of foods including veal, wild game, cured meats, ripe cheeses, paella, and roasted vegetables.
2020