Red Wine Longview Yakka Shiraz 2017. Set on gorgeous undulating hills close to the Mt Lofty Ranges and just 45 minutes from Adelaide, Longview is a charming family-run winery which was a working dairy farm for most of the 20th century. The valley setting makes it ideal for crafting top quality red and white wines, with the reds planted on northern slopes and whites on the cooler southern-facing slopes. The estate is run by brothers Mark and Peter Saturno who specialise in producing innovative Australian wines from classic Italian and international varieties. Reminiscent of fine Rhone Valley reds, this luscious bottling is a great example of cooler climate Shiraz with ample fruit character carefully balanced by subtle acidity. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented and macerated slowly with the young wine then transferred to French oak barrels for 15 months of maturation. The result is a rich and silky smooth Shiraz that’s bursting with energetic dark fruit notes of cassis, blackberry and ripe plum. On the palate there’s a full body, firm tannins and well-rounded texture complemented by a long finish seasoned with cigar box spice and hints of black pepper. A great addition to the cellar or partner for hearty red meat dishes.
2017
Red Wine Longview Yakka Shiraz 2017
Red Wine Luce della Vitte 2017. Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years.. Decant 1 hour before serving. The legendary Luce della Vitte is widely recognised as one of Italy’s finest Super Tuscans and the first wine from Montalcino to combine both Sangiovese and Merlot. Luce was born of a collaboration between the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi who together realised the benefits of combining soft, well-rounded Merlot grapes with Montalcino’s typically elegant and finely-structured Sangiovese. The grapes used for this exquisite wine are all sourced from prime sites in Montalcino which sit at an altitude of 350-420 metres. Following the harvest in September the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then matured in 85% new oak barrels for 24 months. The result is a remarkably complex and multi-layered wine that oozes charm and sophistication. Fresh black cherries, cassis, and blueberries sing out on the nose, while the palate offers rich berry jam and hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. The firm structure and tannins means this is an excellent contender for extended cellar ageing and will continue to develop and evolve over the next decade or so.
2017
Red Wine Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi – Merlot 2017. Decant up to 1 hour before serving. In the picturesque Alazani River Valley, between two giant mountain ranges, Marani produce high-quality Georgian wines for the whole world to enjoy. Their headquarters is Telavi Wine Cellar, founded in 1915 and situated in one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world, Kakheti. Marani combine innovation with a deep respect for Georgian wine-making culture. While a portion of their Kondoli vineyard is dedicated to international grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and the lush Merlot, the majority is planted with native fruits. This 50/50 blend of Saperavi and Merlot combines the best of both. Lavish aromas of dark fruits dominate the nose, and cassis mingles with subtle smokey notes and a splash of mint in this dry red. Fruits are gathered from the Kondoli vineyards by hand and stored in closed oak barriques for 6 months, before being blended and aged for another year. The mouthfeel is full and succulent, reminiscent of a handful of blackberries. These dark fruit flavours are accompanied by the smokiness of tobacco and herbs, and some oaky notes obtained from aging. Drink now, or cellar for further aging. This wine pairs well with dense meat, such as beef or venison, and a variety of harder cheeses.
2017