Red Wine Mordoree Lirac Rouge La Reine des Bois 2019. The Mordoree estate is fairly young, dating back to 1986 when Francis Delorme and his son Christophe decided to start making their own wine in this corner of the southern Rhone Valley. The domaine takes its name from the humble woodcock bird which is currently an endangered species and reflects the family’s commitment to making wine in way that is sustainable and respects the natural world. Today the estate is run by Christophe’s wife and daughter who farm the whole estate organically and also apply biodynamic practices in both the vineyard and in the winery. As well as striving to produce the best possible wines from their land, the family takes a long-term view and tries to preserve the estate in perfect condition for the next generation who will come after them. This refined Lirac red is made with Grenache, Mourverde, and Syrah grapes which are harvested by hand. 10% of the wine is then fermented in used oak casks while the rest is fermented in stainless steel tanks. This creates a rich and deeply concentrated red that exudes bewitching aromas and flavours of dark berries, dried violets and toast. The soft tannins and full body make this an ideal partner for game, hard cheeses or rich tomato-based pasta dishes.
2019
Red Wine Mordoree Lirac Rouge La Reine des Bois 2019
Red Wine Luca Old Vine Malbec 2019. This remarkable Malbec was awarded 4th place in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines for 2020, a testament to its exceptional value for money and luscious flavour profile dominated by deep wild berry notes. Fruit is sourced from La Consulta and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley which is famed for being home to Mendoza’s highest altitude vineyards. All of the fruit is carefully harvested by hand and the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months to add extra polish and complexity. Seductive hints of cassis, ripe plum and blackberry dominate on the nose, while on the palate there’s a robust full body, smooth texture and notes of toasted oak and spice which mingle with the succulent dark fruit flavours. The long finish and well-built structure make this a great wine to drink alongside typical Argentinian favourites like chorizo sausages or a prime steak. The Luca label was founded by Laura Catena, daughter of Argentina’s most famous winemaker Nicolas Catena, who wanted to create bespoke artisanal wines in tiny quantities. The wines are named after her son, Luca, and the labels feature the family crest of her husband Dan McDermott, symbolising her love for her family. Laura carefully selects top quality fruit from a number of prime plots in Mendoza which are vinified according to her exacting standards.
2019
Red Wine Mark Ryan Long Haul 2019. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in Washington State, the Mark Ryan winery was founded by Mark Ryan McNeilly in 1999 with the intent of producing great wines in limited quantities. Specialized in AVA Red Mountain wines, the grapes are selected from the most sought-after vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley, and Columbia Valley. The Long Haul is mainly composed of Merlot grapes from the Red Mountain and Yakima Valley areas. The vines from Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain are quite young and the grapes from this vineyard bring intense aromas and flavors and incredible strength. The grapes selected in the Red Willow Vineyard, on the other hand, come from more mature plants (about 25 years old) and add concentration of flavors and good complexity to the wine. This is a wine with a deep dark red color. The nose offers a good intensity of aromas of dark fruits and mulberry. On the palate, the fruity flavors are joined by characteristic notes of oak and delicate nuances of sweet spices. It is a full-bodied Merlot with soft tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and pleasant with notes of dark fruit. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now or kept in the cellar for years.
2019