Red Wine Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Decant 1 hour before serving. The Nickel & Nickel label was created to showcase the beauty and strength of the magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon variety, and this single vineyard example is no exception. The 23-acre State Ranch vineyard is situated to the northeast of the town of Yountville and consists of both older and younger vines planted on exceptional well-draining rocky loam soils. The excellent exposure of the vineyard means that the vines get maximum exposure to the sun throughout the day which helps them ripen evenly and fully over the summer. This ensures the grapes are bursting with rich fruit flavours, ripe tannins, and plenty of colour compounds. In the glass you’ll immediately notice the deep, inky red hue and enticing aromas of succulent cassis, blackberry, ripe plum and dark cherry with undertones of cedar, cigar box spice, and dark chocolate. On the palate there’s a generous full body, firm tannins, a well-rounded texture, and a powerful finish with plenty of plush dark fruit and subtle herbal notes. Great pairings for this punchy Cabernet include roast beef, hearty game dishes like venison and wild boar, a prime sirloin steak, and a smoky barbecued rack of ribs.
2018
Red Wine Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Red Wine Clos Pegase Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018. Clos Pegase owns the 365 acre Mitsuko vineyard in Los Carneros which is named after founder Jan Shrem’s late wife. The site is home to a wealth of microclimates and soils planted with 8 different grape varieties. Thanks to extensive research and experimentation the varieties have been carefully matched to the best-suited zones on the property. This Pinot Noir is grown in an area which benefits from breezes from the nearby San Pablo Bay which help to modify the hot summer days and preserve freshness and elegance in the grapes. The grapes are harvested early in the morning and then transported immediately to the winery so they arrive in peak condition. They are then vinified and matured in oak barrels for 9 months before bottling. The result is a complex and flavoursome Pinot with ample smooth tannins, a medium body and plenty of bright red fruit character along with hints of sweet spice, rhubarb and tobacco. One of Napa’s top estates, Clos Pegase is best known for its stunning modern winery designed by architect Michael Graves and vast 20,000 square foot network of caves which are used as cellars. Set in the volcanic hills close to Calistoga, the estate has a total of 400 acres of prime Napa Valley vineyards.
2018
Red Wine Amisfield Pinot Noir 2018. Drink now to 2028 Amisfield’s single-estate vineyard is situated beneath the stunning Pisa mountain range in the Cromwell Basin in Central Otago, New Zealand. Previously known as Rocky Knoll Vineyard, Amisfield has concentrated on a much more natural way to produce phenomenal wines – minimum intervention during growth of the grapes and making of the wine, and strict yield management combined with hand harvesting . The resulting fruit (and ultimately the wine) delivers concentrated fruit flavours along with complexity and balance that underlines the quality and character of the wine. Pinot Noir accounts for 60% of the production with the balance made up of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling. A state-of-the-art purpose built winery is the focal point of the vineyard and produces 20,000 -30,000 cases of wine annually. A beautiful, vibrant ruby in colour, the nose is exciting and promises such delights as raspberries, vanilla, chocolate and leather. The palate does not disappoint. Cherries, plums and brambles along with just a hint of coffee delights the taste buds with silkiness, finesse and complexity. The finish is like you have just eaten a fresh plum but lingers very nicely as you would expect from a wine of this quality. In terms of food matches, this Pinot is very versatile and will work well with beef, fish, chicken, cheese and even chocolate.
2018