Red Wine Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2016. The legendary Rodney Strong was originally a dancer before leaving behind his career to make wine in Sonoma County. He founded the estate in 1959 and played a key role in the early days of the Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley appellations which are famed for producing some of the county’s finest wines today. The Klein family took over the running of the property in 1989 and the estate is still family-run to this day. The Kleins have thoroughly modernised the winemaking facilities and are passionate about sustainable agricultural practices. Their sublime Pinot Noir is crafted from top quality fruit sourced from the Russian River Valley. Here the cooler climate helps to preserve plenty of freshness and elegance which provides the perfect counterpoint to the soft, rich dark fruit character. On the nose there are intense notes of dark plums, black cherry and raspberry, while the palate offers a smooth entry, gentle tannins, and medium body along with dark berry and earthy hints. This is the ideal partner for duck dishes such as Peking duck or roasted root vegetable dishes, pan-fried salmon and mushroom risottos.
2016
Red Wine Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2016
Red Wine Roots Run Deep Educated Guess Pinot Noir 2016. Founded by Mark Albrecht in the 2000s, Roots Run Deep is a real passion project inspired by a dream of making sensational Napa Valley wines at accessible prices. Mark had so much faith in his new project that he even sold his house and sought financial support from friends and family to launch his Educated Guess label in 2005. Since then the brand has flourished and gained many loyal customers across the United States and beyond for their delicious and affordable Napa wines. The name Educated Guess comes from a passionate discussion over a bottle of wine about whether winemaking is more of an art or a science. After a few more glasses of wine the concept for Mark’s new wine brand was born. This theme carries through on the unique label design which features chemical formulas describing the winemaking process from a scientific viewpoint. Appreciating wine as an art, on the other hand, comes as soon as you uncork the bottle and pour out a generous glass or two. This elegant Pinot Noir is crafted from grapes sourced from the Sonoma Coast which gives it plenty of crisp freshness to balance the rich berry fruit. On the nose there are enchanting notes of earthy bramble, red cherry and plum as well as hints of savoury dried herbs, baking spice and cloves. A great partner for charcuterie, cheeses or even a big plate of fresh pasta served with a tomato-based sauce.
2016
Red Wine Rubicon Estate Inglenook 2016. Rubicon has been the Estate’s premier red wine reflecting the property’s soul and expressing Francis Coppola’s desire to create a Bordeaux-styled grand wine. Francis Ford Coppola owns the winery and works closely with the celebrated Stephane Derenencourt, the oenologist who does his best to refine the production in a clutch of top-class Bordeaux chateaux. The Rubicon Estate Inglenook possesses the three characteristics of a genuinely outstanding Rutherford wine: complexity, balance, and elegance, thanks to ideal harvest circumstances. Rubicon is the winery’s signature wine, created from grapes collected from the winery’s organically cultivated vineyards. Each particular vineyard block is maintained separately across the fermentation process and checked until blending. The wine undergoes a fermentation process in stainless steel before being racked into 300 litre French Oak barrels. This Inglenook Rubicon is an elegant example of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon; it’s a 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc blend. It reveals bold notions of crushed wild blueberries, red and black currants, and blackberry with notes of bay leaves, cardamom, and dark chocolate, plus a hint of unsmoked cigars. With a well-built palate revealing freshness, elegance, and a long and layered finish, Inglenook 2016 can be enjoyed with garden-fresh veggies and grilled beef.
2016