Red Wine Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. For the past three generations and 50 years the Scott family have been making delicious Napa wines at their Rutherford Ranch property just off the famous Silverado Trail. Regarded as one of the California’s most sustainable wineries, Rutherford Ranch was named California Sustainable Winery of the Year in 2017. Measures used by the family included avoiding the use of chemical treatments in the vineyard and instead using natural predators to minimise pest damage. Rutherford is rightfully famous for its Cabernets and this majestic example is partially sourced from the family’s Heide Ranch vineyard in the eastern part of Napa. The terroir here produces exceptionally ripe, intense fruit which helps to give this wine an opulent and robust character. Following vinification the wine is aged in French and American oak for 12 months which softens the tannins and adds extra complexity. The result is a luscious red bursting with dark berry, winter spice, tobacco leaf and hints of Rutherford dust. On the palate there’s a generous full body, firm tannins and robust structure which will help this wine age beautifully in the cellar. Hold for a few more years or enjoy now paired with steak, hearty meat stews or smoky barbecued dishes.
2015
Red Wine Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Red Wine San Pedro de Yacochuya Yacochuya 2015. Decant 1 hour before serving. The famous flying winemaker” Michel Rolland first came to Argentina at the invitation of the Etchart family in 1988. Smitten by the incredible terroir in this part of northern Argentina, it wasn’t long before Rolland partnered with the Etcharts to found Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya in the world’s highest winemaking region, Cafayate. The vineyards here are planted at 2000 metres above sea level which creates fascinating conditions for making top quality wine. Thanks to the very intense sunlight at this altitude and cool night time temperatures, the grapes reach optimal ripeness and also develop greater intensity of flavour, tannin and colour. Rolland’s Yacochuya cuvee is crafted predominantly from Malbec along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the finest vineyard on the estate which is planted with 60 year old vines. Since the days can be very hot during the summer, the grapes are harvested at night and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. Ageing takes place in 70% used and 30% new French oak barrels for 12 months. This creates a rich and robust red which is bursting with luscious dark berries, hints of dried violets and cigar box spice on the long finish.
2015
Red Wine Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015. Cellar for up to 15 years.Decanting time: two hours. Well-known for its exceptional production of Barolo vintages, the Rocche vineyard offers distinctly elaborate, romantic wines with rich floral and dried red berry undertones. This is a classic, traditional and mature Barolo originating in the Rocche cru in La Morra, which meets all expectations of the house while offering a delightful complexity of aromas and flavors. The wine is a leathery, reddish purple in color with delightful glimmers of black. An inviting yet dusky nose exposes warm, spicy berry notes with light hints of black pepper. This sophisticatedly earthy and rustic wine delivers a full mouthfeel, exploding with bright, lively berry flavors, undertones of tar, bergamot, tobacco and licorice for a full umami experience. Notable smooth, raw tannins lead to a clean, insatiable and beautiful finish. Subtle, full-bodied and well-balanced with a concentrated, bold structure that promises depth and complexity at whatever age it is enjoyed. A powerful and enticing nebbiolo. This vintage is exceptional as one would expect from a Barolo by Aurelio Settimo but particularly demanding and intense in comparison to some of the other vintages. Not one to be missed for the serious wine lover. Pair with rich, savory eats such as beef, veal, lamb, hard cheese and mushrooms.
2015