Red Wine SLO Down Sexual Chocolate Red 2020. This seductive Californian red is primarily composed of ripe Syrah grapes along with a dash of velvety Merlot. The Syrah brings succulent notes of cassis, black cherry and plum as well as hints of black pepper on the long finish and a firm structure. From the Merlot there’s a silky smooth texture, rich dark fruit flavours and hints of dark chocolate which linger long on the palate. Grapes are sourced from Napa, Sonoma and Santa Barbara and after vinification the young wine is aged in American and French oak barrels for 8-12 months to add polish and extra complexity. The powerful flavour profile makes this a great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years, although it’s also ideal to enjoy now alongside a prime steak, barbecued ribs, or a hearty game or beef stew. The irreverent SLO Down wine label was first created in a garage by Brandon Allen, Chip Forsythe and Bo Silliman. Chip studied winemaking at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo which is locally known as SLO, hence the quirky name of the label. The brand began with just 93 cases of wine and a dream to create fun, easy-drinking wines that are perfect for enjoying with friends.
2020
Red Wine SLO Down Sexual Chocolate Red 2020
Red Wine Domaine de la Grand’Cour JL Dutraive Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2020. Thanks to the hard work of owner and winemaker Jean-Louis Dutraive, Domaine de la Grand’Cour in the village of Fleurie has become a point of reference for authentic artisanal Beaujolais wines since he joined the family business in 1977. The Dutraives also own a small 1.6 hectare plot in Brouilly which has been in the family for over five generations and is where the grapes for this wine are sourced. The Brouilly vineyard is planted on deep clay and limestone soils and faces south which ensures the grapes get maximum exposure to the sun. The vines here are over 60 years old and are farmed organically to produce the very best quality fruit. Following the harvest the grapes are vinified in concrete tanks and then aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for 6 months. The result is a vibrant and elegant expression of the Gamay grape which exudes dark berry and cherry aromas overlaid with hints of dried herbs, graphite, and baked earth. The first sip reveals a silky smooth texture, fresh acidity, and bright berry flavours with a clean and crisp finish.
2020
Red Wine 689 Cellars Six Eight Nine Red 2020. The name of 689 Cellars was inspired by the founders’ travels through Asia where they were struck by the prevalence of ancient wisdom and unique traditions. In Chinese culture the numbers six, eight and nine are considered to be especially lucky. The number six signifies flow or happiness and helps us to move through life with energy, luck and success, while the number eight is connected with prosperity and the symmetrical shape of the number promises unlimited potential and perfect balance. Lastly, the number nine is related to permanence and longevity and is regarded as the luckiest of all the numbers. This lucky name certainly seems to have paid off when it comes to their delicious wines. This exquisite red wine is made with Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot grapes sourced from fine vineyards in the Napa Valley. After the fermentation process is complete the wine is then aged in oak barriques for nine months to give additional complexity to the finished wine. The result is a polished red wine that exudes concentrated ripe dark berry, sweet spice and dark chocolate aromas and flavours. This easy-going red blend is ideal to enjoy on its own on a cold winter night or alongside smoky barbecued meats, pizza or meaty pasta dishes.
2020