Red Wine Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Dr Tom Cullity founded Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s first winery, in 1962 after recognising the region’s incredible potential for winemaking. The area benefits from a Mediterranean-type climate with summer temperatures moderated by the nearby Indian and Southern Oceans. Today the estate has four prime vineyards across the region and primarily produces cool climate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is Vasse Felix’s classic Cabernet which is crafted from the estate’s top Wilyabrup vines grown on gravelly loam soils and cooled by ocean breezes. This was the very first red wine to be made in Margaret River and it has been made every vintage since 1972. Wilyabrup is situated in the north of Margaret River by the coast, conditions which help to produce concentrated yet balanced Cabernets with ample complexity. Each vineyard plot is fermented separately using wild yeasts and an extended maceration period helps to express the authentic character of each site. The young wine spends 18 months ageing in small French oak barrels before bottling. The result is a dark and handsome Cabernet with perfect poise and balance thanks to a bright streak of acidity and silky smooth texture. On the nose there are seductive aromas of cassis, woodsmoke and mint while the palate is dominated by ripe crushed berries, dried herbs and tobacco leaf notes.
2018
Red Wine Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Red Wine Vigneti del Vulture Piano del Cerro Aglianico 2018. This magnificent Aglianico begins life in one of Italy’s remotest corners in the region of Basilicata. The Vigneti del Vulture estate’s vines are planted on the slopes of Mount Vulture at up to 800 metres above sea level where the volcanic soils give a unique flavour profile to their stunning wines. Thanks to a combination of hot, very dry summers with very little rainfall and the altitude which helps to cool things down a little, the estate’s Aglianico vines produce incredibly concentrated grapes with a perfect balance between bold flavour profile and balancing freshness. Following the harvest in the autumn the grapes are carefully selected for quality and vinified at the winery on the estate. The finest grapes are fermented in French oak casks for up to six months before being left to mature for a further 24 months in the oak barrels. The result is a bold, powerful Aglianico which captivates the senses with intense hints of ripe blackberries, blueberries and dark cherries along with black pepper notes. On the palate the entry is incredibly soft and smooth with fine tannins and a generous full body. Rich dark berry flavours dominate the palate along with a subtle acidity and a very long finish. This is a wine which is ideal to drink now with hearty red meat dishes or can be stored in the cellar for another decade or so.
2018
Red Wine Vignobles Mayard Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau de Ma Mere 2018. It is recommended to decant for half an hour. The magnificent vineyards of Vignobles Mayard extend over 43 hectares 2 large and include 2 islets, one of 21 hectares located south of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation in the place called Grand Coulet, the other of 8 hectares located to the east, on the famous Crau Plateau. The entire estate covers about thirty plots spread over very varied terroirs, some of which have been planted for more than a century. La Crau de ma Mère is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah produced from old vines, most of them dating from the post-phylloxera period. The grapes are sourced from the plot called La Crau, considered one of the best and oldest in the appellation. The aging is carried out in barrels, demi-muids, and tuns for 18 months. On the nose, there are complex aromas of blackberries, spices, and roses but also some animal notes. The mouth is supple and generous, with a lively freshness balanced by aromas of ripe red fruit, and smooth tannins. This is a wonderful wine, that combines elegance, power and richness. Try it with game, a roasted leg of lamb, or aged cheese.
2018