Author Archives: thewineguy

Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades”. – Decanter Magazine. Originally three separate vineyards established in 1873, the Draper Vineyards (La Perla) consisting of 435 acres was the first site of Cabernet plantings on Spring Mountain. Interesting side note: part of the La PerlaContinue reading “Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.”

Croatian Wines- Pt 3

Let’s take a look at some of the wines from Slavonië (northeast- inland) and Dalmatia (southern coastal). The first two wines come from the Kutjevo Winery have serious history and pedigree dating back over 800 years. Kutjevo Grasevina Dry White 2019 This is actually Italian Riesling probably originating in either Germany or Alsace but noContinue reading “Croatian Wines- Pt 3”

Thomas Rivers Brown & Schrader have done it again! Extraordinary release.

Double Diamond Cabernet 2018- Schrader Cellars. Allow me to digress for a minute and introduce you to Schrader Cellars, Oakville, California. A winery that has gained almost mythical status and spoken about in hushed tones of reverence in just 20 years as well as commanding prices out of most people’s reach. Next, we add renownedContinue reading “Thomas Rivers Brown & Schrader have done it again! Extraordinary release.”

McGuigan Wines – Two Library Releases.

McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz Langhorne Creek 2015 We managed to secure some limited stocks of the 2015 vintage and if you lack patience when it comes to cellaring this has seven years under its belt and is drinking beautifully now. Nose is enticing with layers of dark fruits, black currents and subtle spices. The palateContinue reading “McGuigan Wines – Two Library Releases.”

Croatian Wines- part 2

I also got to taste a Rosé, three delicious red wine / blends and an impressive dessert wine. Rosé 2020 I know it’s not ‘Rosé season’ (is there really such a thing) and this is a (really) late entrant but it is crisp and clean and refreshing and everything you want from a quality Rosé.Continue reading “Croatian Wines- part 2”

Croatian Wines- Part 1

I was first introduced to Croatian Wines in 1996 when I was the Portfolio Manager for a company who was the sole importer and distributor of Croatian Wines into Australia. I was super impressed and surprised at just how good these wines were, and still are today.   Like many other European countries, wine hasContinue reading “Croatian Wines- Part 1”

Classic Aussie Shiraz’s from Two Hands plus.

Two Hands Winery was born out of a conversation between two mates- Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, at an engagement party. They both agreed that they wanted to make the best possible Shiraz (and Shiraz based) wines from prized winning regions in Australia in order to showcase the diversity of the Shiraz grape to theContinue reading “Classic Aussie Shiraz’s from Two Hands plus.”

Siduri Pinot Noir 2014

“Siduri, named for the Babylonian Goddess of Wine, is the result of our founders’ mutual love of Pinot Noir- and a dream that they could make great wines of their own” Source: http://www.siduri,com Sourced from vineyards located in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a notable region for producing exceptional Pinot’s. I travelled through there 26 monthsContinue reading “Siduri Pinot Noir 2014”

Canvasback Cabernet 2016

If the label looks familiar to the point it reminds you of something, your right. This is a side project, if you like, brought to you by Duckhorn Winery in Napa. This wine is part of a select portfolio of wines sourced from the Red Mountain district of Washington State with a reputation for producingContinue reading “Canvasback Cabernet 2016”