As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery- 145 years.

Beringer Napa Cabernet 2016

As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery with 145 years under its belt, you know they have to be doing something right, or to be more accurate many things right. A tour of the majestic grounds will give you a glimpse into Napa’s past- it’s almost like stepping back in time. From the impressive 19th century architecture and the tranquil grounds with vineyards fanning out in all directions to the hand dug out cellars and caves. It sets the stage to taste some wonderful wines. In fact, the entire estate was designated a Historic District on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

Beringer is the only winery to have both a red and a white wine feature in the #1 position in Wine Spectator’s Top 100.

Quick comment about the wine before we get into specifics, this has 6 years of aging already done for you with a wonderful mouthfeel that is both silky-smooth and inviting.

Has a distinctive Beringer/Napa nose of blackberries and chocolate that is enticing. The palate is restrained with impressive depth and complexity with a core of blackberries, chocolate and cassis with secondary layers of plum, vanilla that coats your mouth from the first sip. Got another 5 – 7 years cellaring time.

Salentein Gran VU Blend 2012 – Library Release

If your looking for something special from South America, look no further.

The winning combination here is Bodegas Salentein’s unswerving commitment to making world standard wines, José Galante’s winemaking ability and the Uco Valley’s unique conditions, considered by many to be the finest site for growing grapes and making wine in all of South America.

This is a blend of 62% Malbec and 38% Cabernet and aged in French Barrels for 24 months with the result of making one of the most impressive wines I’ve tasted from Sth. America. Did I mention the vintage is 2012 so a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of cellaring has been done already?

Enticing nose of dark fruits but it’s the palate that will convince you just how good this wine is. Give this wine a little breath time to open up and reveal its true complexity and appeal. Integrated layers of ripe blackberries, blueberries, plum, chocolate, coffee and spices all work together with impressive results. Drinking beautifully now but will cellar out another 5 years.

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 Perla estate incorporates the first vineyard planted by Fredrick and Jacob Beringer in 1882. All that being said, there is some serious winemaking history behind this winery not to mention numerous accolades.

I’ve been fortunate enough to taste several vintages of this wine since moving to the States and I have to say the 2018 is an absolute delight to drink, I have a soft spot for this wine, it has never disappointed me and the 2018 is no exception. Considered to be one of the best vintages in two decades, surpassing the 2012 and 2016 vintages this is excellent opportunity to grab yourself a great Cabernet made from Mountain fruit (restrained and elegant) from an excellent vintage by a great winery. Sounds like an unbeatable combination to me.

The nose opens with cherries and floral notes of violets and lavender with some dusty blueberry notes and spices to round things out. The palate is bright and full of character showcasing an array of cherries, cassis and blueberries with secondary notes of plum, tobacco and spices. Nice bold structure and tannins evident. Hints of olive and savory notes evolving on the palate after some much needed decant time- 2 hours plus.  

This wine will age beautifully over the next 10 years and will reward your patience. Given the anticipated shortage of wine out of Napa from the 2020 and 2021 vintages, this is a must buy for any serious Cabernet lover.

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 no one knows for sure.

It always amazes me that a wine this good can fly under the radar and be almost completely unknown outside of Croatia.

The nose is fresh and fruity dominated by apples, peaches, tropical fruits and floral notes. The palate is crisp, clean and inviting showcasing apples, citrus, melon and peach with impressive balance and minerality. This is way too easy to drink and will pair with seafood, pork, charcuterie and firm cheeses. Will cellar out to 2025 without a concern. Warning you now, when this wine is discovered by the drinking world the price will go up. We’ve all see it happen before.

Kutjevo Traminac 2017

Traminac has been grown in Croatia since 1710 after being introduced to the Ilok region, on the Danube, by Prince Odeschalchi from South Tyrol where it was named after the town of Tramin. What it actually is, is Gewürztraminer and one sip will confirm that fact. It actually rose to fame in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II fell in love with the wine and 11,000 bottles were ordered for her coronation. Just for the record it was the 1947 vintage of the Ilocki Podrum Traminac, which also highlights the difficulty in pronouncing some of the Croatian grape varietals and regions.

The nose is pretty and aromatic and pulls you in. The palate is smooth and round with wonderful balance and acidity dominated by white peach, apricot and delicate floral notes with secondary notes of lychee, ginger and subtle spices. This is an absolute delight to drink and about half the price of its German or Alsace counterpart making it even more enjoyable.

Just a warning: your palate will tell you there is some sweetness but its dry, not-withstanding you may think its sweeter than it is. Given that, I would pair this with mildly spicey Indian, Thai or Mexican chicken dishes.

Vinarija Peljesac 2019

This Plavac Mali is sourced from vineyards located on the Peljesac Peninsula in the southern part of Dalmatia coast. It is medium bodied and a delight to drink, especially coming into Spring, which is only a few weeks away.

The nose is enticing with floral notes wrapped in cherries and red berries. The palate is dominated by red cherries and red raspberries with interesting spices and savory notes. Delightful mouthfeel with impressive balance. If you like Pinot’s and looking for something different this is the grape for you. An hour or two decanting will help bring out its true character, after all, it’s only three years old. Will cellar out to 2027 and beyond. Pair with lighter fare including chicken, turkey, and of course fish.

Mediterano Plavac 2016

This Plavac Mali is sourced from the island of Hvar that is hose to several wineries, this being one of the best. It is also considered by many to be one of the prettiest islands in Croatia and is well worth a visit when you’re planning your next European trip.

The name means Plavac- ‘blue’ Mali- ‘small’ and is a product of two very old Dalmatian varietals. The nose is light and fruity with cherries dominating with subtle floral notes. The palate is velvety smooth with an almost Merlot and Pinot Noir feel. Approachable mouthfeel with a potpourri of cherry, plum and blackberry with secondary notes of vanilla and subtle spices. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine to drink and should be paired with lighter red meat dishes, chicken, Tuna and Salmon as well as salads, pasta and pizza. A versatile, well-rounded wine for any occasion. This vintage is drinking beautifully now but will cellar out to 2027 without a problem.

Vinarija Dingać 2013

This is the same grape as the previous two wines: Plavic Mali but sourced from the steep slopes of the Zupa Valley in southern Dalmatia appellation and is considered the best of the best and most certainly the Flagship wine from Croatia. Dingać is both the winery and the appellation and arose from a collective formed in 1937 of approximately 550 wine growers. The donkey on the label is the only way to get the grapes down from the steep slopes.

This is definitely old world in style and lovers of French wines will appreciate this. The nose is dominated by notes of plum and black current with spices immediately evident. The palate is inviting and approachable (probably due to the 9 years in the bottle) with an abundance of plums and black current (no surprise there) supported by layers of blueberries, dark cherries with notes of chocolate, sweet spices and cedar. More richness, texture and weight than you would expect from a ‘medium bodied wine’. This well-kept secret is both a delight to drink and a gem just waiting to be discovered. Pair with your favorite meat dishes or something traditional from Croatia.

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 renowned Winemaker Extraordinaire Tom Rivers Brown into the mix with grapes sourced from the best vineyards in California including ‘first-growth’ Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Las Piedras in Northwest St. Helena, and more recently the Monastery Block To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville.

Established by Fred and Carol Schrader in 1998 the winery has gone from strength to strength achieving a combined total of 27 perfect 100-point scores- an unheard feat. Winemaker Tom Rivers Brown came on board in 2000 after a chance meeting while working in a local wine shop.

“Our philosophy behind the creation of Double Diamond nearly two decades ago is that our friends and fellow wine lovers should be able to enjoy a fabulous quality, well-made Cabernet Sauvignon every day without breaking the bank” -Fred Schrader.

The Double Diamond Cabernet is sourced totally from Oakville and is 100% Cabernet. Needless to say, this is an extraordinary wine and almost impossible to obtain.

Decanter reflects the informed opinions about the 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage stating it “belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades”.

The 2018 Vintage.

The seductive nose reveals black and blues fruits with just a hint of sweet tobacco and spices. The palate is impressive with balance and a silky-smooth mouthfeel coupled with restraint and elegance that will only get better in the years to come. Everything is intentional with this vintage and exactly where it should be. Focused, with soft tannins and the ability to coat your mouth with blackberries and blueberries with secondary notes of dark cherries, dark chocolate and spices on a long lingering finish. Amazing comes to mind as I finish my first glass.

There is a sophistication and confidence about this vintage that makes it a step up from the 2017 release and as always, drinks well beyond its price tag. Looking forward to drinking this in 10 to 15 years.

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 palate is friendly and approachable with a certain elegance and charm and a richness that seems to be a consistent feature of Langhorne Creek Shiraz. Wonderful layers of black current, blackberries, plums with secondary notes of vanilla, cherries and fruit cake all work together for your drinking pleasure. Really enjoy drinking this wine. This is more of a drink short term wine- over the next 3 – 5 years. Pair with your favorite red meat dish from the grill or hearty Italian red meat or game dishes.

The Philosophy 2013

This is a quintessentially an Australian blend, of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Shiraz and draws down from both grape varietals contributing to the balance, restraint and elegance of this wine. There is a bold rich quality to this wine that is undeniable.

Enticing aromas of blueberries, dark fruits with cooking herbs are only the beginning. Delivered on a smooth velvety palate, that coats your mouth, almost seamless layers of blueberry jam, blackberries with a solid streak of dark chocolate with secondary notes of plum, licorice and sweet tobacco that lingers on a very long finish. Savor this wine, don’t rush it. You don’t want to miss the wonderful balance and finesse this has to offer. An absolute pleasure to drink. It already has 9 years under the belt but further rewards for patience can be gained over the next 5 plus years. Pair with any of your favorite red meat dishes.

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. This is a blend of Cabernet %50, Merlot 30%, Syrah 10% and Teran 10%. Both the nose and the palate feature delightful notes of raspberries, strawberries with secondary notes of cherries and pepper. For those of you that believe there is a Rosé season, bring on summer! Pair this with Salmon, seafood and chicken salads and Tuna Sushi.  

Terra Rossa Red Blend 2020

This is named after the bright red soil that is predominate in the region. It is a blend of Teran 70%, Merlot 20% and Borgonja 10%. Medium bodied red wine with some nice balance and structure. Aromas of dark fruits invite you to take a sip. Your palate is greeted with layers of blueberries and blackberries with just a hint of gamey notes. I’m guessing the Merlot is added to tame the Teran which can be bold and tannic as a single varietal. This also gives it aging potential and needs some decanting to appreciate everything this grape has to offer.

Teran 2020

This is sometimes mistaken for the Italian varietal Terrano and for good reason, it is the same grape varietal but it’s best known for the Istrian offerings dominating plantings in this region. This is an earthy, bold red wine and typical of what to expect from the varietal. Nose is inviting with layers of dark berries, blueberries and plums dominating. Nice bold structure and tannins will require 5 plus years of cellaring to appreciate the full potential of this wine. At the very least, 2-3 hours of decanting. I would pair this with your favorite red meat dish, nothing less.

Festigia Castello 2017

This is a blend of Merlot 67%, Cabernet 23% and Cab Franc 10% and is blended from select barrels from their best vineyards to create this wonderfully balanced wine.

Impressive enticing nose of dark fruits, floral notes and spices present an invitation, to experience this delightful blend displaying depth and elegance with a generous side serving of finesse. Layers of black current, dark fruits and a hint of fruit cake with secondary notes of mocha, vanilla and baking spices evident on a long finish. Totally enjoyable and somewhat of a surprise. Its rare I get caught off guard, this is one of those times. An absolute delight to drink!

And last, but not least, a delicious dessert wine to round dinner off …

Muskat Zuti 2020

This is a yellow Muscat and is described on the bottle as a ‘semi sweet white wine’ that hardly does it justice. The nose is enticing with floral notes, white peach and tangerine peel. The palate show cases white peach, tangerine, citrus, floral notes and subtle baking spices. All in perfect proportion to deliver a beautifully balanced wine with depth and complexity and the perfect amount of sweetness. Reminiscent of an Alsace Gewürztraminer bur refreshingly different. Will pair with an array of desserts.

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 has always played an important role in its culture. Wine history dates back to 2200 BC but the Greeks colonized the entire region including Croatia around 5,000 BC and introduced wine making then. Croatia is divided into 4 main wine regions with 16 sub-regions and 66 appellations and nearly 1,000 wineries with white wine representing approx. 60 percent of plantings and production. The fact that most, and arguable the best wines come from the coastal regions where seafood dominates the dinner table seems to support the old adage of eat local and drink local.

The four main wine regions in Croatia are Dalmatia (southern coastal), Istria and Kvarner (northern coastal), The Uplands (northeast- inland) and Slavonië northeast- further inland). All of these regions have very different terroir’s producing very different wines. Despite being excellent wines they suffer from a lack of recognition and commercial success. I thing this is because people are wary of the unknown and second, some are down-right difficult, if not impossible to pronounce.

All these wines are from the Istria region, which is considered by many to be the best wines growing region in Croatia from the Vina Laguna Winery (Wine of the Lake).

Chardonnay 2020

Loads of green apples, white stone fruits, pears with a hint of tropical fruits and spices on a long finish. More French in style than American, this is a delight to drink and would pair well with pasta, seafood, risotto and chicken dishes.

Pinot Sivi 2020

This is Pinot Gris grown in North Eastern Croatia, across the boarder from Italy and the region that is know for growing the best Pinot Grigio’s (same grape varietal). Similar flavor profile to the chardonnay in that crisp apples and pear feature but it’s the crisp balanced acidity that reminds you it is a Pinot Gris and a nice alternative to the Italian counterpart.

Malvazija Istarska 2020

There is some discussion about the origins of this varietal- some say Greece and others believe Spain. I’m incline to go with Greece because of their presence and influence in the region over the last 3 – 5,000 years. Displays a nice balance between ripe fruits- citrus and tropical fruits and acidity and sweetness. Don’t get me wrong, this is a dry wine but with just a hint of fruit sweetness. Would pair well with pasta, seafood, risotto and chicken dishes.

Malvazija Istarska Festigia 2020 (Reserve)

This is like a single vineyard reserve version of the last wine, just more depth, complexity and more appealing to the palate with notes of tropical fruits, white peach and citrus, as one would expect. It displays more purity and focus and is an absolute pleasure to drink. Would pair well with pasta, seafood, risotto and chicken dishes.

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 the world. McLaren Vale and Barossa were naturally their initial choices but soon spread their interest to six diverse regions showcased with the Garden Series. Harriet’s Garden from Adelaide Hills, Max’s Garden from Heathcote, Samantha’s Garden from Clare Valley and Charlie’s Garden from Eden Valley were added to Lily’s Garden from McLaren Vale and Bella’s Garden from Barossa. All are impressive examples of Shiraz from 6 very different growing regions despite most being close geographically.

Two Hands also release The Picture Series, The Single Vineyard Series and The Flagship Series and a side project Twelftree Wines from Michael Twelftree. A lot has happened over the past 22 years since their inaugural vintage in 2000. Expansion, recognition and success but one thing hasn’t changed, Michael’s passion for making Shiraz and his personal involvement in every step of the way with every individual vineyard site. Once you taste these wines your sure to agree just how impressive they are and how Michael has exceeded his initial goals beyond everyone’s expectation.

I was fortunate to be able to taste four of their new releases with some tasting notes below.

Angels’ Share Shiraz 2019- McLaren Vale

Not as polished as the 2017 but definitely a step up from the 2018.

Loads of dark fruits and herbs are revealed on the nose that carry over to the palate with raspberries, herbs and mint dominating. Has the traditional restraint and balance of McLaren Vale and is enjoyable drinking to the last sip. Nice length on the finish. Drinking well now but will improve over the next 5 years. Pair with any lighter red meat dishes, turkey or chicken fare.

Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2020- Barossa

One glance at the label will let you know the name is in dedication to the aging vines that exist in Barossa. Blackberries and mint dominate the nose with some red fruits thrown in for good measure. The palate is a blend of blackberries, raspberries, chocolate, spices and just a hint of red fruits on the finish. This has all the power and body one would expect from Barossa without the weighty body with just a touch of sweetness on the finish making it a delight to drink. Will pair well with big red meat dishes, pasta or pizza. A sharp cheddar and a neutral cracker will do wonders for this wine. Will cellar till 2030 without a problem.

93 pt- The Wine Front.

Lily’s Garden Shiraz 2017- McLaren Vale.

By way of comparison The Lily’s Garden Shiraz is more restrained and elegant than its Barossa counterpart. They sometimes, mistakenly, seem initially less impressive but it is that quite seductive aspect coupled with ample servings of restraint and finesse that is the exact reason you should never pass up a quality McLaren Vale Shiraz and this is a fine example. The nose showcases blue berries, plum and floral notes enticing you to take a sip. The palate is silky smooth that quietly convinces you without rising its voice. Layers of rich blue and black fruits coat your palate with secondary notes of plum, spices and vanilla framed in fine tannins and great balance thrown in to round things out. I would pair this with lighter red meat dishes, game, pasta or pizza. Cellar to 2030 without a concern. An hour or two’s decanting will be rewarded.

93pt- Ned Goodwin, MW.

Bella’s Garden Shiraz 2017- Barossa

This is a blend of their finest barrels sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Barossa including Ebenezer, Gomersal, Greenock, Kalimna and Marananga to mention a few. This is a big bold Shiraz and exactly what you should expect from an excellent winemaker sourcing grapes from exceptional vineyard sites and a great vintage. 

Nose is inviting with wonderful layers of dark fruits and spices to draw you in. The palate is luxurious and elegant and showcases seamless layers of blackberries, dark raspberries, black cherries with notes of blueberry, plum, spices and a wonderful earthy aspect to it. The sheer generosity of the flavor profile on the palate makes this a must try wine and is an absolute delight to drink. Pair with big red meat dishes. Cellar out to 2030 without a concern. An hour or two’s decanting will be rewarded.

95pt- Ned Goodwin, MW.

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 palate is friendly and approachable with a certain elegance and charm and a richness that seems to be a consistent feature of Langhorne Creek Shiraz. Wonderful layers of black current, blackberries, plums with secondary notes of vanilla, cherries and fruit cake all work together for your drinking pleasure. Really enjoy drinking this wine. This is more of a drink short term wine- over the next 3 – 5 years. Pair with your favorite red meat dish from the grill or hearty Italian red meat or game dishes.

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: 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 months ago and drank some wonderful Pinot’s whilst taking in the surrounding landscape- ranging from greenish hill top vineyards to dusty desert type environments. An awesome experience, one I recommend.

Loads of ripe cherries and floral notes on the nose. Palate offers up ripe sweet cherries with raspberries, dried red fruits and (an almost) fruit cake note with white pepper and spices on a long finish. Loads of depth and complexity that stretch beyond the price point. The 2014 is holding up exceptionally well with another 2–4-year drinking window.