Vine to Table

Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.

Masseria Liveli Passamante 2019

The vineyard the grapes are sourced is next to a forest called Passamante which drew its name from couples that would sneak off for amorous rendezvous there. Pass meaning to pass by and amante meaning lover and quickly became known as the Forest of Lovers. An inspiring name for an inspiring wine.

This 100% Negroamaro is an awesome Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wine, light, medium bodied, enticing nose of red fruits and way to easy to drink, especially after an hour or so decanting. Palate showcases loads of ripe red fruits- cherries and raspberries, black current with some baking spices evident on the finish. Great balance with tannins and acidity evident. Will definitely improve with a little aging and definitely pair with something hearty and Italian.

Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape 2017

This vintage release is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and the 5% balance made up of Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse and Cinsault.

Nose is seductive and inviting with smokey notes and layers of red fruits with a hint of cedar and floral to complete the initial impression. The palate is rich and complex displaying beautiful balance with tannins evident but not obtrusive. Mouthfeel is smooth but it will need an hour or so’s decanting. Lovely core of red fruits supported by blackberry, raisins, cassis with secondary notes of baking spices, pepper and dark chocolate. This is an absolute delight to drink now but has another 10 years before it fully reveals itself.

The wine of Chateauneuf-du-Pape takes its name from the relocation of the papal court to Avignon. The lore says that after moving in 1309, Pope Clément V (after whom Chateau Pape-Clément in Pessac-Léognan is named) ordered that vines were planted. But it was actually his successor, John XXII, who established the vineyards. The name however, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, translated as “the pope’s new castle,” didn’t really stick until the 19th century. Source: www.wine.com

Adobe Road Carbon Red Blend 2018

A new addition to the Racing Car Series this red blend sourced from Sanoma and Napa Counties is called Carbon and is a blend of 48% Petite Sirah, 26% Malbec, 22% Cabernet and 4% Petit Verdot. This is a rich luscious decadent red wine that ticks all the boxes for fans of Caymus or Orin Swift, just a little more appealing.

Enticing nose of floral notes, blackberry jam and crème de cassis and black cherries. The palate is big and bold and lush and is a testament to the blending abilities behind the Racing Series. Ripe blackberries, black raspberries, crème of cassis dominate at the core with secondary notes black current, plum and chocolate. Absolute pleasure to drink. Cellar out to 2030 without a problem.

Something For Everyone- 3 wines I’ve tasted in the last week that are worth a look- and a taste.

A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2019

Set in the heart of Napa Valley’s Carneros Wine Region, it was established in 1979, long before there was an AVA or any real interest in the region. Just a belief and a Pioneer spirit that great Pinot and Chardonnay can be grown here and was one of the first to release a vineyard designated Pinot Noir in California.

If you’re looking for a totally enjoyable, light bodied, easy drinking Pinot Noir at a ridiculously affordable price, look no further.

Nose is dominated by dark cherries, plum and just a hint of cola. Palate is bright and inviting with a welcoming mouthfeel with ripe cherries as the main attraction (no surprise there) with a hint of raspberries, plums and red currents to round things out. Nice balance between fruits and acidity and good length on the finish.

I’d pair this with Salmon cakes, chicken, turkey and salads with strawberry or raspberry dressing. This is drinking well now but will cellar out another 3 – 4 years.

Drouhin ‘Roserock’ Chardonnay 2018

The Roserock Series of wines showcase all the elegance and finesse you would come to expect from a first-class Winery unabashedly displaying its French roots at a price point that is accessible to everyone.

Sourced from their Eola-Amity Hills Vineyard this just could be the best Chardonnay to come out of Oregon under $40

The nose is all honey and peach with hints of apples, cashews and floral notes rounding things out. Enticing- definitely. The palate could be mistaken for French but that reflects a combination of Robert Drouhin at the helm, French clones, volcanic soils, cooler summers and higher elevation, all wrapped up in good old fashioned Burgundy wine making know how. Wonderful combination of honey nougat, cashews, apples and pears with just a hint of lemon and orange peel on a long finish. Absolute delight to drink at super value price point. Excellent balance should see this cellaring out to 2028.

Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018

“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.

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.

Robert Craig Winery- A Piece of History and the End of a Great Beginning.

It was 16 years ago on my first job here and I got to taste their Cabernet for the first time. One sip of Robert Craig’s Cabernet and I was convinced that this was not only a great producer but Napa did, indeed produce awesome Cabernet.

Let’s fast forward to today and celebrate the release of the 2018 vintage- an impressive vintage to say the least and I believe will be looked back at as one of the greats this century (to date). Both Howell Mt and Mt Veeder are high altitude vineyards with wonderful restraint and elegance displaying exceptional balance and complexity. Winery founders Bob and Lynn retired in 2018 after 3 decades of passion and commitment- talk about going out on a high. On a side note, Bob passed away Sept of 2019 and is considered ‘one of the most important figures in Mountain Cabernet development and production’ sourced: http://www.robertcraigwine.com, and will be missed.

Amentet Vineyard, Mt Veeder Cabernet 2018.

Aromas are intoxicating as they whisper from the glass drink me with layers of dark fruits and chocolate with just a hint of blue fruits and sweet tobacco. This blend of 90% Cab and 10% Cab Franc is lighter on the mouthfeel that one would expect but it gets back to the restraint and elegance that is so evident in high elevation Mt. fruit. So soft and pleasing on the mouthfeel, everything is where it should be- wonderful balance. Almost seamless layers of blackberries, black raspberries, cassis, blueberries, dark chocolate and sweet tobacco. Tannins are precise and hold everything in place with just a hint of sweetness. Great length on the finish. Definitely a highlight of the 2018 vintage. I’d pair this with red meat dishes from Filet Mignon, venison stew, roast lamb and duck to burgers on the grill, just as long as you enjoy this wine.

Howell Mountain Cabernet 2018

This is a totally different beast on the nose, bramble, crushed stone, earthy notes, spices with just a hint of dark fruits. The palate is an entirely different matter with black current, black cherries and blackberries dominating with a healthy side serving of plums, chocolate and spices. This is a bigger wine than the Mt Veeder release but equally enjoyable- just needs a little more decant time. Tannins more evident but doing their job contributing structure and body with the same impressive balance.

Both wines will need 5 plus years to show their character and will age beautifully over the next 20 years. Pair with your favorite red meat dish with bold flavors to match.

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 19^th 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.

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.

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.