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 producing exceptional Cabernet. What you’re getting is several decades of well-crafted experienced wine making and some of the finest grapes available in Washington State … at a fraction of the price.

This is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc with a delightful mix of dark fruits, floral notes, chocolate and spices imploring you to take a sip. The palate is soft and silky that reflect depth, complexity and finesse revealing impressive layers of dark cherries, plum, rich red fruits and mocha drawing down on every grape varietal included. This is a really well put together wine with beautiful balance, a long finish and an aging potential of 2028 and beyond. An absolute pleasure to drink.  

Robert Oatley’s G-19 Grenache

Robert Oatley Wines started in the late 1960’s when Robert planted vines with the sole purpose of selling them to another winery. Let’s fast forward 10 years, that contract fell through and on a “Friday afternoon decision’ they decided to make wines for themselves. Assisted by his son Sandy, progress was made with the winery stretching its vision into South Australia, Victoria, Regional New South Wales and of course Margaret River. By bringing legendary Winemaker Larry Cherubino onboard the winery was further reshaped and went on to gain a 5-star rating in 2013 from James Halliday, considered by many to be the foremost expert on Australian Wines. They have gone from strength to strength since then with the Signature Series highlighting Roberts focus on a ‘sense of place’ with site selection being paramount plus his attitude that all his wines should be a ‘darned good drink’. As far as I’m concerned, goal achieved.

G-19 Grenache 2019

The G-19 Grenache is a part of the Signature Series and is an impressive example of Grenache grown in McLaren Vale, a region ideally suited to growing Grenache and home to some of the oldest Grenache Vines in the world (D’Arenberg- approx. 130 years old) Before 1971 there was more Grenache grown in Australia than Shiraz. James Halliday considers it ‘McLaren Vales secret weapon’ because of the quality produced there. Despite being one of the most widely planted grapes, it has flown under the radar for so long, but for the radar for so long, but for those that appreciate it, it is a joy to be shared and enjoyed

It is also the base varietal for Cote du Rhone Red wines being a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mataro / Mourvédre. Did I also mention it’s a great wine to have at Thanksgiving?

The G-19 is a great example of what to look for in a quality Grenache. Wonderful, almost Pinot like, light cherry color in the glass with an enticing nose of red fruits dominated by raspberries, rose water/musk and cherries. The palate is smooth and inviting dominated by raspberries and cherries with an interesting mix of strawberries, earthy notes with subtly spices evident with nice length on the finish. Can be served at cellar temperature- about 58F or slightly chilled- 10 – 15 minutes in the fridge.

Four Exceptional Releases from Downunder.

Its this time of the year that I love, despite it being cold and winter approaching. You ask why, glad you asked, new vintage releases from Australia, as well as elsewhere land on my desk ensuring weeks of tasting awesome wine.

Yalumba is the oldest family-owned winery in Australia and was started by Samuel Smith, the English Brewery owner in 1849. They have been perfecting wine making in the Barossa, Eden Valley and Coonawarra for over 170 years and produce wines of exceptional quality and outstanding value. There is much to be said about Yalumba but I’m not going to give you a total overview but hopefully just enough to wet your appetite for knowing more and a desire to try their wines. See www.yalumba.com

YALUMBA ‘VIRGILIUS’ VIOGNIER 2018 –One of the finest Viognier’s you will taste.

Unmistakably Australian Viognier with a Northern Rhone feel with notes of orange blossom, honey suckle and apricot on the nose. The mouthfeel has all the weight, size and texture you would expect with seamless layers of fruits from the nose framed by unobtrusive oak that cradles and supports this substantial wine without interfering. This is one of those must try wines.

97 pt- James Halliday

Exceptional offering from the oldest winery in Margaret River- est. 1967. I’ve written a lot about Vasse Felix and the region as a whole in the past so I’m not going to repeat all that has gone before. What you should know is this award-winning winery consistently produces exceptional wines that impress wine critics and judges’ year in and year out resulting in their wines receiving consistently high scores. This wine has received 97 pt every year for the last 10 years, except 2018 when it received 98 pt. Their winemaker, Virginia Willcock has been awarded Best Winemaker in Australia- 2013 and Best Female Winemaker in the World- 2017 and is an extraordinary, dare I say visionary, winemaker. All that being said, she is one of the most down to earth, funny people I’ve ever meet.

VASSE FELIX HEYTESBURY CHARDONNAY 2019 – My favorite Chardonnay from Margaret River.

The nose is enticing, almost seductive featuring delicate layers of white peach, floral, brine and spices. One sip and you will be impressed by layers of white peach and brine with secondary layers of wet stone, minerality and almond (reminiscent of the 2016 and 17 vintages) Again, a decided slant to the French style. There is a depth, complexity, finesse and richness with this release that marks a progression in this wine’s life- time will tell. Can’t wait to taste future vintages.

97 pt- James Halliday.

HENSCHKE JULIUS RIESLING 2021 – One of the finest dry Riesling’s you will taste.

The nose is more fruit laden than earlier vintages, defined, expressive and about all, enticing. The nose promises much and the palate delivers. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp with such elegance and grace it’s hard to imagine why you would want to drink anything else. The palate is all lemons and limes underpinned by wet stone/slate and slightest hint of sweetness on a long finish. Wonderful example of Eden Valley Riesling.

97 pt- James Halliday.

DALRYMPLE COTTAGE BLOCK PINOT NOIR 2018 – Impressive cool climate Pinot.

The Cottage Block is one of the oldest vineyards in Pipers Creek and is nestled in at the bottom of the hill, protected from the cooler north west winds with rocky soils keeping the vines warm and providing excellent drainage. All this adds up to a distinct unique vineyard producing some of the best single site Pinot in Tasmania.

93 pt- James Halliday.

What to Drink at Thanksgiving?

There are so many great wines that go with all the wonderful Ham and Turkey and let’s not leave out all the trimmings. For years Beaujolais Nouveau, made from the Gamay grape has become a staple at the holiday dinner table. Given the supply chain issues and the potential lack of this wine arriving in the coming weeks I would suggest you look elsewhere for something to share at the table this year, just in case. There are a thousand articles written about wine pairings for the holidays that Google or Alexa can summon upon a command or a few words typed into the keyboard.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look to far for yet another article and more suggestions. I would suggest the humble Pinot Noir grape which is actually a half brother to Gamay or vice versa depending which one is your favorite. I’ve selected two Pinot’s and a Gamay for your consideration from what are thought of as the best regions in the world.

Domaine Chignard Fleurie “Les Moriers” 2020.
This is a wonderful example of a Gamay with the grapes being sourced from vines with an average age of 65 years old that are some of the finest vineyards in the Fleurie region of Beaujolais. Michael Chignard’s traditional hands-off approach is his ‘secret’ to his winemaking success and the quality of wines he produces that reflect the terroir.
The enticing nose is just the start to this journey. One sip will reveal a soft mouthfeel delivering dark cherries, black currents and raspberries with secondary notes of blueberries and spices. This is just what is needed for Turkey and Ham making it indispensable for the Thanksgiving celebration. Impressive body and structure and a delight to drink with an elegance and finesse that defies the price point.

Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2020- New World Delight

Distribution for these wines in the US has changed hands and with ‘new blood’ comes new wines, their highly allocated Pinot Noir has been released for the first time in the US with only 20 or so 6 packs making their way here.

Highly aromatic nose dominated by red fruits, raspberries and a subtle smokey note is more than enough reason to move forward. The palate is crisp and vibrant and absolutely delicious coating your mouth with soft red fruits and raspberries (no surprise there) with a silky-smooth mouthfeel and a long finish. Wonderful balance and elegance from start to finish. If you’re not familiar with Yarra Valley Pinots this is a great introduction and I dare, say it will make a believer out of you. Will cellar out to 2027 without a problem. This is such an amazing wine, I would pair it with Salmon, Turkey, Asian Chicken dishes or seafood Salads with a Raspberry dressing.

94 pt- James Halliday.

Domaine Drouhin ‘Lauréne’ Pinot Noir 2018. – Best of Both Worlds.

Drouhin is a household name when it comes to Pinot Noir and Burgundy. Véronique Drouhin-Boss turned her sights on Oregon in the early 1980’s and purchased a 235-acre estate on the top of Dundee Hills that was reminiscent of Burgundy that they believed would produce world class Pinot Noir’s. The Lauréne release is a fine example of what their goal looked like- achieved. It is a marriage of old-world winemaking techniques and perfect site selection coupled with best wine practices to produce exceptional wines of depth and complexity that would impress even the most fastidious Pinot drinkers. First released in 1992 and named after Véronique’s new born daughter and sourced from 100% Estate Grown fruit.

Delightful notes of cherry, violet, spices and earth greet you on the nose enticing you to take a sip. This is a combination of fruit driven new world with all the character of an old-world Pinot with restraint and elegance- definitely the best of both worlds. There is a purity and focus on the palate that is individually Domaine Drouhin Oregon. The palate is a seamless blend of cherries and cranberries give way to blueberries, cooking spices and white pepper extending out on a long finish. An absolute pleasure to drink and another exceptional reason to look forward to Thanksgiving. Will cellar out 10-15 years, if your patience enough.

Rating: 95 pt- James Suckling.

Domaine de Fondreche Winery- A Rhone Treasure.

Located in the foothills of Mont Ventoux lies the one of the top producers in the Ventoux region of the Rhone – Domaine de Fondreche. In the shadow of the mountain, the vines are an average age of 40 years planted in chalky clay over limestone.

Ventoux Blanc, Rhone Valley 2020- If you’re tired of drinking Chardonnay, this is the wine for you. 

This is a wonderful blend of 30 % Grenache Blanc, 30 % Roussanne, 30 % Clairette and 10 % Rolle (Vermentino) with all four varietals contributing to some degree. 

Has an intriguing nose of floral notes, citrus, melon and white peach with an interesting chalky quality. The palate is crisp, clean and inviting dominated by apples, melon, citrus, honey, white peach and a rich almost creamy mouthfeel balanced by restrained acidity by the time you swallow your first sip. Balance and finesse are the name of the game with this wine- a delight to drink. Crab or lobster would most definitely be the ideal pairing but a seafood (white fish, tuna or Salmon) salad would also work well.

blueberries and plum whilst the Mourvedre brings a gamey meaty aspect to the wine, all working together to please your palate and create memories for future recollections. This is a must try wine and a pleasure to drink! Lighter red meat dishes and chicken with tomato-based sauces.

Domaine de Fondreche ‘Persia’ Red Blend 2019 – Assertive and lush!

This Syrah has just 10% Mourvédre added giving the nose a slight meaty gamey note that is dominated by blackberries, blueberries and a subtly pepper note- all typical of a quality Syrah from this region. One sip and its firmly established this Syrah has arrived, the lushness of the dark fruits so evident on the nose coats the palate with confidence exhibiting wonderful balance, fine tannins and impressive acidity all designed to please the palate and put a smile on your face. Give it a few hours in a decanter and it becomes even more approachable. Give it 7 – 10 years and your patience will be rewarded, not to mention your palate. An absolute delight to drink. I would go bold in pairing this- a porterhouse steak with a rich mushroom sauce or a rich beef dish would go hand in hand! 

Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva Carmenére 2019- Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)

Yes, you read correctly, Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) Chateau in Bordeaux purchased these vineyards in 1988 and introduced Centuries old wine making experience into Chile. The name ‘Los Vascos’ comes from “Les Basques” and refers to the origins of the former owners who planted the first vines in around 1750 in Bordeaux. They are also the first French Wine Producers to expand into Chile.

The vineyards have exceptional soil and their close proximity to the coast (about 25 miles) and the terroir to potentially produce some exceptional wines, no doubt having an influence on the decision to acquire the property. They produce four excellent wines that over deliver at their price points.

This Grande Reserva Carmenére is another one of their ‘entry level’ wines but is anything but entry level scoring 90 pt plus over several vintages.

This is one of the best Carmenére I’ve tried and most definitely the best in the under $40 price point. Interesting notes of blackberries, red fruits and plums feature on this enticing nose. The palate is dominated by dark cherry with a hint of plum, smokey notes and spices with subtly earthy and dark chocolate notes finishing things off. Should be enjoyed young so I would drink this over the next five years. Will pair well with Chicken and lighter red meat dishes as well as Pasta and Pizza.

International Carmenére Day- 24th November.    

November 24th is International Carmenére Day and is the day designated in Chile to celebrate their most popular wine. Originating in Medoc in the Bordeaux region in France and was transplanted to its new adopted home sometime around 1850 or so, certainly before Phylloxera swept across Europe in 1867 destroying the vineyards.

For many years it was mistakenly identified as Merlot and and was thought to be extinct until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1994 by French ampelographist (the field of botany that identifies and classifies grapevines) Jean Boursiquot. It was also one of the original 6 varietals grown in Bordeaux but it almost impossible to find any in France today. Good news is, it is flourishing and hugely popular in Chile- I know, I was fortunate enough to drink several when I was in Chile 20 plus years ago.  

All research indicates that Carmenére is the ‘birth child’ of Cabernet Franc and Trousseau- also known as Trousseau Noir, Bastardo and Merenzao and can be traced back to Eastern Europe. It is currently grown in Portugal and used in Port production.

There is another school of thought that it’s a result of crossing Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet, a varietal thought to originate from Basque Country. At some point in the future this will all become clear, for the time being though, drink and enjoy this amazing wine from its adopted country and new found home, Chile.

French Know How with Chilean Grapes- Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Yes, you read correctly, Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) Chateau in Bordeaux purchased these vineyards in 1988 and introduced Centuries old wine making experience into Chile. The name ‘Los Vascos’ comes from “Les Basques” and refers to the origins of the former owners who planted the first vines in around 1750 in Bordeaux. They are also the first French Wine Producers to expand into Chile.

The vineyards have exceptional soil and their close proximity to the coast (about 25 miles) has the terroir to potentially produce some exceptional wines, no doubt having an influence on the decision to acquire the property. They produce four excellent wines that over deliver at their price points.

This Grande Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is one of their ‘entry level’ wines but is anything but entry level scoring 90 pt plus over several vintages.

This is predominately Cabernet- 85% with 10% Syrah and 5% Carménére sourced from some of the best vines in the Colchagua Valley. An enticing nose of red fruits and floral notes underpinned by subtle spice notes. Palate is friendly and approachable with a silky mouthfeel and nice structure. Mouthfuls of red and blue berries dominate with secondary notes of cooking spices and a savory finish with just a hint of sweetness on a respectable finish. There is potential in this wine for future vintages. Keep an eye on this one.

Keep an eye out for a review of their exceptional Carménère.

Buglioni Valpolicella Ripasso 2017 ‘Il Bugiardo’

Il Bugiardo means the Liar in Italian.

In 1993 Alfredo Buglioni bought the old farmhouse of his dreams situated in the heart of Valpolicella along with 4 acres of vines- all classic local red varietals including Corvina, Corvinone, Molinara and Rondinella. Fast forward to 2000, Alfredo, his son Mariano and with the help of an outside consultant made their first vintage- 12,000 bottles with their first Amarone coming later in 2004 with the assistance of oenologist Diego Bertoni.

Their first hurdle they faced was they were the ‘new kids on the block’ and no one took them seriously which jeopardized any chances of exposure or sales and ultimately survival. The solution was to convert a family boutique in Verona into a wine bar which became a hit and a launching pad for their wines.

Today, they produce 9 wines from 54 acres selling 280,000 bottles under their own label and about half of their grapes to famous more well-known wineries. They have also opened a more upscale sister restaurant, Piscaria, in the center of Verona.

The term Ripasso means to re-pass or pass over a second time: meaning passing the juice of the grapes used over Amarone skins extracting more depth and complexity and Amarone like characteristics. What your really getting is a baby Amarone (usually above $60) for about a third of the price.

This Ripasso comprises 60% corvina, 20% corvinone, 10% rondinella, 5% croatina, 5% oseleta and is a wonderful example of what this wine should be. The nose displays note of rich red fruits whilst the palate highlights layers of cherries, red raspberries and plums with secondary notes of spices with a inviting velvety mouthfeel and a long finish. As with all Italian wines, this should be decanted for about an hour and of course enjoyed with a pasta dish with a rich tomato-based sauce or pizza with your favorite toppings.