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.

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.