Vine to Table

One of my favorite grape varietals- one sip and you’ll agree!

Grape Varietal: Viognier

Viognier is a delicious aromatic grape that varies in profile from region to region. It is a lost step child in the family, that barely registered in the radar 50 years ago. Its origins point back to Northern Rhone but there is some additional evidence that Croatia may be its birthplace- this is also the birth place of Syrah/Shiraz and Zinfandel so it’s not that unlikely to consider this plausible. In 2004, DNA profiling conducted at University of California, Davis showed the grape to be closely related to the Piedmont grape Freisa, and to be a genetic cousin of Nebbiolo. Source: www.wikiapedia.net adding yet another potential chapter in its history.

Today, Viognier is grown all over the world and is best suited to regions with plenty of sun and cooler nights and close to a body of water- to maintain its natural acidity. All the rest is influenced by where it’s grown, when its picked and the choice to oak or not to oak-distinguishing the two main styles. Oak gives it a richer creamier mouthfeel with spices and vanilla in the mix, no oak enhances the floral tropical aspects of both the nose and the palate. It also requires a longer warmer growing season to ripen fully and with traditionally lower yields it can be a challenge.

In France, it is the only white grape permitted to be used for Condrieu (Rhône Valley) wines where it is produced as a single varietal or added into Syrah, to add a more floral aromatic to the wine and to stabilize the color. It is also made into a dessert wine here with a unique way of ‘picking’ the over ripe grapes known as à l’assiette- a plate is held under the vines which are then shaken allowing them to fall onto the plate and collected. This is a common method used in South Australia for olives using a sheet!

Three classic examples from France, Australia and California …

Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier 2017

“La Combe Pilate (pronounced “La kohm pē-lot”) is 100% Viognier from a hillside vineyard on Michel Chapoutier’s property where Michel pushes the boundaries on the biodynamic concept with his experimental range called “The Alchemy Wines”. The symbol on La Combe Pilate’s label is the alchemic symbol for spirit and is inked to Chapoutier’s biodynamic philosophy – to respect and transform the raw material into a high-quality product while showcasing the spirit of the land.” Source: www.terlato-mchapoutier.com

This is crisp and fresh with a deceptively generous mouthfeel creating some tension giving way to instant appeal. The nose is all Viognier and delicately framed with citrus, peach and subtle floral notes are enticing, to say the least. The palate is all citrus and peach and subtle secondary notes of almond, spices, apricot and white stone fruits with wonderful balance and acidity. This really is an impressive wine and worthy of any dinner table. Winemaker suggests pairing it with Sautéed prawn brochettes with spices, trout tartare with crispy vegetables (radishes, carrots, cucumbers) and tapas of sautéed squid with green olive tapenade. WS – 91pt.

Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2017- Australia

From the first sip this is an immediately impressive wine. It’s part of the new Samuel’s Collection of wines dedicated to Samuel Smith, the original owned and founder of Yalumba 170 years ago. This wine is a culmination of his dream celebrating his spirit of provenance, working the land and being a good steward for future generations. Once you taste this you’ll agree, Thank you Samuel Smith!

An enticing combination of fresh apricot, ginger and white flowers beg you to take a sip. The creaminess on the palate is the first thing you notice but it’s the rich depth and complexity that will cause you to want to savor the moment. The palate is long and rich and an almost seamless blend of stone fruits, honey flavors with just a hint of orange and spices on the finish. Impressive freshness and complexity now but give it a few years and wow! Be ready to have your patience rewarded. Decanter- 95pt.

Vina Robles Viognier 2018- California.

Sourced from their Huerhuero Vineyard planted at the highest point on the Estate- warm during the day and cooled by Pacific breezes in the afternoon. Ideal growing conditions for Viognier and only seeing stainless steel, this is a really nice varietally correct example from Paso Robles and rounding out our Viognier travels around the world. Throw in Certified Sustainable and all Estate grown fruit and you have a total package.

Fresh clean nose of floral and tropical fruits is a delightful prelude to mouthfuls peach, tangerine peel, citrus with secondary notes of ginger, honey and almond on a long finish. Like the other examples, this has a lively freshness and focused balance. Definitely one to pour at the party this summer. Intended to be drunk fresh in the first few years. Because of the aromatic nose and the beautiful balance, this is ideally paired with spicy foods such as Thai or Sichuan (Northern China) dishes.

Vasse Felix- making world class wines in Margaret River- pt 2

After tasting the current vintages, I have to say that they display wonderful elegance and restraint with impressive balance, reflecting the regional characteristics whilst raising the bar from previous vintages. Congratulations Virginia on an amazing job!

Filius Chardonnay 2017 – Elegant with impressive balance. Lovely bright nose with layers of apple and citrus and pineapple to entice you to take a sip. Interesting creamy mouthfeel with exceptional balance that seems more in character with a French white burgundy. Your palate is greeted with citrus and white stone fruits with secondary layers of ginger, spices, vanilla and a nutty note with loads of depth and complexity.

Dare I say I like it more than the 2016 vintage that was listed last year in the ROBB Report as one of 12 wines you must try this year. Ridiculous value! Screams for Crab or Lobster with a rich butter sauce. Wine Spectator- 92 pts.

Margaret River Chardonnay 2016- this is an impressive Chardonnay!

The nose in immediately appealing with layers of rich lemon, apple with grapefruit and spices rounding things out. Don’t rush your first sip, savor the anticipation. I was immediately impressed at how rich and balanced this wine is, it is continually evolving from previous vintages. Like the Filius, it is very French in nature but way more refined and elegant and I like this more than the 2015 vintage. Rich creamy mouthfeel is balanced by wonderful acidity and intensity. Almost seamless layers of apples, white stone fruits, grapefruit with ginger, spices and almonds adding complexity into the mix. This will cellar out to 2027 and beyond. Rating: 95 pt. James Halliday.

Heytesbury Chardonnay 2017

This wine has consistently been one of Australian’s best Chardonnays and has been considered by many to be Grand Cru standard. On a personal note it’s definitely in my top 2 or 3 favorites. It never disappoints. Texture is rarely mentioned when being described except in vague notions of mouthfeel- in this case it’s both comfortable and inviting and adds yet another reason to enjoy this wine.

Class and elegance are presented in all their glory starting with the enticing nose of grapefruit, white stone fruits with subtle floral and spices to round things out. It’s the palate where it gets really interesting. Seamless layers of peach and apple with secondary notes of roasted cashew and spices and wonderful balance and acidity. This is all wrapped in such finesse and focus with surprising creaminess that it’s hard to imagine how this could get better. Impressive to say the least. This will cellar out to 2025 and beyond without a problem. Multiple ratings: 97 pts

Filius Cabernet 2016 – Drink this anytime. First sniff makes you smile and wonder why this isn’t double the price. There is so much going on with this wine. Nose is dominated by bright, dark fruits with herbs, spices and earthy cedar notes rounding it out. Mouthfeel is convincing and showcases what is right about Margaret River wines and Vasse Felix in particular.

Listed as Cabernet, it has a healthy dash of Estate grown Malbec- 14% that gives it a juicy inviting attitude with some savory notes and cooking spices spliced into layers of blackberries and black current with blueberries, dark cherries and cedar framed in fine grained tannins. This will pair well with Lamb or steak strips. If patience is your middle name cellar some and enjoy over the next 10 years. Wine Spectator– 92 pts.

Margaret River Cabernet 2015- Exceptional example of Margaret River Cabernet!

This vintage has all the impressive character without the bulky weight of previous vintages. This is a leaner more focused version revealing ample restraint and elegance and I think, better for it. Nose is enticing issuing a confident invitation to drink and enjoy with dark fruits dominating the nose but it is the interesting nuisances of bay leaf, olives and spices that make this wine so captivating.

The impressive mouthfeel and texture may catch you off guard for a second but the layers of black current, cassis, dark chocolate, fruit cake notes with savory herbs and spices playing a supportive role will confirm that everything your imagining your tasting, you are! Wonderful length in the finish. Cellar out to 2035 and beyond.

Rating: 95 pt Campbell Mattinson, James Halliday, James Suckling & Toni Paterson.

Tom Cullity Cabernet 2014.

There is so much going on with this wine and a thousand superlatives come to mind … Restraint and elegance with superb structure, power and balance is immediately evident- this blend of 80% Cabernet, 16% Malbec and 4% Petite Verdot gives you some insight into just how impressive this wine is but it really is only a frame work and an invitation to delve deeper.

The nose is most definitely enticing and pausing to enjoy the layers of dark fruits, plums and interesting savory/earthy notes only heighten the anticipation of your first sip. The palate displays black currents, dark cherries and a host of dark and red fruits playing a supportive role. Buried deep are bay leaves, olives, earthy cedar and spices that only add to the overall complexity and enjoyment with exceptional length on the finish.

You get the sense that it not trying to impress, it complete and comfortable in its current state although this wine will age beautifully and patience will be rewarded over the next 20 – 30 years. Multiple ratings 97 – 98 pt Campbell Mattinson, Ray Jordan.

Vasse Felix Winery- making world class wines in Margaret River- Pt 1.

The winery was the first in the Margaret River region and was established by Dr Tom Cullity who spent a number of years searching for the perfect site for his vineyard. There is no documented evidence of Tom reading Dr Gladstones report in 1965 but needly to say both men were definitely “ahead of the game”.

Being almost identical to Boardauex the focus was always going to be Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay. Vasse Felix has grown from an 8 acre site in the Wilyabrup region to 4 separate sites specifically choosen for there “terrior” or regional characteristics. See map above.

What makes this region so special is it is the meeting place for two oceans and a mixture of temperatures and winds. The name came from a Frenchmen (Vasse) who’s job was to map the West Australian coastline who “survived” a shipwreck off the coast of Margaret River and Felix from the Latin meaning happy or joyous.

Virginia Willcock, chief winemaker has a long and impressive history, more recently picking up no less than 10 awards in 2010, Winemaker of the Year in Australia in 2013 and a string of awards in 2014 … going from strength to strength. Wine Enthusiast also voted Vasse Felix Winery New World Winery of the Year in 2018. Putting all that aside, the wines speak to her reputation, integrity and passion.

Just a brief overview about the wines, Cabernet and Chardonnay have always been the main focus and three tiers of both are augmented by a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, a Shiraz and a Cabernet/Merlot. The last three are not available in the US.

On a personal note …

Dinner with Vasse Felix Winemaker- Virginia Willcock.

As can be seen by the photo below I had an absolutely awesome evening in Chicago a couple of years ago. Dinner with Virginia Willcock, winemaker extraordinaire at Vasse Felix, Abbe Davidson from Negiotant, USA and my wonderful wife, Delores Ryan … at Cherry Circle Room. Shared some amazing wines and finished off with Virginia’s Heytesbury Chardonnay 2015 (97pt rating) and Tom Cullity Cabernet 2013 (99pt rating).

Margaret River- one of the best wine regions in the world.

By world standards this region is definitely the new kid on the block with barely 50 years under its belt!

It’s not like Bordeaux or Tuscany going back centuries but what it can pride itself in is a handful of wineries (and growing every year) that produce world class wines. The very first winery to be established in the area was Vasse Felix in 1967.

Before 1967 it was famous for wildlife and one of the best surfing spot’s in the world. About the same time, a young couple by the name of Denis and Tricia Horgan purchased a cattle farm not far from Vasse Felix. As the story goes Dennis convinced Tricia to purchase the property for a quite peaceful lifestyle. Apparently, Denis, a keen surfer forgot to mention about the classic surf breaks in the area. While in town one day, a neighbor told them there was an American snooping around town asking questions about purchasing their property to plant grapes. Dennis said no way and decided to plant his own grapes and in 1969, Leeuwin Estate was born (1974 has been cited as establishment date). That American was Robert Mondavi who was instrumental in assisting in the establishment of the winery.

Image result for margaret river wineries As of 2012, the region boasts 215 wineries and produces just three percent of Australia’s wines but produces a staggering 20 percent plus of Australia’s premium wine market. The principal grape varieties are fairly evenly split between red and white; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz and Merlot with small quantities of Chenin Blanc and Verdelho.

Wines coming out of the region reflect the six sub-regions based on climate and soil differences namely: Yallingup, Carbunup, Wilyabrup, Treeton, Wallcliffe and Karridale* but the over-riding character is restrained elegance with depth and complexity.

In 1965 Dr John Gladstones presented a paper pinpointing the potential of Margaret River region and references similarities in climatic data from Bordeaux. In a further paper in 1999 he suggested the above list.

Source: Margaret River Wine Seminar and www.wikiapedia.org

The Romance of Spain- captured in a bottled

Ferrer Bobet Red Blend- 2016

This is an impressive wine by anyone’s standards!

This intriguing blend of 50% Carignane, 25% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and most definitely has that immediate appeal factor that is most desirable in a wine. I should also mention at this point, it won the Gran Vinari d’Or 2019, Catalonia’s most important wine award.

The blend led by Carignane, which is originally a Spanish variety, that just happens to be the most widely planted grape in France, still has a reputation of a workhorse and a blending grape. A little preparation is needed in the form of an hour decanting before tackling. This will definitely enhance your enjoyment level.

The nose is all blackberries and dark cherries which dominates the palate as well. Silky soft mouthfeel is immediately evident with the depth and complexity wrapped in fine grained tannins revealing itself by the second sip. Exceptional length with subtle spices on the finish. This really is an impressive wine! Absolute delight to drink.

It’s no wonder the original price tag is $53 at the winery and received a score of 97 pt. from James Suckling.

Marco Bonfante ‘Perste’ Arneis 2018 – One of Italy’s Best Keep Secrets!

With eight generations of wine making under the family belt, it’s no surprise their wines are impressive and this 100% Arneis is no exception. The winery is located in the on the left bank of the Tanaro River in the Roero region of the highly respected Piedmont, which by no small coincidence is the birthplace of the Arneis grape, hence thereason it flourishes so well here. It’s history in the hills of Roero dates back to 1478 and has has somewhat of a renaissance after plantings dwindled to a few hectares in the 1960’s, it is now grown as far afield as California and Australia. Arneis, quite literally means little rascal, in Piemontese.

This wine has polish, depth, complexity and appeal and should be paired with seafood, chicken, salads but will also stand up to local Piedmont specialty dishes such as vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce). If you’re looking for a wine with the crisp acidity of a Pinot Grigio, the elegance of a French Marsanne or Roussanne with a side serving of charm and attitude this is it!

From the enticing nose to the charming palate filled with layers of pear, peaches and apricot with secondary notes of almond and vanilla this is an absolutely delicious wine and worthy of sharing with friends- whenever that may be. The name Perste “Per Stefano” (For Stefano) is a homage to their first-born son.

It may stand in the shadows of Piedmont’s bigger reds but this is definitely not to be over looked!

Your new best friend this summer!

Villa Sparina 2018 – Another unknown Gem from Piedmont This DOGC classified white wine is made from 100% Cortese and sourced from the Region of Gavi in Piedmont in north western Italy and, like Arneis, its history in the region goes back to 1659.

If the truth be told it’s planted in many regions in Italy but it is said the best come from Gavi and can be seen on many a table in café’s and restaurant’s around Genoa over lunch paired with local seafood caught off the Ligurian coast.

It drinks somewhere between a Chardonnay, Marsanne, Roussanne and a Viognier with racy acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. It has an enticing nose that will want you to take a sip immediately but spend a minute savoring the mix of lime, apple, pear and just a hint of white flowers. The palate is focused with a lot going on with almost seamless layers of pears, apples, peach with secondary notes of spices, saline, almond and lemon rind. A lethal combination with a long finish- all aimed at putting a smile on your face. This is a totally enjoyable wine that will be a hit this summer, especially if you dare to have a few people over. Did I mention a really cool bottle?

Marietta Cellars- California’s hidden secret, great family winery, great wine.

Not to be confused with Marietta Wine Cellars established in 2000 in Ohio. Marietta Cellars, located just outside of Geyserville in Sonoma County, and was founded in 1978 by Chris Bilbro and has been referred to as an American Success story with the simple aim of …

producing good honest wines at good honest prices and YES, they have succeeded. At that stage, they purchased all their grape but things change in 1990 but more about that later. Second generation son’s Jake and Scot have now taken over the reins and continue the family tradition. If you’re inspired to visit, think again, the family prefer to keep a low profile and for that reason, haven’t opened a tasting room preferring to focus on making the wine without distraction. Once you taste the wine’s I’m sure you’ll agree that this has been a successful strategy. They have also gone against the grain from day one by producing non-vintage wine, that is, wine blended from more than one specific vintage.

I was fortunate enough to meet Scot several years ago and after spending time with him and extracting as much information about his vineyards and wines it’s easy to understand why his wines are so good. There is a passion and commitment that is evident in everything he says and does.

Let’s step forward to 2015 and Vintage releases started to appear revealing an increased sophistication and quality but still at reasonable prices reflecting a central concept of Good Food, Good Friends and Good Wine (except the wine is far better than just ‘good’) Their wines are divided into three Series: The OVR Series, the Family Series and the Estate Series. Today they own vineyards in three distinct areas: Geyserville, purchased in 1990 from Viola Angeli whose family had lived there since 1886- 35 acres of river land and hillside terraced vineyards, McDowell- 270 acres of vineyard purchased in 2012 and Yorkville- 30 acres planted at 1400 ft. elevation, perched on a south-facing hillside purchased in 1999.

OVR Series …

Note: The Rose and the Riesling are not available in the Indiana market but the Red Blend is with a designation of Lot Number 69 and no vintage listed.

Old Vine Red – N/V Current Release.

This is a blend of multi vineyards and multi vintages (2015, 2016 and 2017) comprising mainly Zinfandel, and, I suspect, as with some previous releases, a little Petite Sirah, and Carignane with small amounts of other varieties included for increased complexity which is evident. As you would expect this is a (somewhat) fruit forward, ripe, juicy wine. Enticing nose with mouthfuls of black fruits, blueberries with some pepper, spices and a hint earthiness rounding things out. This is, without a doubt one of the best Monday, Tuesday Wednesday wines you will ever come across and at under $15 a bottle it represents value plus! Buy a case and invite some friends over. Cellar to 2025 plus.

Family Series …

Román Estate Grown Zinfandel – 2016

This is a blend of predominately Zinfandel with a little Petite Sirah and Barbara added. The nose is enticing with sweet floral notes dominating, from the first sip that makes you smile and convinces you- rich, juicy and approachable with impressive depth and complexity was my first impression. Wonderful mouthfeel with red fruits with darker fruits lurking in the shadows racing across every part of your taste buds. All Estate Grown fruit ensures great fruit selection and quality control- seriously delicious and great value at around $20 a bottle? Cellar to 2027.

Rating: 91 points—Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Christo ‘Rhone Style’ Red Blend 2015

“Our dad has a long history of honoring those he loves through wine. Now we’re able to do the same for him with a new blend in his favorite Rhone style. Christo, as Marietta called him, captures our father’s closeness to the earth, strength, enormity of heart, and unfailing gentleness”. Source: www.mariettacellars.com

I first tasted this 7 or 8 years ago and was suitably impressed and the current release is even better- the blend varies slightly with just a little more Grenache added. The 2015 vintage is a classic Rhone blend of Syrah- 64%, Grenache- 23%, Petite Sirah- 7% and Viognier- 6%. Blueberries and red fruits dominate the nose complimenting subtle floral notes. Palate delivers big ripe, juicy black fruits, blueberries with notes of floral, chocolate and spice on the finish. This is a wine made with a purpose- to be drunk with friends and family and enjoyed over a meal. Full bodied with great structure and balance with 15.2% alcohol not at all evident. Again, pair with any red meats with a preference from the grill. Cellar to 2028.

Rating: 93 points —Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Armé Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

This is named after Chris’s uncle Armé and is Marietta’s ‘Bordeaux style blend’ predominately Cabernet Sauvignon- 83% with some Merlot- 9%, Malbec- 6% and Petit Verdot- 2% added. This is a big heady wine displaying definite restraint and elegance with beautiful mouthfeel and texture.

Nose is heady and pulls you in with delicate floral notes soon over taken by current, cherry spices and subtle cedar. Palate features dark cherries with secondary notes of sage, spices and cedar. Beautiful balance and structure and definitely over deliver’s at price point (around $25.00). A delight to drink. Again, pair with just about any red meat, especially from the grill. Production is only 6,000 cases. Cellar to 2030.

Rating: 93 points —Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Estate Series …

Angeli Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2015 – 1,000 cases only.

First made in 1993 … “Having known our dad since he was a boy, Viola Angeli sold him the ranch where our winery now sits. Viola lived in her house until she passed away 14 years later. This wine honors her. Angeli Cuvée is a proprietary blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and a small amount of Syrah, made from our highest quality Sonoma County fruit.” Source: www.mariettacellars.com

A sweet seductive nose of dark fruits and spices with a promise of more to come. Lighter bodied than one would expect but don’t let that fool you, the palate is all Zinfandel with mouthfuls of delicious black berries, dark cherries and spices dominating with secondary notes of plum and red fruits on a long finish. Surprising elegance given the weight on the palate with impressive balance with not a hint of the 14.8% alcohol. Could do with some decanter time- 1 to 2 hours. Impressive wine, pair with red meats, especially from the grill and of course a few close friends. Cellar to 2030.

Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – 775 cases only.

Surprising soft and approachable given it’s a 2016 Yorkville Highlands Cabernet. Nose is all dark fruits and inviting but the boldness, body and structure is revealed in the first sip. Mouthfeel and texture are definitely friendly with loads blackberries, plums and black cherries with a savory quality intertwined with spices and sweet tobacco rounding things out. This Cabernet is restrained and elegant with pinpoint focus and impressive balance and an absolute delight to drink! Cellar out till 2030 and your patience will be rewarded.

94 points—Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Spring 2019

Gibson Block Syrah 2015 – 650 cases only.

This is considered the star in the Estate series and is sourced from the Gibson Block planted in the 1880’s. It is listed as a ‘field blend’ with some 100 plus year-old Grenache inclusive. One sniff of this wine and you know it’s going to readjust you’re thinking about California Syrah. This is a big bold wine with loads of attitude and I suspect personality. Nose is an intoxicating bouquet of blackberries, plums and spices. The palate reveals its true character- big, bold, balanced wine dominated by seductive dark fruits with so much more going on below the surface. Seductive in an elegant manner, not at all obvious with smatterings of class at the core of ever sip. This really is an absolute pleasure to drink. This wine makes up for all the sub-standard wines I taste in the course of my job and is the one we look forward to ‘discovering’, even if it is again. Did I mention the silky tannins and the almost endless finish? Cellar to 2030

95 points—Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Spring 2019

Some of the best value driven wines from Columbia Valley you will ever drink …

Butch and Jerry Milbrandt were fourth generation famers and made the transition from potatoes and apples when they relocated to Eastern Washington in 1997 and have since won numerous awards and a constant string of 90 plus pt. ratings.

The bottom line is these guys (along with Butch’s children Buck and Kerri) make some impressive wines at great prices. Some of the best Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wines you will ever drink delivering all the quality, restraint and elegance the region, and the winery is known for.

**Graphic used with permission of the Winery.**

They were also instrumental in establishing two of the top AVAs in Washington State: Ancient Lakes in 2012 and Wahluke Slope in 2006, where I might add is where their vineyards are located. The Wahluke Slope vineyards are situated at 1,475 ft elevation with shallow soils and are particularly suited for their red’s wines while the Ancient Lakes vineyards are ideal for their white’s. Both areas share long sunny days and low rainfall during growing season.

Brothers’ Blend 2016

This is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot and Tempranillo with all grape varietal contributing to the mix.

Nose is dominated by cherries, blueberries and subtle cooking herbs. Palate has a ‘too easy to drink’ appeal with blueberries, raspberries, cherries and plums all working to put a smile on your face. Body and structure are distinct without t00 much oak intrusion with subtle notes of vanilla and just a hint of dark cherry on a nice finish.

Merlot 2017

This is a wine that seems to get all the attention of the three- attracting a 91 pt. rating and a Top 100 placement with Wine Enthusiast. Delightful nose of cherries, cranberries and herbal notes. As with the Blend, palate is friendly and inviting and way too easy to drink- a wine you would be happy to pour for your friends, whenever that may be, given the current circumstances. Ripe soft cherries, blackberries and plums dominate with secondary notes of mocha, cooking herbs and vanilla on a long finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

This is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot with an enticing nose of dark fruits, cherries and chocolate. The palate has impressive depth with layers of blackberry pie, dark cherries, plum and baking spices with obvious restraint and impressive length on the finish. A wine with attitude than you would be happy to serve your friends, whenever that might be … a cook out towards the end of summer, maybe. In the meantime, just enjoy it or your own or significant other.

From the Cellar …

How Long Can a Wine Age?

This topic may appear from time to time and is more to give an indication (through reviews) to the age-old question, “how long will a bottle of wine age for”? I get asked that a lot in the course of my day and the answer is of course not simple.

Over the course of my journey in the wine business, and before that as well (in another life) you somehow, through the experience of drinking hundreds of wines a year develop a 6th sense about a wine and its ability to age. You then add winemaker, vintage, region, weather etc. to the equation and all that stuff you take for granted hones that time frame down ever further.

There is of course another factor to add into the mix, do you like to drink wine that has been aged or younger and fresher. This will vary with grape varietal and point of origin and will be determined ultimately by personal choice honed by experience.This period of social distancing has given all of us a chance to hit the cellar and fine that bottle you have been keeping for ‘such an occasion’.

Molly Dooker ‘Two Left Feet’ 2008.The wine I pulled from the cellar was a bottle of Molly Dooker “Two Left Feet” from 2008. It is a blend of 68% Shiraz, 17% Merlot and 15% Cabernet added into the mix. Was enjoyable upon release with cellaring potential but today … it was impeccably stylish despite its hefty 16% alcohol displaying wonderful balance with impressive depth and complexity. Raspberries, plums, dark fruits and chocolate still very much evident, just more integrated and relaxed giving the impression I’ve arrived at the point I always knew I would be. Enjoy!