Vine to Table

Cult Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – the Beau Vigne Collection.

The bottle and label scream elegance, but have you tasted this before?

Ed and Trish Snider started the winery almost 30 years ago with Dave Phinney at the winemaking helm. They had a simple aim: to make wine that would compete with the greatest wines in the world. Kirk Venge came onboard as winemaker in 2008, producing wines that received scores ranging from 93 to 100 points. This wine is part of that vision.

In 2019, Charles Bartlett became the new owner, appointing Julien Fayard, of Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and Atelier Melka fame, as head winemaker, quickly establishing his stellar reputation in the Napa community.

The Beau Vigne Collection continues the tradition and vision to create exceptional wines, sourcing grapes from Atlas Peak, Pritchard Hill, as well as Howell Mountain, Oakville, and Rutherford. Mountain fruit is favored because of the natural restraint and finesse inherent in the terroir.

Seductive aromas of blackberries, plum, and oak draw you in, making promises you pray the first sip will deliver.

The palate is smooth and inviting, with depth and complexity evident, as well as impeccable balance and well-integrated tannins. Interwoven layers of blackberries, cassis, plums, vanilla/oak, and dark chocolate, with secondary layers of blueberries, dark cherries, and baking spices. There is a rich, velvety mouthfeel, and not from overripe fruit, that is balanced with proportional acidity. As I said, everything is in balance and where it should be.

Cellar time: 2035 with confidence.

Food pairings should include red meat- just make sure it is worthy of this wine.

There is an unconfirmed rating of 94 Pt. I read it somewhere months ago and cannot find it again, of course.

d’Arenberg ‘The Custodian’ Grenache 2012.

d’Arenberg does not have the oldest Grenache vines in the world, but they are close. This family business, since 1912, has played the role of custodians of old vine Grenache – about 135-year-old vines- and holds about 1/3 of the old vines in McLaren Vale. Chester, fourth generation Custodian of the winery, took over the winemaking reins in 1984, now passing the baton onto Jack Walton.

Up until the early 1970’s Grenache was the most widely planted grape in Australia, then Shiraz took over.

The nose is loaded with dark cherries, red plums, and blueberries, and quietly seduces you to take a sip.

The palate is dominated by red plums, blueberries, mulberries, savory notes of beetroot and spices with traces of red cherries, and cinnamon. Mouthfeel is soft and inviting confirming 13 years of aging has smoothed out ‘jagged edges’ with tannins and acidity sitting exactly where they should be, confirming both age ability, and balance that stands the test of time. The 2012 vintage was an excellent vintage, producing a score of 94 Pt – James Halliday. Not bad for a $20 wine.

No prize for knowing where the name came from.

This has another 2 – 3 years of aging before it hits its drinking peak.

Grenache loves spicy foods, so pairings should include dishes like Chicken and Chorizo Paella, Gourmet Burgers from the grill, Turkey, Grilled Kangaroo, Roast Pork, and just about any red meat from the grill.

Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Barossa Grenache 2012.

This majestic wine is sourced from some of the oldest Grenache vines in the world, planted in 1889, and imposes elegance and finesse on the drinker from the first sip. This really is a classic wine and a pleasure to drink. From its almost translucent satin red color that shimmers to the enticing aromatics of raspberry, red currents, and cherries, this delivers a special experience.

The 2012 vintage received a string of 95 and 96 Pt ratings from Australian and US reviewers alike reflecting the benchmark standard for this exceptional wine. The grapes were sourced from 820 gnarly old bush vines planted in 1889. These are not the oldest Grenache vines in Barossa but they are close. That honor belongs to Cirillo Estate further down the road in Barossa, planted in 1850.

The nose is seductive, with aromas of raspberries, cherries, and pomegranate, as well as a hint of oak and darker fruits. There is so much going on.

The palate is rich and lush, silky smooth showcasing excellent balance, fine grain tannins, and lively acidity that walk hand in hand framing seamless layers of dark raspberries and cherries, blackberries, plums, and a sweet raisin note. Secondary notes of vanilla, oak, chocolate, and herbs round things out—wonderful texture on the palate through to a long finish.

Pair with any game, with a red fruit wine reduction sauce, chicken, braised pork or lamb, stews, lighter Indian dishes, and of course Turkey- remember this for next Thanksgiving.

I believe this can be cellared out for another 6 – 8 years with confidence.

What has 42 ha and 70 plots and is delicious to drink? …

Chateau de Pez of course!

About the Winery …

It is possibly the oldest Bordeaux wine-making estate in the Saint Estéphe appellation, rivaled only by Chateau Calon Segur. The Chat. de Pez estate was created in 1452 by Jean de Briscos and has since passed through many owners with Jean-Claude Rouzaud being the current owner and custodian since 1995. If you are curious about the name, he is best known for the Roederer Champagne, the maker of Champagne Cristal, as well as owning Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, Chateau Bernadotte, and Chateau Haut-Beausejour.

The vineyards are 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot planted on gravel, limestone, and clay soils. A 17-meter altitude difference produces excellent drainage for the vines, which are an average of 25 years old. Their average annual production is around 18,500 cases.

Due to substantial investment reflecting the jump in quality, the Chateau has had a string of outstanding vintages from 2014 to the current vintage- 2023.

Chateau de Pez 2021

The 2021 vintage is a blend of 51 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 43 % Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3 % Petit Verdot.

Expressive aromas of ripe red cherries, wildflowers, plums, blueberries, and spices.

This wine displays impressive depth and complexity with great balance and acidity. Tannins still give a dryish pucker, after all, it is only 6 years old. I anticipate this will soften in the coming years, 2 -3 hours of decanting in the meantime. This was impressive drinking day 2 with just the cork back in the bottle.

This will cellar out to 2035 nicely with marked anticipated improvements.

Winery recommends the following pairings: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes as well as mushrooms, pasta, and cheese. Chateau de Pez is also quite good with Asian dishes, and hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

Wine Enthusiast gave this 94 Pt rating.

Lapostolle Curvée ‘Alefandre’ Merlot 2012 – from the cellar.

About the Winery …

Yet another Chilian Winery with French roots. The winery was established in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet. Alexandra is from the renowned Marnier Lapostolle family, that has for several generations dedicated itself to making high-quality wines and spirits. In other words, French winemaking philosophy with the magnificent terroirs of Chile. Today Charles-Henri de Bournet, from the 7th generation of the family, is at the helm of the Domaine.

About the Vineyards …

The Apalta Valley is a horseshoe shaped valley surrounding the vineyards, near the city of Santa Cruz, and just over 100 miles southwest of Santiago and benefits from a north-south exposure, something rare in Chile. The vineyards are planted on very ancient soils originating from the Cretaceous period, featuring granitic and granodioritic material, with angular stones and underlying clayey subsoils on the hills. The flatter areas, next to the Tinguiririca River are composed of colluvial and some older alluvial material courtesy of the river.

About the wine …

This is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Carmenere, and is aged in French Barrels for 9 months with 59% in new oak and the balance in second and third use. Almost 12,000 cases produced.

Enticing aromas of violets, blueberries, olives, chocolate and just a hint of herbs.

The palate is smooth and inviting with obvious depth and complexity. Interwoven layers of blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, chocolate, and plums, with just a hint of dark raspberries and spices.

Excellent balance with everything in place, and just a hint of sweetness on a long finish. Tannins still resolved in their duties.

This still has 3 – 5 years before hitting its peak.

Winery recommends well-seasoned dishes with a red wine demiglace such as short ribs and angus beef to pair with this wine. I would consider Filet Mignon, Spaghetti and meatballs, Duck, or Turkey.

Have you tasted a Zibibbo? – drink like Cleopatra.

Tonnino Zibibbo 2021

This 100% organic Zibibbo is from Sicily, planted on soil rich in limestone, sand, and organic elements. It is known predominately as a sweet wine that falls into the Muscat family and is also known as the ‘Muscat of Alexandria’.

This is a dry version and infinitely drinkable- be warned.

It is believed to have originated in Northern Africa and arrived in Sicily via Greece. Despite being produced in several countries today, including Spain, South Africa, California, and as far away as Australia, it still flies under the radar and is relatively unknown outside of Europe.

It was rumored to have been Cleopatra’s favorite wine.

This family-run winery was started by Grandfather Paolo back in 1950. It took a few decades until the decision to make their own wine became a reality. Today, the third generation is focused on doing things as their grandfather taught them- hand pruning, hand picking, and paying back to the land that gives them bountiful grapes to make impressive organic wine. Grandfather would be proud.

This highly aromatic white wine showcases alluring notes of White flowers, and citrus- lemons and orange zest, with just a hint of apricot.

The palate is enticing, almost seductive, with a rich fruit-driven mouthfeel balanced with crisp acidity. Think back to when you tasted your first Gewürztraminer, a similar experience. An almost pear-like texture dominates framing layers of ripe lemons, orange zest, apricot, pear, and just a hint of almond and lychee on the finish. Impressive depth and complexity, amazing balance, and loads of character and attitude.

It makes you want to have another sip the second you finish your first. This pretty much ticks all the boxes and is a must-try white.

This should cellar out to 2030 without a problem.

Pairings should include, shellfish, scallops, fish- swordfish in particular, chicken, and pork.

Cambria Estate ‘Julia’s Vineyard’ 2018 – Infinitely drinkable!

First impression from the nose is loads of cherries, cola, dark raspberries, and an earthy leather note to round things out.

One sip and I am convinced this is one of the best Pinots on the market that sits around $25. This is classic cool climate, coastal elegance sourced from a single vineyard in Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. Between the fog keeping the vines cool and the unique characteristics of the soil consisting of ancient fossilized seashells, shale, limestone, and sand, this vineyard produces a Pinot that drinks way beyond its price point, that is infinitely drinkable.

This is an all women affair with proprietors Katherine and Julia Jackson and head winemaker Jill Russell who joined the team in 2017. The vineyard was renamed in 1988 in tribute to Julia Jackson.

Silky soft mouthfeel greets your first sip with a balance of delightful fruit, elegance, and restraint, with well-integrated fine grain tannin. Impressive layers of cherries, pomegranate, strawberries, and raspberries dominate with secondary notes of cranberries, cola, oak, with just a hint of an earthy leather note and spices on the lengthy finish.

For a flagship wine this is an over achiever, not surprised it received a 92 Pt rating from Wine Enthusiast.

This will cellar out to 2028 with confidence. I still have a few bottles in the cellar so look for updates in the future.

Pairing should include grilled Salmon on cedar plank, Chicken Salad with a Raspberry dressing, Turkey, or Pork with cranberry sauce.

A few quick observations: this is my first photo outside this year, summers here, finally. I have several Pinot glasses of different shapes, but I also seem to revert to old school from Riedel- I think they work best.

Groth Estate Chardonnay 2022- new world with an old-world soul.

All the grapes were sourced from the Hillview Vineyard which was acquired in 1982. This 44-acre Vineyard was acquired for its Merlot but almost half was replanted with Clone 4 (Wente) and Clone 76 (Dijon) after realizing its potential for world-class Chardonnay.

Ted Henry, their winemaker, came on board in 2021 as Director of Winegrowing, after cutting his teeth at Clos du Val for 5 years, and Jarvis Estate.

An immediate richness is present as the wine is poured into the glass with baked apple pie, vanilla, and pear, with traces of butterscotch and ginger escaping from the glass.

The palate is smooth, rich, and creamy, coating your mouth. This is beautifully balanced with impressive acidity, all wrapped in elegant complexity and appeal. Intertwined layers of ripe Fuji apples, pears, peaches, papaya, orange peel, lemon plum, and an interesting sesame seed/caramel thing going on—reminiscent of a sesame candy bar I used to eat, growing up in Australia.

Ginger, lemon curd, and spices round things out, delivered on a long finish.

If you like your Chardonnay big, bold, and opulent without the overly oaky buttery notes, then this is right up your alley. It has great balance on display, walking somewhere between bold and elegant. The 14.9% alcohol is not at all evident.

Cellar out to 2030 with confidence.

Any seafood, shellfish, chicken, or pork will pair well with this wine.

What has 42 ha and 70 plots and is delicious to drink? …

Chateau de Pez of course!

About the Winery …

Due to substantial investment reflecting the jump in quality, the Chateau has had a string of outstanding vintages from 2014 to the current vintage- 2023.

Chateau de Pez 2021

The 2021 vintage is a blend of 51 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 43 % Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3 % Petit Verdot.

Expressive aromas of ripe red cherries, wildflowers, plums, blueberries, and spices.

The palate is inviting, silky smooth, almost creamy, with enticing ripe dark cherries, blueberries, blackberries, red plums, and dark chocolate dominating with savory/earthy notes, coffee, olives, and spices. This wine displays impressive depth and complexity with great balance and acidity. Tannins still give a dryish pucker, after all, it is only 6 years old. I anticipate this will soften in the coming years, 2 -3 hours of decanting in the meantime.

This was impressive drinking day 2 with just the cork back in the bottle.

This will cellar out to 2035 nicely with marked anticipated improvements.

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2016 – from the cellar.

The idea of Two Hands Winery came together when Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz, were attending a friend’s engagement party and discussed making wine and producing the best possible Shiraz from iconic regions in Australia. That was 1999.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge, with more vineyards being acquired stretching from the iconic Barossa to the cooler climate of Yarra Valley in Victoria.

Fast-forward to 2015, and a changing of the guards when Colorado native Tim Hower joined forces with Michael, becoming the other ‘Hand’ in 2015. This led to the acquisition of several new vineyards, including the Holy Grail site on Seppeltsfield Road in Barossa. Locals know this as The Avenue of Hopes and Dreams and it is lined with 100-year-old date palm trees- I remember being impressed by the majestic splendor of this road running through the middle of this iconic wine region when I first saw it in 1986.

This wine is named after the ferocious and twisted-looking old vines from which this wine is made.

The first thing you notice is the amazing color of this wine. Then the sensation of the aromas impresses you with layers of ripe blackberries, black currants, subtle black pepper, and baking spices adding an urgency to taste this, Shiraz.

The palate is big, rich, and seductive with a silky-smooth mouthfeel that has evolved since its birth 9 years ago. Depth and complexity characterize this Barossa gem, framed with matt finish tannins and excellent balance. Intertwined layers of ripe blackberries, plums, blueberries, and black currants leave little room for

for secondary notes of dark cherries, vanilla, dark chocolate, black pepper, and baking spices. There is so much going on with this wine. Great length on the finish.

Fire up the grill, this needs a steak from the grill, gourmet beef burgers, or just about any red meat from the grill.

I would anticipate further surprises evolving from another 3 – 5 years of cellaring.

I can see why James Halliday gave it a 94 Pt rating.