Vine to Table

Yangarra Kings Wood Shiraz 2020

This is elegant, restrained McLaren Vale Shiraz that is both seductive and appealing from the first sip.

This is part of their single vineyard Premium release wines and was sourced from a 2.3hectare block 12 planted in 1999- a southeast facing vineyard planted on sandy and ironstone soil.

2020 was a tough vintage but some very special wines came out of the struggle with mother nature, and this is a wonderful example of one of those special wines. Elegant, restrained, medium bodied and relatively low ALC at 13.5% with an inviting attitude without sacrificing power.

Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, plum and subtle spices.

The palate expands to incorporate additional notes of dark raspberries, black currant, and dark chocolate. Silky smooth mouthfeel, with fine grain tannins, with hints of olive tapenade, clove, and black pepper.

I can see this cellaring out for another 10 years- out to 2035 with confidence.

Pairings: choose wisely- this wine deserves it. Any red meats will do well, bold rich chicken, turkey, and Pork dishes will work well.

Note about name:

Royal Oaks of the King’s wood forests were planted by monarchs to build elegant cathedrals and church naves. The beautiful old French oak in our giant foudre vessels helps us make elegant wine by gradually polishing and protecting the brightest spiciest Shiraz we grow at Yangarra. Source: Winery Website.

Contacto Alvarinho 2023 – An absolute delight to drink.

What are you going to be drinking this Sunday when its 84 degrees? … this delightful Portuguese white of course.

This is a Vinho Verde which really means it is a white wine that can be made from several different varietals or a blend of. I have it on good authority this one is 100% Albarino and comes from Anselmo Mendes, considered to be one of the finest makers of Alvarinho in conjunction with the Symington family.

The nose has delightful floral aromas supported by notes of lemon and orange peel with a hint of pear and peach, and a promise of more to come.

The palate is rich and lively with racy acidity and excellent balance. Enticing layers of pear, peach, apple, and melon dominate with secondary notes of citrus, honey, wet stone, and saline. There is undeniable refinement on the palate and harmony, which reminds me of a Clare Valley aged dry Riesling, just a little crisper from its youth. I cannot wait to revisit this in 3 – 5 years and see where it goes.

Food pairing get back to the old adage, ‘if it grows together, it goes together’. Bacalhau- a traditional Portuguese dish featuring Salted Portuguese Codfish, Eggs & Potatoes should be top of the list, shellfish and any light white fish would work. Crossing the border for tapas would not be unheard, of if you stick to seafood, chicken and pork and any earthy vegetable dish.

Wittmann 100 Hills Dry Riesling 2022 – quality on a budget.

I hold the opinion, unpopular I might add, that Germany could not make a dry Riesling to save their life- this has only 6.0 grams/liter. I grew up drinking bone dry Rieslings from Clare Valley in Barossa in South Australia- my reference point.

This is a great example of what I consider to be, the modern dry Riesling style from Germany, and its delicious, over delivers, and is budget friendly. What more can you ask for?

The grapes are sourced from organic vineyards in the hills of the Rheinhessen region- about 40% Estate owned and the balance from local certified organic growers.

This is fresh, clean, crisp, and totally enjoyable Riesling that can be enjoyed anytime with seafood, chicken, turkey, and pork dishes. Enough sweetness to go with spicy Thai, Szechuan, Moroccan, and Indian.

The nose showcases aromas of floral notes, peach, honey with just a hint of orange peel.

The palate is smooth and inviting with crisp acidity and balance. Impressive layers of peach, honey, orange blossom, tangerine zest and just a hint of petrol.

The nose showcases aromas of floral notes, peach, honey with just a hint of orange peel.

The palate is smooth and inviting with crisp acidity and balance. Impressive layers of peach, honey, orange blossom, tangerine zest and just a hint of petrol.

This is a totally enjoyable Riesling that will not break the bank. Enjoy.

Prazo de Roriz 2021 – Douro. Exciting red that won’t break the bank.

The grapes were sourced primarily from Quinta de Roriz and the balance from Quinta da Perdiz and Cima Corgo and then aged in 400-liter French oak barrels for 6 months.

I should also point out that the 2021 vintage was excellent and as good as the 2019 vintage- a vintage considered one of the best.

The nose is all raspberries and dark cherries with a hint of plum and tobacco.

The palate is silky smooth showing impressive depth and complexity, especially for a wine so budget friendly. This wine has a charm about it that is revealed in layers of raspberries, blackberries, plums, and dark cherries with traces of black currant, oak, and dark chocolate.

This will cellar until 2030 with confidence.

Food pairing get back to the old adage, ‘if it grows together, it goes together’. Arroz De Pato, Bifanas, Francesinha, and Carne De Porco à Alentejana just to name a few. Spend some time exploring, try something new.

Torbreck Woodcutters Semillon 2014 – from the cellar.

I am very happy to find that this is not only holding up but drinking beautifully.

The hints of lemon, beeswax and toasted brioche are still evident on the nose but has softened, as one would expect.

The palate is alluring, and whilst lacking the racy acidity it possessed upon release it has evolved into something quite special and totally enjoyable. There is an undeniable richness on the palate with wonderful layers of beeswax, citrus oil, roasted nuts, and orange peel, with secondary notes of honey, pear, and peach. Excellent depth and complexity with impressive balance. This is a fine example of just how long Barossa Semillon can age.

It has all come together into one seamless tasting experience.

I am sure this still has some aging potential left but it is drinking so well now. If you have a bottle, or more, open one now and pair it with Shellfish, Swordfish on the grill, Salmon, and Chicken, Turkey, or Pork dishes.

For those of you that crave technical details …

VARIETAL: 100% Semillon (Madeira Clone)

SUB-DISTRICTS: Kalimna, Rowland Flat & Seppeltsfield

HARVEST: 6th, 11th, and 26th February 2014

pH: 3.17

TA: 6.56 g/L

Fruit from both vineyards (split into seven separate parcels) was handpicked and gently ‘whole bunch’ pressed to individual vats where they were left to settle. After 24 hours the younger blocks were racked to tank whilst the older more robust parcels were transferred to seasoned French barriques where they underwent a long cool fermentation. The various components were later ‘assembled’ prior to bottling on the 10th of December 2014.

Sourced from the Torbreck Winery Website.

Reyneke Chenin Blanc 2022 – Exceptional.

South Africa is known for a lot of great things and quality Chenin Blanc is one of them.

The grapes are sourced from the oldest vineyards on the Reyneke Estate planted in 1974 and 1976 and are registered with the South Africa’s Old Vine Project (OVP).

For those more ‘technically minded’ I found this: “The grapes were whole bunch pressed and lightly settled. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in a combination of seasoned 300L French oak 2500L foudrés. After 10 months of maturation on the gross lees, the wine was racked from their vessels and readied for bottling, which takes place early January. A light dose of sulphur was added at racking, prior to bottling”. Source: Reyneke Wine Website.

Enticing aromas burst from the glass with green apples, pears, peaches with just a hint of honeycomb.

The palate is rich and inviting with a slight oily texture that cradles layers of yellow apples, honey, peach, and tangerines, with secondary layers of citrus, crème, and saline. Wonderful balance with delicate bright acidity, and surprising depth and complexity.

One of the nicest Chenin Blancs I have tried. Winemaker Barbara Melck and Stellenbosch have done it again. This is a must try wine.

This is the first Reyneke Chenin I have tasted but I would bet this has another 4 – 5 years of improvements to be gained.

Pairings should include Seafood, Shellfish, Seafood Risotto, Chicken Pasta with a cream sauce, and mild and softer cheeses.

Two Hands Charlie’s Garden Eden Valley Shiraz 2020

I have been drinking Two Hands Wines for 20 years or so and their passionate pursuit of single vineyard and single regional varietals reflecting the specific terroir is not only admirable but exceptionally rewarding, not to mention satisfying for us as wine drinkers. My case in point is the Garden series- seven Shiraz from 6 different regions, two from Heathcote.

I was gifted a bottle of the 2020 Charlie’s Garden Shiraz, named after Michael Twelftree’s son Charlie. It is one of the Garden Series I have not tasted yet and looking forward to opening it.

The grapes for this Shiraz are sourced from one of the highest elevation vineyards on Mengler’s Hill in Eden Valley, a region known for producing elegant, restrained reds and one sip, I am sure you will agree, this is an excellent example.

The enticing nose draws you in with aromas of black and blue berries, dark cherries with subtle floral notes and eucalyptus.

The palate is surprisingly elegant, silky smooth and inviting for such a young age. Wonderful depth and complexity with impressive balance. Seamless layers of blackberries, plums, and blueberries, with secondary notes of dark cherries, vanilla, oak, and white pepper make you want to take another sip. I get the impression everything is where it should be- very intentional.

This is still a pup at only 4 years old. I can see definite improvements over the next 5 to 10 years- 2035.

Pairings should include New York Strips, Steak Diane, Beef Stew, Lamb, and Game, as well as your favorite cuts of meat from the grill. Light enough for bigger Pork and Chicken dishes with ample amount of cooking herbs.

Scaia Rosso 2021 and Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2021.

Q: What do four brothers do when they inherit 50 acres of vineyards in the eastern section of Valpolicella from their father?

A: Buy 75 more acres and start a Winery of course.

They released their first wine in 1995 under the Tenuta Sant’Antonio label before launching a new project in 2006 under the Scaia label. If you are wondering about the name, it refers to the type of soil in the vineyards- a chalky, granular soil that falls apart easily. Scaia is a word in Veronese dialect for crumbs and imparts higher acidity and bolder fruit characters to the wine.

The palate is a light easy drinking red, soft, and welcoming, nice texture and balance with a friendly approachable attitude making this a midweek favorite with a pizza or a big bowl of pasta with some crusty Italian bread. Interesting layers of cherries, raspberries, pomegranate, and red plums with just a hint of blackberries, strawberries, and spices. Great early week drinking that will not break the bank. Nice length on the finish.

This meant to be drunk in its youth but I would be interested to see where it will be in 5 years.

Pairings should include Italian- pasta and pizza with red meat and chicken. I can also see this being enjoyed at Thanksgiving with Turkey, Ham, and Pork.

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2021

I have tasted this several times before and it has always been a wine to put a smile on your face from the enticing nose to the welcoming palate, but I am getting ahead of myself.

The Antinori family has been making wine since 1385- that is 26 generations carrying the respect for tradition and the environment down through the centuries and forgive me for being just a touch sentimental, but I think you can taste that commitment in the wine. This is mostly Sangiovese with just a splash of Cabernet and Merlot.

The nose is seductive with enticing layers of dark cherries, red currants, with subtle notes of fields of flowers and a delicate sweetness.

The palate has a lot going on with interwoven layers of ripe cherries, plums, and raspberries, with secondary notes of blackberries, dried cooking herbs, earthy notes, mushrooms, and a subtle balsamic vinegar note. Wonderful structure and balance served up with elegance and restraint. This shares DNA with the iconic Tignanello, just far more approachable, and affordable.

Cellar time can range from 15 to 20 years, if you have the patience.

An absolute delight to drink. This is one of those wines that should be on your must try list.

Pairings should be Italian- Grilled Red meats and grilled vegetables, Chicken Cacciatore, Roasted Chicken with plenty of dried herbs, and of course charcuterie board with premier cuts of prosciutto, salami, and pancetta, along with garlic-stuffed olives and dried tomatoes, and Margherita pizza.

“There’s Gold In Them Hills” and sometimes it’s in the form of vineyards in Paso Robles.

Tooth & Nail Wine Co.

Two wines from the Tooth & Nail Wine Co. located in Paso Robles that sit outside the box of your Paso expectations- that will not disappoint.

The Possessor 2021

This is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, 6% Malbec, and 3% Petite Verdot. I decanted this for 2 hours to do it justice. It is a big wine with panache.

This is not your typical Paso Cabernet and sits just outside the box looking in. It is definitely worth chasing down.

The enticing nose is dominated by blackberries, plums, dark cherries, and with some cigar box and cooking herbs to round things out.

The palate is well crafted with intertwined layers ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries with interesting notes of olives, cooking herbs, and with nice texture and fine grain tannins that persist on a long finish. Excellent balance.

Cellar this puppy out to 2032 with confidence.

Food Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes. Lasagna, Pepperoni Pizza, Stuffed Peppers with rice and ground beef, and Lamb and Veal should also be considered.

The Stand 2021

This is a blend of 85% Petite Sirah, 9% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier. I decanted this for 2 hours to do it justice. This is a big wine with swagger and attitude.

The nose jumps out from the glass with aromas of smoke, plum, and blackberries with just a whiff of blueberries rounding things out.

The palate showcases ripe black and blue berries with secondary notes of dark plums, dark chocolate, coffee, and tobacco with some pronounced pepper on the finish. Mouthfeel is smooth and approachable with tannins evident. Nice depth and complexity with impressive balance disguising the 14.8% ALC with ease and a nice long finish.

Cellar this out to 2032 with confidence.

Food Pairings (like the Stand) your favorite red meat dishes, Lasagna, Pepperoni Pizza, Stuffed Peppers with rice and ground beef, and Lamb and Veal should also be considered.

Labyrinth Wines

The website will tell you “Labyrinth Wines are dedicated to making bold wines to enhance your life” and that is pretty accurate. Doesn’t all wine enhance your life?

Winemaker and Owner Rick Hill founded Labyrinth in 2000 and released his first wine from fruit sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyard from the Santa Maria Valley.

In 2002 he teamed up his future wife Lane Tanner to produce their first vintage release of Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley in Australia.

Petite Sirah 2019

The original varietal name for this is Durif discovered in Franch in the 1880. It is an unintended cross between Syrah and Peloursin. Oddly enough Australia and California are the biggest producers.

The nose is brooding smoky aromas of blueberries, plums, and spices. This is definitely California Petite Sirah.

The palate is bold and brassy with loads of dark fruits and spices dominating with blueberries, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate. Tannins are evident and some decanting is needed to get the best out of this wine: 2 – 3 hours. Keep in mind this already has 5 years under the belt.

Cellaring out to 2030 will show rewards.

Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes.

The nose is brooding smoky aromas of blueberries, plums, and spices. This is definitely California Petite Sirah.

Cellaring out to 2030 will show rewards.

Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes.

Zinfandel 2018

The nose has aromas of black and blue fruits with hints of raisins and black currents.

The palate is bold, silky smooth and appealing with some restrained attitude. I did give it a few hours decanting which definitely benefited. Layers of blueberries, blackberries, and plums with secondary notes of dark chocolate and spices. Impressive balance which successfully masks the 15.6% ALC.

This has 6 years under the belt already, this will cellar out to 2028 with confidence.

Another great argument for not putting the grill away just yet. This will pair well with just about anything from the grill, or your favorite red meat dish.