Heitz Cellar Cabernet 2017

This is old school Cabernet, knows its lane and does not disappoint, not even for a second. An excellent expression of Napa and all that it offers. Family owned since its beginnings in 1961 with pioneering vintner Joe Heitz cutting his teeth in Napa in the 1950’s. He is credited in ushering in a newContinue reading “Heitz Cellar Cabernet 2017”

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 someContinue reading “Yangarra Kings Wood Shiraz 2020”

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,Continue reading “Wittmann 100 Hills Dry Riesling 2022 – quality on a budget.”

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: “TheContinue reading “Reyneke Chenin Blanc 2022 – Exceptional.”

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 6Continue reading “Two Hands Charlie’s Garden Eden Valley Shiraz 2020”

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 ScaiaContinue reading “Scaia Rosso 2021 and Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2021.”

Belasco De Baquedano Llama Series from Argentina- these two wines could be the very definition of ‘over-deliver’

Belasco De Baquedano Llama Cabernet Franc 2021 This is 100% Cabernet Franc made from 35-Year-old vines and aged for 6 months in French Oak Barrels. The Consulting Winemaker is none other than Michael Rolland, who is a Bordeaux-based oenologist, with hundreds of clients spread over 13 countries as well as several wineries he owns orContinue reading “Belasco De Baquedano Llama Series from Argentina- these two wines could be the very definition of ‘over-deliver’”

Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Blend 2022. Roussanne & Marsanne blend- Exceptional drinking.

All my favorite Roussanne and Marsanne wines have always be French, all that changed today when I tasted Avennia’s La Perle from Columbia Valley. This is a blend of 78% Roussanne and 22% Marsanne and is everything you could possibly want from these varietals. The man behind this exceptional wine is Chris Peterson, former winemakerContinue reading “Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Blend 2022. Roussanne & Marsanne blend- Exceptional drinking.”

Domaine Bousquet Winery- the leaders in organic wines in Argentina.

The Winery was established in 1997 by Jean Bousquet on barren, almost desert like conditions in Tupungato, Uco Valley (Mendoza). An area written off by locals- an area without water, electricity, or roads and only 6 inches of rainfall per annum. Today, this picturesque winery covers 240 acres and sits at an altitude of 4,000Continue reading “Domaine Bousquet Winery- the leaders in organic wines in Argentina.”

Two Italian Sparkling’s you will want to invite to your next party.

Altemasi Trentodoc Brut This is produced from 100% Chardonnay and sourced from the best vineyards on the hilltops around Trento DOC- located between 450 and 600 meters above sea level. This area is known for producing some of the best sparkling outside of Champagne. It is also second in the world, to Champagne, as anContinue reading “Two Italian Sparkling’s you will want to invite to your next party.”