Vintages Release: TBD 2020

White Wine

• The following 2019 Cantina di Soave ‘Cadis’ Pinot Grigio was hand harvested from 100% pinot grigio relatively early in September to preserve as much fresh acidity as possible. It was then fermented cool without skins and transferred to stainless steel tanks gently by gravity, no pumps were utilized. Remove from your cooling unit twenty minutes before serving to capture the delicate aromas zesty flavours.

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Cantina di Soave ‘Cadis’ Pinot Grigio 2019
DOC Delle Venezie, Italy $15.95 12.0% alcohol
A lovely delicate melange of fresh aromas—pear, honeydew melon and white flower—meets round texture and zesty flavours—pink grapefruit, lemon rind— on the palate. This is a serious pinot grigio with excellent body, a good dose of fruitiness and tang, balanced with a savoury trait in the dry finish. Delicious to sip on its own but it will be excellent at the table with fish tacos, baked lemon-butter cod or roast chicken. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Giotti Pinot Grigio was sourced from 100% pinot grigio fruit.

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Casa Vinicola Bosco Malera ‘Giotti’ Pinot Grigio 2019
DOC Delle Venezie. Italy $16.95 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of floral and citrus notes waft easily from the glass. It blankets the palate with a surge of white grapefruit and near-ripe pineapple riding a wave of nicely textured acidity and tang. Palate flavours persist through the finish and aftertaste decorated with lip-smacking tang and plenty of pizzazz. Give this a go with grilled or pan-seared fish or mussels steamed in cream, garlic, leeks and white wine or your favourite sushi. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Provolo ‘Costa del Monte – Bianco Veneto was sourced from 70% garganega/20% chardonnay/10% müller-thurgau grapes. It underwent a cold soak on skins for 12 hours at 7 °C before fermentation carried out in stainless steel tanks for 18 days at controlled temperatures between 13 to 15 °C.

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Provolo ‘Costa del Monte – Bianco’ Veneto 2019
IGT Veneto, Italy $16.95 12.5% alcohol
A couple of swirls coax lively aromas of nectarine, yellow plum and golden delicious apple along with flinty-minerality. A full-Monty flow of apple, pear and lemon curd flavours capture the palate—nicely balanced, with good mouthfeel and lots to like. It finishes in a mouth-watering tang—clean, crisp and refreshing. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pour alongside a cheese tray with Brie, Gouda and Manchego or with roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Domaine Grand Roche Sauvignon Blanc is an oddity in that it hails from St. Bris, an AOC appellation within Burgundy and it grows both sauvignon blanc and sauvignon gris. This wine was sourced from 100% sauvignon blanc vines that were 30-years-old at harvest. The winery practises sustainable viticulture using no herbicides. It was wild-yeast fermented, underwent natural malolactic conversion and aged on fine lees at 23 °C for 12 to 14 months in stainless steel tanks.

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Domaine Grand Roche Sauvignon Blanc
AOC St. Bris, Burgundy, France $18.95 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of savoury herbs and citrus notes form on the nose prior to a medium-bodied, nicely textured wash of flavours bathing the palate—Myer lemon, ripe pineapple and sweet ripe Mirabelle plum to the fore. This is deftly balanced with good balance of fruit flavours, tangy acidity and lengthy, lingering, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like? Pick up a few for drinking over the next 12 or so months. Pour alongside olive-oiled arugula under a generous crumbling of chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 Cave Vinicole Cleebourg Gewurztraminer was sourced from the winemaking area of Cleebourg in the AOC Alsace region in France. A slow and gentle pressing of grapes, cold settling, alcoholic fermentation in a thermoregulated vat and filtration of base wine on tangential filter coalesce producing this off-dry gewürztraminer.

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Cave Vinicole Cleebourg Gewurztraminer 2017
AOC Alsace, France $17.95 13.5% alcohol
The medium-gold nectar in the glass signals its age while exotic spice, rosewater and floral aromas beguile on the flirtatious nose. A medium-full bodied, fully textured fountain of flavours capture the palate with sharp ginger, off-dry honeyed pear and lychee fruit to the fore. There’s a classic gewürztraminer citrussy bite on the delectable finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside your favourite Asian dish: tandoori chicken, General Tso’s chicken or pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Siddùra ‘Spèra’ Vermentino hails from the north-east coast of Sardinia, sourced from granite soils that have since weathered to sandy granitic soils in vineyards at 300 meters above sea level. Spèra translates to ‘beam of light’ in the local dialect. Grapes are handpicked and gently pressed followed by a brief maceration and alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks maturing for a few months on fine lees. It then rests for a month in bottle before release. It’s an outstanding example of premium Vermentino with a price-quality ratio skewed in your favour.

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Siddùra ‘Spèra’ Vermentino 2019
DOCG Vermentino di Gallura, Sardinia, Italy $28.95 (11216) 13.5% alcohol
Light-gold hued in the glass, it offers up exotic aromas of honey, ripe pear and notions of marzipan. The palate’s treated to an explosion of palate flavours—lemon chiffon pie, white grapefruit, piquant spice and Delicious apple—carried along on a wave of medium-full bodied, fully textured ambrosia. It ends with palate replays on a lengthy, luxurious finish and aftertaste—crisp, clean and refreshing. Give this a go with milk-marinated scallops, pan-seared in butter along with bok-choy. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Valpanera ‘Ca’del Borgo’ Pinot Grigio is sourced from 100% Pinot Grigio grapes that were gently pressed with a separation of free-run must, then fermented at a controlled temperature of 18 °C and settled in stainless steel tanks.

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Valpanera ‘Ca’del Borgo’ Pinot Grigio 2019
DOC Friuli, Italy $15.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of delicate floral notes, yellow plum and citrus abound. It bathes the palate with a delightful stream of refreshing flavours with lemon curd, ripe Mirabelle plum and wisps of minerality to the fore. This is balanced-on-a-pin, medium bodied with creamy smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang and pizzazz followed by a lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour with your favourite fish or seafood. (Vic Harradine)

Red Wine

• The following 2018 Fattoria La Torre ‘Rosso delle Chiacchere’ is a blend of 45% cabernet sauvignon/35% merlot/20% sangiovese undergoing 15 days fermentation on skins in concrete tanks with daily delestage at 20 °C. It then matured 12 months in 225L French oak barrique and a further eight months in bottle before release.

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Fattoria La Torre ‘Rosso delle Chiacchere’ 2018
IGT Toscana, Italy $16.95 14.0% alcohol
This delicious red blend will benefit from at least two hours of aeration/decant to soften the alcohol presence both on the nose and palate and reveal all its beauty. Its profound nose of dry cherry, prune, tobacco, balsamic reduction and a whiff of smoke is truly enchanting. On the palate, a soft wash of dry fruit flavours combined with bright cherry notes is quickly caught up with fine grippy tannin, earthy notes and savoury character persisting in a warm lengthy and astringent finish. This exceptionally well-priced, medium-full bodied gem has a few years of cellaring potential but if opened now, slow-simmered beef short-ribs served over creamy polenta will make a great pairing. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Château Maison Noble ‘St-Martin’ is a merlot/cabernet sauvignon blend sourced from 30-year-old vines. It had hot pre-fermentation maceration in stainless steel and concrete tanks. It was then aged in stainless steel tanks.

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Château Maison Noble ‘St-Martin - Bordeaux’ 2019
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 13.5% alcohol
This presents with a youthful nose of crunchy cherry, ripe strawberry and an interesting vegetal note in the backdrop. It flows easily on the palate with flavours of red cherry, tangy cranberry and raspberry combined with a red bell pepper note leading to a fresh, dry, fruity and savoury finish. This is an uncomplicated and very satisfying red to enjoy with gourmet burgers or red sauce pasta. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove’ Valpolicella is a blend of hand-harvested 85% corvina/15% rondinella fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature for 20 days then aged 6 months in concrete tanks.

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Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove’ Valpolicella 2019
AOC Valpolicella, Italy $17.95 12.5% alcohol
Appealing aromas of red berry fruit, black plum and tobacco waft freely. A sweet-tinged river of delectable flavour envelops the palate with black currant, dark cherry and mulberry galore. This is über-friendly with creamy-smooth texture, deft balance and plenty of charm and pizzazz. It finishes with more of the same—lively and fresh, tangy and refreshing. Pour alongside pasta puttanesca or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Alberto Bartali Chianti was sourced from 80% sangiovese/20% canaiolo vines harvested late September, 2019. It was vinified with two daily pump-overs at a controlled 28 °C and two weeks maceration on skins. After racking and malolactic conversion, it was kept on its lees for one to two months then bottled 12 months after harvest and released to market two months later.

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Alberto Bartali Chianti 2019
DOCG Chianti, Italy $17.95 12.5% alcohol
Heady aromas of exotic spice, pipe tobacco and cherry/berry fruit abound on the nose. It envelops the palate with a tang-laden shower of palate flavours including passion fruit, red cherry and an underlying base of still-evolving tannin. It’s mid weight with good mouthfeel and plenty of tangy acidity throughout. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours pouring with manicotti, spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Caves de Rauzan ‘Font Maine’ is a blend of 80% merlot/20% cabernet sauvignon and is accredited Sustainable Winegrowing. It underwent Thermovinification followed by aging in stainless steel tanks. Caves de Rauzan is a cooperative made up of over 300 growers.

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Caves de Rauzan ‘Font Maine’ 2019
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 13.5% alcohol
This red Bordeaux blend shows charming aromas of ripe cherry, mixed berry compote, kirsch liqueur and a hint of cinnamon. A soft and juicy flow of dark fruit flavour treats the palate along with a nice tannin structure and beautiful red fruit acidity. The absence of wood contact has preserved all the purity of fruit yet offering a superbly balanced young medium-bodied red, rushing a second sip. This über-affordable crowd-pleaser is delicious on its own or paired with grilled steak or gourmet artisan sausages. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Caves de Rauzon ‘Villotte’ is accredited Sustainable Winegrowing and is a cooperative made up of over 300 growers. It’s a blend of 70% merlot/30% cabernet sauvignon vinified in stainless steel vats under Thermovinification with the intent of highlighting the fruity character of a young wine.

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Caves de Rauzan ‘Villotte’ 2019
AOC Bordeaux, France $15.95 13.5% alcohol
This shows a youthful bright, medium-ruby shade with purple hues and smells like freshly crushed mixed berry and white bread crumbs with a whiff of fresh rose and spice notes on the second nose. It travels the palate easily with delicious crunchy red fruit and blackberry flavours joined with medium tannin and a delicious raspberry tanginess, turning slightly peppery in the dry persistent enjoyable finish. This is a lovely young red that will shine alongside charcuterie board or carrot beef stew. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Château Maison Noble ‘St-Martin – Bordeaux Supérieur’ was sourced from the best plots and is a blend of 25-year-old vines of 60% merlot/30% cabernet sauvignon/10% cabernet franc. Fruit was cold macerated for 24 hours then warmed post maceration for malolactic fermentation. It matured in 30% French oak barrels and 30% a mix of stainless steel and cement vats.

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Château Maison Noble ‘St-Martin – Bordeaux Supérieur’ 2019
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, France $17.95 14.0% alcohol
This purple-shaded blend introduces an attractive nose—sweet dark cherry, ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, pipe tobacco and hints of kirsch liqueur. It caresses the palate with a silky textured flow of juicy dark fruit to the fore, morphing into a more rustic mouthfeel with fine-grained yet noticeable tannin, bright acidity, earthy notes and a mix of dry savoury herb defining the persistent pleasant finish. This is medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration offered at an unbeatable price. Pour alongside stuffed Portobello mushrooms or aged cheese. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Cantine Bellini Chianti is a blend of hand-harvested 75% sangiovese/10% colorino/10% canaiolo/5% merlot that underwent controlled temperature fermentation 20-25 ° in stainless steel tank with automatic punching down and pumping over the cap. It then spent at least 18 days macerating on the lees and underwent malolactic fermentation before ageing four to six months in stainless steel tank.

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Cantine Bellini Chianti 2019
DOCG Chianti, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Fragrant aromas of black raspberry, cassis and grilled savoury herbs introduce a balanced and beautiful gusher of palate flavours with dark juicy cherry and black currant intertwined with mixed spice, excellent tang and mild herbs. It showcases good balance, persistent purity of fruit, depth and concentration of delicious flavours along with a medium-body, a lingering finish and great pizzazz. Give this a go with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Provolo ‘Gino – Rosso’ was sourced from 60% corvina/20% corvinone/20% rondinella fruit fermented in stainless steel tanks for first 10 days at 25 to 27 °C then for the final 15 days at a cooler 22 to 25 °C. Malolactic fermentation was spontaneous then it matured for 6 months in wooden casks and a further 3 months in bottle before release.

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Provolo ‘Gino – Rosso’ 2019
IGT Veneto, Italy $18.95 14.0% alcohol
Floral notes, red and dark cherry/berry fruit and black plum compote contribute to the nose of this medium-bodied, soft and sweet-tinged offering. The palate flavours are ripe fruit—black currant, dark cherry—inter-laced with mocha and crème de cassis. This is crowd-friendly and good to go now when sipped alone or with pasta in spicy tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Cantine Bellini ‘Toscana – Rosso’ is a blend of hand-harvested 80% sangiovese/10% merlot/10% cabernet sauvignon that underwent controlled temperature fermentation 20-25 ° in stainless steel tank with automatic punching down and pumping over the cap. It then spent at least 18 days macerating on the lees and underwent malolactic fermentation before ageing 12 months in stainless steel tank.

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Cantine Bellini ‘Toscana – Rosso’ 2019
IGT Toscana, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of grilled herbs, blueberry and ripe cherry precede a light-medium bodied, sweet-tinged wash of crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and currant—intertwined with fine grained tannin and plenty of tangy acidity. It finishes clean and refreshing with palate replays and oodles of tang and pizzazz. Pour alongside pasta arrabiata or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)

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Heredad de Urueña ‘Santo – Terroir Tempranillo’ 2014

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain $16.95 (629832) 13.0% alcohol

Rich, ripe aromas of dried currants and plum compote are on the nose. A full-bodied, creamy-smooth wash of palate-bathing sweet-tinged fruit with black plum and ripe fig are predominant on entry, soon joined by red currant and red cherry adding juicy tang and providing good balance on the back palate and finish. This 100% tempranillo pours and pairs well with grilled/smoked back ribs slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)