Te Mata Estate Syrah
Deep red with a bright purple edge, Estate Vineyards Syrah '18 has an incredibly inviting fragrance of dark cherry, raspberry, vanilla and allspice. The palate is immediately fullflavoured; a celebration of fresh boysenberry, blueberry, mocha and fine tannin that extends to a long and satisfying finish. With an exquisite level of detail and finesse, Estate Vineyards Syrah '18 is the perfect addition to any occasion. Estate Vineyards Syrah '18 was harvested between 19 March and 17 April 2018 from Te Mata Estate's own vineyards in Hawke's Bay's Bridge Pa and Woodthorpe Terraces Triangle sub-regions. The individual parcels of syrah from each plot were destemmed for fermentation and remained on skins for extended maceration before pressing. It was then run off to a mixture of new and seasoned French oak barrels for five months' maturation, during which time it was regularly topped and racked. The wine received a traditional egg white fining before bottling. Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. A temperate maritime climate with low rainfall, due to the rain shadow from mountains to the west, ensures Te Matas sites make the most of every vintage. At the heart of Te Mata Estate are the Havelock Hills Vineyards - the first legally-protected vineyards in New Zealand. Te Mata has five sites on these free draining, north-facing slopes. Soils to the east are mostly sandy loam over a sandstone base, and towards the west are sandy loam over a thin layer of clay and a silica pan. The distinctive shape of the hills is due to their comparative youth, in geological terms. At the meeting point of two tectonic plates, sandstone has been pushed up then worn away relatively quickly leaving a landscape of steep and gentle slopes, and terraces ideal for grape-growing. Under vine for over 120 years, and including some of the oldest grape growing sites in New Zealand, the Havelock Hills are protected for their distinct character, special ambience and unique viticultural heritage.
Jamsheed Seville Yarra Valley Syrah
Sourced from a vineyard nestled in the foothills of the cool southern vales of the Yarra Valley where the grey loam soils show seams of deep red volcanic clay, the 2015 Seville syrah is handpicked, fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches and receives no additions other than a small amount of sulphur dioxide at picking and bottling. It is then aged in older French barrels before being bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Viña Real Crianza Rioja
Viña Real dates back to 1920, specialising in the smallest and northernmost sub-region of Rioja, Rioja Alavesa. The winery's name was inspired by the proximity of its vineyards to the 16th century Camino Real road. A blend of 90% Tempranillo, and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. Freshness and purity of fruit are the key attributes of this wine, with 13-14 months' barrel ageing providing subtle, complex notes of tobacco, toast, and spice.
MARQUES DE MURRIETA DALMAU
Sourced from a 9 hectare single vineyard planted in 1950 called Canajas, located at 465m above sea level. Stylistically, Dalmau is the most modern of the red wines from Marques de Murrieta and is named after owner Vincente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga. The 2019 vintage has received 97 points from James Suckling, Tim Atkin, and 98 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. 86% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Graciano, with 20 months in French oak and 6 months in concrete vats prior to bottling. Intensely scented nose with hints of blueberries, red plum, thyme, cedar and black pepper. Splendid palate, wide and well-defined with a long juicy finish. A seductive blend of strength and finesse. “The clearest expression of Canajas single-vineyard nature; a Dalmau with strong character, more concentrated and expressive compared to its predecessors.” - María Vargas, Technical Director.
Hacienda Albae Hacienda Albae - Malbec - La Mancha
Hacienda Albae Malbec 2019 is a premium red wine from the La Mancha region of Spain. This wine is made from 100% Malbec grapes, which are carefully selected from the best vineyards of the estate. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, which gives it a complex and elegant character. On the nose, Hacienda Albae Malbec 2019 exhibits aromas of ripe blackberries, blueberries, and dark plums, with hints of vanilla, tobacco, and spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture and flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and coffee. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a long and persistent finish. This wine has received high-end ratings from wine critics, including a score of 91 points from James Suckling, who praised its "attractive dark-berry and spice aromas with a succulent, supple palate that delivers plenty of flavor and freshness." Wine Enthusiast also awarded it 90 points, describing it as a "satisfying and well-balanced wine with ripe fruit and a touch of oak." Overall, Hacienda Albae Malbec 2019 is a delicious and sophisticated wine that is perfect for special occasions or as a gift for wine lovers.
Marques de Burgos Roble Tempranillo
Marqués de Burgos Roble is a fresh and modern style of Ribera. An oaked red with a youthful expression and great fruit intensity. 100% tempranillo. Vineyards of 25 to 30 years of age, located on a south-southwest facing slope in the Quintana del Pidio, La Aguilera and Zazuar. The fermentation took place in concrete tanks at a temperature of no more than 26ºC to maximize the concentration of primary and secondary aromas. Six months’ ageing in American oak barrels from the north of the Appalachians (70%) and French oak from forests in central France (30%.) Aged in the bottle for at least 10 months. Tasting notes Colour. Clean and bright, intensely colored, deep cherry re. Nose. Intense aromas of red fruit and strawberry-cream candies in harmony with smoky notes. Palate. It is balanced and well-structured on the nose, with evident fruit throughout evolving into enveloping tannins that give the wine an extraordinary finesse. It has an interesting persistence on the finish, with generous textures on the palate. Pairings: Charcuterie, pasta, stews, and mature cheeses.