l’usine Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2017
WINEMARKER’S NOTES
To the eye, a lucid crimson sits in the glass. Aromatics of ripe cranberries, forest floor, morels and a touch of bramble engage. The wine slips onto the palate with a silky, enveloping balanced and riveting, the wine closes with concentration and finesse – an exemplar of drinkability.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 15.4%
Maturation: Aged 9 months in French Oak, 78% New
l’usine Annapolis Vineyard Sonoma County 2017
WINEMARKER’S NOTES
Nuance and Intrigue characterize the wine, starting with a dark crimson and a ruby rim but manifested by the aromatics: white pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, pine resin and crème de menthe. An entry dominated by a bright acidity, the mid-palate explores characteristics of rhubarb, savory and a hint of wild strawberry with a long finish indicative of graceful aging.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol : 15.9%
Maturation: Aged 9 months in French Oak, 42% New
Handpicked Capella Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
Mornington Peninsula, Australia
The 2017 vintage on the Mornington Peninsula was a classic one in which overall mild and stable conditions produced superb quality fruit and wines of great balance, finesse and longevity. Dubbed by some a “Goldilocks” vintage, 2017 delivered just enough and not too much of everything. Vines ripened slowly, building great depth of flavour while retaining fine balance in sugar and acid. Harvest began in early-March, a little later than the long-term average, and somewhat of a relief after the record-early vintage of 2016.
Fruit from select blocks at Capella Vineyard is handpicked, destemmed, and sorted by hand to ensure only the finest berries make it into this beautifully perfumed, supple and silky wine. The aromas are classic Pinot Noir – cherries, strawberries, and earthy spice - with the purity and perfume we have come to expect of Capella Vineyard. The palate combines power and grace with great texture and silky-smooth tannin.
Recommended Serving Temperature: 15-17°C
Food Pairing: Peking Duck, Roasted Quail, Mushroom Risotto
Le Volte dell’ Ornellaia 2020
Ruby red with purple reflections, Le Volte dell' Ornellaia 2020 has a vinous bouquet, releasing a complexity of aromas ranging from ripe red fruits, to Mediterranean scrub, up to delicate notes of tobacco and spices. The mouthfeel is soft and silky, but at the same time supported by a lively acidity that gives us a crisp, persistent finish.
"A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Ornellaia 2020 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia shows medium darkness and texture followed by a very primary and fruit-forward bouquet. There is a generous display of cherry, cassis and wild plum. On second nose, this easy and straightforward Tuscan blend reveals hints of spice, cardamon and polished river stone. In a hot vintage like this, the wine comes together nicely and rather effortlessly." - 90 points, Robert Parker
Handpicked Capella Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Mornington Peninsula, Australia
The Mornington Peninsula is famous for its Pinot Noir wines and this is a fine example of a great vintage: deep colour, spicy berry aromas, a silky-smooth palate and fine tannin to finish.
Elegant & Refined
Food Pairing: Peking Duck, Roasted Quail, Mushroom Risotto
"A boldly spicy pinot that has ripe red cherries and a layer of charcuterie, as well as sappy, first-wood aromas. The palate has boldly spicy, red and dark-berry flavors with assertive tannin grain. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - 92 points, James Suckling
Handpicked Regional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This delicious wine has trademark aromas of blackberry, cassis and choc-mint with a lovely palate of concentrated dark fruits all balanced by leafy freshness and firm but long tannins. This is classic Coonawarra Cabernet.
Food Pairing: Roasted leg of lamb, slow cooked shanks, osso buco with gremolata, spicy meatballs.
Serving Temperature: 13˚C - 18˚C
Cellar Potential: 2026
"The region is Margaret River and it stands out like the proverbial. Rich and powerful cabernet from this great vintage packs quite a punch as it extends to a sustained finish.” 91 points, Ray Jordan - The West Australian
[Bundle of 3] Le Volte dell’ Ornellaia 2020
Ruby red with purple reflections, Le Volte dell' Ornellaia 2020 has a vinous bouquet, releasing a complexity of aromas ranging from ripe red fruits, to Mediterranean scrub, up to delicate notes of tobacco and spices. The mouthfeel is soft and silky, but at the same time supported by a lively acidity that gives us a crisp, persistent finish.
"A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Ornellaia 2020 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia shows medium darkness and texture followed by a very primary and fruit-forward bouquet. There is a generous display of cherry, cassis and wild plum. On second nose, this easy and straightforward Tuscan blend reveals hints of spice, cardamon and polished river stone. In a hot vintage like this, the wine comes together nicely and rather effortlessly." - 90 points, Robert Parker
Arnaldo Rivera Barolo DOCG Rocche di Castiglione 2018
Medium-intense ruby red colour. Complex and elegant nose. Notes of ripe red fruit (cherry, red berries) floral (rose petals with a hint of chamomile) and mineral nuances. Good intensity on the palate, fresh, well- balanced, silky, mouth-filling and rounded. The tannins are well-integrated. Long and persistent finish with good freshness.
Food pairings: Meat dishes such as game, red meats and seasoned cheeses.
Arnaldo Rivera Barolo DOCG Ravera 2018
The nose is intensely smoky, with raspberry and strawberry aromas. The calcareous white soils produce beautiful fruit aromatics, whilst the due-south sun-facing aspect add considerable depth to the fruit and ripeness to the firm tannins. Directness of fruit is also brought forward by a degree less oak than their other Cru wines, with some smaller format wood -- but none of it new. It's sleek and stylish, a lifted wine that's taut and spicy with fine-grained tannins. There's tension and persistence here, with a long and elegant finish. A long and profound Barolo to approach now or cellar a good while, the Ravera is a classic.
"Quite a spicy nose, together with plum, red-tile and deeper, earthy notes. Medium-bodied with firm tannins that feel a little dry, at least for now. But there’s very good concentration of fruit. The tannins should sink better into the wine with time. Structured. Try from 2024." - 93 points, James Suckling