First Drop Mother’s Ruin McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
VINTAGE 2019: A very dry winter and spring, with frost events in September and November disrupting bud burst and flowering, resulted in the lightest crops in the past decade. January and February were warm and dry, and in conjunction with the low yields, ripening was rapid. Quick decision making and early picking resulted in reds with great intensity and structure thanks also to the light crops and early tannin maturity. 2019 was a challenging vintage, but one of the most rewarding, with our alternative varieties showing particularly well. The overall quality is a tribute to our growers and their perseverance in a difficult growing season. We salute you!
The fruit is crushed/destemmed and fermented at temperatures ranging from 20- 25°C for 10 days on skins. The ferment is managed by a variety of techniques, including ‘aerative pump overs’ and ‘drain and returns’ which assist in extracting colour, flavour and tannin from the grapes. At the end of fermentation, it is drained/pressed, and transferred to 10% new French oak barriques, and the balance to 3 and 4 year old French oak hogsheads to undergo MLF. Post MLF, sulphur dioxide is added, and the wines mature sur lie for 18 months.
Body: Medium Bodied
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Beronia Tempranillo Elaboración Especial 2022
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
The wine shows a crimson red colour. Sophisticated and attractive on the nose with prominent aromas typical of the Tempranillo grape: rose petals, red fruits and liquorice, accompanied by sweet spices such as cinnamon and vanilla, with light touches of mocha complementing the other aromas. A very fresh, varietal wine with prominent flavours of red fruits and chocolate and well-integrated tannins that make it easy to enjoy the many different flavours.
SERVING AND PAIRING Store in a cool place (maximum 14ºC), away from direct light and unpleasant odours.
Predicador Tinto 2020
Predicador is a red with a bright, intense colour, which smells of fruit and earth, but also of balsamic notes, menthol and wild herbs; that feeling of being deeply rooted to the earth which is palpable all the way through. This is a concentrated, mature, fresh and complex wine, with a certain minerality (stones), some subtle caramelised sugar notes, liquorice, spices (cloves) and the scent of red roses, and plenty of volume.
Shows a very tense purple color. On the nose shows ripe red fruits. Very mineral. With balsamic and fine woods. In the mouth it has an enveloping volume and, as my friend Paco’s father used to said about these kind of wines: “This is chocolate”. Long life.
92% Tempranillo, 3% Garnacha, 3% Mazuelo and 2% Graciano
Serve between 16ºC and 18ºC
Food Pairing: Sausages and Ham, Vegetables, Stews and Casseroles, Rice (Paella), Red Meat
BenMarco Sin Limites Malbec Gualtallary 2021
BenMarco Sin Límites Gualtallary is a Malbec that reflects the terroir calcareous nature. On the nose, hints of pepper, especially pink pepper, and calcareous notes predominate, while on the mouth the austerity and grainy texture stand out. Incomparably long finish and great definition. When first smelt, it can be perceived as shy or tight, so decanting is recommended.
It is aged in second and third-use French oak barrels for 12 months.
Given its complex, austere, and affable profile, it is very versatile for pairing. It can be matched with lamb, soft cheeses, and all kinds of red meat.
"Racy and spicy red fruit profile on the nose with a hint of thyme and white pepper. The pure, medium-bodied palate has good intensity of flavors. Juicy and even in the middle with a vibrant finish. Composed and well-poised. More elegant than 2020. Drink now or hold." - 94 points, James Suckling
Orin Swift Slander 2021
Crisp crimson in the glass.
Nose: The 2021 Slander opens with notes of wild strawberry, pomegranate, Bing cherry and cedar. Secondary aromatics abound, with hints of redwood grove underbrush, white pepper and earth.
Palate: Delicate on entry, the palate is flooding with red plum, cherry cola, rhubarb and spices. A touch of cocoa powder on the finish, the wine closes with confident acidity and length.
Varietals: Pinot Noir
*Receive a complimentary pack of drop stoppers with any order of Orin Swift wines above $150. While stocks last.
Primus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipo Valley, Chile
Lively aromas of blackberry, blueberry and dried cherry intertwine with vanilla and cedar notes. A smooth silky texture with fine tannins and balance, providing a beautiful and lingering finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Primus vineyards are located on the third alluvial terrace of the Alto Maipo, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The grapes are hand-picked, double sorted, fermented in open top tanks with native yeasts, and left on the skins after fermentation to gain structure and depth. The best lots of the vintage are selected, blended and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months.
"Red and black currants, raspberries, orange zest, tobacco, cocoa and dried herbs on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and bright acidity. Crisp and vibrant fruit character, with a zesty, firm finish. Vegan. Sustainable. Drink or hold." - 91 points, James Suckling
"A finely chiseled red, with elegance and depth, showing forest floor, lavender and balsam notes around a lively mouthful of mineral-laced red currant and plum. Ends with well-formed tannins and peppercorn details. Drink now through 2032. 7,000 cases made, 2,900 cases imported." - 90 points, Wine Spectator
Tenuta Sant’Antonio Campo dei Gigli Amarone della Valpolicella 2016
The wine with most awards from the best international juries. The oldest vineyard is dedicated to the lily, the flower that symbolises Tenuta Sant’Antonio. A single vine grows in that vineyard, giving a unique wine.
- Colour: inky ruby red with purple reflections
- Nose: wild fruits, woody hints and mineral tones with aromas of liquorice, black pepper, tobacco, spices and chocolate.
- Palate: balanced, very intense, with a lingering robust body, to be drunk at least 5 years after harvesting.
Domaine Albert Mann Clos de la Faille Pinot Noir 2020
A ruby red color, beautiful shine. The expressive nose gradually opens up to aromas of red berries, blackcurrant and blackberries. Airing amplifies this fruity character and reveals a fine mineral note. The palate is fine and delicate, almost velvety. Pure wine, with a vertical profile endowed with a beautiful freshness and a long persistence. Its silhouette is well structured, supported by a nice fruitiness that ends on an appetizing finish.
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey Monge – Nicolas Joseph 2018
Nicolas-Joseph’s 3 hectares are comprised of flat limestone rocks with red clay — yielding a fleshy, complex Pinot Noir with red fruits and sweet, silky tannins. Divided into two parts, Jeunes and Vieilles, this plot located alongside the north-eastern facade of the Château Marey-Monge displays the least calcareous soil structure in the Clos.
Hand-harvested grapes, hand-sorted on a vibrating table. 100% de-stemmed, placed into stainless steel fermentation vats by gravity flow. Weeks-long maceration, minimal pumping-over and punching-down. Pressing in pneumatic press. Placed in French oak barrels for aging on fine lees. Light filtration
Tasting Notes: With a deep ruby color, our Nicolas-Joseph 2018 reveals a nose marked by floral aromas of fresh and faded roses, accompanied by ripe black fruit and sweet spices. The palate confirms the aromatic profile and unveils notes of cinnamon and clove. With its relaxed tannins, this round and full-bodied Pommard can be enjoyed today, but will only reach its peak in the next decade.
Recommended Serving Temperature: 16°
Production: 9000 bottles
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
First Drop Mother’s Milk Barossa Shiraz 2022
Not a sledgehammer style, this Barossa Shiraz is made for drinking! Soft, slurpy and textured it is balanced with good acidity, which refreshes the palate and makes you go back for a second / third glass. Sourced from 3 unique vineyards, it is fruit laden, savoury and dangerously easy to drink! It is matured for 12 months in French oak hogsheads to allow the fruit to express itself.
Colour: Garnet red with purple hues
Nose: A complex nose of dark cherry and blackberry aromas with a hint of forest floor and spice
Palate: Vibrant dark cherry and blackberry with a hint of ‘wombat rolled in all spice’ balanced with an even, textural palate with soft, supple tannins