Wines of April 2019
Another month has gone
Another month and just a few wines to talk about
2017 Storm Point Red
Blend, Western cape, South Africa
The majority of the grapes for this blend are from the
Swartland region where the varieties (Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan) thrive in
the warmer climes. Ranging from 15-25 years in age, the vines are now hitting
their straps and providing great flavors and full maturity. Mainly grown on
granitic soils as well as some shale soils. Grapes were hand harvested towards
the end of February and destemmed to tank. Gentle extraction through light
pumpovers occurred for a little more than a week with ML occurring naturally in
the Spring. The wine was matured in both tank and neutral barrels. The result
is a lively, zippy, red wine sprinkled with some very serious notes.
Region: Western Cape Varietal:
57% Cinsault - 28% Syrah - 15% Carignan
Vintage: 2017 Vine
Age: 15-25 years old
Oak: 10 months: 70% Neutral Barrique - 30% Stainless Steel
Got this for $13 –
relatively soft, yet nice balance for a less expensive wine. There is no oak,
but that leaves the fruit to build the flavors. Excellent every night wine at a
nice price.
2017 Schmitt Söhne
Relax Riesling (Mosel), Germany
Whiffs of saffron and pollen lend a savory tone to this
medium-sweet wine. It's easy-drinking yet vibrant, with notes of orange peel,
lemon and dusty minerality. Racy acidity offers levity on the finish.
87 points, Wine Enthusiast.
My daughter brought
this home – overly sweet for my tastes, yet the body of the wine was pleasing
and it went with food better than I thought it would. For $10 or less, and you
like it sweet, here is your go-to.
2016 Sisters Run
Epiphany Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia
Full flavored, mouth filling and generous with sweet
blackberry pie-like flavours and sweet milk chocolate mid palate. The finish is
soft and long but there is some fresh tannin touches softened by smooth
mouth-filling fruit before a really extended finish.
Region: McLaren Vale Varietal:
100% Shiraz Vintage: 2016 Vineyard: Epiphany Vineyard
This charges out of the gate with strawberry and blackberry
jam aromas. All that fruit is backed by touches of florals, cracked pepper,
dried herbs and mocha. The palate starts with the same juicy fruitiness but
then the leathery tannins take hold, morphing it into an all together more
serious wine. It closes with a tangy berry lift. 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
A very nice wine from
down under. Silky flavors wrap around a dark berry core. All in a wine under
$20, this is a good example of serious shiraz, good fruit but not over the top,
with nice backbones, acidity and tannins.
2016 Sisters Run Old
Testament Cabernet, Sauvignon, Coonawarra, Australia
The colour is bright red with brick overtones. The nose is
leafy and dusty with a hint of true ripe cassis. The entry is open and textural
and the middle palate continues dry and savoury, before being incoiled by
assured manly tannins. The after palate has a final note of bright berries and
the finish is long and drying. In summary this dry moreish wine suits
charcuterie or salumi, or our finest homemade wurst.
Region: Coonawarra Varietal:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage:
2016
Vineyard: Old Testament Vineyard
Natalie's Score: 91/100
Rich and inviting with savoury, juicy aromas and flavours of
fleshy blackberry and plums. Some cassis and dark spices on the finish. Love
the balance. A cool minty hallway of aromas interwoven with fleshy blackberry
notes. From the Terra Rossa soils of Coonawarra, this 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
is very approachable. Sister's Run, Old Testament is a soft-tannin, juicy and
savoury Cabernet Sauvignon -- a real crowd pleaser with rich blackberry and
plums on the palate, spicy on the finish. Also approachable price wise. Pair
with grilled steak. (Natalie McLean)
Another good wine from
down under – Vine Street imports – this time being a Cabernet from Coonawarra.
Not a wine built to be aged for many years, there is still a mild tannic
backbone with bright typical cabernet sauvignon fruit. Priced under $20, drink now and over the next
couple years.
NV Domaine Chandon
Brut, Napa Valley, California
Brut Classic consistently expresses our signature flavor
profile of apple, pear and citrus flavors and aromas with a hint of spice that
leads to a soft, dry finish.
Wine Enthusiast: 87 Points
This blend of 57% Chardonnay, 41% Pinot Noir and 2% Pinot
Meunier is drier than the winery s Extra Dry Riche. It is softly textured,
layered in green apple and pear, and offers a medium finish. A versatile wine
for pairing, it makes a good go-to for larger gatherings.
Still looking to
replace my Chateau Ste Michelle Brut that is hard to find here, the Domaine
Chandon is a very good bubbly. Price point is just under $20, meaning it is $7
to $10 more, but it does a good job of having that similar flavor profile. A very nice sparkler at a fair price.
Another month has gone
by – until next month; keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind
the grape vines.
