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.