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It’s time to wine and dine! So, fire up the grill and toss on your favorite meat or tuna steak. I have two delicious reds to pair with your feast! A few months ago, I reviewed a delectable Sauvignon Blanc from Oberon Wines, part of the Michael Mondavi Family portfolio based in Napa Valley, CA. The head winemaker for Oberon Wines is Tony Coltrin, a lifelong resident of Napa. With over a half-century of winemaking experience, Tony knows every expression of the valley and, specifically, which sub-zones produce exceptional classic Bordeaux grapes, including the Paso Robles wine region.  Tony Coltrin Photo courtesy of Oberon Wines Tony’s enduring relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley are the very essence of Oberon’s quality and consistency. Tony selects top-quality fruit year after year from the finest wine-growing regions throughout Napa Valley and Paso Robles.  Photo courtesy of Oberon Wines A short time ago, I received samples of Oberon’s Napa Valley Merlot and Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, two noteworthy wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Oberon Napa Valley Merlot 2021 The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from Napa’s renowned Oakville district. Oakville lies on the valley floor in the heart of Napa. The deeper, well-drained alluvial soils in the vineyards, along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons, make this the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals. In addition, Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they merge well with the Merlot and bring out the rich character of this expressive Oakville fruit. It is aged 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Ripe berries, plum, and baking spice. Palate: Dark cherry, strawberry, and red plum, with a hint of cocoa and mild tannins. It is a vibrant and nicely layered wine. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, seared tuna, porcini risotto, and grilled veggies. Oberon Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Tony created this Cabernet Sauvignon by sourcing grapes from a few distinct vineyards in Paso Robles, including Santa Margherita Ranch, originally planted by the Mondavis, and the San Juan Creek Ranch. The blend for this wine is 85.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, and 5.3% proprietary red field blends. Tony said, “Layering fruit from these distinct Paso Robles ranches provides for a wine with greater complexity and a more dynamic flavor profile.” This wine was aged for 12 months in 45% new French oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red berries, plum, herbs, and baking spice. Palate: Ripe dark berries, bing cherry, and a touch of thyme. Vanilla, dark chocolate, and candied fruit linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.7% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Just about anything charred, seared or grilled will work! This wine is also a great sipper before or after a meal. Happy grilling and happy sipping!  Photo credit: Paul Hermann Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com A short time ago, through Zoom, I, and several other writers spent a fascinating hour with James Marshall Lockyer, winemaker at Tenuta Licinia, and 3rd generation of this family-owned winery.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Tenuta Licinia is a small winery at the foothills of the Tuscan Apennines near the village of Lucignano in the province of Arezzo. Today, the property has 60 hectares of woods, 6.5 hectares of vineyards, and 3 hectares of olive groves.  Photo courtesy of Tenuta Licinia In the early 1970s, James’s grandfather, Jacques de Liedekerke, who lived in Belgium, bought the property with an abandoned farmhouse and small vineyard. Jacque took on the restoration of the farmhouse, but as James said, “For the first 20-30 years, my grandfather really didn’t do much with the vineyard. He enjoyed wine but was not knowledgeable in winemaking. He grew up with old-school ideas of winemaking and didn’t understand Tuscan soil, geology, or what made a vineyard good or bad.” Over the years, Jacque learned more about the vineyard and subsoils and thought it might be worth replanting. So, in 2006, Jacques decided to replant the Sasso Di Fata vineyard as a retirement project. Because he was French-Belgium, and drank Cabernet Sauvignon, he decided to plant it. It took many years of tests, research, and many attempts, but by 2019, the wines began to assume the vineyard’s identity. In 2020, James arrived at Tenuta Licinia and took over what his grandfather had begun. James explained, “At the time, I was finishing my doctorate at Oxford University, focusing on foundations of ethics and sensorial value. About winemaking, James said, “I am semi-self-taught and guided by very good mentors and professionals. In addition, I did a few internships.” His doctoral studies proved to be helpful as a winemaker. “It motivated me to think carefully about what kind of wine I want to make, what truly matters in the wine I make, and what types of properties are relevant to making a high-quality wine.”  Screen shot of Zoom tasting with James. Photo: Penny Weiss What his grandfather had planted, half of the vineyard was decent, and the other half was great. For James, this introduced one of the many puzzles they’ve worked on for the last several years: understanding Tuscan subsoils. James said, “One of the difficulties with Tuscan subsoil is that it changes very quickly, every 30 -40 meters. As part of their project, they focus on identifying small and abandoned parcels and bring them back to high-quality production. “We are developing Sangiovese on the parcels we now find.” Regarding his grandfather’s planting in 2006, on one side of the hill is Sasso Di Fata, and on the other side of the hill is the Montepolli vineyard. James divided the vineyard based on the subsoils. James said that Sasso Di Fata has much more beautiful subsoil than Montepolli. James stated, “Sassa Di Fata subsoil is lime-slate, and the slate is paper thin. Slate is viable and roots can go right through it very quickly. This soil contributes to a much more beautiful grain of tannins, sophisticated aromas, and floral direction. Slate can give a savory/saline finality to the wine.' The Montepolli subsoil is a clay-limestone plot with a Merlot base. It is too “clayish” with certain defects. The tannins can be quite wide and massive, and the aromas and minerals can be quite reduced on this soil type.” James went on to say, “I have an old-school subsoil view, that subsoil is very central to making great wines. It’s the physical structure underground that is key. In addition to the soil, it is the drainage and temperature underground combined with root penetration, which is important.” We tasted three Tenuta Licinia wines. All the grapes are picked by taste, not by analysis, for the best maturity. In addition, the winery has been certified organic since the vines were planted, and they follow a biodynamic program in the vineyard.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sasso Di Fata IGT Toscana Rosso 2019 This wine is produced in the clos style, with the grapes sourced from a small vineyard with a specific subsoil, and therefore, the wine is only produced in extremely small quantities. The 2019 Sasso di Fata is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) Cabernet Franc (25%) and Petit Verdot (5%). It is aged 16 months in second passage French oak Tonneau (500L).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fragrant rose petals, red berries, and spice. Palate: Beautifully balanced with red fruit, spice, licorice, and a hint of mint. Gentle tannins and a dance of saline and minerality lead to a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5% Montepolli IGT Toscana Rosso 2019 This wine is produced in the clos style, with the grapes coming from a small vineyard with a specific clay-limestone subsoil, and therefore, the wine is only produced in small quantities. This is the first vintage. The wine is a blend of 47% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot. It is aged 15 months in second passage French oak Tonneau. James did the aging and blending for this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Strawberry, cherry, anise, floral, and a touch of balsamic. Palate: Strawberry segues onto the palate with soft cherry notes, herbs, baking spice, and minerality lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% Sasso Di Fata IGT Toscana Rosso 2021 This wine was bottled just a few months ago and a treat to sample. The 2021 is James’s first vintage, and it’s a winner! It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aging was approximately ten months in second passage French oak Tonneau (500L.) Like the other wines, this is also produced in the clos style, with the grapes sourced from a small vineyard with a specific subsoil.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral with emphasis on rose petals, red fruit, plum, and spice. It is a darker color than the 2019.
Palate: It is lush with fruit and spice and a true expression of the vineyard. There is a beautiful balance between minerality, salinity, and tannins. Alcohol: 14.5% Pairing suggestions: All three wines are well-suited to meat dishes, game, porcini or truffle risotto, seared tuna, and hearty stews. A final note from James: “Our approach to winemaking is to really value the aromatic purity, beauty, and mineral expression, as much as the textural side.” Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Honig Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated in the picturesque town of Rutherford in Napa Valley, CA.  Honig Vineyard courtesy of Honig In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre vineyard in Rutherford from the Wagners’, who are owners of the nearby Caymus vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc were the two varieties planted in the vineyard that they bought. The Honig family grew and sold these grapes to nearby wineries until 1980 when they decided to try producing their own Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It was a great success! Realizing the potential of the grapes growing in their vineyards, they built a winery that was completed in 1982. Even though the wine they produced was good, they still struggled with sales and marketing. Michael Honig, grandson of Louis, saw great possibilities and stepped up to the plate in 1984 at the age of 22. Michael and his family slowly transformed their marketing approach. Sales grew, and today, their wines are sold in all 50 states and internationally.  Michael Honig Photo courtesy of Honig winery. Michael and his team are committed to the environment, practice sustainable wine growing, and use solar energy. They have California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Fish Friendly Farming certifications.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery In addition to hawks and owls that keep the rodent population down, they use sheep (aka Wooly Weeders) as natural lawnmowers, eliminating chemical weed killers.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery By only focusing on the production of two varietals, they have achieved the “true expression of the vineyard.” Michael recently sent me a bottle of each varietal to taste. He said, “We specialize and only make Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These two wines are the bottlings that we sell all over the world.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Honig 2023 Sauvignon This bottle is very eye-catching, with a beautiful view of the vineyard. It’s like looking through a window! The wine is 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Semillon, and 1% Muscat. The grapes are sourced from Honig’s sustainably farmed vineyard in Rutherford (58%) and Lake County vineyards (42%.) Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of tropical notes. Palate: Pear, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and a touch of key lime make for a lively whirl and a juicy finish. It is fresh and bright! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $23.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, salads or sushi. Honig 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The first vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1987. The grapes for this wine are 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2.4% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, and 1.2% Petit Syrah. Grapes are sourced from the Rutherford vineyard and local Napa Valley vineyards. The wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels (25% new American oak, 20% new French oak.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, a hint of cranberry, and baking spice. Palate: Lush notes of dark cherry covered in mocha, dark berries, sweet spice, and minerality. It is a sweet and savory dance on the palate with a silky, long finish. Nicely balanced. Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $46.95 - $56.00 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, hearty stews, seared tuna, and mushroom risotto. As the song says… A bottle of red, a bottle of whites Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight… Billy Joel’s “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”  Photo courtesy of Honig winery Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Happy New Year! Are you ready to embrace 2024? I certainly am!  Photo credit: Myriam Zilles I have lots to share with you over the next few months, which includes more insights on my trip to Mt. Etna and Alentejo, a Bulgarian dream tour, and lots of wine from around the world! With the season’s first significant snowstorm in progress, I decided to sample a few red wines to entertain my palate while the snow piles up outside. So, let’s start toasting the New Year with these tasty treats from Italy, Portugal, and Chile.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 Masciarelli Tenute Agricole is a family-owned winery founded in 1981. Led by mother-daughter team Marina Cvetić and Miriam Lee Masciarelli, the winery is the only one in Abruzzo to own land in all four provinces ((Chieti, Pescara, Teranio, and L’Aquila.) They have 350 hectares of estate-owned vineyards and are committed to sustainability in the vineyards and the winery. Masciarelli has 22 labels and seven product lines. This wine is 100% Montepulciano, hand-harvested from nine specific vineyards. It is aged in stainless steel tanks and then bottled without fining or filtration.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Violets, cherry, berries, and spice. Palate: Juicy bing cherries, red berries, spice, and a hint of herbs. It is nicely balanced and good value for the price! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Pizza, pasta, grilled meat, or charcuterie board. Dos Lusíadas Pinteivera Tinto Douro Valley DOP 2018 Michel Chapoutier is an iconic winemaker and wine merchant known for his organic wines in the Rhone Valley, France. In 2009, he picked out a small, three-hectare plot in the Douro Valley, Portugal. His motivation was to produce wine from the indigenous and most praised grape variety, Touriga Nacional. He and local growers collaborated, resulting in the creation of Pinteivera. This 100% Touriga Nacional is hand-harvested at maturity, and the wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels for 12 months, with a percentage that goes to new barrels varying from year to year. “Dos luisiadas is named after the famous poem, Os Lusíadas, written by Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões. This epic work tells the tale of the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama’s travels to India.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Violets, berries, and spice, with a touch of cherry and herbs. Palate: Lovely notes of dark fruit, plum, dark cherry, wisps of minerality, and notes of dark berries and dark chocolate lingering on a long finish. Beautiful depth and character. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $38 Pairing suggestion: Hearty stews, braised brisket, seared tuna, chili, or grilled octopus. Viña Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Viña Maquis is located in the heart of the Colchagua Valley in Chile between the Tinguiririca River and the Chimbarongo Creek. Both waterways act as conduits for cool coastal breezes that moderate the warm summers and have a pronounced effect on lowering the temperatures during the hot season. The winemakers said, “This has an impact on the characteristics of the grapes and the wines by increasing the fresh fruit and floral aromas, making the wines more vibrant on the palate and moderating the alcohol levels.” The Hurtado family has owned the estate since 1916, but its roots date back to the 1800s. They own 218 hectares of vineyards in the DO Colchagua Valley. The grapes for this wine are 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere, and 1% Petit Verdot. The grapes are all sourced and hand-picked from a vineyard in the Palmilla DO. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Red berries, plum, herbs, baking spice, and bing cherries. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with an emphasis on cherry and hints of minerality. The tannins are mild, and the wine has good structure and balance. The finish is long and heavenly. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Barbecue fare, stews, cheese plate, portobello burger, or seared tuna. Montes Wings Carménère 2020 Montes Winery is based in the Colchagua Valley, Chile, with its vineyards spread throughout the country. It was established in 1987 by original partners Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray. In 1988, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand joined the partnership. These visionaries created a company recognized worldwide today, with their wines exported to over a hundred countries. Wings was created from a long-running dispute between Aurelio Monte Sr. and his son, Aurelio Jr. His son wanted to produce a “more free-flowing style of Carménère.” The result is Wings. It is 85% Carménère and 15% Cabernet Franc. Grapes for this wine are sourced and hand-picked from their Finca de Apalta estate in the Colchagua Valley. The wine was aged in new French oak barrels (80%) and second- and third-use barrels (20%) for 16 months before bottling.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, pepper, baking spice, tobacco, and a hint of fig.
Palate: Lush dark fruit with spice and a touch of dark chocolate lingering on a long finish. Beautifully structured and complex. It will only get better with age! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $55 Pairing suggestions: Aged cheese platter, roasted/grilled meat, mushroom stew, lamb chops, or vegetable risotto. Fun fact: Chile has the most Carménère under vine in the world, at 10,332 ha/25,530 acres in 2021. By comparison, France has just 80 ha/197 acres. DNA analyses carried out in New Zealand in 2006 showed that several vines planted as Cabernet Franc are, in fact, Carménère. It is also present in Veneto, Italy, plus a few vineyards in China. I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com My last article was about a virtual visit to Coonawarra, Australia. Since my palate is still savoring the last wine I opened from this region, I’ve decided to stay in Australia longer and introduce you to a few more wines from this majestic and oldest continent.  Photo courtesy of Domaine Tournon Australia is broken down into six states and two territories. There are 65 wine regions and over 2,500 wineries spread throughout the states. One could spend a long time exploring these regions and wineries!  It is interesting to note there are no grapes indigenous to Australia. The first vines arrived in 1788, and vineyards were established in 1805. James Busby, a viticulturist and writer, is regarded as the “father” of the Australian wine industry. He traveled to Europe in 1831 and collected 650 grape varieties, of which 362 survived the journey. They were planted in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney, and a duplicate collection was planted in Busby’s Hunter Valley property. Over time, cuttings made their way to other regions, establishing the “old vines,” of which many can be traced to the original Busby collection. With over 130 grape varieties, the major wines produced in Australia are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc. Today, my focus is on three wines from Victoria and McLaren Vale wine regions.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Tournon, Victoria  Domaine Tournon, owned by legendary Michel Chapoutier, is located in the Victoria wine region, which also is a state. Michel made his mark on the wine world by producing beautiful Rhone Valley wines. But he had a desire to find land in Australia and grow Rhone Valley grapes there as well. In 1997, Michel began exploring the terroirs of Australia and settled on the distinctive terroirs of Victoria on the southeastern side of the continent. He and his team planted non-grafted vines from 19th-century clonal selections, imported from Europe before the arrival of phylloxera, in the sub-zones of Heathcote and Pyrenees in Victoria. These vineyards were then and continue to be farmed organically. Mathilda Victoria Shiraz 2020 This wine is 100% Shiraz. Grapes are sourced from the sub-zone Pyrenees vineyards with soil composed of podzolic layers from clay and ferruginous schists. The wine was entirely aged in cement or stainless steel tanks for 12 months and then bottled. Mathilda Shiraz is named after Michel’s daughter, Mathilda.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful notes of dark fruit, pepper, violet, and earthy. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with silky tannins, a sweet and savory dance, and a spicy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $21 Pairing suggestions: Charcuterie, game, roasted meats, seared tuna, vegetable stew, and Asian cuisine. Hardys, McLaren Vale, South Australia  Hardys is one of the oldest wineries in Australia and is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year. It was founded in 1861 by Thomas Hardy, who recognized the potential of McLaren Vale terroir and the endless possibilities for creating world-class wines. By 1900, Thomas Hardy and Sons had become the largest winemaker in South Australia. Thomas passed away in 1938, leaving his wife, Eileen, and four young children to carry on. Eileen successfully took over the winery’s leadership and is credited with putting McLaren Vale on the world wine map. By 1965, the fourth generation took its place at the helm. In 2018, Hardys was purchased by a private company, the Carlyle Group. Although it is no longer family-owned, a few family members are still associated with the company. Hardys Tintara Reserve Shiraz 2019 The grapes for this 100% Shiraz are sourced from the vineyards of the original Tintara site where Thomas Hardy made his first wines. There is no data available as to vinification or aging methods.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark fruit, cherry, anise, and baking spice. Palate: Blackberry, dark plum, mocha, spice, and a touch of blueberry on the finish. Silky tannins and good structure. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, game, or veggies. BBQ, stews, and aged cheese. Hardys Tintara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon were also sourced from McLaren Vale’s Tintara vineyard. There is no data available as to vinification or aging methods.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, fennel, herbs, and Palate: The savory herbs blend beautifully with the sweet berries. Beautiful texture and length. Spice and cherries linger on the finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Charcuterie, Asian cuisine, grilled meat, seared tuna, stews, or spicy Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili!  Spicy Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili Photo credit: Penny Weiss Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the regions/sub-zones of Australia. There is much to discover!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com This past week, I had a face-to-face conversation with the iconic Sue Hodder, senior winemaker at Wynns Coonawarra Estate, located in Australia’s southeast Limestone Coast. Sue joined Wynns in 1993. In 1998, she became the winery’s first female chief winemaker. Her enthusiasm, zeal, and delightful humor made for an engaging visit. Let’s start with a brief history of Wynns Coonawarra Estate. The estate’s history began with Scottish pioneer John Riddoch, who founded the estate in 1891, planted vineyards, and built and completed the estate’s famous stone, three-gabled winery in 1896, called Chateau Comaum. In 1951, Melbourne wine merchants David Wynn and his father, Samuel, purchased Chateau Comaum, with 54 hectares of vineyards, 36 hectares of pasture, a distillery. and a winery. They renamed it “Wynns Coonawarra Estate” and designed a label for their wines depicting the famous three-gabled winery.  Three-gabled winery. Photo courtesy of Wynns. Wynns’ first Cabernet Sauvignon was created in 1954, ‘Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon,’ the first commercially labeled Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia. Their flagship wine, first made in 1982, is “John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon,” only produced in the best years. And I had the pleasure of tasting the 2020 vintage and will discuss it in this article. Coonawarra is famous for its Terra Rossa, meaning “red earth,” a 20km strip of red soil.  Terra Rossa strip depicted in red. It is a rich, red soil with a fertile topsoil covering a bedrock of porous limestone, which assists with winter drainage and summer moisture retention. Combined with a cool, moderate climate, it can result in fruit with great concentration and complexity while keeping high acidity. The Cabernets in this region can benefit greatly with intense aromas, flavors, and smooth tannins. Sue Hodder  Sue Hodder Photo courtesy of Wynns Sue grew up in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia, called the Red Centre, a semi-desert. Although there were no wine vineyards as far as the eye could see, Sue always felt a connection to the land. So, it was no surprise that she ended up studying and getting a degree in viticulture at Roseworthy Agricultural College in Adelaide. It was there that she took an interest in wine. How did you segue from viticulturist to winemaker? What was your “aha” moment that led you to it? Sue: It all began when I was quite young. I started with agricultural science, then got a job with wine growers in the Barossa Valley, working in old vineyards, which was amazing! I started traveling in the early 1980s, first to London and then around the world. I ended up at Fetzer Winery in Mendocino, CA, working with winemakers Dennis Martin, Paul Dolan, and Steve Dorfman. They really inspired me. They made beautiful wines that were organic and vineyard-driven. That was the real “lightbulb” moment for me. You have won an impressive amount of awards in this male-dominated industry and are world-renowned. Any comments? Sue: I’m the most famous person on my street here. Actually, I’m the only person on my street! Wynns has always been proud of their women stories, such as those who set up the vineyards after World War Two. Many of the women were from the Ukraine, Italy, and North America. It was a melting pot of sorts. People say this is the middle of nowhere, and I say it is the middle of everywhere. What challenges are you facing in the vineyard and production? Sue: I have been making wine for 40 years and have been at Wynns for 32 years. Changes in the industry, philosophy, and climate change are ongoing. Challenges are high, but it really resets our thinking in a good way. I was fortunate to work with a viticulturist here who just retired and was an incredible environmentalist. He was onto climate change and CO2 levels decades ago. He felt we needed to rethink things and look more closely at the data. Sustainable viticulture methods are our main focus. We’re trying every day to be respectful of the land and give acknowledgment to the people who were here before us. We strive to put the land in a better way than when I first started here. It is about respecting the soil health, more judicious use of water, and the rewards that come in the wines…brighter wines. What is one of the hardest things about winemaking year in and year out? Sue: There is always something new to learn, and every season is different. Even in the amazing years, we think there is always something we could have done better. There is a responsibility even in the great years. It is not just going through the motions of making the wine. It is showing off the beautiful vineyards here to the best advantage. We always question, ‘Are we doing our absolute best with the vineyards?’ We are in a cool area, and it is spring right now. A warm time during flower and set in November and December translates to evenness in grape ripening. Do you think climate change and the earth’s warming work to your advantage? Sue: In general, yes. But we’re also trending to more variables and must be ready for everything as best we can. Generally, warmer years are better for us with a few qualifications. We’re in an area where we get an allocation of water. We have to be responsible and make sure how to use it. If we have a dry summer and autumn, then we need to finish it off so leaves don’t fall off in the summer. Let’s talk about the 2020 vintage of John Riddoch Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon that I’m tasting. Why is it so special? Sue: This vintage was low-yielding and couldn’t be a great harvest. However, it has that small berry character and is quite concentrated besides being a medium-bodied wine. It’s that red cassis fruit that generally characterizes the John Riddoch wine. It is our Reserve and not meant to be a more concentrated version of our Black Label Cabernet. We’ve been making this wine since 1982. All the John Riddoch wines should be drinking well for years to come if they’ve been well-cellared. If we can’t achieve the quality, then we skip that year. We omitted 2011 and 2017. How long should we wait to drink this wine? What is its shelf life? Sue: In all honesty, you can drink it now. I love these wines as eight to ten years old. They present as a nice combination of fruit and some bottle development. But the John Riddoch wines can drink well for 40 years! John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Back label Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon were selected from less than 1% of the Cabernet vineyard. The 2020 harvest was all from the 1969 planted Childs vineyard of Coonawarra. The wine was aged for 17 months in French oak, 23% new/45% one-year old and 32% two year old.
Nose: Violet, dark berries, baking spice, a hint of forest floor with a touch of Sen Sen (a licorice & violet candy) Palate: Earthy, concentrated flavors of berries with smooth tannins and vibrant acidity. Flecks of minerality, sweet spice, cherry, and bay leaf linger on a long, luscious finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $99 What would you pair with this wine? Sue: Generally, braised meat, low-temperature cooked meats such as beef bourguignon, or fatty fish like poached salmon with a red pepper sauce. The tannins offset the texture of the fish beautifully. That said, antipasto, charcuterie platters, and spicy Asian cuisine work nicely. This isn’t a wine that demands a big red meat. This bottle is a screw cap. Let’s talk about it. Sue: We changed to screw caps when we were frustrated with the cork quality we were getting at the time in Australia. We have loved screw caps. However, the cork quality has really improved. We find the wine is reliably aging at a consistent rate with a good cork, and the trials prove it. Starting with the 2022 vintage, we will bottle a lot more wine with cork again because our customers prefer it. Although Sue is modest in her achievements in the wine industry, I am happy to shout out a few of her accomplishments. She has been awarded ASVO Winemaker of the Year and Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year. She was chosen as one of the ten Australian winemakers to represent Wine Australia in the Launch of the A+ program at the Shanghai World Expo. In 2017, Sue was given the award for Australian Women in Wine Awards, Woman of Inspiration Award. The list goes on! Sue’s passion for viticulture and winemaking is present in every bottle of wine she produces. It has been a true pleasure spending time with her. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com With all the national and international wine celebrations that seem to occur almost daily, it can be a bit overwhelming. I have missed one too many “wine holidays” to mention. For instance, I just found out that August 31st was International Cabernet Sauvignon Day! Although I’m more than a few days behind on the latest celebration, let’s raise our glasses anyway and celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon with a few gems from Chile  Chilean Vineyard Photo credit: Jorge Fernandez-Salas Here are a few fun facts. Chile is a long and narrow country bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west and to the east lie the Andes Mountains, which is among the world’s highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere. Chile spans 2700 miles, from north to south, and is only 100 miles wide. Its numerous wine regions are then divided into sub-regions. map Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red grape variety in Chile. According to Wines of Chile, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is credited with putting Chile on the world stage. Approximately 40,200 hectares ( 99,336 acres) of Cabernet Sauvignon are planted to vine, with vineyards extending from the country’s far north in Atacama to the Araucania region midway down the coast. The core of production takes place in the Central Valley wine region, where Maipo Valley and Rapel Valley sub-regions and the zones of Colchagua Valley and Cachapoal Valley account for approximately 97% of the planted surface area.  For a more in-depth look at Chilean wine, regions, and wine producers, please refer to the “Categories” menu on the right  Photo credit: Penny Wiess Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The grapes for this wine were harvested from the Palo Santo Vineyard D.O. Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley. It is 94.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Carmenere, and 2.5% Syrah. The wine is aged for ten months in French oak barrels and 5000 lts. foudres. (21% new, 79% second use) Foudres are large wooden vats.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, sour cherry, pepper, and baking spice. Palate: It is juicy and round with silky tannins. Flavors of dark cherry, plum, baking spice, and toasted oak lead to a long finish with cocoa, vanilla, and spice lingering. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $17 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, fowl, game, roasted veggies, stews, and seared spicy tuna. TerraNoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from two different terroirs in Colchagua Valley. 70% of the grapes are selected from Los Lingues, and 30% from Marchigüe. The wine is aged in 70% new and used French oak barrels and 30% in untoasted foudres for 12 months. It is then bottle-aged for at least six months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: A touch of floral with dark fruit, earthy, baking spice, herbal notes, and anise. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with dark plum, pepper, baking spice, and dark chocolate. It is a lovely dance between sweet and savory and a nice balance between acidity and tannins. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Roasted meats, aged cheese, grilled tuna and veggies, mushroom risotto, or sautéed polenta.. Miguel Torres Reserva Especial Cordillera Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo 2018 The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from vineyards in the Maipo Valley. The wine is aged 12 months in 20% new French oak and 80% second-use French oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, sour cherry, plum, pepper, and a touch of mint.
Palate: Aromas spill onto the palate with dark, juicy berries, dried herbs, toasted oak, and spice. Nice acidity and smooth tannins. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Grilled or roasted meats, game or fowl, hearty stews, or charcuterie board. These wines offer a lot of bang for the buck and are very impressive! Happy Belated International Cabernet Sauvignon Day! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com New vintages of Gaia reds have arrived! And, yes, I’m giving another shout-out to these consistently tasty wines from Domaine Bousquet’s Gaia collection!  Photo is courtesy of Kate Corcoran at Creative Palate. Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned winery and Argentina’s largest producer and exporter of organically grown wines. It is located in the Gualtallary Valley, high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, where altitudes can reach up to 5,249 ft. The winery was founded in 1997 by winemaker Jean Bousquet, originally from Carcassonne in Southwest France, where his family expanded four generations of winemaking. Please select from the menu at right for a more in-depth look at Domaine Bousquet. The label for these wines is a striking portrayal of Gaia, who in Greek mythology is the mother goddess presiding over the earth. It is a fitting name for wines produced from all organic grapes!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gaia Organic Cabernet Franc 2020 This vintage is 100% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards at 4000 ft. altitude. The wine is aged in French oak for ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, floral, and baking spice. Palate: Juicy notes of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, spice, and minerality. It is fresh and lively! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Gaia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon are hand-harvested from vineyards at 4000 ft. altitude. This wine is aged in French oak between eight and ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Intense aromas of dark berries, dark cherry, baking spice, and a touch of minerality set the stage for this expressive wine: Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with plum, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. Smooth tannins and a lengthy finish beg for another sip. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $20 Gaia Organic Malbec 2019 This wine is 100% Malbec. Grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards located by the foothills of the Andes at 4000 ft. altitude. The wine is aged in French oak between eight and ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, dark berries, baking spice, and hints of plum. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a touch of dark cherry, earthiness, firm tannins, and a lengthy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Gaia Organic Red Blend 2020 This red blend is the first wine that launched the Gaia collection. The blend is 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The best grapes are used for this wine and are harvested manually from Domaine Bousquet’s organically farmed vineyards. Wine aging takes place in French oak barrels for ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Aromas of violet, dark berries, and spice are inviting and heady.
Palate: Dark cherry and plum, blackberry, and spice entertain the palate with a hint of vanilla lingering on a long finish. It is juicy, fruity, smooth, and complex. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions for these wines: Grilled meat, BBQ, roasted chicken, hearty stews, cheese, pasta, seared tuna, and chocolate desserts! Gaia wines are a great value and never disappoint the palate! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com If you are looking to dazzle your palate, celebrate a special occasion, or seek something beyond the usual wine gift this holiday season, consider these wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss And yes, they are pricey. However, if it is within your budget, these wines are worth exploring and will surely impress the discerning palate. Château d’Esclans Garrus 2020 This luxury cuvée is made in the heart of Provence, France, and it is considered Château d’Esclans’ finest wine. The estate refers to it as “the essence of 100-year-old vines.” It is a blend of Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard of 100-year-old vines, with fermentation and aging taking place in large French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful notes of floral, peach, berries, and spice. Palate: Lush, ripe red berries, white stone fruit, vibrant acidity, and a hint of minerality. The finish is long, with baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of citrus lingering. Magnifique! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $110 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with appetizers, seafood, grilled chicken, Ceviche, goat cheese salad, creamy pasta, or grilled vegetables. Famiglia Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012 Pasqua Vigneti é Cantine, established in 1925, is located in Verona, Italy. In 2019, I met with third-generation Ricardo and Alessandro Pasqua for an informative and delightful lunch and wine tasting. Included in the tasting was the 2011 Famiglia Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, an unforgettable experience! So, I was very excited when I recently received the 2012 vintage! This wine is a blend of 65% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta. The grapes are hand-harvested and dried in crates for four months. Aging occurs in new French oak casks (70% barrels of 225 liters and 30% 500 liters) for 24 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Heady aromas of plum, dark cherry, earth, spice, oak, and cocoa beans. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate of this complex and opulent wine. Dark fruit merges with baking spice and dark chocolate for a rich, silky, well-balanced wine. The finish is long and elegant. Alcohol: 16.5% SRP: $113 Pairing suggestions: Aged cheese, grilled meat, stews, risotto, and dark chocolate desserts. To learn more about Pasqua, click on the menu at right. (Please note some stats and info have changed since the 2019 article was published.) M by Michael Mondavi Napa Valley Red Blend 2018 The new label on this bottle is a “stop-in-your-tracks” stunner. And what is inside is superb! This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot sourced from a select block within volcanic hillside vineyards sitting on top of Atlas Peak. The vineyards for M by Michael Mondavi Family are sustainably farmed with a focus on biodiversity, allowing each vineyard block’s unique attributes to shine through. Michael’s son, head winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr, crafts M by Michael Mondavi to “express the balance personified by the great Bordeaux houses, while embracing the rich opulence and plushness of Napa Valley.” Winemaker Sabrina Massola brings her expertise to the blend, inspired by Michael’s palate and guidance. The wine is aged in 60% new French oak for 20 months.  Nose: Floral, dark berries, blueberries, plum, baking spice, and herbs set the stage for this rich wine.
Palate: Dark cherry, juicy plum, berries, a touch of violet, and a hint of forest floor, with complexity and fine tannins. The finish goes on forever. This is a seductive and luxuriant wine. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $200 Pairing suggestions: Roasted meats and stews, mushroom risotto, hearty soups, seared tuna, or roasted duck. One doesn’t need to deplete their bank account to enjoy a bottle of wine. There are many excellent wines for under $30. However, there are times when one might feel like splurging, and these three wines are a delicious option for those “sumptuous” urges! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Summer has ended, but autumn brings its magic with mother nature’s dramatic foliage display, crisp “sweater” weather, and a season filled with apple picking, pumpkin carving, and grape harvests!  Photo credit: Stephan-H With temperatures beginning to drop, I’m focusing on red wines a bit more. Of course, I’ll be drinking white and rosé wines all year long, but with cooler weather in the forecast, I predict red wines paired with stews and hearty soups will start to replace lighter fare. And who can resist sipping a lovely Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, or a Sangiovese from Chianti Classico? It’s a perfect way to welcome autumn. Here are seven palate-pleasing wines from Spain, California, Chile, Italy, and Oregon to pair with fall cuisine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bodegas Montecillo Reserva Rioja 2013 Bodegas Montecillo is Rioja Spain’s third-oldest winery and the second oldest in Rioja Alta, dating back over 150 years. This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha, and 2% Mazuelo. It was aged for two years in handcrafted oak barrels followed by 18 months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Juicy, red fruit, clove, herbs, and floral hints. Palate: Plum, cherry, baking spice, silky tannins, hints of cedar, and a touch of fennel on the finish. A fantastic wine for the price! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Charcuterie, stews, hearty soups, grilled or braised meats and game, or seared tuna. Cune Organic Rioja 2020 CVNE (pronounced coo-nay) is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana, and it is one of Rioja’s most iconic and historic wine producers. Two brothers founded the winery in 1879, and within six years, they began receiving international awards for their wines. The current owners are direct descendants and represent the fifth generation. This wine is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Graciano. It is aged for six months in oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, wild berries, herbs, and spice Palate: Juicy and fresh with aromas carrying through to the palate with cherry, anise, and spice notes. Delicious! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $17 Pairing suggestions: Cheese platter, meats, pasta, risotto, or stews. Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Joseph Carr formed his own wine company in Napa Valley after spending a decade as a world-class sommelier and another decade as a wine industry executive. His dream was to have a family-owned winery, so in 2005 he began making wines under the label ‘Joseph Carr.” In 2007 Carr launched Josh Cellars as a tribute to his dad, Josh, who inspired and influenced the man Carr is today. “Every bottle of Josh Cellars wine produced honors and acknowledges his father.” In honor of his father, a volunteer firefighter in upstate NY, Carr created the “Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon” as a tribute. The winery donates $1 for every bottle of the Lodi Cab sold to either the National Volunteer Firefighter Council or local firefighter charities nationwide.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark cherry, berries, spice, and chocolate Palate: Dark berries mingle with cherry, plum, espresso, and baking spice- firm tannins and beautifully structured with a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $21.99 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, game, mushroom risotto, hearty soups, stews, or pumpkin chili. Viña Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2018 The Hurtado family, owns the Maquis estate, now in its fourth generation. Practicing sustainability, the grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in Colchagua Valley, Chile, where the winery is located. The blend for this wine is 90% Cabernet Franc, 7% Carménère, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Red berries, floral notes, baking spice, and a bit earthy. Palate: Lush fruit with strawberry plum, cherry, herbs, and spice. Complex and rich, but not overpowering. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Barbecued ribs, seared tuna, spicy Asian cuisine, grilled or braised meat, stew., or glazed breast of duck. TerraNoble CA1 Andes 2018 TerraNoble, founded in 1993, is located in the Maule Valley of Chile. TerraNoble initially presented itself as a boutique winery specializing in Merlot. However, in 1994 Chilean Merlot was identified as Carménère, So, TerraNoble committed to this rediscovered variety. And since then, they have extended viticultural experimentation and innovative winemaking practices to the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys. The grapes for this 100% Carménère are handpicked from their best vineyard plots in the Colchagua Valley at the foot of the Andes. 70% of the wine was aged in new and previously used 300-L French oak barrels, and 30% in untoasted foudre for 12 months. It was then further aged for six months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lush dark fruit, spice, earth, dark coffee beans, and herbs. Palate: Dark berries, herbs, and spice blend with silky tannins that are nicely balanced with acidity. The finish is long, with dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of herbs lingering. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24.99 Pairing suggestions: TerraNoble suggests thick ribs, oven-roasted beef brisket, risotto, or seasoned foods. Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 Querciabella was founded in 1974 with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Querciabella has continually sharpened its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the respectful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural winemaking. This 100% Sangiovese wine is vegan. No animal products or byproducts are used in the production of this wine. It is aged for 12 months in fine to extra fine-grained oak barriques (225L) and tonneaux (500L) which 10% is new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red cherry, red berries, baking spice, and a slight hint of licorice. Palate: This is a fine and silky wine that is fresh, juicy, vibrant, and elegant. Aromas segue onto the palate with hints of chocolate, plum, and sour cherry on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $33 Pairing suggestions: Classic Tuscan dishes, seared tuna, mushroom risotto, salmon burgers, or Asian cuisine. J. Christopher Volcanique Pinot Noir 2018 J. Christopher Winery is a small winery in northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, owned by well-known winemaker Erni Loosen, creator and owner of Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf estates. Following his passion for Pinot Noir, Erni set his sites on J. Christopher, eventually purchasing 40 acres and planting the Appassionata Vineyard. Ernie and his team are proactive when it comes to sustainability. Maintaining healthy soil and vines is a priority. The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir cuvée are sourced from vineyards in Dundee Hills with volcanic soil. The wine is aged 18 months in barriques (25% new), with no fining or filtration.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, cherry, red berries, cranberry, baking spice, and minerality.
Palate: Fresh, juicy, and elegant, with aromas spilling onto the palate along with notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and hints of oak and spice. Fine tannins and a silky mouthfeel add to this dry and savory wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $40 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, barbecued chicken, veal marsala, casseroles, stews, or pizza. Enjoy and happy autumn! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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