Red Wines

April 2012 Red Wine of the Month

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:11:00 GMT

Wine:	2004 Sassicaia (13% abv)
Country of Origin:	Tuscany, Italy
Our thoughts:	At a recent private ‘Fine Wine’ Evening, we finished the absolutely fabulous event with the opening of this sumptuous and very decadent wine. Sassicaia, a Bordeaux-style red wine, is one, if the not the, greatest of Italian wines as well as being one of the greatest international investment wines, respected and acclaimed by the world’s most infamous palates. The estate ‘Tenuta San Guido’ was started by Mario Incisa della Rochetta. Cabernet Sauvignon vines were allegedly sourced from Bordeaux’s illustrious Château Laffite-Rothschild. Originally for family consumption, it was only commercially produced, and in small quantities, around the 1970’s. As a result of using non-indigenous grapes, it was first classified as a Vino da Tavola and triggered the creation of the infamous ‘Super Tuscans’. With consistent production of quality wines of the highest calibre that achieved cult status, international recognition and eye watering bottle prices, it was granted its own DOC and remains the only wine from a single estate in Italy to enjoy such a privilege. Exceptionally smooth and gorgeously layered, this medium bodied treasure has an aromatic nose of intense plums, ripe cherries, blackcurrants, liquorice, menthol, smoke, cigar, hints of mushroom and toasted oak. Beautifully structured with a long finish. Could even improve even further with ageing for the next 15 years or so. Serve at room temperature with the finest steak you can find!
Price:	£184.00 per bottle (70cl bottle price)
Stockist:	Berry Bros

February 2012 Red Wine of the Month

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:24:00 GMT

Wine:

(St Hallett) Barossa Shiraz 2009 (14% abv)

Country of Origin:

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Our thoughts:

Simply stunning well balanced and structured full bodied 100% Shiraz that is absolutely bursting with luscious ripe red and black fruit flavours. Fresh and dry, this deliciously rich red wine has a long and smooth chocolate, spice and oak finish.

Waitrose is in partnership with the renowned St Hallett winery who produced this excellent wine and is based in the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

Deservedly awarded Bronze Medals by IWC and Decanter magazine and truly great value, so why not splash out and enjoy!

Serve at room temperature (15 - 18°C) and enjoy on its own or along with slow-cooked rack of lamb or any other meaty dishes!

Price:

£9.49 inc vat for case of 6 at £113.88 (75cl bottle price)

Stockist:

Waitrose

August 2011 Red Wine of the Month

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:53:00 GMT

Wine:	Sogrape Callabriga Reserva 2005 (14% abv)
Country of Origin:	Alentejo, Portugal
Our thoughts:	with notesWinemaking CALLABRIGA RESERVA ALENTEJO 2005 is made from carefully selected grapes, using the most advanced techniques at Sogrape’s Herdade do Peso winery in the Alentejo. After gentle crushing and complete de-stemming, the grapes are fermented with skin maceration under controlled temperatures of 28º C, for around 6 days, followed by 10 days of post-fermentative maceration to enhance aromatic and polyphenolic extraction. Ageing Following malolactic fermentation, the wines are kept separately for about one year in 225 litre oak barrels, and their development is carefully monitored so as to guarantee the preservation of fruity aromas and the creation of a final harmonious blend. The final blend is bottled without cold-stabilisation, and the bottles are kept in cellar for about 12 months before being released. CALLABRIGA ALENTEJO RED will age well in bottle for 3-4 years. Technical Details Alcohol: 14% Total Acidity: 4,9 g/l (tartaric acid) Sugar: 3,2 g/l pH: 3,61Delicious deep nearly opaque red colour with lovely complex, concentrated and intense opulent plum, black and red fruits with notes and nuances of aromatic herbs, vanilla and spice. Fresh, dry and full bodied with chewy tannins and robust texture with a long finish. Well balanced and structured, this wine promises to age well in the bottle. Delicious deep red colour with lovely complex, concentrated and intense plum, black and red fruits with notes of aromatic herbs, vanilla and spice. Fresh, dry and full bodied with firm tannins and texture with a long finish. Well balanced and structured, this wine promises to age well in the bottle. Blend of carefully picked Aragonez (aka Tinta Roriz in northern Portugal and aka Tempranillo in Spain) predominately with a little Alfrocheiro and Alicante Bouschet from selected vineyards at Herdade de Peso in Vidigueira region of Alentejo in southern Portugal. Deservedly awarded Bronze Medal by Decanter and Gold Medals at International Wine Challenge (IWC), Concours Mondial de Bruxellles and Berliner Wein Trophy! Serve at room temperature and enjoy on its own or along with slow-cooked rack of lamb and rosemary with seasonal vegetables for Sunday lunch or blue cheeses!
Price:	£22.49 inc vat for case of 6 at £134.95 (75cl bottle price)
Stockist:	Everywine