Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Bush Vine Grenache 2019
All batches of Bush Vine Grenache are crushed as separate parcels to either static pumpover fermenters or open top fermenters. The majority of batches are fully destemmed, however for some the stems are left on to contribute another flavour dimension. The wild yeasts present on the grape skins are allowed to initiate fermentation. Particular batches are selected to remain on skins post-fermentation. This extended maturation helps to contribute an even greater complexity and individuality to the wine. After draining and pressing off skins, all batches are racked into older American, French and Hungarian hogsheads for six months maturation. The fragrance is saturated with brooding plum red fruits, dark cherries and perfumed berries. This is a defined wine showing the richness and concentration of the vintage. The palate is richly textured, fleshy, round and supple, with a red juiciness that merges into velvety tannins.
Gian Luca Colombo Barolo DOCG 2018
The fruit is sourced from the following crus: Bricco Ambrogio (Roddi village), Roere di Santa Maria (La Morra), Bussia (Monforte d’Alba). The emphasis on Roddi and La Morra help explain the airy style of the wine, a lighter style than wines coming from the villages of Barolo or Serralunga, for example. Gian Luca explains about the 2018 vintage, a relatively cool year: a vintage that gave us wines that are really charming and approachable when young; the wines are already expressive, fruity, aromatic and tannins smooth and soft.
Yoi-no-Tsuki Midnight Moon Daiginjo 300ml
Yoi-no-Tsuki Midnight Moon Daiginjo Sake is a premium Japanese sake produced by Yoi Shuzo, a sake brewery located in the Shimane prefecture. This sake is made using high-quality Ginginga rice, which is polished to a ratio of 50% and a small amount of in-house distilled alcohol enhances the aromas and softens the body.resulting in a refined and delicate flavor. The tasting notes of Yoi-no-Tsuki Midnight Moon Daiginjo Sake is ripe honeydew melon, peach, strawberry, bamboo and anise flavors. The brewing process of Yoi-no-Tsuki Midnight Moon Daiginjo Sake is carefully controlled to ensure the highest quality. The rice is milled, washed, and steamed before being fermented with yeast and koji mold. The sake is then carefully filtered and bottled to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma. Overall, Yoi-no-Tsuki Midnight Moon Daiginjo Sake is a premium sake that is highly valued by sake enthusiasts for its complex and nuanced flavor profile. It is best served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and tempura.
Salomon Undhof Ried Wachtberg Gruner Veltliner 2020
Salomon Undhof is an important, historic producer in the Kremstal region of Austria, producing world class Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines from the slopes above the Danube river. Founded in 1792, the Salomon family is now in its eighth and ninth generation working these vineyards, and were among the first Austrian producers to export to the USA in the 1930s. The Salomon-Undhof Gruner Veltliner “Wachtberg” presents a vibrant and refreshing profile, characterized by its crisp acidity and minerality. On the nose, it reveals aromas of green apple, white pepper, and subtle hints of citrus. The palate is greeted with flavors of ripe pear, lemon zest, and a touch of honey, leading to a clean, lingering finish. This wine is a classic example of Gruner Veltliner's elegance and versatility. It's a perfect match for light salads and Asian dishes, especially those with a slight spice, as its refreshing character balances the heat.
Kirin-Zan Classic Sake Magnum
Dry, clean, light-bodied and well-refined. This is a representative of the TanreiKarakuchi sake made in Niigata, the heartland of Japanese premium sake production. Kirinzan Shuzo is located near Mt. Kirin (= Kirin-zan) in Tsugawa, Niigata. Kirin is a mythical creature much like a flying unicorn, is believed to bring about happiness and luck. Food pairing:
- Matches well with most of Japanese dishes, especially when served room temp or lukewarm, including raw/lightly grilled fish and shrimps, tofu, simmered vegetable, and sunomono.
- Bacon-wrapped Scallops - “The Classic” is paired with the soft, rich, nuttiness of the seared Sea Scallop because of the ricey, nutty aromas of the sake. The crispy, salty outer rim of seared bacon needs the strong more intensely forward flavors that the sake provides.
- Other recommendations: Trout Amandine, Roasted chestnuts, Terrine of foie-gras, Sea urchin carbonara, Pear and frangipane tart.
Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre 2023
Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre 2023 has a pale yellow color with aromas of white flowers and citrus. On the mouth the wine is round and fresh. Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre 2023 has good balance with a harmonious finish.
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai The Seven Spearsmen
Founded in the 1540’s, the Tomita Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Japan and is now managed by the 15th generation of the family, Yasunobu Tomita, who is also the brewmaster. The Tomita’s named their sake Shichi Hon Yari, or “Seven Spearsmen,” after the leaders of the historic Battle of Shizugatake which was fought just outside their town of Kinomoto. Shichi Hon Yari Junmai is the classic representation of the brewery’s style with its traditional and modern dimensions. Earthy and rich aromatics and flavors meet elegance and softness in the finish. The bright acidity makes this a fun sake to pair with dishes outside of traditional Japanese cuisine, including Duck a l’orange and Yukhoe, Korean Steak Tartare.
Chateau La Gordonne La Chapelle Gordonne Tete de Cuvee Rose 2022
Chateau La Gordonne La Chapelle Gordonne Tete de Cuvee Rose has a litchee-pink colour, very pale and limpid. It aromas has notes of pink grapefruit and linden blossom notes reveal this wine’s very rich mineral quality in a poetic evocation of the sun rising over the Provence Garrigue on a summer day. On the palate the wine is ample and balanced around sensations of freshness, delicacy and sweetness. It is bursting with small fresh fruits such as the arbutus berries on the wooded hillsides of the schist terroir of the Château la Gordonne. The long, pleasant finale expresses the finesse and flavour of a wild strawberry sorbet.
Carlos Serres Gran Reserva 2016
The Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes are sourced from a selection of different plots in the “Finca El Estanque” vineyard, with a surface of 60 hectares (150 acres) that is owned by the winery, in the best terroir in Haro. Aging: aged for 24 months in American and French oak barrels. Refined in the bottle for 36 months before release.
Champagne Baron Dauvergne Blanc de Noirs NV
The Baron D'Auvergne Champagne house, nestled in Bouzy, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims region, has a history dating back several centuries. They are a small negotiant house, growing and buying grapes. Bouzy is a Grand Cru village, one of the highest-rated vineyards in Champagne, and well known for the quality of its Pinot Noir grapes, perfect for the creation of this cuvee. The Champagne Baron D'Auvergne Fine Fleur is a Blanc de Noirs, made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, and aged on lees for 36 months, resulting in its complex flavors and delicate effervescence. The dosage is only 9 g/l RS, creating a Brut style.
