Lean and Muscular Reds Flashcards
La Spinetta Langhe “Starderi” Piedmont 2013
100% Nebbiolo.
$60
Piedmont.
Dried rose petals, dark fruits, chewy, rich, dusty tannins. Neutral oak for 18 months. Floral, medicinal, raspberry, licorice aromas.
$60
Bodega Weinert, lujan de Cuyo - Mendoza Argentina. 2006
100% Malbec
$80
Medium, body, acid, tannins, Plum, cassis, leather, fig, earth, smooth.
Not typical Argentinian Malbec.
LUIGI PIRA, “Serralunga”, Barolo, Italy, 2014 $79
Nebbiolo
$79
Intense garnet red with orange reflections. The nose is elegant and complex, with notes of leather and hay, earth and spice. The flavor is persistent and supple with a good balance between tannins and acidity.
A firm and juicy 2014 with leather, light tar and dark-berry aromas and flavors. Medium body.
Domaine GILLES BARGE, “Cote Brune”, Cote Rotie, France, 2015 $139
Syrah
$139
Starting out with the two Cte Rties from Barge, the 2015 Cte Rtie Cte Brune (97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, aged 36 months in 600-liter barrels) reveals tons of minerality in addition to ample black fruits, toasted spice, beef blood and notes of freshly crushed rocks. This big, masculine, tannic beauty has more richness and depth than the Cte Blonde and will drink nicely for two decades.
VAJRA, “Coste Fossati”, Piemonte, Italy, 2017
Dolcetto
$47
We are in the vineyards of Coste Vergne and Fossati, in the territory of Barolo, at an altitude ranging between 400 and 480 meters above sea level, the vineyards are exposed South-West in Coste and South-East in Fossati. And here borns the Dolcetto of Vajra, after a fermentation which lasts 20-25 days and after 8-12 months of aging in the cellar. We are in front of a Dolcetto from the color purple, alluring scents of black cherry, licorice and menthol. A Dolcetto elegant, balanced, complex, supple tannins and pleasant and the amazing ability of aging.
Colour Bright red with purple hues
Scent Notes of red fruits, black cherry, flowers and final wrap with licorice and menthol
Taste Elegant, balanced, complex, harmonious and soft tannins
GLEN MANOR VINEYARDS, Warren County, Virginia, 2015
Cabernet Franc
$69
I CUSTODI delle VIGNE, “Aetnus”, Mt. Etna, Sicily, 2011
Nerello Mascalese
$63
Etna Rosso Aetneus pays homage to this mighty Sicilian volcano with fruit from pre-phylloxera, 150-year-old vines. This is a strong and physical wine with sharp aromas of wild berry, forest floor, wild mushroom and sweet violets. It shows distinct mineral linearity that reinforces the wine’s overall elegance and immediacy. The fruit used here is mostly Nerello Mascalese and there are smaller percentages of Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante (or Grenache).”
D. VENTURA, “Caneiro”, Ribeira Sacra, Spain, 2015
Mencia
$55
Plum and raspberry aromas mix with notes of animal, leather and cumin. This shows a jammy, high-acid palate with slightly stalky red-plum and raspberry flavors. A briny, high-toned, almost salty tasting finish is lively and racy.
D Ventura’s top wine, from stunningly steep south-facing vineyards right on the Sil river. These are old vines on slate soils, producing a wine that shows the mencía grape at its deepest and most complex.
Vinification Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and aged on the lees for 9 months.
LIGHTWELL SURVEY, “The Weird Ones Are Wolves”, Madison, Virginia, 2016
Cabernet Franc
$59
Beefy, juicy, spicy, and so so yummy! This one is soft and silky on the palette with a nice gravely acidity that cleans it right up. FRESHHHHHH to death. Currants, raspberry, and prunes are front runners while smokey wood and ash on the finish help balance it out. While the fruit is very pretty, its the spice that grabs ahold of you. There is a cedar clove element that shines through that is oh so elegant – oh so soft. Stay gold pony boy. 169 cases produced.
BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS, “Reserve”, Monticello, Virginia, 2014
Nebbiolo
$59
This offers nuanced aromas of black cherry, red plum, rosewater, crisp red-delicious apple, burnt orange and Christmas spices. These aromas unfold onto the palate where the spices really sing. While this wine is in balance, boasting bright and zippy acidity and ample weight, the woody and spiced tannins stand out and steal the show. - WE
MILLS REEF, “Elspeth”, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, 2013
Syrah
$113
Bestowed with ‘Classic NZ Wine’ status, this superb Syrah from the exceptional 2013 vintage brims with intense flavour and complexity, displaying luscious boysenberry, pepper spice and liquorice, on a beautifully integrated and refined palate. Eminently drinkable now, it will also greatly reward cellaring for longer term enjoyment.
Critical Acclaim
WS92Wine Spectator
Bursting with fresh-cracked black pepper and vibrant, juicy, violet-laced blackberry notes, this is velvety and smooth, with plenty of oomph and intensity on the long finish. Drink now through 2026.
RP90Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Elspeth Syrah offers a lovely garrique, dried lavender, Sichuan pepper and bay leaf laced nose over a core of mulberries, red currants and black cherries. Medium-bodied, the red berry and prominent spice box flavors fill the mouth, complimented by chewy tannins and lively acid, finishing with very good length.
