deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2019 Monte da Ravasqueira Guarda Rios Signature Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $15.99 regularly $19.99).

Amidst the typical Alentejano landscape in Central Portugal, there are the vineyards of Monte da Ravasqueira, about 1.5 hours drive east of Lisbon. The land was acquired in 1943 and mainly produced fruit, with the first plantings of the vineyards was in 1998 with the first wines produced commercially in 2006.

Part of the José de Mello family for three generations now, Monte da Ravasqueira covers an area of about 3000 hectares. In 2012, Pedro Pereira Gonçalves took over winemaking duties with the challenge of rethinking Monte da Ravasqueira’s oenology philosophy and wine profile, betting on a sustained growth of the brand with the aim of making it a revered name in the Alentejo.

The Guarda Rios Signature Tinto is made from Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, and Aragonez. Dark and deep colour. Intense nose with spicy notes and notes of wild berries, forest, and a touch of vanilla. Full of volume to the palate, with a fine structure with notes of chocolate, cinnamon and mint and a persistent end. This full and fruity wine is packed with red berry flavors along with ripe tannins. Try with grilled red meats.

2019 Monte da Ravasqueira Guarda Rios Signature Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $15.99 (regularly $19.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

The Produttori del Barbaresco Cooperative is one of the most successful cooperatives in the world of winemaking. The winery is one of the stars of the Barbaresco region in the Piedmont region in Northern Italy. Established in 1958, there are now 51 growers who contribute their Nebbiolo grapes to the cooperative. The region covers over 100 hectares of premium nebbiolo grapes. In 1967, they were amongst the first wineries to produce single vineyard Barbaresco Riserva’s – there is nine different Cru Riservas produced only in exceptional vintages like 2016, one of the greatest vintages ever for Barbaresco’s.

We have five of their 2016 Single Vineyard Riservas that are spectacular for the money and those in the know will no doubt stock up. Verticals going back 40 years have shown how great these wines can be. Superbly located – Gaja (6 min away) and Giacosa (13 min away) are neighbours whose wines sell for 4 to 7 times this price.

A must in every connoisseur’s cellar, a bargain in the expensive world of Nebbiolo not to be missed!! Barolo’s with this kind of scores sell for double this price. Quantities are very limited and sold on a first come first served basis.

2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota (Piedmont, Italy) – $104.99

2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Pora (Piedmont, Italy) – $104.99

2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Ovello (Piedmont, Italy) – $104.99

2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Paje (Piedmont, Italy)- $104.99

2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano (Piedmont, Italy) – $104.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2019 2020 Yalumba Y Series Viognier (Eden Valley, Australia) – $16.49 regularly $19.99).

Yalumba is Australia’s most historic family-owned winery, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley. “Yalumba” is the indigenous Australian word for “all the land around”. Dating back to 1849, it is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery.

Yalumba has pioneered the growing and making of Viognier in Australia. In 1980 the first commercial vines were planted in the Eden Valley and since then we have had nearly 40 years of viticultural and winemaking experience working with this alluring variety. Sourced from a number of grape growing regions, the criteria for grapes to go into this wine is that they show the classic Viognier flavours and aromas of white flowers and apricot fruit, balanced by freshness and zest. The vine cuttings depicted on the label are the beginnings of a new vineyard, planted after careful sorting, grafting and bundling in their state-of-the-art Yalumba Nursery.

Clear pale straw in colour, with forward mushroomy, yeasty, perfumy floral, herbal and honey flavours. On the palate, this supple medium-bodied viognier is extra dry, and has a soft, round texture. Flavours of mushrooms, herbs and honey lead to a long finish. Very versatile white, it will make for a great pairing with a cheese fondue or Shrimp Pad Thai.

2020 Yalumba Y Series Viognier (Eden Valley, Australia) – $16.49 (regularly $19.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Brunello di Montalcino’s are currently on a great run – following the excellent 2015’s is the arrival of the exceptional 2016’s, constituting the greatest back to back vintages of this Sangiovese based wine ever. Both vintages require patience, but they are already legendary and highly sought after. We have received our first batch of the 2016’s and are glad to offer them for your consideration. Quality wise, the 2016’s are certainly in line with the great 2010’s and the 2001’s before that amongst the greatest vintages ever so don’t miss out on the 2016’s.

First, pictured left to right:

2016 Fossacolle Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) – $66.99