15 Interesting Wine-Related Discoveries For Fall 2020
Fall 2020 is now underway as we are now almost at Thanksgiving 2020. While 2020 has already proven to be the most difficult year in recent memory, it has produced plenty of interesting new wines and wine-industry developments. In turn, below are 15 product recommendations and/or interesting vineyard-related news items that are keeping things interesting in Fall 2020 for wine enthuasists.
Capture’s flagship wine, the Tradition Sauvignon Blanc ,elevates the purity of the variety through stainless steel fermentation and ten months of sur lie aging. The result, Capture 2018 Tradition Sauvignon Blanc — suggested real price of $25 — is an expression of bright citrus such as lime peel, white stonefruit, and green apple fragrances. Capture’s vineyards highlight the ideal characteristics for Sauvignon Blanc with mineral texture, brilliant acidity and a fresh finish. You can pair this sauvignon blanc with hearty winter veggies or a simple cheese board.
Bodegas Yuste Aurora Manzanilla Sherry
This one is an iconic Spanish Manzanilla named for the widow Aurora Ambrosse Lacave, pioneering female sherry executive of the early 20th century. Yuste has skillfully integrated the concept of a 19th century solera with its own to produce a complex, rounded and saline Manzanilla between 8 and 10 years of age, as bottled with minimal treatment to preserve an interplay of seaside freshness and full mid-palate. Smart, delicious and craft all at once.
Bodegas Barbadillo Amontillado Medium
Barbadillo is, without a doubt, both the largest and the leading bodega of Sanlucar de Barrameda. Created in 1821 by Benigno Barbadillo, the company its still owned today by the seventh generation of the Barbadillo family. In Sherry, the entity owns 500 hectares of vineyards, stock around 60 percent of the total production of Manzanilla which ages in 12,500 botas in their great cellars in Sanlucar, mainly in La Arboledilla winery, the tallest bodega in the Marco de Jerez, an impressive 16 meters high, and in a network of 16 other large and small bodegas in the Barrio Alto, the High Quarter of Sanlucar de Barrameda. It was the first to bottle Manzanilla en rama (unfiltered) back in 1999, doing four sacas (bottlings) per year, one during each season, which they sell in half bottles with labels that clearly identify the saca and the year of production.
Its Bodegas Barbadillo Amontillado Medium is an interesting blend of Amontillado and Pedro Ximenez. This offering was aged in cask in the traditional Solera system. In turn, you ought to find it rich, with nutty aromas and a gentle sweetness on the palate.
The Gary Farrell Winery, as based in the Russian River Valley, is one of California’s most accomplished wineries for high-end, small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Its Gary Farrell 2017 Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard, Russian River Valley — priced at $55 per bottle — is a lush Pinot which comes from a premier vineyard in the cool-climate Green Valley sub-appellation of Russian River. It has both a beautiful intensity and complexity. Also acclaimed from the Gary Farrell team is its 2017 Chardonnay, Olivet Lane Vineyard, with a retail price of $45, which comes from a famed vineyard that was planted with Chardonnay in 1975.
Those close to the Northern California-based vineyard may be able to visit it directly. Tasting and event information can be found online via www.garyfarrellwinery.com/visit.
Hahn Family Wines is an industry leader which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in the small but mighty Santa Lucia Highlands. I had the pleasure of attending a recent Sippin’ N Trippin’ event from the vineyard, as hosted via Zoom. Within that event I learned about the Hahn SLH Pinot Noir (suggested retail price of $30), Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir (suggested retail price of $50), Lucienne Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir (suggested retail price of $50), and the Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir (suggested retail price of $50). Do believe the hype.
Earlier this month, Hahn celebrated National Zinfandel Day by spotlighting its Boneshaker Old Vine Zin. Sourced from incredibly-gnarly vines in the heartland of Zinfandel in California, this wine is the finest expression showcasing decadent dark fruit. It is also certified sustainable under the highly respected Lodi Rules for Sustainable Farming program, as Hahn’s vineyards promote biodiversity, soil and water health, as well as community and employee well-being.
Montecucco wines show a new and different expression of Sangiovese grapes grown in a specific part of the famous Maremma region, nestled between the Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scansano appellations. Montecucco’s main wines are Montecucco Rosso DOC (suggested retail price of $20), as made from a minimum of 60 percent Sangiovese, and most importantly, Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG (suggested retail price between $20 and $40), as made from a minimum of 90 percent Sangiovese.
These “diamonds in the rough” of the Italian wine culture are still considered a treasure trove that will warm your heart with their fine aromas of dark fruits, tobacco and vanilla and enchant you with the stories of family-owned wineries that craft these grapes with respect for a very ancient tradition. Holding a glass of Montecucco in your hands, while the weather gets colder outside, will take you on a journey through the Tuscan hills and let you savor the true essence of the Italian fall. I had the pleasure of trying both the Poggio Stenti Tribulo Montecucco Sangiovese DOC 2016 and the Salustri Marleo Montecucco Rosso DOC 2018 offerings recently, and both were excellent. The Tribulo’s aging in wood process interesting takes at least 18 months.
Landmark Vineyards 2018 Overlook Chardonnay
As saying goes: “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” In turn, on a tough working day, sometimes some fine wine can help the work day go by a bit easier. The 2018 Overlook Chardonnay from Landmark Vineyards was crafted from 42 separate blocks of grapes sourced from premium Sonoma County vineyards. Working closely with grower partners throughout the growing season in such prestigious appellations such as the Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Carneros and the Russian River Valley gives winemaker Greg Stach the high-quality fruit this bottling deserves. yet another great offering from Landmark Vineyards.
Josh Cellars’ Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
Josh Cellars founder Joseph Carr spent a decade serving as a world-class sommelier followed by another decade as a wine industry executive. After years of hard work, he left it all behind to pursue his dream: starting his own wine company, making wines from California. Josh Cellars’ newest release is the Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.
This gorgeous wine pairs perfectly with entrees like grilled steak, a leg of lamb or barbecue ribs and is ideal for bringing to Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas feast. The bourbon barrel aging imparts notes of cedar, vanilla, brown spice, caramel and a touch of bourbon which blend harmoniously with flavors of ripe plum, cranberry and hints of barbecued meats. The nose is rich and complex with hints of baked black fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, coffee and sweet toffee. This release is ideal for gifting, pairing and/or sharing.
Apothic — the wine brand known for challenging conventions through its innovative blends — recently launched its first-ever red varietal, Apothic Cab. Apothic notably collaborated with American actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the end-result of that was An Evening of Intrigue: Choose Your Apothic Journey. Narrated by Sarah Michelle Gellar, that event was intended to ignite curiosity and result in discovery of the perfect Apothic wine for those who dare to take the journey.
On the wine end, earlier this year Apotic unveiled its 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. As an integral variety in the best-selling Apothic Red Blend, Apothic realized that Cabernet deserved its own time to shine. In true Apothic style, winemaker Deb Juergenson put her signature stamp on a classic, creating a fruit-forward Cab with a silky finish.
The Sicilia DOC is the first organization in the history of Sicily that has been created to promote and preserve the island’s indigenous grape varieties, share the island’s wine story with consumers, and safeguard the reputation of the Sicily brand. By focusing on improving established quality standards—including lower maximum yields in the vineyards and preserving the island’s historic growing areas, the Sicilia DOC aims to assist in the continuation of Sicily’s complex wine heritage while promoting the region as a whole. And fortunately I had the pleasure of trying some of the region’s latest and greatest.
The Nero d’Avola has an aroma of red floral notes accompanied by its flavor of sweet spices and cocoa allow for versatile pairings that go beyond the main course. From savory to sweet, Nero d’Avola is the perfect drink to go with your holiday meal. Grillo is a soft colored yellow with citrus blossom and fruity aromas. A bottle of Grillo can be the perfect gift to give a host when you walk through the door, and it is light enough to sip during hors d’oeuvres and through the beginning of the course. Meanwhile, Frappato is an easy-going wine — often referred to as Pinot Noir’s “cool cousin — varietal that brings so much flavor and can change it is depth when chilled. TWhen gifting a bottle of Frappato, “wow” your recipient by telling them to chill the bottle before taking a sip, asoing so provides extra depth and it is how Sicilians are known to enjoy it as well.
Brancott Estate is widely-renowned as the originator of the New Zealand style Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Brancott Estate recently debuted a fresh new quirky look for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc while still boasting boasting an impressive 91 points at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Bursting with flavor from ripe tropical fruit to lush pink grapefruit, this crisp offering can be enjoyed year-round for under $20.
Brancott Estate’s wines are also cocktail-friendly, and here is a recipe for the Brancott Soother, which is suitable for (responsible, socially-distanced) entertaining this season:
Ingredients:
– 3 oz. Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
– 0.5 oz. Maple Syrup
– 1.5 oz. Cranberry Juice
– Slice of Red Chili
– Pinch of Cinnamon
Method:
– Add chili to a cocktail shaker and muddle to release heat.
– Add all other ingredients to shaker, fill with ice, and shake for 10 seconds until diluted.
– Fine strain into a wine glass and garnish with red chili.
The Louis M. Martini team has literally been working with Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa Valley since Prohibition, and has built its legacy on the varietal. The 2017 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — suggested retail price of $45 — is a representation of the winery’s long standing commitment to the production of high quality in the Napa Valley as well as a promise to the future.
Grapes for this wonderful wine were selected from several of their premium Napa Valley vineyards, including Cypress Ranch Vineyard, Sun Lake and Sage Canyon. The result is a complex blend that represents all of the Napa Valley, from the high elevations to the Valley floor, while also retaining the level of quality that the drinker expects with the name of Louis M. Martini. And per a prior recommendation made to me by the recommendation, if you are in the grilling mood, this particular wine can actually pair well with a grilled sausage dog with roasted bell peppers.
Escudo Rojo is the result of the encounter between Chilean terroirs and the know-how of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Since its creation in 1999, Escudo Rojo has stood as the worthy heir of Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Chile. This is exemplified by its name, since Escudo Rojo is the Spanish translation of the German “Rote Schild,” which means red shield. By giving her name to the wine, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild showed that the Rothschild family had come to Chile to stay.
The Escudo Rojo 2018 Gran Reserva (suggested retail price of $21.99 is a blended wine made from the 4 different red grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon (40 percent), Cabernet Franc (2 percent), Carmenere (38 percent) and Syrah (20 percent) bring body, density and a touch of spice. Powerful ripe red fruit aromas can be detected in this wine with the nose gaining in complexity from aeration. Meanwhile, the nose of the Escudo Rojo 2018 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (suggested retail price of $17.99) opens on an array of refined ripe black fruit aromas, as joined on airing by light toasted hazelnut notes. This red is vinified in the Bordeaux manner, favoring extraction of the fruit and a supple, well-balanced tannic structure. Both of these Escudo offerings are excellent.
Hailed by many as “the king of cabernet,” the Napa Valley region has long been synonymous with the bold varietal. Traditionally, to experience a Napa Valley cab is to experience history, quality and unparalleled craft. One of Napa Valley’s most historic estates — and home to the first tasting room in California — the Charles Krug Winery has long been a believer that enjoying a true Napa Valley cab is an experience that should be both approachable and available to all. This philosophy is one that lives on in the Great Estate’s latest release.
The 2017 Charles Krug Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (suggested retail price of $39) is sourced principally from 5 family estates in Yountville. It displays black fruit aromas with hints of brown sugar and toffee. This medium-bodied wine showcases a rich mélange of cherry, blackberry and black currant flavors, as set against a beautifully-integrated backdrop of lightly toasted oak, all leading to a smooth lingering finish. And should you be ordering online from the winery’s website, it is easy to receive free shipping on your order.
FUN WINE is a “better for you,” low ABV, low-calorie, flavored, all-natural, and lightly carbonated everyday wine drink. Available in bold and refreshing flavors inspired by Miami’s distinct art, fashion and music culture, its bottles happened to have been designed by renowned Miami graffiti and pop artist Miguel Paredes. Its Hard Bubbly reportedly includes an ingredient never seen before within the industry: monk fruit. Meanwhile, all 6 FUN WINE flavors have 59 calories per 5-ounce pour, less than half the calorie content of traditional wine and the lowest globally for a 5.5 percent ABV wine product. All 6 offerings are produced with all natural, gluten-free ingredients, and all are manufactured in a vegan-certified plant in the European Union. My personal favorite FUN WINE is the Espresso Cabinet, which also comes in 250 mL slim can and 330 mL aluminum bottle offerings.
Last but definitely not least, the Oak Farm Vineyards 2019 Albarino (suggested retail price of $22) has aromas of honeydew melon and lime flower, as entangled with lots of minerality bursting from the glass. This wine has a medium body and is well-balanced with flavors of stone fruit that lead to an elegant fruitful finish. Thanks to its bright acidity and slightly saline flavor, this wine will pair beautifully with a wide variety of winter dishes, whether you are sipping it while lingering by the cheese board, celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or simply pouring a glass while you bake your favorite holiday treats.
Earlier this year, I also had the pleasure of trying Oak Farm Vineyards’ 2018 Rosé, as produced in the Provence style and made from 100% percent Grenache. This award-winning wine — including honors at the 2019 Experience Rosé Competition and the 2019 West Coast Wine Competition — comes from the unique, sandy loam soils of Lodi, where many Mediterranean grapes thrive. This rosé is delicate and bright with a crispy acidity and smooth finish. It is currently-available for purchase through both the Oak Farm Vineyards website and Saucey.
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Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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