2021 Domaine Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Regular price £31.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Proper, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Tasting Notes
Nose
This is a traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with ripe black fruit aromas balanced by lightly herbal, oaky notes.
Palate
The palate is generous with dark plum and blackberry characters, and plump textured tannins balancing the significant 15% alcohol, which is expertly managed and integrated.
Production Method
The soils of the vineyard are made up of clay and chalk covered with a layer of the classic large peebles ('galets') found in this area, which naturally keep yields low. The vines are over 60 years old and situated near the plateau de Carbières (close to Château Montredon). Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes. The grapes undergo a traditional long 'cuvaison' at quite high temperature and with extended maceration on the skins, 21-24 days to extract plenty of colour, fruit and tannins. This is followed by ageing for between 14-18 months in 'foudres' (large oak barrels), 70% vats, 30% Burgundian pieces and casks.
Producer
Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the Domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices.
Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.
A note on Sustainability
As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
65 % Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
|
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable
|
Food Matches | Try with traditional roast lamb, lentil and vegetable moussaka and any rich hot-pot that heavily features aromatic 'herbes de Provence'. |
Origin | Rhône, France |
Appellation | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
![2019 Domaine Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/CigaleRouge_{width}x.png?v=1633956973)
2021 Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz
Regular price £31.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Typical medium-bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz from a great year that will reward for many years.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Superb colour with dark red and purple hues.
Nose
Lifted aromas of red fruit and ginger spice. While there is some oak, it is very much in the background.
Palate
Soft entry on the palate, fine tannins and perfect acid carry through to the finish. A typical medium-bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz that will give drinking pleasure now and over the long term.
Vinification
Winemaker Comments
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production.
Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Very enjoyable over the medium term, and will reward long term cellaring |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Veal, duck and cheese. |
Origin | Hunter Valley |
Appellation | New South Wales |
![2017 / 2018 Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/BrokenwoodHunterShiraz_{width}x.png?v=1612952580)
2021 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz
Regular price £69.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Amon-Ra Shiraz is an iconic wine that epitomises Ben Glaetzer’s passion to create wines that are full flavoured, multi layered and intense but still elegant, stylish and finely balanced.
Tasting Notes
In Egyptian mythology, Amon-Ra is considered to be the king of all gods. The temple of Amon-Ra was believed to be the first temple to ever plant a monoculture vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple.
The eye on front of the label is the all-seeing eye of Horus or wedjat ("whole one") - a powerful Egyptian symbol of protection. It is represented as a figure with six parts, corresponding to what Egyptians regarded as the six senses; touch, taste, hearing, sight, smell and thought.
Ben created Amon-Ra Shiraz to appeal to all these six senses.
Colour
Deep purple in youth, will evolve to a lovely dark red hue with maturation.
Nose
Blood plum showing hints of dark cherries and dried garden herbs.
Palate
Rich and mouthcoating yet with the balance, finesse and elegance that epitomises Amon-Ra. An earthy spice complements the brooding dark fruit flavours.
Vineyards
Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age 50—130 years old. Yield 2 tonnes per hectare.
About Glaetzer
This family-owned boutique winery was founded in 1995 and dedicates itself to the production of super-premium, site-specific red wine made in small volumes. Originally from Germany, the Glaetzer family settled in Australia in the late 19th century and were some of the earliest recorded viticulturalists in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley.
Today the winery is run by internationally acclaimed winemaker Ben Glaetzer, who is responsible for driving the brand’s considerable loyal following. Ben sources all their fruit from the northern sub-region of the Barossa, Ebenezer, which is known for its ancient dry-grown vineyards. Glaetzer’s most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80 - 110-year-old, nongrafted bush vines. In the cellar, Ben believes in minimal intervention and treating musts as gently as possible.
Though only limited Glaetzer wines are produced every year, the winery is known for producing wines that are unique and intense.
Reviews
"The 2019 Amon-Ra Shiraz is 100% Shiraz and 100% from the 2019 vintage, as Ben Glaetzer felt it – unlike many previous vintages – didn’t need to be freshened with a small proportion of younger wine. From old vines in the Ebenezer district of the northern Barossa Valley, it offers classic notes of blackberries and spice, framed by hints of cedar and vanilla (it’s aged in 100% new oak hogsheads, mostly French). It’s full-bodied yet crisp, supple but tight and really long. Offering lovely dark fruit, hints of espresso and black olive, it finishes mouthwatering and firm. Give it some time in the cellar and drink it from 2025 – 2040." 96+ points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.6 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring | 2025-2040 |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Barossa Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
![2019 Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/35.GlaetzerAmon-Ra_6cc5ee5d-01c4-484a-a62c-0f2284b9361b_{width}x.jpg?v=1643270219)
2016 Hartenberg 'The Megan'
Regular price £47.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
A Southern Rhone styled red - juicy & bursting with flavour that finishes with a very moreish, lingering aftertaste.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Cherry, raspberry, perfumed fruit notes with subtle pepper and spice on the nose.
Palate
The elegant palate reveals dark choc and supple, cedary notes, underpinned by vanilla oak flavours. Incredibly soft on palate entry.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0174/5118/8278/files/a_985ad7fa-12f7-4314-a50d-de722b275928_1024x1024.jpg?v=1595930406)
History
The Megan is a tribute to Megan Mackenzie, wife of Ken "Stork" Mackenzie whose family still owns Hartenberg Wine Estate. Megan met Ken whilst still at school and once time passed, they got married and so started a twenty-four year love story. Initially assisting in the family business, but also a celebrated harpist, Megan sowed the early seeds for the decision to later buy Hartenberg Wine Estate, whilst on their honeymoon vacation to the Cape in 1952. Megan sadly passed away in the prime of her life and Ken never remarried.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre Blend |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 10 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Slow roasted shoulder of pork, lamb rogan josh, caramelized roasted root vegetables, rib-eye steak or nutty hard cheeses
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
![2016 Hartenberg 'The Megan'](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/TheMeganHartenberg_{width}x.png?v=1689917955)
2018 Hartenberg 'The Stork' Shiraz
Regular price £54.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"
'This shows depth and power. The stewed black fruits and blueberry crumble flavours show brilliantly with nothing stopping it from delivering pleasure. Sublime and evolving.' – Decanter World Wine Awards, 96/100 (Gold)
Nose
The Stork shows a complex bouquet of ripe black cherries, violets, sweet spice and sandalwood.
Palate
The palate is richly textured and well rounded with a continuation of the sweet spice note from the nose ending in plush and fine tannins.
History
The Stork Shiraz honours the late Ken Mackenzie, pilot, businessman, farmer and benefactor. Stork was Ken’s Second World War nickname (as he was tall with long thin legs and a Spitfire pilot) and Shiraz was his preferred red wine.
This limited volume wine represents a vineyard selection of Shiraz from a specific site that is planted solely on clay–rich "terra rossa" type soils. The vineyard ripens a full month later than our Gravel Hill Shiraz site.
Shiraz is the cultivar that has made Hartenberg famous, and The Stork will ensure this reputation continues.
Accolades
'The Stork comes from deep, red clay soils and always has a slightly ferrous, dried blood character to it. Perfumed and concentrated, with blackberry, plum and tangerine fruit, lots of minerality and the structure to age in bottle. Drink 2024-32.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 94/100
'Shiraz off deep, clay-rich loam soil, reflected in plush mulberry & plum fruit which absorbs 20 months in 90% new oak & coats firm tannin structure. 2017’s savoury, clove & white pepper will add complexity for many years. Also in 1.5L, as red siblings.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (93/100)
'The 2017 The Stork has a concentrated nose of blackberry, iodine and wild heather scents, revealing more red fruit with aeration while retaining admirable delineation. The smooth palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and a hint of melted tar toward the finish. Quite bold, but a well-crafted Stellenbosch wine. Drink 2022-2034.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Nov 2021)
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14 %alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.6 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 15 years |
Barrel Ageing |
20 months in 90% new French oak barrels, 10% second fill
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Dijon & herb-crusted rack of Lamb served with a simple jus. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
![2016 Hartenberg 'The Stork' Shiraz](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/Hartenberg_The_Stork_Shiraz_{width}x.jpg?v=1590060403)
2021 Ventisquero Vertice Carménère Syrah
Regular price £26.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%At the highest point of our Roblería vineyard in the Apalta Valley, a meeting between John Duval and Felipe Tosso gave birth to a unique blend of Carménère and Syrah. Two visions, just one spirit. In a process that delivers the best of each element.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep red with violet hues.
Aroma
The nose reveals black fruit, such as blackberries, intermingled with gentle spices, such as black pepper, damp earth, notes of native forest and a hint of graphite and soft spices.
Palate
This wine has a firm structure and silky tannins. Its black fruit and spicy flavors, together with medium to high acidity lend it balance in the mouth and persistence in the finish.
Fermentation
The grapes first underwent a low-temperature pre-fermentative maceration to bring out the maximum colour and aromas. Then the must was fermented in small stainless steel tanks and open tanks. The management of the tannins in this wine is very important.
Aging
The wine was aged for 22 months in 300-litre ultra-fine French oak barrels, 40% of them new and the rest second and third use. Then is was bottle aged for at least 14 months.
Producer
Tosso’s winemaking travels have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, back to Concha Y Toro in Chile and then finally to Vina Ventisquero. In 2003, Felipe began a close collaboration with John Duval (ex Penfolds) in the production of icon wines Pangea and Vertice, a partnership that continues to this day.
Accolades
Wine Advocate, Robert Parker – 90 points
Reviewed by Luis Gutierrez
The 2017 Vertice Apalta Vineyard is from a riper and more concentrated crop with lower yields and comes through as riper and rounder, with more fruit and concentration. There is more tannin and more power. Part of the wine now matures in oak foudres, and that is helping with the integration of the oak. 38,000 bottles produced.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 51% Carménère & 49% Syrah |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Aging Potential | This wine can be enjoyed now, but it has the potential to be aged for at least 15 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
This wine is superb paired with spicy food, such as Indian, Thai, Mexican and Spanish cuisine and other more complex dishes. It also goes well with semi-ripe cheese and strongly flavoured meat such as wild boar and venison.
|
Origin |
La Roblería Vineyard, Colchagua Valley |
![2019 Ventisquero Vertice Carménère Syrah](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/VerticeBtl_{width}x.jpg?v=1636466764)
2016 Ventisquero Pangea Syrah
Regular price £41.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%250 million years ago, there was only one continent, one ocean, one valley. This is Pangea. The experience, philosophy and creativity of two winemakers -John Duval and Felipe Tosso- joined forces to make an exceptional Syrah.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Purple-red
Aroma
Pangea is a well-rounded, distinguished wine with an intense, dark color. It has delicious, complex aromas which come through in the mouth with soft notes of red and blueberries, harmoniously intermingled with spices like black pepper, dark chocolate and subtle notes of vanilla and caramel.
Palate
This wine has an exceptional combination of concentration, flavors and aromas. Pangea is in essence a Syrah from the Apalta Valley that faithfully expresses its terroir of granitic soils with high quartz content, properties that are reflected in every glass. This is a well-structured wine with plenty of acidity and ripe, firm tannins.
Fermentation
The grapes first underwent a pre-fermentative low-temperature maceration for 5-7 days to bring out the maximum colour and aromas. Then the grapes were fermented in small 3-5-tonne stainless steel tanks and open 1-2-tonne vats. The fermentation took place at between 22°C and 26°C. Next came a post-fermentative maceration for at least 15 days. The malolactic fermentation took place in barrels with native yeast, to lend greater complexity to the win.
Aging
This wine had extended ageing, maturing for 22 months in extra-fine French oak barrels - half in new barrels and the other half in second-use. Each component of the wine was kept separate until the blend was made 2 weeks prior to bottling. The wine was then bottle-aged for at least 18 months. Pangea is neither clarified nor filtered, so over time sediment may appear.
Producer
Tosso’s winemaking travels have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, back to Concha Y Toro in Chile and then finally to Vina Ventisquero. In 2003, Felipe began a close collaboration with John Duval (ex Penfolds) in the production of icon wines Pangea and Vertice, a partnership that continues to this day.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"Not at all like a 2015 Penfolds Shiraz would taste like! Attractive, ripe, upfront black fruit aromas and flavours, very soft, smooth, with no tannins whatsoever.
Lots of power and complexity in the background and excellently balanced. Not sure how long it will last but it’s absolutely delicious at the moment! Will definitely try another bottle in a couple of years to see how it’s developing." August 2021
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Aging | This wine can be enjoyed now or stored for at least 10 years in the right conditions (12°C to 18°C, without light). |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pangea pairs well with grilled meat, lamb and game.
We recommend decanting it prior to drinking.
|
Origin |
|
![2015 Ventisquero Pangea Syrah](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/Pangea_{width}x.jpg?v=1628511278)
2007 Penfolds RWT Shiraz
Regular price £130.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. Naturally, now no longer a 'Trial'!
RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style is opulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular and assertive. RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and fine texture rather than sheer intensity or power of flavour. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.
"Now into its second decade of release, the 2007 vintage excels. It encapsulates what is now the RWT style... defined with its own personality and style territory." Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker
Colour
Dark Red
Nose
Opulent glaceed fruits - saturated blueberry and satsuma plum elude from a freshly mixed summer berry compote. Stylish cedary oak marries with mixed spices and an element of (Gorgonzola) blue-vein cheese. Aromatically decries Barossa, and Shiraz - but not separately, as per these words!
Palate
Firm, lively & vibrant. Cola and a flavour sensation not dissimilar to a generous longitudinal slice of Blackforest cake, replete with fruits. Tight, finely-grained harmonious oak and lacy, mouth-coating tannins induce a multidimensional 3D palate, tempered by crisp acidity. Awash with flavour, depth & extract. The essence of Barossa Valley Shiraz... oh, and balanced! Convincing ... and out of 2007!
![2007 Penfolds RWT](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0174/5118/8278/files/2007PenfoldsRWTShiraz_ff6d8d70-eed4-441a-9630-e5ee22fe0ac2_1024x1024.png?v=1679807944)
Reviews
Please Note
A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!
Specifications
Year | 2007 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2030 - Penfolds Rewards of Patience VI Edition, 2008. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Duck, red curry 'ice cream', split rice porridge, lychee, tamarind and pineapple |
Origin | Barossa Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
![2007 Penfolds RWT Shiraz](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/29._2007_RWT_{width}x.jpg?v=1572287251)
2016 Mac Forbes Healesville Syrah
Regular price £36.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great intro to cool climate Syrah from the cool climate master Mac Forbes.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Vivid purple
Nose
Fresh fruit scent.
Palate
Very intense, bittersweet, with crunchy blackcurrant flavours. Pepper and spice on the finish.
Is this a look-alike for Hermitage? Whatever, it’s very convincing. One of Matthew Jukes’ 100 best Australian Wines 2018/19.
The Vintage
In 2017, the warmer conditions offered fruit ripeness with plenty of flavour from the fruit grown on his home block near Healesville. This Syrah is filled with spice and plenty of juicy fruit. It sits well and truly in the cool-climate style, however, there is no shortage of flavour. Lovers of the spicy side of Syrah will find plenty of joy here. Very high quality Yarra Syrah for a modest price.
Alan's Tasting Notes
Such a wolf in sheep’s clothing, iron fist in velvet glove kinda wine, very attractive, super smooth with lots of supple fruit and no real tannins or rough edges. But it’s complex and packs a real punch at the same time!! Stupendous from young Mac - maybe he should spend more time on Syrah/Shiraz!!
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Syrah |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Drinking Potential |
Now until 2024 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
![2017 Mac Forbes Healesville Syrah](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/Healesville_98036269-1896-4a54-812f-6220dedf1cc4_{width}x.jpg?v=1592914610)
2017 Mac Forbes EB38 'Showdown' #2 Pinot Noir, Syrah
Regular price £26.40 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
Drink this slightly chilled for a super Summer red.
Tasting Notes
Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!
Mac Forbes loves to tinker with new blends in his EB ('experimental batch') range: 2016 was Nebbiolo/Pinot, 2017 Pinot/Syrah.
This meeting of varieties was made famous in the Hunter Valley where some of the country's greatest wines were made half a century ago. Mac brings the blend to the Yarra with great results. The richness and spiciness of the Syrah, the prettiness of the Pinot, the varieties get along brilliantly.
Slippery, spicy, floral and delicious, this is one experiment that has definitely paid dividends for Mac.
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir & Syrah |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Now - 2024 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
BBQ lamb chops.
|
Origin |
Yarra Valley
|
Appellation | Victoria |
![2017 Mac Forbes EB38 'Showdown' #2 Pinot Noir, Syrah](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/a_eee89795-6616-4249-9477-becd97080426_{width}x.jpg?v=1590575423)
2016 Black Stallion Limited Release Syrah
Regular price £69.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Twelve years after arriving in America, in 1924, Gaspare Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. With it, he planted the foundation of his eventual success in the California wine trade. Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The intense aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and cedar compliment the flavors of dark cherries, cassis, and chocolate.
Palate
Black Stallion Limited Release Syrah is a concentrated, full-bodied and fruity wine with a delicious velvety aftertaste.
Producer
More than a century ago, Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato immigrated from Sicily to the United States. With little to draw on but a long family history of grapegrowing and an entreprenuer’s gift for seizing opportunity, Gaspare entered the wine trade by planting a single vineyard in Manteca, California, where the climate reminded the couple of their homeland.
Occupying a privileged position at the southern foot of the trail, the winery grounds eventually became the site of the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in September 1963.
The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.
Winemaking Philosophy
To make great wine, a winemaker must have a deep familiarity with each lot of freshly pressed juice. At Black Stallion, the search for greatness means boots in the vineyard, checking on vine growth and grape development all year long. It means tasting grapes rather than looking at lab reports to determine the perfect moment to pick. It means harvesting and sorting fruit by hand. Black Stallion Winery’s small scale means that each lot of grapes that arrives at harvest is treated individually, and receives a unique upbringing to bring out its full potential for excellence.
Once crushed at the winery, micro-lots may be fermented in small tanks made of wood, concrete or steel. These choices of aging vessel give winemaker Ralf Holdenried exceptional flexibility to match a batch of grapes with the material best suited to bring out its greatness—key in a region as diverse as Napa Valley.
After fermentation, wine is drained using gravity (not pumps) and aged in the finest oak barrels. The gentle handling of the wine prevents the extraction of harsh components that could impart bitterness.
There’s no set recipe for a Black Stallion blend, just the finely honed palates of winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team. It’s not uncommon for Holdenried to try dozens of trial blends before deciding on a final cuvée. The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content | 15% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Napa Valley |
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2020 Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Rouge
Regular price £47.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A superb Châteuneuf-du-Pape from vines in their prime.
Tasting Notes
Intense and inky dark, with a concentrated, rich and complex nose of kirsch, bay and graphite. Very full bodied and weighty with some evident tannins, and there's a brooding power from such low yields. Despite its heft, the old vines provide great complexity and interest and we are left with a lovely juicy finish.
![2020 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Rouge](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0174/5118/8278/files/2020_Domaine_Chante_Cigale_Chateauneuf-du-Pape_Vieilles_Vignes_Rouge_1024x1024.png?v=1724846456)
Production Method
Alex Favier inherited 37 different blocks of vineyards from his mother, Marie-Paule Sabon, comprising 50 hectares in total, making Domaine Chante Cigale one of the larger domaines of this most famous of French appellations. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made up of three different soil types and those domaines with vines on all three consequentially gain in complexity For his reds, Alex has a typically large palette of varieties but his ‘old vine’ cuvée uses only Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre as these are his oldest vines and they provide the wine with great intensity and longevity. The vines for this bottling are over 65 years old, some as old as 100, and they are some of the oldest vines to be found on the plateau de Carbières (close to Château Montredon).The yield of these ‘Vieilles Vignes’ is very, very low indeed; the oldest vines may only yield a miniscule 15hl/ha, most others around 22-23 hl/ha, bringing the average to around 20hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes. Alex learned about viticulture and vinification from his father and took over from him whilst finishing his last year at school in 1999; eventually taking full control of the domaine in 2002. Each variety is vinified separately and undergoes an 18-24 day fermentation and a 32-36 day maceration period. Malolactic fermentation and ageing takes place in a combination of new oak barriques and concrete vats. Alex no longer uses the traditional larger casks known as ‘foudres’ for his Vieilles Vignes.
Producer
Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices.
Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.
A note on Sustainability
As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
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Country | France |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
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Food Matches | Meat such as lamb, beef or venison, either grilled or with a spicy or peppery sauce, or with duck paté. |
Origin | Rhône, France |
Appellation | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
![2020 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Rouge](http://vinofandango.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/2020DomaineChanteCigaleChateauneuf-du-PapeVieillesVignesRouge_{width}x.png?v=1724840770)