2018 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($45)
This 100% Chardonnay comes from Pfendler Vineyards which is located in the hillsides of Sonoma Mountain in the Sonoma Coast region.
The Petaluma Gap is sub-region of the Sonoma Coast that has its own unique terroir.
This Pfendler Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed, allowed to settle overnight before being racked off the heavy lees into barrels for native fermentation on its fine lees. It then undergoes light stirring while undergoing malolactic conversion. It is aged 14 months in 50% new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
This winemaking process leads to this Chardonnay having unique flavors of peach compote, nectarine, green apple and lime. There also seems to be hints of straw and minerality along with just a bit of acidity on the finish.
This is a very limited production Chardonnay from Pfendler (250 cases). So, look carefully for this one and enjoy. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications
2017 Hess ‘Lion Head Collection’ Panthera Chardonnay ($45)
Here’s a returning star to Behind the Cork™.
This 100% Panthera Chardonnay, from the Russian River Valley, is part of the Hess ‘Lion Head Collection’ of wines.
According to the notes, “The word Panthera is believed to be of East Asian origin, meaning ‘the yellowish animal’ or golden-yellow.” This coloring is indeed striking in this vintage of Panthera.
Hess Family wines was founded by Donald Hess in 1978. Today, Tim Persson (Donald’s son in law) and his wife Sabrina are owners of Hess Family Wine Estates and are the fifth generation of the Hess family to lead the company.
Panthera is part of a collection of wines that are not Hess branded. But it certainly represents the tradition and heritage of Hess wines.
This Panthera Chardonnay has a great balance of pear with hints of pineapple along with some acidity and is rounded out with light oak. The oak comes from 15 months of aging in 35% new French oak.
If you are looking for an elegant Russian River Chardonnay to enjoy with your holiday meals, look no further. This one’s really nice. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications
2013 Left Coast Estate Blanc de Noir ($55)
Here’s just the bubbly for the holidays.
This Left Coast Estate Blanc de Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir (one of the components of French Champagne). It is fermented in 100% Stainless Steel to preserve the bright flavors then aged by the Méthode traditionnelle (bottle fermented) for 4.5 years.
Left Coast states that “This wine will deliver your pallet on a journey of crisp acidity, an array of flavors of apple and pear accented with floral notes and summer grasses, and rounding off with a rich, yeasty and subtle finish.”
Their Winemaker’s Tasting Notes say “This pale yellow sparkling wine displays aromas of yellow apple, subtle lavender and biscuit. This wine will deliver your pallet on a journey of crisp acidity, an array of flavors of apple and pear accented with floral notes and summer grasses, and rounding off with a rich, yeasty and subtle finish.”
I say this Left Coast Blanc de Noir is absolutely superb!
This is a limited production of just 135 cases. And, it received a score of 91 from Wine Enthusiast (Chosen as a “Celler Selection” for being a special bottle that will stand the test of tim). So, look carefully for this one and enjoy. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Left Coast Estate winery
2018 Pfendler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($55)
Nestled in the hillside of Sonoma Mountain, Pfendler Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery. And this limited production Pinot Noir is a wonderful example of their excellence.
This is 100% Pinot Noir that underwent a five-day cold soak, followed by 48 hours warm-up to a spontaneous native yeast fermentation. Thus, spending 13 days on the skins for enhanced flavor. Native secondary fermentation is carried out in the barrel. It then spends 14 months in French oak, 50% of which was new oak.
Winemaker Erica Stancliff joined Pfendler just in time to complete the final blending of this 2018 Pinot Noir. She describes it as “Brilliant ruby in color, with luxurious aromas of black raspberry, plum, black tea, violets, herbs and tobacco. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, red apple, cherry, clove, baker’s chocolate are balanced by fine-grain tannins and long, layered finish.” Well said, indeed.
I found this Pfendler Pinot Noir to have aromas of cherry and raspberry with big, bright red cherry flavor, very soft tannin, noticeable acidity on the back-end and a very delicate, long-lasting finish.
This is a wonderful Pinot Noir from Sonoma’s Petaluma Gap that stands with the best. With only 250 cases being produced this may be difficult to find but well worth searching for. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications
Vilarnau Brut Reserva & Brut Reserva Rosé Cava ($14.99 each)
Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and perfect for the holidays!
The Vilarnau Brut Reserva is made from the three base wines used to make Cava - Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. These wines are always made separately. The first fermentation takes place over 30 days followed by the blending. It then undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle.
The vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé is made from Garnacha and Pinot Noir. These are also fermented separately, blended and undergo a second fermentation in the bottle.
Both of these delicious Cavas should be well chilled and go with most any foods. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Donna White Communications
Vilarnau Brut Reserva & Brut Reserva Rosé Cava ($14.99 each)
Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and perfect for the holidays!
The Vilarnau Brut Reserva is made from the three base wines used to make Cava - Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. These wines are always made separately. The first fermentation takes place over 30 days followed by the blending. It then undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle.
The vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé is made from Garnacha and Pinot Noir. These are also fermented separately, blended and undergo a second fermentation in the bottle.
Both of these delicious Cavas should be well chilled and go with most any foods. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Donna White Communications
2017 Left Coast Estate Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir ($24)
This Cali’s Cuvée from Left Coast Estate is their flagship Pinot Noir.
Named for the owner’s daughter, this wine is 100% Pinot Noir. It’s fermented in 100% Stainless Steel and then aged for eight months in 100% French oak, 15% of which is New French Oak.
Winemaker Joe Wright states “Expressive black cherry, black tea, and forest floor aromas expose a polished and poised dark raspberry, bitter chocolate and spice flavors that finish with our region’s minerality and mild tannin.”
This Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir exhibits raspberry, cranberry and sour cherry on the nose. On the palate it’s got a bright front end of cranberry and cherry with dusty tannins and a light, delicate finish.
Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from Left Coast Estate is affordable and attainable and makes a perfect fit for Behind the Cork™. Look for this one and enjoy! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Left Coast Estate winery
Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG ($19)
This Prosecco from Nino Franco was named #1 by Wine Enthusiast in their 2019 Enthusiast 100. And it’s $19. Need I say more!
This Enthusiast 100 is the best-of-the-best list. According to Wine Enthusiast “These wines are showstoppers in their own right and exemplifies a dazzling variety of wines available to consumers today. With selections from 16 countries and nearly every wine style—dry whites and reds, rosés, bubbles and beyond—there’s truly something for everyone. Boasting an average score of 93 points and an average price of $33, this is a list of the top wines to crack open and revel in right now.”
This Nino Franco Prosecco scored 94 points with Wine Enthusiast who described it as having “Aromas of white spring flower, Bartlett pear and citrus waft out of the glass. The racy, refreshing palate is full of energy, offering crisp yellow-apple, lemon drop and orange zest flavors balanced by vibrant acidity. A perlage of small, refined and continuous bubbles provides the silky backdrop.”
If you are looking for some bubbly for the holidays, look no further. This is the Wine Enthusiast 2019 #1. And the list is extremely impressive. Hope you can find this one. And, if you do, pick up a few bottles. It’s an amazing value! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Will Rogers, Donna White Communications
2016 Left Coast Latitude 45° Estate Pinot Noir ($38)
This Left Coast Pinot Noir is their oldest vineyards on their Estate and are planted directly along the 45th parallel which is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator and just so happens to also pass through France and Italy.
This 100% Dijon Clone Pinot Noir is fermented in 100% French oak and aged for 15 months in 75% new French oak, 25% neutral French oak
The winemaker notes state “This 100% Dijon clone, single vineyard is focused and expressive, teeming with black cherry, plum and white pepper aromas. Dark plum, black tea, espresso and spice flavors mingle with velvety, well-integrated tannins.”
This is a big Pinot Nior that will stand up to bold flavors, such as braised meats and root vegetables. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Left Coast Estate winery
2017 Hess Collection Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)
This Hess Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon is from Napa Valley. It a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec. It’s aged in 33% New French and American oak barrels for 20 months.
The name Lion Tamer has become their nickname for Malbec because they use this grape as a blending variety to tame powerful tannins. They say “This Cabernet Sauvignon brings all the roar of Napa Valley and when blended with a touch of Malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.”
Winemaker Dave Guffy states “Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon is plush in texture with heady aromas of blackberries, black cherries and notes of freshly ground coffee. We add a touch of Malbec to the blend to develop a softness in the tannins, making this a wonderfully smooth and seamless wine. These mouthwatering tannins surround the palate, framing layered elements of bright blueberry, toasty oak and deliciously rich mocha. I find this vintage of Lion Tamer Cabernet is perfectly balanced, with well-integrated vanilla oak notes presenting on the lengthy, elegant finish.”
I found this Lion Tamer Cab to have a big, full-bodied profile with great chocolate and vanilla notes from the oak aging. The tannins were firm but not over-powering and finished smooth with lingering flavor.
This is an exceptional Cab from Napa. If you are looking for a special wine for a special occasion, this one’s for you! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications
2018 Left Coast Truffle Hill Chardonnay ($24)
This Chardonnay is from Oregon’s Left Coast “Truffle Hill” vineyard that contains four acres of European Black Truffle-inoculated hazelnut trees, shrub roses and holly oaks.
This 100% Chardonnay is fermented in 80% Neutral French Oak and 20% New French before being aged for 9 months.
Left Coast winemaker Joe Wright’s tasting notes state “Palo Santo, elder flowers, white pepper and toffee, with fruitier aromas of lemon peel, peaches and pears. This age-worthy Chardonnay offers up bright acidity, ripe kiwi fruit, a nectary mid- palate and spiced poached pears.” [My Note: Palo Santo in Spanish literally means “Holy Wood”. It is part of the citrus family and has sweet notes of pine, mint and lemon.]
I found this Truffle Hill Chardonnay to be terrific. It was rich and complex with a creamy finish and lingering acidity.
This is a really good one that deserves your attention. Look for it! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Left Coast Estate winery
2018 Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio ($16)
This 100% Pinot Grigio is from the Dolomiti region of Italy. Located in the far northern reaches of alpine Italy, it experiences warm Mediterranean influences as well as cool Alpine breezes.
The Lageder family firmly believes that organic and biodynamic cultivation benefits the wine, but also the whole surrounding area and have fully converted all of their estate vineyards in Alto Adige.
This 100% Pinot Grigio starts with aromas of bright tropical fruit, as you might expect. But there’s also a rich, almost buttery aroma that’s included.
On the palate, this Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio has subdued tropical flavors, some dusty minerality and a lingering acidic finish.
Once I checked out the tech sheet on this Pinot Grigio I learned that it undergoes Malolactic conversion, which would explain the buttery aroma and the softened tropical fruit flavors. But, the four months on lees and the aging in stainless steel tanks contributes to the retention of the fruit flavors and the nice acidity.
This was an unexpected treat from Terra Alpina. If you haven’t tried a Pinot Grigio, but enjoy Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, you need to try this one! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications
2017 Bela Ribera del Duero ($19)
This beautiful wine is from Ribera del Duero, located in the village of Villalba del Duero, in the province of Burgos, Spain. The 182-acre estate vineyard was planted in 2002 mostly with Tempranillo.
The three stars on the label represent the three children of the co-founder, Eusebio Real de Asua: Sofia, Aurea and Ramon. Sofia was known as Bela.
Bela is produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes manually harvested from their vineyards. Vinification is in stainless steel tanks, followed by six months in American and French new and one-year old oak barrels.
On the nose there are aromas of dark fruit, such as black cherry and plum, along with some earthly, smoky wood aromas from the barrel aging. On the palate there is black cherry, distinct acidity, light tannin and an easy finish.
This is a medium-bodied wine that can be enjoyed by itself, but is best paired with most foods. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications
2018 Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco ($15)
This 100% Pinot Bianco is from the Dolomiti region of Italy. Located in the far northern reaches of alpine Italy, it experiences warm Mediterranean influences as well as cool Alpine breezes.
The Lageder family firmly believes that organic and biodynamic cultivation benefits the wine, but also the whole surrounding area and have fully converted all of their estate vineyards in Alto Adige.
This Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco is from vines that are 5 to 50 years old that are planted in mostly calcareous soils. Hence, it has fresh fruit flavors with a bit of minerality.
This Pinot Bianco spends up to four months on the lees and four to six months aging in Stainless-steel tanks.
On the nose there are tropical fruit aromas, including pineapple, a bit of citrus and pear.
On the palate, this wine is soft and easy with ripe pear flavor and just a hint of acidity.
If you aren’t already familiar with the Pinot Bianco grape, this is an excellent way to become acquainted. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications
2010 Beronia Gran Reserva ($29.99)
The Rioja region of Spain is famous for its wine that are based on Tempranillo. This Gran Reserva offering from Beronia is comprised of 97% Tempranillo with 3% Graciano.
Tempranillo means "little early one", a name given to it by Spanish growers who observed its habit of ripening early. Graciano's intense aroma makes the variety very popular with winemakers who know that its presence is felt even when used in small volumes.
The very finest of the Rioja wines are the Gran Reservas. They must undergo a total of five years aging, of which at least two years is spent in oak. This one from Beronia spent 28 months in French oak barrels and another 36 months of aging in the bottle.
The aroma of this Beronia Gran Reserva includes dark fruits, such as currant, plum and licorice. There is also a hint of wood. On the palate its got blackcurrants and black cherries, prunes, chocolate and hints of earthiness and tobacco.
While being a deep, dark maroon color, this wine is lighter than you might expect. It’s a medium-bodied wine with subtle tannin and an easy finish.
If you can find this 2010 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja, pick up a couple of bottles. Open one now and stick the other one away for a while. It will get even better. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster on behalf of González Byass
González Byass NOE 30 year Sherry ($49.99)
This Sherry is from Jerez de la Frontera in south-western Spain. All true Sherry fortified wine comes from the vineyards around Jerez de la Frontera and the neighboring towns of Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Together they form the three points known as the 'Sherry Triangle.’
This NOE sherry, which has aged for over 30 years, follows a careful winemaking process that results in an impressive showing of the Pedro Ximénez grape.
Antonio Flores, winemaker and master blender at González Byass, is the maker of this sherry.
It has an intense dark brown color, with aromas of figs, coffee and spices. It is very sweet, fresh and has a silky palate.
This is dessert in a glass. Serve this one slightly chilled on its own or with acidic desserts
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster on behalf of González Byass
2018 Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon ($33)
Sexy Beast, the 2000 British crime film, earned Ben Kingsley an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a “Sexy Beast” for which this wine is named.
This wine, from the McLaren Vale of South Australia, was crushed into and fermented in open top vessels, with regular pump overs (three times per day during peak fermentation) to extract its color, flavor and tannins. It spent an average of 14 days ‘on skins.’ It was then drained and pressed to tanks and then racked to barrels for oak maturation in 10% new Taransaud French oak with the remainder being aged in one to seven-year-old French oak.
This Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon is deep crimson red in color, has aromas of blue and red currant along with herbal notes of wild herbs. On the palette it’s actually medium in body and has a very jammy finish with some acidity.
This one’s good now and should certainly get better with age. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Will Rogers of Donna White Communications
González Byass Viña AB Sherry ($24.99)
This Sherry is from Jerez de la Frontera in south-western Spain. It is a city of long-standing wine traditions. All true Sherry fortified wine comes from the vineyards around Jerez de la Frontera and the neighboring towns of Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Together these three form the three points known as the 'Sherry Triangle.’
The Spanish Viña means vineyard and AB refers to Andrés Botaina, the original owner of the vineyard that supplied the grapes.
The Palomino grapes destined for Viña AB begin life as Tío Pepe. Following fermentation to between 11% and 12% alcohol the wine is fortified to 15.5% alcohol and then enters the Solera. The unique temperature and humidity in the Jerez cellars, the 15.5% alcohol and an empty space of 100 liters left in the cask create the perfect conditions to form a layer of yeast known as the ́flor ́ on the surface of the wine. This flor is the most important influence on the Fino wine as it protects it from the oxygen and gives it its unique aroma and character.
The wine remains for a minimum of 4 years following the traditional Solera system under the flor. After this time the wine is moved to the Viña AB Solera where it remains for another 8 years.
This Viña AB Sherry is amber in color, with nut and vanilla aromas. On the palate it’s got a big initial flavor that quickly moves to an easy finish with just a bit of saltiness and bitterness.
Serve this one well chilled with most any light fare. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster on behalf of González Byass
2017 Hess Napa Valley “Allomi” Cabernet Sauvignon ($32)
This is a repeat to Behind the Cork ™ but one that’s well worth a ‘revisit.’
This 2017 Hess Napa Valley Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Pope Valley in the north-eastern part of Napa. It’s named in honor of the original Spanish land grant in Napa County which the native Patwin people lent their name - Rancho Locoallomia.
On the nose, this Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon yields big fruit aromas of blackberry and boysenberry along with herbal and spice notes. And on the palette, oh my, this one’s amazing! Rich dark fruit flavors of black cherry and black plum, nice tannin, chocolate and a wonderful lingering finish.
This Hess Napa Valley ‘Allomi’ Cabernet Sauvignon is hard to set down. It drinks so smooth and rich. And, at this price for a Napa Cab, it’s an excellent choice! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White of Donna White Communications
2014 Secastilla Granacha ($39.99)
The vineyards in the Secastilla Valley lie in the far north-eastern part of Spain, near the border with France. This region provides a Mediterranean micro-climate for growing grapes.
Secastilla is a hidden valley which boasts hundred-year-old Garnacha vines. The name of the valley, Secastilla, refers to the seven castles (Septum Castella) which overlook the valley.
This Secastilla 100% Granacha is produced from very old Granacha vines on a stony hillside more than 2300 feet above sea level.
This Secastilla Granacha’s production included pre-fermentation maceration, lasting three day, then alcoholic fermentation was done slowly and then malolactic fermentation began spontaneously as soon as the wine was run off from the tanks. After another 10 days it was racked off again into new French oak barrels where it spent another 10 months.
This Granacha is ruby red in color with the distinct aroma of cherries. On the palette it is very delicate, low in tannin, some minerality and has nice acidity on the finish.
This Granacha, imported by González Byass USA was a real treat. It is a limited production wine but well worth looking for. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster for González Byass
2018 Two Hands Angel’s Share Shiraz ($33)
Angels' Share refers to the small amount of wine that evaporates from oak barrels during maturation. Medieval winemakers assumed that angels watched over the wines, and that they took their share.
Selected from parcels of exceptional McLaren Vale fruit, this wine is made in a true Australian style and will appeal to both angels and mortals alike.
The grapes were crushed into and fermented in five, seven and 10 ton open fermenters. During the peak of fermentation the batches received regular pump overs three times daily to extract color, flavor and tannin. The average time on skins was 16 days.
Once the parcels were dry, the fermenters were drained off and the skins pressed, with the pressings combined with the free run. After 24 hours the individual batches were racked to barrel where malolactic fermentation proceeded. The final blend was unfined and unfiltered prior to bottling.
This Two Hands Angle’s Share Shiraz is amazing! With herbal aromas of mint and pepper, there’s also some earthiness. On the palette, it’s got rich dark fruit flavors including plum, nice chocolate flavor from the oak aging, moderate tannin and a finish that just doesn’t quit.
This is another super Shiraz from Two Hands. I’m getting more of this one! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Will Rogers of Donna White Communications
2014 Beronia Rioja Reserva ($19.99)
This Beronia Rioja Reserva comes from the Rioja region of north-eastern Spain.
It is made from a selection of the best grapes from the oldest Tempranillo (95%) vines, Graciano (4%) and Mazuelo (1%).
After fermentation, this Rioja earns its “Reserva” designation by spending 20 months in mixed French and American oak barrels then another 16 months in the bottle before being released to the market.
This Beronia Rioja Reserva has a deep purple color, a bit of a nutty aroma and flavor of ripe plum with the oak aging adding just a bit of chocolate/vanilla flavor. It’s a medium bodied, low tannin and easy on the finish.
This Beronia Rioja Reserva is yet another fine example of an affordable and attainable wine that fits right in as a Behind the Cork™ wine of the week feature. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster for González Byass
2018 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz ($33)
Two Hands was established in the summer of 1999 with the aim of making the best possible Shiraz-based wines from prized Shiraz growing regions throughout Australia.
The intention was, and still is, to showcase the diversity of Australian Shiraz by highlighting regional characteristics and allowing the fruit to be the primary feature of the wines.
'Two Hands' refers to the very personable approach taken with each parcel of grapes, no matter how big or small. The wines are carefully guided through the viticulture and winemaking process by Proprietor and Managing Director, Michael Twelftree and his dedicated team.
This Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz has a full, rich aroma of berries, plums, lavender and dark chocolate, with hints of spice, earth and anise. The vibrant acid carries the juicy plummy fruit and bitter chocolate flavors seamlessly through the fine tannins.
I had expected this to be a big, bold red. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find this Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz to be medium in body with juicy fresh fruit flavors and very smooth. This was my first introduction to Two Hands wines but you can bet it won’t be my last. This is a good one! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Will Rogers of Donna White Communications
2017 Hess Collection Napa Valley Chardonnay ($22)
With pineapple, green apple, and tropical fruits on the nose, you might be expecting a bright, crisp high acid Chardonnay.
And, this Hess Collection Chardonnay delivers the bright fruit flavors as well as a super creamy smooth finish.
Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking at Hess, says this is achieved by putting 70% of the Chardonnay through stainless steel fermentation to retain the wonderful fruit flavors. The remaining 30% fermented in oak - 19% of which is new French oak.
Only 30% of the blend is allowed to undergo the secondary fermentation.
The aging of this Hess Collection Chardonnay is done for nine months in the barrel with the lees being stirred weekly for first four months.
This is a truly excellent Chardonnay from Napa Valley. And, at this price, it’s well worth being a Behind the Cork™ wine of the week! Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White of Donna White Communications