Zinfande
Oak 1 & 2 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Old Vines, Ferrero Vineyards, Lodi California

Multiple medal winner* Direct from the vineyard in Lodi where sandy, clay loam soil; hot days, cool nights and 35 year old vines combine to produce unique grapes bursting with complex, concentrated flavours. Exhibits silken layers of multidimensional delight. It starts with an up-front core of blackberry and dark cherry aromas, followed by suggestions of blueberry, raspberry, cranberry and dried plum. Undertones are of chocolate, almond and exotic spice. Ends with an unmistakable black pepper sensation. Enjoy your first bottles after 2-3 months when the powerful fruit flavours dominate. However, do cellar some for months, or years, to experience a more refined balance and the vast array of characteristics which time integrates into harmonized waves of complexity.

Cabernet-Merlot
Oak 3 & 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Bare Ridge Vineyard, Walla Walla Washington

Multiple medal winner* The Walla Walla appellation is very special. Its outstanding reds were what first put Washington on the world wine map. The wines are now grouped with world standard reds from Bordeaux, Napa and Sonoma. Walla Walla Cabernets and Merlots consistently rank in top 10 lists of the finest from the Americas. Our Bare Ridge offering is the classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet and Merlot but typifies the unique Walla Walla profile of intense fruit and spice flavours and aromatics. Notes of currant, cherry and plum are backed by hints of black pepper, anise and coffee. Two–stage French and Hungarian oaking nicely mellows the tannins and adds a suggestion of toastiness.

Carmenere
Oak 7 & 8 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Colchagua Valley, Chile

Winner of 10 Gold medals in 2008* Austria’s most widely planted red is a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch. It has gained favour because of its appealing fruit and spice character, likened to a Cotes-Du-Rhône. It is also cold hardy and early ripening – important traits in the cool Austrian vineyards. Our Zweigelt comes from the Huber family estate which is now being farmed by the 9th generation. Dark cherry in colour. An opulent bouquet of red fruit, including raspberry, cherry and currant, stands against a background of vanilla, black pepper and a hint of licorice. There is also a certain earthiness on the nose that provides a compelling counter-balance to the lively fruit and spice. The flavours echo the cherry, currant and earthy aromatics. The initially rustic tannins quickly mellow into a nicely structured state and contribute to a nice, long finish. This Zweigelt is a great food wine. It is the wine of choice for Austrian favorites like garlicky pork, cabbage and apples and braised shanks or ribs. A spicy, fruit-driven wine with moderate tannins that is a welcome alternative to universally produced Cabernet,Merlot and Syrah. A wine that you will want to discover.

Zweigelt
Oak 4 & 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Weigut Huber, Traisental,Austria
Pronounce “tzvi-gelt”

Multi-flavoured Carmenère from Colchagua shows best when processed with extended oak contact. Again we utilize our break-through, two-stage oaking system. Hungarian oak shavings are introduced at the start of fermentation; then lightly toasted Hungarian oak cubes are used for further extraction during the post-fermentation stage. The oaks together add surprisingly soft tannins, subtle toast, and vanilla which provide a terrific backdrop to the aromas and flavours of blackberry, black cherry, tropical fruit, and spice from the grapes. With age, notes of coffee,mocha, and tobacco can be expected along with a mineral tang that forms as part of the lengthy finish. The wine is medium- to full-bodied with bright ruby colour. Its charm will begin to show after 6 months of cellaring, and it should continue to develop for at least 2 years.

Tempranillo
Oak 5 & 8 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
La Mancha, Spain

Tempranillo has long been the star grape of Spain and is grown in several areas, producing many styles. La Mancha Tempranillo is characterized by a juicy, fruity quality with bright aromas and flavours of ripe cherries followed by hints of cocoa and spice. It shows a racy texture and is medium-bodied. The style will appeal to those who enjoy modern, approachable style Chianti, Beaujolais, or Valpolicella. As a plus,we believe you will find that our unique oak treatment adds extra complexity and depth,making our Tempranillo more versatile with food pairings. Our oak process yields soft tannins and contributes warm vanilla to the nose as a perfect balance to the dominant cherry aromas and background suggestions of black currant and spice. Flavours echo the aroma with layers of vanilla, currant, coffee, and black pepper that linger through the attractive finish. While young, the wine profiles its powerful fruit character. After 4-6 months in the bottle, the fruit begins to integrate with the oak

Barbera
Oak 1 & 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Piedmont, Italy

Barbera has been the most popular grape in the Piedmont region in Northwest Italy for centuries. In recent years, as growers and winemakers have been adopting more modern techniques, Barbera has undergone a remarkable transformation. With new vineyard care, especially around Alba and Asti, it has emerged as a topranked wine which readily withstands comparison to noble Nebbiolo (Barolo) but does not require the extended ageing that Nebbiolo demands. Deep ruby,medium-bodied, and fruity in its youth, it ages to impressive depth and elegance. The fruit in our 2 year old samples remains as fresh and inviting as it was at 6 months.The oak and tannins have mellowed to a soft and well-rounded impression that lifts the fruit to a most attractive level. We are beginning to better understand why the wines of today’s Piedmont Barbera can retail up to $100.00.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oak 4 & 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Sunset Ridge Vineyard,Red Mountain,Washington

Multiple Medal Winner* Red Mountain officially received AVA (American Viticulture Area) status in 2001. AVA status recognizes the area’s unique soil and climate conditions creating a taste profile in its red wine that is truly distinct to the region. The vineyards have high calcium carbonate content in their soil. This imparts a distinctive chalkiness which combines with the powerful dark fruit qualities of the grape to create the big, chewy mouth-feel that is a clear signature of Red Mountain Cabernet. Another distinction is a hint of orange peel or Grand Marnier-like aromatics and flavours. Together these two traits make Red Mountain Cabernet immediately recognizable, highly prized, and much sought after. The grapes enjoyed excellent growing conditions in 2007 and were harvested at 24 Brix, 3.5 pH, and 6.0 g/l total acidity, and with fully developed flavours. Age the wine at least 1 year; then save some to enjoy after 2, 3, or 4 years in the bottle. A wine for your best cuts of beef or lamb and luckiest friends

Shiraz
Oak 3 & 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Stellenbosch Hills Vineyards, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Multiple Medal Winner* Our outstanding, award winning 2007 Limited Release is back as part of the regular Showcase Collection. This Shiraz from South Africa’s Stellenbosch region continues to gain international recognition for its distinctive new style. It may best be described as having Rhône-style backbone but with heady,New-World, up-front fruit. It is however more refined than many Australian “fruit bombs.” Fermentation on a Crushed Grape Pack of Stellenbosch Shiraz grapes ensures that the wine shows heightened layers of blackberry, boysenberry, fig, and plum, followed by notes of cocoa, chocolate, and coffee. It subtly shows the trademark black pepper note common to all Syrah and Shiraz. Two-stage oak treatment, using French and Hungarian oaks, contributes vanilla and toast while harmonizing the many flavours within the wine. A subtle hint of mineral remains in the background, then accompanies the fruit through the long finish. The wine will begin to show its potential after 6 months ageing and should continue to develop for at least 2 years. Will pair wonderfully with all of your best red meat meals. Sure to impress your guests.