This Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend is your quintessential trattoria food wine, aka pasta, pizza and antipasto. Light-to-medium-bodied, the dark cherry colour with bright ruby rim ushers in aromas of raspberries, cassis, herbs, vanilla and cocoa. Tannins are soft, acid is fresh, and the palate emulates the nose.
The profile of cassis, herbs, vanilla and cocoa are supported on a bed of supple tannins and fresh acid. Its good depth enhances the duration of flavour.
The medium cherry colour heralds cassis, vanilla, peppermint and spice. Plum, cherries and flowers add more complexity in the mouth. The medium body works well with its smooth texture.
Bold aromas lead the charge: floral, spice, meat, cocoa, black fruits. The full-bodied, well-structured palate provides complex savoury, fruity and spicy flavours. The toasted spice finish lingers with ground coffee and clove. Poised for a rich lamb stew.
When Jean Pierre Colas joined 13th Street in 2009, he wished to create a new premium line of wines. Much discussion led to the birth of ‘Essence.’ The wines that will have that name will only be made in the best of years. This wine, the inaugural Pinot Noir, is a delicate offering with a savoury profile of herbs and spice that meld together with cherries, cocoa and roses. The mid palate dips a little, but the finish carries the fruit. It is ready to drink.
Exclamation is Pillitteri’s new premium tier and will only be produced in the best vintages. Each wine is packaged in a different and unique bottle with a metallic label. Marc Bradshaw’s wine is indeed worthy of praise. It is a medium-plus bodied offering with a complex personality of cassis, raspberries, mint/herbs, cocoa, vanilla and nutmeg. Tannins are ripe, but not overpowering, making for immediate accessibility. It should age well over the next 5 years.
This is the best version of this wine to date, having benefited from the wonderful growing conditions of 2007. The bouquet soars with chocolate-covered coffee bean, cassis, coconut, violets, black pepper and leather. The same is found on the mid weight palate with notes of raspberries and smoke added in for good measure. There is excellent length and it is ready to drink now or until 2015.