Pale yellow. Peach/pear, apricot and chalk are typical of the Chenin Blanc grape. Round on the palate, the moderate acidity peaks in the finish. A slightly vegetal taste contributes to its freshness at the expense of finesse. Drink up.
This Merlot will be Rockway’s last from their vineyards as the vines perished in the horrible winter of 2014. Very much textbook Merlot with plum, dark cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, dried earth and anise.
This Chard has a rich and voluptuous nose of baked apple, creamy pear, lemon accents and elegant oak stylings. It’s is a robust style with richness of fruit and the spice to match. Look for creamy orchard fruit and barrel oak spices with a fair amount of acidity to keep it balanced and fresh through the finish.
Outclasses many Italian versions with higher price tags. Dry and vibrant, with pear, apple, lemon and hints of spice. Medium length and ready to go.
Very deep garnet with fine suspended particles. Complex, port-like nose: Thompson raisins, dates, brandied cherries. A bit hot from the high alcohol typical for Amarones, with highish acidity and still-noticeable tannins, but surprisingly fresh and fruity, tasting of mashed ripe red berries with a bit of bitter almond on a long finish. Classic with rich osso bucco and herbed polenta. Best now.
A lovely white, smooth and round on the palate, delivering a generous portion of apple, spicy pear, citrus and honey with just the right amount of savouriness. The finish lingers beautifully, drawing you back for another sip. Would work well with grilled seafood.
I’m a great fan of Austria’s Grüner Veltliner – a dry white wine that can match a variety of dishes. Pale straw in colour, it has Grüner Veltliner’s characteristic nose of white pepper and green peach. This wine is medium-bodied, dry, beautifully balanced, with apple and pear flavours and a great mouthfeel. It’s the kind of white wine that improves with bottle age.