Some Wines of Summer

Summer seems to have finally arrived in these parts, and we can tell because we are finally able to BBQ comfortably, and eat supper outside. Leisurely meals in the backyard, with some music, have to be enjoyed (at least at our home) with a glass or two of good wine.

Here are a few wines we have sipped on over the past couple of weeks. Some are recent arrivals from this year’s Opimian offerings, while others include some special agent offerings and some recent bargains on sale at the NLC.

The Killikanoon Killerman’s Run GSM 2015 pictured at top, as well as the Alkoomi Chardonnay 2017 and Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2017 all came from this year’s Down Under wine show at the NLC. The Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 was recently on sale at the NLC for a significant discount making for a suitable price/quality purchase.

Killikanoon – Ripe red fruit flavours with smooth tannins, well structured and very enjoyable already. ♥♥+

Alkoomi – Delicious example of a new world chardonnay with subdued barrel influences adding to complexity without dominating. ♥♥

Nautilus – A Marlborough Sauv Blanc that is not all grass and herbs, showing elegance with juicy acidity. ♥♥

Mondavi – True cabernet sauvignon fruit aromas, fully ripe, good structure, medium body. ♥+

Some wines from agent orders have also been opened, including Château d’Arce 2015 from Bordeaux, Château de Berne from Provence, and a Paolini & Sanford PV from Italy.

d’Arce – Perhaps a little young yet, this wine proved quite drinkable as an quality “standard” claret from Bordeaux. ♥♥ (By the way, the NLC currently is selling off a lot of Bordeaux reds for significant discounts over a wide range of prices.)

Berne – An unusual blend of Semillon and Rolle (also known as Vermentino) this wine has wonderful texture, and intriguing layers of flavour: lemon creme, beeswax, and more. ♥♥+

P&S – I wanted to mention this wine since it is a rare 100% petit verdot, and even rarer to be from Italy. Massive purple, black fruit flavours with violet overtones; good structure; marvellous. ♥♥+

We couldn’t resist trying three new arrivals from Opimian! These are wines from the first Offering of 2018 from Australia and South Africa.

Chapman Grove Rocky Road Red 2016 (Founders Choice), Margaret River, Australia – Rich, juicy Bordeaux style blend will develop over time, but is already drinking well. ♥♥+

GMH Pinot Noir 2016, Adelaide Hills, Australia – GMH is a wonderful producer, but this area is not well known for pinot (yet?) so I was intrigued enough to give it a try. It shows some New World character, while retaining some of that lean tartness I prefer from this varietal. ♥♥

Groote Post Kapokberg Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Darling Hills, South Africa – We purchased the lesser label of this wine last year and were impressed. Taking a step up to this single vineyard selection did not disappoint as it showed elegant varietal flavours with just enough acidity (instead of too much). ♥♥+

I wanted to finish up with a couple of special selections. The Hewitson Old Garden Mourvèdre 2003, Barossa, Australia was purchased through auction several years back and imported through the NLC. It shows all the complexity of grapes from very old vines, with layers of delicious black fruit flavours. With fifteen years aging the tertiary flavours have developed while the structure has mellowed. Fantastic! ♥♥♥

For a few years now a small group of us has been harvesting local apples and making a bone dry cider, which I absolutely enjoy (if I do say so myself). The Newfoundland Cider Company has had the same idea and released two ciders this year. I managed to get a few before they were all sold out! My favourite is the Forager’s which has been aged in used whiskey barrels – it is a dry cider with complex flavours. I regret I did not get more when I had the chance. ♥♥♥