January Wine Club Selections 2016
January 2016
Oconee Wine Club
Tournon Winery by Michel Chapoutier
In 1997, true to his pioneering spirit, Michel Chapoutier set out to explore the terroirs of the oldest continent. He wanted to meet people, people like him with a passionate interest in bringing out the true character of vines. A matter of convictions, too, prompting discovery and observation. He found land awaiting its revelation. Michel Chapoutier’s aim is to invent properties, not to follow the example of others. Michel Chapoutier buys land and joins forces with major winemaking families, playing on their complementary know-how and experience The result is exceptional Shiraz wines, displaying great elegance and mineral purity. In 2002 he joined forces with Ron and Elva Laughton (Jasper Hill) in central Victoria, and at Heathcote, north of Melbourne, on a very unusual, early Cambrian soil. He has also worked with Rick Kinzbrunner on the Giaconda vineyard at Beechworth, in northeast Victoria, on a granite soil. After a brief experimental joint venture with his US importer (Terlato & Chapoutier), Maison M. Chapoutier bought two other Australian vineyards (Shays Flat and Landsborough) in the Victorian Pyrenees and set up the fully owned Domaine Tournon.
Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2013 $14.99
The wine is entirely aged in cement or stainless steel tanks and it is bottled 12 months later. The wine is brilliant, dark ruby color. The nose is deep with black fruits and pepper aromas with a mouth feel of supple silky tannins.
Rated 89 by Wine Spectator, “Velvety and focused, aiming the plum and black pepper flavors into a lithe structure that settles gently into the long and vivid finish. Best from 2016 through 2019. 4,000 cases imported.”
Tournon Mathilda White Blend 2013 $14.99
The wine is entirely aged in stainless steel tank on lees for 5 months. The color is pale gold with a fresh crisp and fruity with stone fruit in abundance.
Rated 91 Wine Spectator “Stacks a rich parfait of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors over lively acidity, stretching the structure into a supple wrapping. Impressive for the purity and precision of the flavors. Viognier and Marsanne. Drink now through 2020. 1,900 cases imported.”
Connoisseur Club
Mollydooker Winery
MollyDooker Two Left Feet 2014 Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot $25.99
A generous array of bright fruit flavour with outstanding depth, gives this wine the approachable and engaging qualities it’s become adored for. Showcasing every character in our flavour spectrum, including raspberry, plum, deep mocha and licorice. All the elements interweave themselves harmoniously throughout each sip and work together in a way that achieves the subtle mouth feel of a truly delightful wine.
Ten Acre Russian River Chardonnay 2013 $31.99
Ten Acre is dedicated to producing cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay from some of the most renowned vineyards in the Russian River Valley. As a winery, they work in small lots, with a focus on discovering the personality and distinctive flavors of these great sites. Flavorful, balanced, intense—they strive to let the vineyard personality burst through the wine. Small by design; each wine is hand crafted, barrel-by-barrel.
This expressive wine perfectly personifies the classic style of chardonnay that the cool-climate Russian River Valley is known for. Fruit from several of their single vineyard chardonnay sources was combined to create this well balanced take on the classic Burgundian varietal. The Russian River Valley is famous for the coastal morning fog that slowly burns off throughout the day, lengthening the hang time of chardonnay fruit during the ripening season.
The 2013 Russian River Chardonnay entices with a bouquet of bright tropical notes and vanilla bean. On the palate, lush texture is balanced by crisp acidity. Eleven months in French oak barrels, combined with full malolactic fermentation gives this versatile chardonnay a rich, memorable mouthfeel and finish.
