2014 Catena Malbec

Year: 2014

Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Grape(s): Malbec

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price (approximately): $17

Winemaker's Notes:

The Catena Malbec presents a deep violet color. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyards offers intense aromas, a soft texture, and concentrated flavor. Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of sweet spice, and leather. The wine finishes with bright acidity, well-integrated and silky tannins, and a flinty minerality that lingers on the palate.

"Wonderful precision and balance. Fresh, intense cherry fruit on the nose, complemented by well-integrated oak notes. Delicious mocha tones mingle with the clean cherry fruit on the palate. Complex wine, with a great length of flavour. 90 pts." Decanter.

2015 Loimer Lois Grüner Veltliner

Year: 2015

Producer: Loimer Winery

Region: Kamptal, Austria

Grape(s): Grüner Veltliner

Alcohol: 12%

Price (approximately): $14

Winemaker's Notes:

Pale yellow color, this wine is purely aromatic and lively! Lovely aromas of fresh apples and citrus, this wine surprises on the palate with great spice components as well as exotic fruit and a refreshing acidity.

To be enjoyed either on its own, as an apértif or with light dishes.

"A little bit of green pear, a little bit of pepper and quite a bit of juiciness add up to a whole lot of easy-drinking fun on this light, dry and zippy Grüner. There's some spice and yeastiness around the edges, too. Drink soon." Wine Spectator

2013 d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz

Year: 2013

Producer: d'Arenberg

Region: McLaren Vale, Australia

Grape(s): Shiraz

Alcohol: 14.4%

Price (approximately): $18

Winemaker's Notes:

Classic McLaren Vale Shiraz in every sense. Laden with dark fruits, old spices and woody notes on the nose and backed up with thick licorice, blackberry, plum and graphite-like characters on the palate. Striking fruit concentration paired with a bold and chewy, yet integrated tannin structure. Brutish in many respects but somehow manages to remain incredibly balanced. A wine to please even the most cantankerous wine aficionado.

2016 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir

Year: 2016

Producer: Innocent Bystander

Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price (approximately): $15

Winemaker's Notes:

Aromas of baked earth, Campari, earl grey tea with dried spice, juniper and fresh bay leaves. The palate shows juicy and brooding dark fruits, a velvety mouthfeel and finishes with soft savory tannins.

2015 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés

Year: 2015

Producer: Crios de Susana Balbo Winery

Region: Salta, Argentina

Grape(s): Torrontés

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price (approximately): $10

Winemaker's Notes:

Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, white pear, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the palate, it has beautiful structure and acidity similar to Sauvignon Blanc along with enticing fruit flavors and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed.

Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood.

Pacific Rim 2014 Twin Vineyards Gewürztraminer

Year: 2014

Producer: Pacific Rim

Region: Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington

Grape(s): Gewürztraminer

Alcohol: 13%

Price (approximately): $11

Winemaker's Notes:

Pale gold with a full bouquet of lychee and cloves. Pacific Rim Gewürztraminer is crisp with a slight residual sugar of 18 g/L, offering flavors of lychee, melon and tangerine.

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