Upstream on December 23, 2022
Vintages Release: TBD 2023
• The following Poggio Al Vento red blend was sourced from hand-harvested 70% sangiovese/20% merlot/10% canaiolo grapes that spent 6 months maturing in small French barrels after fermentation before blending and bottling. This was tasted a few months ago and has aged somewhat since that time. It may continue to improve over another few months.
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Azienda Agricola Poggio Al Vento 2019
IGT Toscano Rosso, Italy $17.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of mixed spice, sprigs of herbs, black currant and juicy black plum abound on the nose of this medium weight, nicely balanced Toscano Rosso at a desirable price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. It has persistent purity of fruit captured on the palate and persisting to and through the tang an pizzazz, flavourful finish and aftertaste. Well-paced and well-priced, give this a go with lasagna or spaghetti carbonara with ham or bacon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud – Cru Clisson’ Melon de Bourgogne was sourced from 100% melon de bourgogne grapes that came from 60-year-old vines on granite soils at Chateau Thébaud. This white wine was matured for 24 months on fine lees in underground tanks subjected to fine lees stirring. Once bottled, this white wine has long ageing potential of ten or more years.
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Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud – Cru Clisson’ Melon de Bourgogne 2019
AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France $23.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of minerality, leesy notes a.k.a. spent yeast cells and hints of floral notes abound on the nose of this 100% melon de bourgogne. It’s crisp and refreshing on the palate with a medium-bodied, balanced and bountiful lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside seafood such as breaded and grilled calamari or bowl of mussels steamed in white wine, a shot or two of cream and decorated with chopped leeks. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud – Cru Clisson’ Melon de Bourgogne was sourced from 100% melon de bourgogne grapes that came from 60-year-old vines on granite soils at Chateau Thébaud. This white wine was matured for 48 months on fine lees in underground tanks subjected to fine lees stirring. Once bottled, this white wine has long ageing potential of ten or more years when cellared carefully.
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Jardin d’Edouard ‘Cru Château-Thébaud’ Melon de Bourgogne 2018
AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France $24.95 (541458) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of lemon citrus, flinty minerality and notions of fine lees a.k.a. spent yeast cells are adorned with white flower scents, It has good depth, balance and persistent purity of fruit that persists to and through the finish and aftertaste showcasing ripe pear, a smidgeon of sweet-ish grilled pineapple and plenty of tang and pizzazz. Pour on its own or with a creamy pasta sauce with pieces of home-smoked salmon. Pick up a few and enjoy with one of your favourite dishes. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Sidewood Estate ‘Ironstone Barrels – The Tyre Fitter’ Syrah was sourced from 100% syrah that was crafted in the cool-climate Adelaide Hills, sustainably grown, hand- harvested, from an estate, single-vineyard and is certified vegan-friendly. It may seem strange that an Australian winery would choose to use syrah over shiraz, however, Adelaide Hills is considered a cool-climate appellation in Australia.
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Sidewood Estate ‘Ironstone Barrels – The Tyre Fitter’ Syrah 2021
G.I Adelaide Hills, South Australia $38.95 (CSPC #) to be determined 14.2% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, ripe red and black cherries, pie cherries, passionfruit and Damson blue plum are easily coaxed with a gentle swirl of your glass. The flavours replay the strongest of the aromas—black juicy cherries, red Montmorency pie cherries and blue Damson plums that are both juxtaposed to the tang and pizzazz of cool-climate fruit. This is both fruit-forward as well as elegant and structured with baking spice and sweet vanilla reflecting the oak regimen of 12 months in French oak, 30% new. This showcases deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and delectable mouthfuls of dazzling syrah. Pick up a few and serve with grilled rack-of-lamb or beer-can-chicken (Vic Harradine)