Limited Release - Pinot Nero (Veneto, Italy)

Located in the North East, Italy's Veneto region, influenced by the Alps, provides an ideal setting for this grape.

In true style, this medium to full bodied red exhibits flavours of strawberry, raspberry, spice and tea, with aromas of woodsy mushroom and cherry. As with all of the Showcase Reds, the Pinot Nero comes with a crushed grape pack. In this case the grapes used are the well known South African Pinotage grapes (Pinotage was developed as a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes), adding notes of banana, current and blackberry.

Priced at $186, the Pinot Nero has a recommended ageing of 6 months and should continue to develop for at least 2 years.

Merlot Quartet - an exclusive

This year, exclusively for our group of Carafe and Brew Kettle stores, Cellar Craft has assembled a very special Merlot Quartet with Merlot juices from four renowned regions: Red Mountain Washington State, Napa Valley California, Yakima Valley Washington and Lodi California, and packaged it with their crushed grape pack.

All of the natural skins and solids from variety-specific grapes are captured for extra extraction of aromatics, flavour, colour and body.

As predicted, these are selling fast. Reserve your batch while supplies last!

$189 for 23 Litres.

2010 Cru Select Restricted Quantities

As the year draws to a close, we once again look forward to the launch of the 2010 Restricted Quantities range of wines from RJ Spagnols. As expected, yet again, an impressive line up:

• Germany/Allemagne Ehrenfelser (Jan'10 - Early release Dec) $156.00
  This cross between Riesling and Silvaner is aromatic and very fruity - peach and tropical notes abound - but with just a hint of rose petal. The flavour is fresh and inviting with mineral notes, hints of orange rind and a lingering off-dry finish. Oak 0 / Body 3 / Sweetness 1

• Argentina Malbec Syrah (Jan'10 - Early release Dec) $160.00
  A new world spin on an old world wine! The blend of these two classic Bordeaux varietals creates a wine that is full bodied with plenty of appeal. This wine is fruit forward and approachable, with balanced toasted vanilla flavours from Hungarian oak cubes. The wine hints of cherries and black currant up front, with darker, richer notes of coffee, tobacco and licorice behind. Round and smooth with balanced tannins and a very easy drinking wine. Oak 3 / Body 4 / Sweetness 0

• Argentina Torrontes (Feb'10) $156.00
  The signature fragrant white grape of Argentina, Torrentés (related to Muscat) is one of the "aromatic varietals" distinctive and exclusive to this South American region. It produces a wine with a bouquet rich with tropical fruits, honey and sweet floral notes. The flavour is unexpected - crisp and refreshing with a vibrant acidity, citrus notes and a hint of spice with an enduring finish. Oak 0 / Body 3 / Sweetness 0

• Portugal Trio Do Vinho Tinto (with crushed grape skins) (March'10) $176.00
  This dark red wine is an intensely flavourful blend of Aragones (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Trincadeira. The bouquet is rich with red berries, anise and black pepper. The palate is well balanced with many layers of complexity. Initially there is fruitiness, followed by notes of mushroom and earth. Rich tannins from the American Heavy Toast Oak spiral and Cabernet-Merlot GenuWine Winery Dried Grape Skins help give this wine a long finish. Oak 4 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0

• South African Cabernet Franc Merlot (with crushed grape skins) (April'09) $176.00
  This wine is rich in every way - deeply coloured, aromatic and very flavourful. The nose has green and black pepper and a hint of spice. It is full bodied with a fruit component - cassis, followed by a layer of darker flavours - cigar box and leather. There are hearty, chewy tannins from the Merlot GenuWine Winery Dried Grape Skins. Oak 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0

These wines are Restricted Quantities, so availability is limited. Place your orders early to ensure you don't miss out.

CORKS for RECYCLING

Yes, I am pleased to announce that we have once again started our cork recycling program, so if you would like to recycle your used corks, simple bring them into the store on your next visit and place them in the brown bin bag situated near the front door.