Both wines in this weeks review are made in an appassimento style. This means that some of the grapes used to make the wine have been left to dry before they were pressed. Drying the grapes allows some of the water to evaporate and concentrate the juices and sugars. The fruit flavours in the wine are generally more intense, and there is a little more alcohol in these wines.
2013 Burning Kiln Stick Shaker Savagnin – Vintages 367144 – $24.95 – ****+ – It is amazing how the appassimento treatment of white grapes really boosts the nose and intensity on the wines. Loaded with very intense apricot and hints of floral that roll off the back of your tongue and linger. In spite of the intensity of the wine it is still bone dry with great acidity. To be honest this is a wine that I wouldn’t pair with anything.
2010 Ridgepoint Merlot – Vintages 270488 – $19.95 – **** – Right after opening this wine has a dangerously soft finish. Coming from the very warm 2010 vintage this is loaded with dark fruit. Plum, Blackberry, Blueberry and Black Currant are all present in the bottle as the wine moves to Chocolate and Licorice on the finish. This will make a great match to braised beef ribs, stews or would make an interesting addition to a Coq au Vin.
