A selection of wines from sought-after regions of Bordeaux, Bolgheri and Central Otago, New Zealand.
TENUTA ARGENTIERA BOLGHERI SUPERIORE 2017
Region - Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
The tiny appellation of Bolgheri DOC is home to Tenuta Argentiera. Situated along the Tuscan coast, the property’s best vineyards are positioned on picturesque slopes overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The estate is only 20 years old, unlike its illustrious neighbours- Ornellaia and Sassicaia, making it a relatively new player in the Super Tuscan category. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine was aged 14 months in barrique (new and old) and a year in the bottle before release. Argentiera’s Bolgheri Superiore 2017 is a wine of concentration and balance, with juicy ripe fruit, touches of rosemary, spice and silky tannins. This affordable Super Tuscan is ready to drink now or cellar for 10 years. $170, Angra Wines, www.angra.com.sg
FELTON ROAD BANNOCKBURN CHARDONNAY 2018
Region - Central Otago, New Zealand
This Central Otago staple enjoys something of a cult status and hardly needs an introduction. Known for Pinot Noir, Felton Road also produces an impressive Chardonnay. Winemaker Blair Walter manages to extract a veritable regional expression with his farm to bottle style winemaking. Certified organic and biodynamic fruit is whole bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeast, with long natural malolactic fermentation. The wines rest on lees for nine months in French oak barrels, mostly seasoned, developing body and texture and bottled without fining or filtration. The nose is a bouquet of ripe peaches, hazelnuts, and spice; the palate carries the same fruit, with a whisper of citrus while the acid balances the ripened fruit. Drink chilled to enjoy the mouth-watering freshness. $82, Monopole www.monopole.com.sg
CHATEAU ANGELUS 2018 THE PHOENIX
Region - St Emillion, Bordeaux, France
Stéphanie de Boüard- Rivoal took over the reins of Chateau Angelus from her father, becoming the third woman to helm the 96 acres of St Emillon first-growth estate. She is the 8th generation of the Boüard de Laforest family who has owned the property for 235 years. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc and aged in new oak barriques and two new foudres (large barrels) to lower the impact of wood. Satin-textured, the wine shows complex aromas of cassis fruit, sandalwood, tobacco leaf, sweet coffee notes and bay leaf. The tannins are refined and impart remarkable structure to the wine. Medium to full body, this vintage is defined by its elegance and structure in every sip. One for the cellars, to try in five years. $664, Wine Clique, www.wine-clique.com.com.sg