Mataro- this is a grape type also known as Monastrell in Spain. It is a red grape variety with very dark skin and while common in the Mediterranean, it is also grown in Australia and California, where it is known as Mataro. Mataro thrives in climates that are warm and dry. Mataro grapes are ideal for producing wines high in tannin with concentrated color. The French call Mataro “Etrangle-Chien”, or dog strangler due to the intensely dry mouthfeel that accompanies this grape variety. Mataro is weighty on the palate with herb plant aromas. Combined with the high tannin, Mataro is often chosen as a component in blends. Wine made from 100 percent Mataro are not common, however there are some single variety selections available. Mataro grown in France is often used in blends with Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape. The Bandol region is considered a sanctuary for Mataro. Because Mataro is highly susceptible to phylloxera, and was almost annihilated in the 1880s due to the outbreak, the sandy soils of Bandol offered refuge and the grapes are still there today. Rose wine grown in Bandol is most sought after because of the tannic properties of Mataro. Mataro ripens latest during harvest and is therefore last to be picked. Bandol has had success in planting the grapes on hills facing South to absorb more warmth in order to ripen more quickly.
Thorn Clarke Single Vineyard Mataro is made from 100 percent Mataro.
The Single Vineyard Selection range focuses on single site, small batch wines, highlighting the true characteristics of each individual variety. Each block is hand selected by our winemaker and viticulturist each year, choosing the wines that best reflect the strengths of each individual vintage.
Striking with its inky red color and purple hues, a hallmark of a classic vintage. On the nose, briary black fruits are in abundance. Notes of Chinese five spice and currants also shine through. On the palate, blackberries and winter spice are evident. The generous and silky tannins in this wine support a long and complex finish.
The grapes were destemmed and fermented in 4 tonne open fermenters for a period of 10 days. The wine was pressed off into 10 year old oak where it was matured for a duration of 18 months before being racked in preparation for bottling. This wine has no filtration.
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Rockfall Cabernet Sauvignon is made from Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sourced from one of our highest elevation vineyards, the 2017 Rockfall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon features a true wildness that expresses the rugged growing site 2,000ft above the fog line. Elegant aromas of blueberries, cassis, graphite and black tea with complex undercurrents of baking spices. This wine balances power with elegance through to its savory palate with a generous structure and ample tannins. The structure of this wine allows for many years of cellar aging to continue to bring out nuanced flavors and complexity.
Review:
The Rockfall Vineyard is between 2,000 and 2,200-feet in elevation, and the wine that originates there is powerful and concentrated in style, with robust red-fruit and mineral tones. Herbal and classic, it shows elegance and integrated oak and tannin within its context of intensity and structure. Enjoy best from 2027–2037. Virginie Boone
-Wine Enthusiast 96 Points
Maurice Martin Saint-Veran is made from 100 percent unoaked Chardonnay.
White gold color with silver or greenish reflections , shiny and soft. Aromas suggest broom, acacia, green apple, lemongrass, citruses. A fresh, dry and fruity, nervous with a good balance.
The grapes for this wine is coming from 2 famous part of the Saint Véran' appellation: Prissé and Davayé.
The wine went through malolactic fermentation. It has been gently filtered before bottling.
Very easy to associate with his very complete balance : grilled fish, creamy risottos, antipasti, salads, sushis, very pleasant at the aperitif.