#ridgepoint

Ophira Zakai - Renaissance Lute :D

Three of the four 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 aromatic white grapes really boost the nose and intensity.  Loaded with apricot, peach 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 good acidity which makes this wine food friendly.  However, the intensity of the flavours in this wine will make it a perfect match for roast or barbecued chicken and may clash with creamier dishes.  To be frank I will not be pairing this wine with anything and I will be enjoying it on it's own.

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. 

2013 Malivoire Riesling - Vintages 277483 - $15.95 - ***1/2+ - Bright and crisp with lots of lemon and lime.  This is a very dry Riesling with a lot of acidity and slight chalkiness on the finish.  This wine would fall into the category of swiss army knife when it comes to meal planning because it will pair with just about anything.  It is next to impossible to pick up any sugar in the wine because of the acidity making the finish very clean.