{"title":"Feb 25: Gems of the Southern Hemisphere","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"craven-cinsault-stellenbosch-south-africa-2022","title":"Craven, Cinsault, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eOur story begins back in 2007 while we were both 'dragging hose' in Sonoma, California, for the harvest season. A chance meeting at the Flamingo Hotel, between an Aussie and a South African, has eventually turned into Craven Wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-element_type=\"column\" data-id=\"819ac61\" class=\"aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-819ac61\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"aux_modern_heading.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"6ef0a19\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ef0a19 aux-appear-watch-animation aux-fade-in-right-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-aux_modern_heading aux-animated aux-animated-once\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"aux-widget-modern-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-widget-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-modern-heading-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter both having taken to the text books at our respective universities, we decided to hit the road, see lots of things, work in lots of places and try and learn as much as possible from this massive wine world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-element_type=\"column\" data-id=\"78dfb54\" class=\"aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-78dfb54\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"aux_modern_heading.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"47cf898\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47cf898 aux-appear-watch-animation aux-fade-in-right-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-aux_modern_heading aux-animated aux-animated-once\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"aux-widget-modern-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-widget-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-modern-heading-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince meeting we have both been on a journey to discover how we could create something special that resonates with our beliefs and our pure love of wine. Luckily enough, we had very similar ideas. So back in 2011 we moved to Stellenbosch, South Africa, a place we both have an affinity for. Stellenbosch has such an amazing array of sites and terroir, and this landscape is perfect for what we want to do. Which is to make site-specific, honest wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-element_type=\"column\" data-id=\"47b14c6\" class=\"aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-47b14c6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"aux_modern_heading.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"53cb635\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53cb635 aux-appear-watch-animation aux-fade-in-right-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-aux_modern_heading aux-animated aux-animated-once\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"aux-widget-modern-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-widget-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-modern-heading-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of 'winemaking' we like to keep things as simple as possible. To try and achieve the wines we want to make, we feel the best methods are being hands off, while being very hands on. In other words, we pay serious attention to the wine but we do not manipulate the wine. We believe the best way to express site and fruit is to show just that. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not use cultured yeasts, enzymes, fining agents, etc. throughout the winemaking process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-element_type=\"column\" data-id=\"c8b26cf\" class=\"aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c8b26cf\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"aux_modern_heading.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"e6f3cdf\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6f3cdf aux-appear-watch-animation aux-fade-in-right-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-aux_modern_heading aux-animated aux-animated-once\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"aux-widget-modern-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-widget-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"aux-modern-heading-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe only use older oak and try our best to find larger format barrels. We also work with concrete fermenters with certain wines, as we feel this allows the more delicate varieties to maintain their purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe allow our wines to stabilise naturally, if they so want to. Essentially, a small amount of SO2 is the only thing added to our wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCinsault\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eStellenbosch, South Africa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCherry, strawberries, cream, red + purple flowers, rocky minerality. Palate is fresh with bramble, boysenberry, bright red cherry, hints of eucalyptus. We chose this bright beauty for the summer months, due to its light bodied character and thirst quenching power. Fermented and aged in concrete, this vinification process of utilizing concrete preserves the essence of the organic 34+ year old bush vines resting 3 miles from the ocean in the ‘Rustenhof' vineyard. Craven Wines is a husband-and-wife team, Mick (from Australia) and Jeanine (from South Africa) met during harvest in Sonoma then returned to South Africa to create site-specific wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 Cinsault comes from a parcel in the Rustenhof farm shared with Scions of Sinai. This was destemmed and spent eight to ten days on the skins. It has a pretty nose that’s quite energetic and delineated, expressing white-tipped strawberry, maraschino cherry and just a hint of candy floss. The palate is very well balanced with a Grenache-like flashiness on the mid-palate and fine acidity. Crisp, focused and linear in style, it concludes with a peppery finish. Very fine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50012286714161,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Craven_Cinsault_Stellenbosch_South_Africa_2023.jpg?v=1770986511"},{"product_id":"yalumba-the-signature-barossa-valley-australia-2022","title":"Yalumba, 'The Signature', Barossa Valley, Australia, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the first vines planted in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"numbers\"\u003e1849\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Yalumba has been at the forefront of every turning point in Australian wine history, helping to forge Australia’s enviable wine culture from table wines to those that sit proudly amongst the finest wines of the world. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe heart of Yalumba’s legacy remains its iconic blends of Cabernet and Shiraz, for decades led by the acclaimed The Signature, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"caps\"\u003eFDR\u003cspan class=\"numbers\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003eA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and most recently The Caley — an extraordinary union of Coonawarra Cabernet and Barossa Shiraz.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith ancient vines sustained by the world’s oldest soils and enriched by the craftsmanship of generations, Yalumba is writing the next chapter in Australia’s fine wine story — a future for the wine world that thrives with authenticity, diversity, and distinction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eKevin Glastonbury\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Shiraz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBarossa Valley, Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA beautiful, deep, dense red in colour. Well defined aromatics reflect the cool season. Perfumed red and purple berries, red licorice, blackcurrant and black cherries with cedar, mint and subtle herbaceous notes. Inviting and appealing freshness with hints of bay leaf and toasted spice layers along the palate. Full bodied, rich and concentrated with fine, flowing tannins and lovely texture in perfect harmony\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2022 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is so pretty—floral, red fruited and fine. This is a beautiful iteration of this wine. Ironically, there's a coastal freshness about it—kelp, brine, crushed shells—given it is nowhere near the coast. It's capacious and mineral and so fresh. The tannins are fine and neat, and the wine has incredible focus and line through the long finish. It's very impressive, potentially one of my favorite releases of this wine to date. It has wholly Barossa fruit this vintage. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Australian Wine Companion\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eYalumba's famous Signature cabernet sauvignon and shiraz blend has a strong pedigree when it comes to cellaring and the 2022 release will certainly carry on long into the future. The fruit density and purity here are impressive. Blackberry, doris plum and black cherry tones, their flow elegant and graceful across the palate with hints of spice, cedar, tobacco, pencil shavings, roasting meats, dried herbs and olive tapenade. Fine-grained tannins are in abundance and there is an extended finish that rolls on and on. It's a super release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSavory aromas of blackcurrants, cedar, tobacco leaves, ferrous earth and bitter chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins, a long, persisting finish and lingering notes of blackberries, blood plums and walnuts. A serious wine that is built to last for years in the bottle. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis beautifully composed 2022 The Signature delivers excellent fruit definition and youthful complexity, opening up with blackberry, blackcurrant and new leather lined with dried mint, buttressed by impressive oak. It has great overall shape with firm, structural tannins and compact yet powerful layers of flavors balanced and holding true over a finish of exceptional length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe remarkable consistency of The Signature over decades stands as a testament to Yalumba’s ability to keep finding superb Cabernet in the Barossa each year, even when this variety has a notoriously fickle temperament in dry vintages. The low-cropping 2022 vintage provided intense flavours, giving this wine rich character and a stern demeanour. Uncharacteristically, it shows more assertive Shiraz personality in its youth, offering dark power and deep, grinding bass notes through the mid-palate. The comforting warmth of savoury-edged Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon remains a significant contributor however. Its sturdy tannin profile suggests it will change with age in the cellar, when its Cabernet influence is likely to make a rich savoury mid-palate come into bloom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis opulent red is distinctive, with violet, black olive, sandalwood and fresh rose petal notes. Whiffs of green cardamom complement the rich flavors of blackberry and huckleberry, showing additional accents of star anise, bittersweet chocolate and black licorice. The tannins are concentrated but fully integrated, giving length and plushness. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52144875962673,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Yalumba_The_Signature_Barossa_Valley_Australia_2022_f8012704-2904-47c3-bfb2-eba57e78d2d7.jpg?v=1764683927"},{"product_id":"craggy-range-winery-sauvignon-blanc-te-muna-road-vineyard-martinborough-new-zealand-2025","title":"Craggy Range Winery, Sauvignon Blanc, Te Muna Road Vineyard, Martinborough, New Zealand, 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eCraggy Range is a family owned winery established in 1997 named by U.S publication Wine Enthusiast magazine as New World Winery of the Year for 2014. It is situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak in the premium wine growing area of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Based on the single vineyard philosophy of winemaking, Craggy Range was the first in the Southern Hemisphere to make single vineyard wines from multiple New Zealand regions with grape varieties matched to place. The winery produces a portfolio of quality wines including the iconic Prestige and Family collections, as well as Limited Editions all reflecting the place and the people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes, grown in exceptional winery-owned New Zealand estate vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough, are selected for their special soils and unique climates producing wines of character, quality and authority. The architecturally inspired Giants winery complex and vineyard is also home to the Craggy Range Cellar Door and the award winning restaurant Terroir at Craggy Range. Nestled amongst the vines, the four Craggy Range Vineyard Cottages offer self-contained boutique accommodation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural and Organic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBen Tombs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMartinborough, New Zealand\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAromas of white flowers and blossom enfold freshly cut peaches and passionfruit. On the palate, the fruit and floral notes are bright and expressive, intertwined with hints of preserved lemon and key lime. The wine is fresh, elegant, and textural, with a saline minerality imparted by the river stones that it was grown on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eQuivering with fragrant florals, fresh orchard fruits and passionfruit nuance that enrobes the soft, succulence of the palate. Expressive and complex with a fine seam of grapefruit acidity that carries the finely-tuned aromas to the finish. \u003cem\u003ePlatinum Medal - 2026 Decater World Wine Awards\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eIntense Key lime, lemongrass and pear flavors are fleshy, bright and precise in this white, showing details of tangerine, kiwifruit and grapefruit, with sleek notes of saline and green tea, plus a hint of white pepper on a mouthwatering frame. (MW)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThe 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough offers an appealing balance between ripe citrus, elderflower, nettle and flint. It is delicate and aromatic with a long, scented finish. (RG)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Regal Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56083961086257,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CraggyRangeWinery_SauvignonBlanc_TeMunaRoadVineyard_Martinborough_NewZealand_2025.jpg?v=1788304474"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/feb-25-gems-of-the-southern-hemisphere.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}