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WINE
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You're going to think we've lost our corkscrews, but this is the real deal. I was skeptical about a Gallo Napa wine until I dug into the background. The Gallo Signature Series is a project by the third generation of Gallo family winemakers - Gina Gallo. She uses her favourite blocks of estate fruit in Napa - truly iconic spots! All three sites are located in the Atlas Peak AVA. These are high elevation vineyards with increased diurnal shifts - the difference between the daytime and nighttime temperatures. An increased diurnal range helps retain acidity and freshness. This is why I prefer mountain fruit vs valley fruit (use this at your next dinner party to look like a pro). For me, mountain fruit sources provide more earthy, garrigue flavours, bright acidity, and a 'fresh' profile. Garrigue is a French term that refers to the wild scrub that grows among many vineyards in France, a similar descriptor to mossy, earthy, herbal, and spicy. Here's where it gets serious: the three sites are Stagecoach(!), William Hill, and Cypress Ranch. All have southwest exposures, providing full ripeness & volcanic soils - thin, rocky, and nutrient-poor spots that produce small, concentrated berries. The 2019 vintage in Napa Valley was outstanding, as it provided slow and even ripening from the warm and dry conditions. We love the 2019's (there are few wines still available from 19). Fruit was intense and concentrated, with refined tannins and juicy acidity. Made from 91% Cab Sauv & 9% Cab Franc (*swoon* a Bordeaux blend!) The grapes were destemmed and crushed, given a cold soak for 3-5 days (pulling out colour and flavour without over-extracting tannins). Following primary fermentation, the wine was racked into barrels for malolactic fermentation (*almost* every red wine goes through this - we're looking at you Lopez de Heredia!) and aged for 18 months in a combination of 46% new French oak barrels, 10% new American oak barrels and 44% used oak barrels. The nose is powerful right away, with earthen bramble fruits (blackberry, cassis), baking spice (cinnamon, clove, anise, vanilla) and already showing graphite - something I personally love as a counterpoint to fruit. The palate is rich, tensioned, and bright. Acidity is high, with a full body and very balanced between the primary flavours (fruit), secondary flavours (oak and toast), and tertiary flavours (graphite, forest floor, garrigue). The finish is long, and very pleasant in the way it slowly fades off the palate. No rough edges, fully dry (1g/sugar per L, same as good Bordeaux), with 14.9% alcohol that is well integrated. The oak is also integrated (part of why bottle age is so important). This will age wonderfully for another 10 years, and is ready to drink now with an hour of decanting. If you're a pure Burgundy drinker - this won't be your cup of tea. However, if you appreciate a well made Cabernet, with balance and finesse, this needs to find a spot in your rotation. To sweeten the pot, the agent has offered us a special sale - normally $47.99 - this is on for $34.99 until noon, Friday! Offer notes: all prices are per bottle and include delivery, tax, and deposit - no surprise charges or hidden fees. Limited quantities available. Order via the link below or send an email to matt@corkfinewines.ca with any questions.
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Limited time only!! Cork Flash Offer: 95 point Napa for $35?
