The CYCA Wine Panel is currently reviewing our wine list to bring Members and guests some excellent new wines to enjoy. The panel, which consists of Director Justin Atkinson, Past Commodore Matt Allen, Member Helen Chapman and House Events Manager Marina Gibson, meets periodically to ensure our wine list caters for the very best tastes and preferences.
First on the tasting list was Pinot Noir, with Members and guests soon to enjoy some delicious new labels:
Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Noir California, United States of America
The grapes for Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Noir were harvested from select vineyards in the Central Valley. This location, at the mouth of the Sacramento Delta, offers an environment during the growing season in which the grapes see plenty of hang time. Grapes enjoy the characteristic warm California days and cool nights- ideal conditions for perfectly ripe fruit.
The grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness, which allowed for easy extraction of rich colour and velvety tannins. The winemaker selected aromatic yeast strains and employed a warm fermentation process, which has resulted in a wine with more flavour and fruitier aromatics. Proper storage after fermentation has helped to build complexity on the palate and bring a nice balance to the wine.
Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir Central Otago, New Zealand
The grapes for the wines that carry the Mt Difficulty Bannockburn label are subject to two strict criteria: they are managed under the umbrella of the Mt Difficulty viticultural team and must be sourced from vineyards situated on the south side of the Kawarau River at Bannockburn.
This Pinot noir displays lovely elegance and flow with striking precision and clarity. On the palate it kicks off with a supple dark berry entry, moving into a beautifully textured plush mid-palate, after which fine elegant textural tannins frame fruit and acidity on a lengthy finish.
Oakridge Pinot Noir Yarra Valley, Australia
The Yarra Valley series of wines showcase the best of our vineyard selections, with an emphasis on Oakridge controlled and operated vineyard sites in the Upper Yarra Valley.
Selection for this Pinot Noir focussed on premium fruit from the cool slopes of the Upper Yarra Valley, Woori Yallock (Henk) and Gladysdale (Willowlake).
There is an immediate explosion of fruit aroma’s on the nose, with dark cherry, blackberry and pomegranate. There is elements of spice and toast adding complexity. The palate displays a lush and layered density of fruit with dark cherry and red berry flavours with plush fruit tannins woven in adding complexity. There is a soft yet bright acid line providing drive and length to wine before the classic fantail finish of a great Yarra Pinot Noir.
Throughout this week, the Wine Panel will blind taste and review Riesling and Chardonnay with delicious new labels arriving shortly after.
