If you are still looking for that last minute gift idea, Southbrook Vineyards has your solution. Introducing the Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc Estate Barrel Study Pack. Both packages include six bottles of our exclusive Estate Organic and Biodynamic wine for $220 taxes in!
Enter the world of the winemaker and experience the fine variables that go into crafting Southbrook’s organic and biodynamic wines. Winemaker Ann Sperling offers a unique glimpse into how subtle differences between barrels are expressed once in the glass. Each wine in this collection is named after either the forest from which the wood for the barrels was harvested, or a unique method of cooperage.
The Chardonnay Barrel Study Package includes two bottles of Wild Ferment, and a bottle each of the Moon Barrel, Vosges, Jupilles and Alliers.
Cabernet Franc enthusiasts will receive a bottle each of the Vosges, Bertranges, Colbert, Revelation, Moon Barrel and Missouri. For further presentation, add on a Southbrook Vineyards 6 bottle wine crate for $20.00.
Zoltan Szabo (@zoltanszabo) has had the opportunity to enjoy many of Southbrook’s Barrel Study wines and gives his thoughts.
“Overall, this is an excellent set of cool climate Chardonnays and Cabernet Francs, with many similarities. However, the playful nuances of the individual bottlings provide intriguing aromatic and structural differences for discerning tasters. Sommeliers/wine-centric restos take note. While enjoyable now, most of these will benefit from short to medium term aging.
2013 Estate ‘Wild Ferment’ Chardonnay: Pear, buttered popcorn, pea shoot, vanilla; round and tasty, with notable freshness and consumer appeal. (89)
2013 Estate ‘Jupilles’ Chardonnay: Pronounced nose, candied apple, orange, toast – caramel; full and rich, yet balanced, restrained towards the dry finish; better with bottle age. (91)
2013 Estate ‘Allier’ Chardonnay: Orchard fruit, fennel, cold cream; lean, focused and spicy, with crisp acidity and a long, dry and mineral finish; wild…in a good way; needs some time to come together. (90 – 92)
2013 Estate ‘Vosges’ Chardonnay: Floral, delicate, aromatic, very pretty; the palate comes with wonderful intensity and integration, firm acidity keeps the wine linear; very good length. (91)
Southbrook’s Organic & Biodynamic Cabernet Franc Barrel Study Pack
2013 Estate ‘Vosges’ Cabernet Franc: Pure, spicy, unmistakably cool climate cab franc – energetic like a good Bourgeuil, mid – weight, well structured and balanced, truly elegant. (91)
2013 Estate ‘Bertrange’ Cabernet Franc: Full, but not heavy, tannins are firmer, the mid – palate possesses some ‘gamey’ character, with a lingering, savoury finish. (90)
2013 Estate ‘Colbert’ Cabernet Franc: Darker, juicy fruit here, tight, masculine, some curious toffee notes show, aging is advisable. (90)
2013 Estate ‘Revelation’ Cabernet Franc: Currants, spicy – tobacco; light on its feet, really stylish, with fine – grained tannins and an exotic, spicy finish. (91)
2013 Estate ‘Moon Harvest’ Cabernet Franc: Kirsch, floral, cinnamon; concentrated, firmer, dry, potent, give it some time. (90)”
2013 Estate ‘Missouri’ Cabernet Franc: Tiny oxidative nuance like an old school Rioja, with a lively, dusty tannic finish. The underlying aroma / flavour of aged beef and deep spice makes this an intellectual vino to savour. (90)” Zoltan Szabo
Both the Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc Barrel Study Pack allows the drinker the chance to enjoy a grouping of wine that will not be released individually until mid-2016. These pre-release wines will sell for $39.95 when available, but are offered at $34.95 per bottle as part of this exclusive set.
For anyone looking to track the development of these wines over the course of the next 3 to 5 years, Southbrook recommends adding a Coravin to your package! The Coravin is a handheld device that allows the drinker to sample a bottle of wine at any point, without disturbing the cork or contents of the bottle. Order yours directly through Southbrook’s website here.
The Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc Estate Barrel Study Pack is the perfect gift for the winemaking student, sommelier or any discerning wine enthusiast! Packs are available now for $220.00 at Southbrook Vineyards’ retail store, open daily 11:00 am to 5:00pm. It is suggested to call in advance in order to have the pack ready upon arrival. If you don’t live in the Niagara area, we are happy to ship to your door free of charge. For any questions, please call Southbrook at 1-888-581-1581.
