| Producer | Highland Half Case |
| Country | Mixed |
| Region | Mixed |
| Varietal | Mixed |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Sku | 210000017103 |
| Size | 750ml 6 pack |
VORSPANNHOF MAYR, ZWEIGELT 1L 2019, KREMSTAL, AUSTRIA $18.99 (MIXED) Grown, vinified and bottled in the shared Buchegger-Mayr winery in northern Austria. 100% Zweigelt, a varietal that was born from a cross of the other two great reds of Austria: Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. The desire was to get a grape that ripened more optimally, in the fickle continental climate, than either of its parents. Seductively fruity and juicy on the nose: ripe black cherries, red mulberries, and a certain kick of spiciness. On the palate the fruit remains in focus, the texture is juicy, elegant and easy to drink; this goes very well with darker, richer fare such as beef, venison or pâtés, as well as all pasta variations and hard cheeses. Possibly the perfect "table red".
VINOS ATLÁNTICO, FLACO, TEMPRANILLO 2021, MADRID, SPAIN $12.99 Flaco (local slang for ‘dude’) Tempranillo is a perfect introduction to Spain’s most well-known red grape variety: Tempranillo. Derived from the word temprano meaning “early” referring to its tendency to be this early-ripening grape. Outside of Madrid at high altitude, we find a perfect environment for growing Tempranillo in a balanced way. A highly perfumed nose evokes ripe red berries and flowers, and a hint of white pepper lends a spicy touch. Emphatically fruity and supple in texture, finishing with just a hint of smooth, harmonious tannins. This fruit-driven, very appealing wine offers superb value. It pairs well with light meats like pork and chicken and flaky fish like hake, cod or flounder; it has the fruit and acidity to match with red meats, as well, just keep it lean to play on the safe side.
DOMAINE MAS BARRAU, CABERNET FRANC 2022, GARD, FRANCE $11.99 (MIXED) The Gard region lies at the southern end of the Rhône valley, a river valley which stretches from Lyon in the north to the Mediterranean delta in the south. Winemaker Guillaume Letang looked specifically for vines which are south-facing, thus receiving the most sunlight annually, to source the Cabernet Franc grapes for his wine. The terroir is full of limestone, which gives a rich, yet soft and aromatic wine: in the glass you’ll first note petrichor, the earthy smell that follows a fresh rainfall, mixed in with hints of menthol and truffle. The palate is incredibly long and layered with brambly black fruit, earthy peppery layers and a touch of sweet prune on the finish.
ABBAZIA DI NOVACELLA, SCHIAVA 2022, ALTO-ADIGE, ITALY $17.99 Abbazia was founded in 1142 by the Augustinian Order of Canons Regular. The Augustinians are not your average monks, apart from their various vows, they also work to support themselves as a part of the larger community, by not only growing grapes, but also farming apples and other crops. There is even a small school devoted primarily to studies of viticulture that has become one of the most prestigious in Italy. Schiava just might become your new favorite warm-weather red. Light in body with a pale ruby color, it is delicately fruity with soft red berries persisting to a soft, bitter almond finish. Perfect with a light chill, serve as an aperitif with a loaded charcuterie board surrounded by good friends.
A.A. BADENHORST, ‘THE CURATOR’ RED BLEND 2020, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA $12.99 (MIXED) Typically the wine makes a party, not the other way around. However, at Badenhorst they throw several intense blending parties and whichever blend gets drank the most is the wine that will be made under the Curator label. Such a fun and fresh approach produces a wine of the same qualities. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the bolder, expressive components in this wine with structure and a firmness. The Grenache and Cinsault temper the tanins resulting in a wine that’s full bodied but easy to drink, are easy to open (another bonus) and to share!
VILLA WOLF, PINOT NOIR 2021, PFALZ, GERMANY $18.99 Founded in 1756, in the Pfalz region of Germany, the J.L. Wolf estate (now called Villa Wolf) was a successful and highly regarded winery for more than two centuries. In the latter years of the 20th century, however, the estate languished, lacking a firm hand to guide its wine production. Enter Ernst Loosen, of the Dr. Loosen estate, he took over the vineyards in 1996, launching a dramatic turnaround in the estate’s quality and reputation. His Pinot Noir is a tremendous example: warm and medium-bodied, with good acidity a firm structure. Its dark cherry fruit is juicy, ripe, and forward, with a spicy mid-palate. Twelve months of aging in used barriques gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins. This is a very grown-up Pinot Noir for the price, and it’s another excellent wine for everyday dining.
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