Thursday, March 22, 2012

Domaine Serene Evensted Reserve and Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz

Domaine Serene Evensted Reserve and Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 

Wine flight of selected favorites for dinner outing at our favorite Italian trattoria, Angelis Italian in Naperville, enjoyed with L and dear friends Mark and Gayle B.

Two very different wines with contrasting styles, but perfect complements to varied entrees of grilled sea scallops and Italian sausage pasta in vodka cream sauce. As usual, Angelis food and service were spectacular providing the perfect setting to showcase and enjoy our favorite wines.

Domaine Serene Evensted Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007

One of our perennial favorites although if you read this blog you'll know we don't a lot of Pinot Noir compared to other varietals. The 2007 vintage is fairly typical of this label although seemingly slightly lighter and more subdued fruit than some years;  ruby color, medium bodied, raspberry, hint of black berry, strawberry, rhubarb, dusty rose with a touch of cinnamon spice.  

RM90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1027405

http://www.domaineserene.com/ 



Two Hands Lily's Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz 2003


The Two Hands represent the two producers, Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz. The Two Hands 'Garden Series' represents their six ultra premium select bottling Shiraz's from the six key South Australia regions and appellations; Bella's Garden in Barossa Valley,  Harry & Max's Garden in Langhorne Creek, Max's Garden in Heathcote, Samantha's Garden in Clare Valley, Sophie's Garden in Padthaway, and Lily's Garden in McLaren Vale.

The Lily label is name for Michael's daughter, born in 2001. You can see a number of tempting variations of horizontal and vertical tasting in the making here!

Despite its massive 15.5% alcohol content, this wine is very approachable and easy pleasant drinking, if one is accustomed to the big bold fruit forward select Shiraz's. Typical distinctive dark inky black purple colour and big full body with concentrated forward fruits. This vintage is a bit more subdued and moderate than many yet still has complex concentrated dark berry and ripe plum fruits, with tones of blue fruit, spice, dark chocolate and smooth well integrated oak. finishing with supple fine tannins on a lingering persistent finish


RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=30558


http://twohandswines.com/