Tag Archives: New Zealand wines

Join SOHO In Our Journey Through New Zealand & Australian Wineries!

14 Wednesday Nov 2018

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The recent chilly bite in the air in Atlanta has made us want to hibernate (with wine of course) as we enter into holiday season mode.  Fall is such a great time of year here, with a few patio days sprinkled in for optimal foliage watching, coupled with wine drinking!

Our wine feature this next two weeks illustrates the perfect drinking choice: A lovely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from New Zealand, and a complex Cab from Australia.  The tapas pairings are on point as well, and we would encourage you to stop by to say hello, and take a moment to enjoy life before the holiday craziness hits.  We look forward to seeing you!

This Flight Night begins on Wednesday, November 14th, will last two weeks, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 27th.

New-Zealand-winery

First, SOHO will pour a Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Chardonnay ‘16 from Hawkes Bay, N.Z.. The winemaker offers,

“This is a full bodied yet elegant style of Hawkes Bay Chardonnay exhibiting aromas of peach and melon intermingled with hints of butter, grapefruit, nuts and French oak spice.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir 2014 from Nelson, N.Z. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“Fragrant with hints of violets and chocolate supported by elegant restrained tannins.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a Franklin Tate Alexander’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 from Margaret River. Notes on the wine,

“Appearance: Medium to deep red with a deep purple hue. Nose: This wine shows aromatic red fruits, mint, spice and savory leafy eucalypt characters and a hint of dark chocolate. Palate: Complex pretty fruits with flavors of blackberry and raspberry are complimented with toasty oak. The mid palate has fine grained tannins, which gives length and finesse to the wine.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Chardonnay ‘16
100% Chardonnay
Paired with: Scottish Salmon Ceviche, Grapefruit, Melon

Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir 2014
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Prime Beef Carpaccio, Cherry-Red Wine Reduction, Shaved Ewephoria

Franklin Tate Alexander’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Cabernet
Paired with: Lamb Meatballs, Mint & Blackberry Jam

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!

🇦🇺 SOHO’s Going “Down Under” With Wines From Australia & NZ!

09 Friday Nov 2018

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Australian and New Zealand wineries are such a delight to feature!  There’s more difference than similarity in what they offer, of course.  New Zealand is best known for sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.  Australia, which is best known for its amazing shiraz (the grape known elsewhere as syrah) is really a wildly diverse country with a bunch of divergent regions that specialize in grapes of all sorts. We could happily drink these wines for MONTHS and not be able to enjoy them all!

This week’s Flight Night begins on Wednesday, November 7th, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 13th.

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First, SOHO will pour a Kim Crawford “Rise and Shine” Pinot Noir 2014 from South Island, NZ. The winemaker offers,

“Color: Dark red. Aroma: Lifted red berry fruit aromas with dark cherry notes, complemented by savory undertones and spicy oak. Palate: Ripe, dark berry flavors of blackberry and black currant. Subtle hints of oak help fill out the palate.”

Next, SOHO will pour a Small Gully “The Formula Robert’s Shiraz” 2014 from Adelaide Plains, AU. The wine is described by the winemaker,

“A big full flavored Shiraz produced from 50+ year old vines grown at Robert’s vineyard on the Adelaide Plains. Well balanced and textured, this wine shows savory notes of tar, leather and spice intermingled with chocolate and raisins. Soft persistent tannins and excellent length.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a Franklin Tate Cabernet Merlot 2016 from Margaret River. Notes on the wine,

“Flavors of ripe blackcurrants and dark plums dominant the palate with a savory hint of black olive. The fruit is integrated with oak flavors of cinnamon and cedar spice. Chalky tannins give this wine length.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joey Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

Kim Crawford “Rise and Shine” Pinot Noir 2014
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Cocoa Rubbed Prime Sirloin, Red Wine Risotto, Cherry-Red Wine Reduction

Small Gully “The Formula Robert’s Shiraz” 2014
100% Shiraz
Paired with: Short Rib Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Red Wine Demi

Franklin Tate Cabernet Merlot 2016
Cabernet & Merlot
Paired with: Lamb Sliders, Black Olive-Sage Tapenade, Sundried Tomato-Goat Cheese

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas)

We can’t wait to see you!

Sip On Our AUS & NZ Wines At SOHO Before They Go Walkabout!

24 Friday Nov 2017

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Our love affair with Australian and New Zealand wines continues at SOHO! We love this week’s lineup so much, that we’re actually going to feature them for TWO weeks!  So here’s your invitation: The holidays are here, so take some time out of the craziness to come see us and enjoy some down time with our wines and tapa pairings.  Enjoy the season, and don’t let it run you too much.  We’ll be here waiting for you!

This week’s Flight Night spans two weeks, and begins on Wednesday November 22nd, and the wines and their tapas will be available through December 5th.

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First, SOHO will pour a 2014 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir “Rise and Shine” from Central Otago, N.Z., and offers the following tasting notes,

“COLOUR: Intensely dark ruby red. AROMA: Intensely lifted notes of blackberries and plums. Dried thyme and sweet, spicy oak aromas give this wine an intriguing nose and balances the fruit aromas nicely.  PALATE: Rich and full flavors of plums, dark forest berries and spice. Ripe and luscious, the fruit flavors are well framed by silky tannins, giving the wine structure and great length..”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2014 Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz from Coonawarra, AU. The wine is described as,

“COLOUR A shimmering bright crimson. NOSE All spice – primarily nutmeg/cinnamon and basil. A propulsion of red fruits, sour cherry and liqueur cherry high notes. PALATE Great length, with graphite/pencil shavings oak enhancing finish. Obedient dusty/chalky tannins comply on the periphery.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2012 Jim Barry “The Cover Drive” Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon from Clare Valley, Coonawarra, AU.  The winemaker says,

“This wine is deep garnet in colour with high clarity. The nose is very aromatic, displaying primary characters of cassis and dark berries with subtle hints of dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and generous, showing fine tannins, highlighted by flavours of blackcurrant, mint and morello cherries.”

SOHO’s Sous Chef Alabaas Fraser has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

2014 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir “Rise and Shine”
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Lamb Sliders, Tzatziki, Mushroom Tapenade

2014 Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz
100% Shiraz
Paired with: Braseola Goat Cheese Flatbread, Arugula, Sun-Dried Tomato, Onion, Pomegranate Red Wine Reduction

2012 Jim Barry “The Cover Drive” Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet
Paired with: Prime Sirloin Skewers, Chimichurri

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas).

We can’t wait to see you!

Enjoy Three Outstanding Reds From The Southern Hemisphere At SOHO!

16 Thursday Nov 2017

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This is such a great time to be in Atlanta!  The holidays are coming, and the weather is pleasant enough that you can sit outside and enjoy a few glasses of wine in the sun while the leaves change into their brilliant fall colors.

When we decided to feature our wine pairings from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, it’s because our favorite selections are so drinkable on their own, AND with food. So it’s really a win/win for everyone who comes through our doors.

This week’s Flight Night begins on Wednesday November 15th, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 21st.

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First, SOHO will pour a 2013 Allan Scott Pinot Noir from Marlborough, N.Z., and offers the following tasting notes,

“Deep red appearance with aromas of red cherries, raspberries and violets. Rich flavor with subtle hints of smoky oak and bright berry flavors on the palate.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2013 Yalumba Barossa Patchwork Shiraz from Barossa Valley, AU. The wine is described as,

“This is a classic Barossa Shiraz showing warm aromatics of dark cherry, dried herbs, licorice and dark chocolate. The wine is marked by clear dark fruits that carry a lovely richness and intensity. The palate is svelte, showcasing depth accompanied by precision and focus, not cloying but concise and balanced.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2016 The Chocolate Block from the Swartland, S.A.  The winemaker says,

“The nose is exceptionally perfumed with an abundance of complex red and dark berry fruit, violets and intense aromas of white pepper. Dark brooding fruit follows through onto a structured, opulent palate with notes of cardamom, cumin,

SOHO’s Sous Chef Alabaas Fraser has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

2013 Allan Scott Pinot Noir
10% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Smoked Ricotta Flatbread, Arugula, Shallots, Luxardo Cherries

2013 Yalumba Barossa Patchwork Shiraz
100% Shiraz
Paired with: Pork Confit Croquettes, Fall Spice Carrot Puree, Currant Gastrique

2016 The Chocolate Block
Syrah 79%, Grenache 11%, Cabernet 6%, Cinsault 3%, Viognier 1%
Paired with: Pulled Chicken Mole, Spanish Rice, Black Bean Puree

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas).

We can’t wait to see you!

We Reckon You’ll Be Drinking Wine Like An Aussie At SOHO!

09 Thursday Nov 2017

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Australia and New Zealand are fascinating regions for wine.  Altitudes vary from vineyards planted at sea level to those planted at 1000m, climates vary from cool coastal-influenced regions to the hotter interior regions and with some of the oldest landmass in the world, with soil types that are extremely complex. These variations produce the different characteristics of each region – and with it the different styles.

We couldn’t possibly share all of our favorites with you in just one month, but we do have 12 shining stars that we are happy to feature for the month of November! Come explore these amazing regions with us; you’ll be glad you did.

This week’s Flight Night begins on Wednesday November 8th, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 14th.

roos_in_vineyard-Australia

First, SOHO will pour a 2016 D’Arenberg “The Hermit Crab” from McLaren Vale, AU, and offers the following tasting notes,

“The Viognier certainly takes centre stage on the nose in the guise of stone fruits, candied ginger and florals. In the background for those keen on honing their senses, Marsanne adds slightly more exotic notes of green mango, hay and almond. The palate has a lovely medium bodied weight to it, without any of that oiliness that over ripe Viognier can deliver.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2014 Small Gully Winery Small Gully Winery “Little Book” Shiraz from South Australia, AU. The wine is described as,

“Brilliant ruby. Ripe boysenberry, cherry and peppery spices on the highly perfumed nose and in the mouth. Silky and open-knit, with sweet vanilla and cola notes building in the glass; this rich wine is surprisingly lively for its flavor impact. Smooth tannins come in late to add shape and grip.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2015 Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels from the Hawkes Bay, N.Z.  The winemaker says,

“This is a full bodied and rich Hawkes Bay blend. Densely colored, it has a bouquet of blackberry and cherry with a subtle oak seasoning, while the palate is softly textured and generous in nature. Due to its well ripened tannins the wine can be enjoyed young, although it also shows the potential to age gracefully and gain further complexity.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joe Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

2016 D’Arenberg “The Hermit Crab”
Viognier (72%) Marsanne (28%)
Paired with: Crab & Endiva Salad, Orange, Whipped Cream Cheese

2014 Small Gully Winery Small Gully Winery “Little Book” Shiraz  
100% Shiraz
Paired with: Seared Prime Sirloin, Mac n’ Cheese, Cherry Cola Reduction

2015 Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels
Merlot 44%, Cabernet 30%, Malbec 22%, Cabernet Franc 4%
Paired with: Braised Lamb Shank, Mushroom Risotto, Lamb Jus

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas).

We can’t wait to see you!

Get Ready To Go “Down Under” For Flight Night With SOHO!

02 Thursday Nov 2017

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Australia, New Zealand, & South Africa, OH MY! November rolls in, and SOHO is embracing the wines of the Southern Hemisphere! There are so many beautiful varietals to enjoy in this region, that it’s hard for us to pick just three new ones each week.  It’s a terrible job, but somebody’s got to do it! Enjoy our selections this month, and the tapas pairings that Chef Joe has created to enhance your experience!

This week’s Flight Night begins on Wednesday November 1st, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 7th.

New Zealand

First, SOHO will pour a 2017 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, N.Z, and offers the following tasting notes,

“This is an elegant wine with intense tropical and stone fruit aromatics with delicate citrus and floral notes, full flavored and textured. The wine has fine mouthwatering mineral acidity on the finish that refreshes the palate, leaving you longing for more.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2015 Franklin Tate Shiraz from Margaret River. The wine is described as,

“This is a highly expressive wine with great fruit concentration driven by mixed berries and dark, juicy cherry fruit. The tannin structure is chewy, and the oak has provided a sweet, chocolatey flavor along with hints of hazelnuts and toast. White pepper lingers on the finish.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2014 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound from the Western Cape.  The winemaker says,

“Beautifully rich in appearance, showing a deep, dark core. Seductive aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco leaf, tilled earth and that classic cedar wood fragrance so often associated with Bordeaux-style blends.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef Joe Zelinka has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

2017 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Paired with: Tuna and Grapefruit Crudo, Baby Iceberg

2015 Franklin Tate Shiraz
100% Shiraz
Paired with: Grilled Prime Sirloin Skewers Roasted Poblano Chimichurri

2014 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound
Cab Franc 32%, Cabernet 26%, Merlot 19%, Malbec 16%, Petit Verdot 7%
Paired with: Bresoala and Arugula Flatbread, Shaved Tetilla, Faithful Hound Aioli

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas).

We can’t wait to see you!

Where, Oh Where Will We Go First? New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa?

23 Wednesday Nov 2016

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The countries of New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa offer incredible options for those who enjoy complex and diverse wines from different regions.  Throughout the rest of the month of November at SOHO, we are featuring many of these wines from the Southern Hemisphere!  This week’s Flight Night begins on Wednesday November 23rd, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 29th .

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First, SOHO will pour a 2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir from Central Otago, NZ, and offers the following tasting notes,

“Colour: Crimson with purple edges.  Aroma: Intense dark fruit, Black Doris plum and blueberry, forest floor and cloves and spices.  Palate: Up front tannins with Shitake mushroom and dark fruit. Finishes with dark fruit sweetness.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2013 Campbells Rutherglen Durif from Rutherglen, Victoria AU.  The wine is described as,

“Opaque ruby red. Full black cherries on the nose with a lifted floral edge.  The integrated oak ads depth, spice and a hint of char. Intense dark cherry and black plum fruit fill the mouth and slowly give way to a beautiful texture and aromas of ironstone and coffee grounds. The wine finishes with lingering dark fruit, char and very fine tannin.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2015 The Chocolate Block from Swartland, South Africa.  The winemaker says,

“The 2015 Chocolate Block is deliciously decadent, with a nose of ripe raspberry, damson, liquorice, nutmeg and orange rind. The palate is rich and full-bodied with flavours of black cherry, blackberry and cocoa. The wine has a long, lingering finish reminiscent of Swiss dark hazelnut chocolate which finishes fresh and framed by powdery tannins.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef, Jeff Sigler, has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Charcuterie Plate with Finocchiona, Bresaola, Spanish Chorizo

2013 Campbells Rutherglen Durif
100% Durif (Petit Sirah)
Paired with: Grilled Steak Skewers, Chimichurri

2015 The Chocolate Block
Syrah (71%), Grenache Noir (15%),Cabernet (8%), Cinsault (5%) and Viognier (1%)
Paired with: Butternut Squash Dumplings, Roasted Squash, Spiced Pecans, Brown Butter Cream

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas).

We can’t wait to see you!

Delight In The Wines From The Southern Hemisphere At SOHO!

02 Wednesday Nov 2016

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November brings cooler weather to Atlanta (finally!) and SOHO is featuring the amazing and diverse wines of the Southern Hemisphere!  Join us in celebrating  wines from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, with accompanying tapas from our Executive Chef, Jeff Sigler.  This week’s Flight Night begins on Wednesday November 2nd, and the wines and their tapas will be available through November 8th .

best-wineries-of-new-zealand-hans-herzog-estate-gear-patrol

First, SOHO will pour a 2015 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.  The winemaker offers the following tasting notes,

“COLOR: Pale straw.  NOSE: Zesty and vibrant, with a base of rich tropical fruit, kaffir lime, lemon grass and herb aromas.  PALATE: Generous fruit flavors to the fore, with juicy acidity and a fresh, dry finish.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2013 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir from South Island, New Zealand. The wine is described as,

“The palate is rich, with red berry flavors providing some nice fruit sweetness. Soft tannins ensure that the wine is approachable in its youth, however, it does have structure to enable the wine to develop over the years.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2012 D’Arenberg “Footbolt” Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Australia. The winemaker says,

“Laden with dark cherries, rhubarb, plums and aniseed, complemented by a lick of fine, subtle oak and lifted with a sprinkling of pepper and spice.  Generosity of fruit weight, combined with balanced, chewy tannins. What makes this wine stand out in the crowd is its ability to communicate a sense of place through its ethereal, complex and provocative earthy notes.”

SOHO’s Executive Chef, Jeff Sigler, has created a suggested tapa plate to pair with each of the wines!

2015 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Paired with: Steamed Mussels in Tomato, White Wine, and Herb Broth

2013 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 
100% Pinot Noir
Paired with: Seared Tuna, Parsnip Puree, Parsnip Chips, Scallion Salsa Verde

2012 D’Arenberg “Footbolt” Shiraz
100% Shiraz
Paired with: Seared Duck Breast, Carrot Puree, Carrot Escabeche

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapa plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapa plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas).

We can’t wait to see you!