14 Hands ‘Hot to Trot White Blend’ 2011
Washington State $14.95 (280859) 13.0% alcohol
Honeysuckle, musk melon and buttery notes on the nose, it bursts on the palate with lemony tang, Granny Smith apple and notions of ripe melon and mango. Medium bodied, nicely textured and well balanced, it finishes wrapped in mouth-watering, lemony tang and hints of pear. Pour on its own or pair with chicken, veal or sea food—good value. (Vic Harradine)
Argento Chardonnay 2013
Mendoza, Argentina $9.95 (591701) 13.5% alcohol
There are ripe apple, crème brulée and citrus aromas on the nose preceding a racy river of tang-laden lemon-lime and white grapefruit. It’s light on its feet with flavours replaying on the persistent aftertaste. Pour alongside prawn ceviche or grilled calamari rings under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
The Boschendal Chardonnay earns 5 bonus AirMiles until November 29, 2014
Boschendal ‘1685’ Chardonnay 2012
WO Western Cape, South Africa $14.85 (367698) 14.0% alcohol
Pineapple and other tropical fruit aromas introduce a tang-laden river of lemon curd and tangy lime interlaced with passion fruit and crisp green apple. This is medium weight with very good mouth feel and crisp, clean, refreshing finish. Pour with fish or seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Montes ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $12.95 (157883) 14.0% alcohol
Charred toast, aromatic bitters and dark berry fruit on the nose, this Cab Sauv/Merlot blend bursts on the palate with full-bore, magical flavours of bramble berry, black, juicy Bing cherry wreathed in dark chocolate. It’s medium bodied, well balanced, creamy smooth and absolutely delicious. The finish replays those wonderful palate flavours on the long, dry aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Eco-friendly, the following two wines are the only VQA organic wines in LCBO listings. They use light-weight glass bottles produced in Ontario from recycled glass with labels designed and printed in Ontario.
Southbrook ‘Connect - Organic Red’ 2013
VQA Ontario $15.95 (249565) 11.8% alcohol
Baking spice and roasted herbs mingle with red berry fruit aromas. It’s fresh and lively on the palate with a tapestry of flavour—pomegranate, red cherry and strawberry interwoven with wisps of piquant spice and red licorice. This is light on its feet with a fine line of acidity and tangy red fruit throughout. The dry finish is mouth-watering and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)
Southbrook ‘Connect - Organic White’ 2013
VQA Ontario $15.95 (248078) 9.9% alcohol
Honeysuckle and a salad bowl of tropical fruit aromas herald a well-balanced wash of tangy lemon-lime citrus and pineapple on the palate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and clean, crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste—lip-smacking good. Pour with grilled or pan-seared freshwater fish—pickerel or trout—with a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
The Terre del Barolo is $4.00 off the price shown until November 30, 2014
Terre del Barolo ‘Barolo Vinum Vitae Est’ 2008
DOCG Barolo, Italy $27.15 (264333) 14.0% alcohol
Showing a little age on the brick-coloured edges, a bouquet of toasty oak, dark chocolate and ripe cherry dominates the nose on this nicely aging Nebbiolo. It bathes the palate with a wash of sour cherry, kirsch liqueur and wisps of pomegranate. Mid weight and nicely textured this showcases balance and grace with good purity of fruit. There’s a tangy line of acidity and soft tannin for structure. Pour with venison or elk, grilled rare. (Vic Harradine)