Fortified Wine: Brandy

• The following Torres 10 Imperial Brandy Gran Reserva was sourced from white wine, distilled then matured in American-oak casks in a traditional solera system with the brandy in the oldest barrels being ten-years old.

95  
Torres 10 Imperial Brandy Gran Reserva
Product of Spain $29.95 (522359) 40.0% alcohol
Aromas of vanilla, apple pie spice and desiccated apricots abound on the nose. The mahogany-hued liquid sips easily and slips effortlessly over the palate dominated by the warmth and allure of this aged beauty. Flavours of dried peach, nutty notes, Christmas cake spice weave their way over the palate persisting through the lengthy fade with its orange-rind bite. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2016 Silk and Spice ‘Red Blend’ is multi-regional—Dão/Lisboa/Bairrada—and a multi-blend—touriga nacional, baga, syrah, alicante bouschet. The front label is a treasure for anyone with even a passing interest in maps as this is an ancient map drawn around the time of the silk and spice routes that traders plied in the 14C.

Red Wine

• From now to December 30, 2017 there is a price discount of $2 for each bottle purchased of the following Silk and Spice Red Blend. You’ll pay only $10.95 for each bottle.

88  
Silk and Spice ‘Red Blend’ 2016
Product of Portugal $12.95 (533307) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark berry fruit, grilled savory herbs and mixed spice precede a sweet-tinged flow of raspberry and candied cherry flavours on the palate decorated with balancing tang. This is light on its feet, smooth on the palate with a good spicy bite on the finish. Pour alongside pizza, burgers, wings or creamy mac and cheese.

86  
Torres ‘Altos Ibéricos’ Crianza 2014
DOCa Rioja, Spain $14.95 (527291) 13.5% alcohol
Red and dark cherry and grapey aromas announce a mid-weight, lightly textured stream of tangy flavours with crunchy pie cherry and passionfruit to the fore along with notions of wispy tannin, toasty notes and minerality. Hand-picked tempranillo was fermented in stainless steel tanks matured 12 months in French and Americasn oak and further 12 months in bottle under controlled temperature and humidity before release. Pour with appetizers and mains, beef, chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)