• The following 2020 Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Cabernet-Merlot is a red blend sourced from cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon from select VQA Niagara Peninsula vineyards with all grapes gently moved by gravity and tannins kept to a reasonable minimum. A relatively swift fermentation extracts juicy, fruit flavours with just the right amount of tannin. The cap is managed with a combination of gentle pulse-air and careful pump overs ever mindful of keeping tannin extraction to an acceptable minimum. The price-quality balance of the finished wine tips well in your favour; pick up a few.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Cabernet-Merlot 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (504241) 13.5% alcohol
Appealing aromas of exotic incense, black and red cherry/berry fruit decorated with wood smoke abound on the nose of this nicely balanced, creamy smooth, blend of palate flavours with red cherry, red currant and juicy black plum to the fore. It’s ready to drink now with a smooth, mellow mouthfeel and fine-grained polished tannin and a lengthy flavourful finish and aftertaste. Give it a go with burgers, pasta or pizza. (Vic Harradine)
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Bodegas Piqueras 'Castilla de Almansa - Reserva' 2017
DO Almansa, Spain $13.95 (270363) 14.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of mixed spice, grilled savoury herbs, black currant and cassis precede a mouthful of tang-laden bramble berry, pie cherry and a firm underpinning of perceptible tannin that’s easily ameliorated with a brief aeration/decant. Pour on its own or with grilled or roasted seasoned beef or back ribs smoked, grilled and mopped with barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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Bodegas Piqueras ‘El Abuelo - Organic’ Verdejo – Sauvignon Blanc 2020
DO Almansa, Spain $10.45 (11586) 12.5.0% alcohol
Floral aromas mingle with grassy notes and hints of citrus on the nose of this well-paced and well-priced white wine. It blankets the palate with a light-medium bodied stream of racy tang and Granny Smith apple intertwined with mineral notes and plenty of lively pizzazz throughout. It sips well on its own and pours well with pan-seared freshwater fish, steamed mussels or breaded and baked calamari. (Vic Harradine)
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Bodegas Piqueras ‘El Abuelo - Organic’ Tempranillo – Monastrell 2020
DO Almansa, Spain $10.45 (524520) 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of black, juicy cherry/berry fruit adorned with mocha and smoky notes on the nose of this tempranillo-monastrell—a.k.a. mourvèdre—blend sourced from sustainably grown fruit in the heartland of the Almansa region at 750m a.s.l. It’s laced with tang and perceptible tannin riding a wave of juicy black currant, dark plum and plenty of red pie cherry and passionfruit from first to last drop. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours and pour with chili con carne, lasagna or pulled-pork fajitas. (Vic Harradine)