Carmen Vineyards ‘Reserva’ Carmenère 2008
DO Colchagua, Chile $10.95 (169052) 14.0% alcohol
This is fruit filled and balanced, punching well above the price and offering great value. Deep purple, almost opaque, aromas of spice, vanilla and black currant waft freely. It brims with rich luscious flavours of ripe mulberry, black juicy cherry and mocha. The deftly balanced finish lingers with a wisp of oak and a glorious array of dark berry fruit. (Vic Harradine)
Carmen Vineyards ‘Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
DO Maipo Alto, Chile $17.05 (358309) 14.0% alcohol
Look for delicate aromas of bramble berry, spice notes and wood smoke. Rich, elegant flavours of black currant and mint-laden black cherry coat the palate framed by moderating acidity underpinned by ripe, sweet tannin. Medium bodied with a generous mouth feel, it finishes dry and balanced. Low-yielding, hand-picked fruit and scrupulous site selection coalesce in this flagship red. (Vic Harradine)
Torres ‘Coronas’ Tempranillo 2006
DO Catalunya, Spain $13.50 (29728) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of lilac, crushed dark berry and red licorice open this value-packed red—the price-quality balance is tipped well in your favour. Ripe succulent fruit flavours wash over the palate of this medium bodied gem with mulberry, juicy Bing cherry and spiced black currant predominant. This is smooth as satin and über approachable with a lengthy finish that’s balanced, warm and fruity. (Vic Harradine)
Flourish Chardonnay – Viognier 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $10.95 (192658) 12.6% alcohol
Spice and floral on the nose, this sports a wash of apple and pear on the palate with hints of apple compote on the short finish. Its light-medium bodied with a lacy texture. Pour on its own as an aperitif or alongside lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
Flourish Merlot – Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $10.95 (192658) 11.8% alcohol
The lifted nose delivers spice-packed aromas of mixed field berry fruit. On the palate the flavours are sweet and distinctive—black currant and racy, drying blueberry. The after taste is consistent, replaying flavour from the palate and finishing quite dry. Pour well alongside spicy back ribs. (Vic Harradine)
Flourish Riesling – Vidal 2009
VQA Ontario $10.95 (192492) 11.0% alcohol
Floral, spice and orchard fruit aromas on the nose, the flavours are sweet and succulent—apricot, apple and pear underpinned by tropical fruit—balanced on the brief aftertaste with notes of spicy citrus. It’s light-bodied and delicately textured making it a perfect sipping wine. Serve well chilled. (Vic Harradine)
Fonseca ‘Bin 27 Fine Reserve’ Port Non-vintage
DOC Porto $16.95 (156877) 20.0% alcohol
Dark fruit aromas—plum, raisin and field berry—drift from the glass of this sweet and succulent dessert wine. Ripe and generously textured flavours flow over the palate with spice cake, black plum compote and currants predominant. This is best sipped at the end of a meal on its own or with a mixed plate of hard aged cheese and nuts or with dark chocolate. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)