Chapoutier ‘Rasteau’ 2008
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Rasteau, France $17.95 (321539) 14.0% alcohol
A hand-harvested, Grenache-predominant blend that jumps from the glass with lifted aromas of berry fruit infused with meaty, gamy notes. There are oodles of racy pomegranate, red currant and cranberry flavour riding a focused stream of tangy and spicy acidity throughout. It’s medium-bodied delivering a juicy, dry aftertaste. Pour alongside spicy, meat-laden pizza or pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Château de Montgueret Crémant de Loire ‘Brut’
AOC Crémant de Loire, France $19.15 (621896) 12.0% alcohol
Displaying a frothy mousse, this blend of primarily Chenin Blanc plus Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc has appealing aromas—orchard fruit, citrus, brioche and flint. Vibrant and crisp in texture, the mouth-filling bubbles carry crisp nuances of grapefruit, citrus peel and minerality. Dry, light and refreshing with a lively and persistent finish, it’s a great holiday aperitif and a year-round, go-to sparkler. (Susan Desjardins)
The following sparkling Rosé was sent for tasting along with the above—both from an area that’s the second-largest producer of sparkling wine in France and from a respected producer of sustainable agriculture wine. It’s not available in Ontario, but certainly makes a strong case to earn a spot on LCBO shelves.
Château de Montgueret Crémant de Loire Rosé ‘Sec’
AOC Crémant de Loire, France $N/A 12.5% alcohol
The source varietals—Cabernet Franc and Grolleau—create a shimmering, pale-salmon hue. The bubbles are fine-beaded and frothy while subtle aromas and flavours captivate—ripe, juicy, red berry fruit adorned with wisps of yeasty lees. It showcases deft balance with vibrant, mouth-watering acidity moderated by sweet, red fruit flavour. It’s lip-smacking and juicy on the lengthy finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Errazuriz ‘Estate’ Carmenère 2009
Valle Aconcagua, Chile $12.95 (16238) 13.5% alcohol
Bistro-styled and brimming with value, the rich cherry/berry nose provides segue for a sweet, rich, rush of mulberry, dried berry fruit and spice-infused cherry persisting throughout. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a long aftertaste. It’s the perfect dance partner with a variety of foods—burgers, gourmet sausage, meat-lovers pizza or pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Peter Lehmann ‘Clancy’s Red’ 2007
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 (611467) 14.0% alcohol
This red blend—Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, close to one-third each—never fails to please. It’s full bodied and fully flavoured along with delightful aromas of spice box, tar and black licorice. It’s exceptionally smooth and silky throughout. Succulent mulberry and racy pie cherry mingle with nuances of dark chocolate on the palate and lingering aftertaste. Good sipping on its own it has the heft and balance to match well with hearty stews and grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)
Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Washington State, U.S.A $14.95 (144022) 13.5% alcohol
This gem’s hiding on shelves amongst hundreds of wines costing more, delivering far less; look for it and pick one up. Susan reviewed the ’07, rating it 4½ stars, as well. It’s a classy number delivering a glorious mouthful of delectable, well-balanced flavour—mint-infused juicy, sweet, black cherry and black currant jam adorned with moderating racy, red-berry fruit. It’s mid weight with a smoothly textured mouth feel and a long, delicious, lip-smacking finish. (Vic Harradine)
Sandbanks – Now a decade on, from what was then a huge gamble, Sandbanks has blossomed into, ‘the little winery that could’. The face and heart, wine maker and viticulturist of Sandbanks is the irrepressible, charming Catherine Langlois. Her Quebecois farming roots go deep in the soil first making herself known to Ontario wine lovers as the tireless representative of Pelee Island Winery before planting her roots—vinifera and hybrid—in Prince Edward County in 2000. From a tiny six acres, she’s put her winery on the map with wines delivering good flavour, good balance, good value, selling almost as quickly as they’re bottled. Has Sandbanks reached their potential? As Tillie the little engine exclaimed, “Ha! Are you kidding? Hold on to your smokestack!” Here are three worth your attention.
Sandbanks Baco Noir 2009
VQA Ontario $14.95 (110049) 12.5% alcohol
A crowd-pleasing red that’s chockfull of charm and rich, fruit flavour, it jumps from the glass with a whoosh of sweet vanilla and concentrated, dark field-berry aromas. Palate-coating flavours of black currant jam, plum compote, some spice and hints of dark chocolate persist through the lingering, lip-smacking finish. It’s medium-full bodied and looking for a hearty companion—grilled steak, osso bucco or leg of lamb. The price-quality ratio skews in your favour and this is true across the brand. (Vic Harradine)
Sandbanks ‘Waves’ Cabernet – Merlot 2009
VQA Ontario $14.95 (159962) 12.5% alcohol
Dark toast, cherry and black currant on the nose, it delivers a rich and luscious wash of black currant, pie cherry and sprigs of savoury herb and mint on the palate. It’s medium-full bodied, well textured and underpinned by a perceptible, ripe tannin structure. The dry, mid-length finish is nicely balanced and adorned with nuances of cassis and tobacco leaf. Decant three hours pouring with rosemary-rubbed rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Sandbanks Riesling 2009
VQA Ontario $14.95 (139022) 11.5% alcohol
Captivating aromas of floral, minerality and mango abound. This is a well-balanced, delicious explosion of ripe, juicy fruit with succulent pineapple, ripe citrus and tropical fruit to the fore. The sweet and tang flavour of this off-dry gem dishes up that yin and yang that pairs so well with spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, as well as sushi. (Vic Harradine)
Silver Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009
New Zealand $12.95 (187013) 13.0% alcohol
Expect a combo of gooseberry aromas and lovely, woodland floral and ripe pear notes from this well-priced, pale-hued wine. Minerality and racy acidity underpin the bright basket of citrus flavours that complement an appealing herbaceous note. Light bodied and balanced, it has a silky texture and a persistent tangy, pithy finish. Paired perfectly with seafood appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)
Villa Maria ‘Private Bin’ Pinot Noir 2007
Marlborough, New Zealand $19.95 (146548) 13.5% alcohol
Light on its feet and bone dry, it opens with red berry and spice aromas followed by a focused stream of racy fruit—red currant, rhubarb and pie cherry. It finishes with a lip-smacking surge of cranberry tart and spice. Give it a go alongside pasta in tomato-based sauce or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)