Cono Sur ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
DO Maipo Valley, Chile $12.95 (218883) 13.8% alcohol
This is rock-solid 4 stars dishing up a deftly balanced juicy mouthful of ripe dark fruit and a dry refreshing aftertaste. Aromas of dark cherry, charry notes and wisps of mint presage a juicy wash of Bing cherry, mixed field berry and wisps of toasty oak on the palate and persistent aftertaste. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture and a supple tannin underpinning. Delicious on its own, it has the oomph to pair with grilled strip loin or rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Cono Sur ‘Reserva’ Carmenère Rosé 2009
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $11.95 (234567) 13.5% alcohol
A lifted nose of red raspberry, spice and floral notes provide segue for a river of sweet, ripe fruit on the palate—fresh strawberry and red currant galore. It’s silky smooth and generously textured sporting a well-balanced, crisp refreshing aftertaste of ruby red grapefruit and red berry fruit. This value-packed gem has the body and character to pair up well with roast chicken or lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
Konzelmann ‘Fresco Secco - 4 Generations’ Sparkling 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (193565) 11.5% alcohol
Clean, crisp and refreshing, this 100% Riesling delivers a brief burst of bubbles carrying a good array of racy tangy flavours with lemon-lime, white grapefruit and Granny Smith apple predominant. It’s light on its feet and delicately textured with a lively aftertaste. Give it a go with seafood or lighter appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
Masi ‘Modello delle Venezie’ Rosato 2010
IGT Rosato delle Venezie, Italy $10.95 (587725) 12.0% alcohol
Subtle aromas of field berry fruit and cherry intro this fresh and lively, lighter-styled Rosé. It’s mouth-wateringly crisp on the palate with focused flavours of cranberry and red currant jelly. A great aperitif to get the gastric juices flowing, it really shines with food—white pizza, mesculan salad topped with chèvre or a mixed deli platter. Trust the Masi name, it delivers quality and value. (Vic Harradine)