• Winecurrent met and tasted with Arturo Cousiño, President and 6th generation of the family-controlled Viña Cousiño-Macul, in Toronto recently at Joe Badali’s Restaurant. Arturo spoke passionately of their total commitment to achieving a high standard of quality in all their wines and striving to consistently over-deliver on the price-quality ratio. This, he’s convinced, is why their brand is recognized and respected around the world. The wines tasted and reviewed easily stood up to the challenge. From the über-elegant ‘LOTA’, a project begun in 2003 to celebrate their 150th anniversary and soon to be released in Classics Catalogue (review immediately above), to the flavour-filled, value-laden Cabernet Sauvignon now available in the LCBO. You’ll notice that that 2009 and 2010 are both reviewed below as LCBO stores are just now introducing the 2010. Both are $2.00 off the price shown, now until Nov. 11th, making them rated wines for that time.

Viña Cousiño-Macul ‘Antiguas Reservas’ 2009
Maipo Valley, Chile $15.95 (212993) 14.7% alcohol
Aromas of red and dark cherry/berry and mixed spice mingle with savory herbs on the nose of this mid-weight, nicely textured red. A lively wash of red cherry and currant bathe the palate, infusing the dry, lengthy, tangy aftertaste. This was hand-harvested and aged a short time in French oak. Pour with meat-laden pizza or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)


Viña Cousiño-Macul ‘Antiguas Reservas’ 2010
Maipo Valley, Chile $15.95 (212993) 14.2% alcohol
This dishes up a lifted nose of dark berry fruit, aromatic bitters and cola as segue to a rich-luscious river of juicy black cherry, blueberry and black currant. It’s balanced and beautiful with a mid-full body. There’s a silky smooth mouth feel and lively, juicy finish of cassis and spice-infused black plum, framed by good acidity, underpinned by a supple tannin structure—delicious. (Vic Harradine)


Calamus ‘Cosmic’ Red 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (258129) 12.7% alcohol
A blend of the Cabernets, Merlot and a dash of Pinot Noir, aged 22 months in French and American oak, this wine offers complex aromas—ripe, black fruits, earthy notes, capsicum and smoky spice. Dry, mid-weight, the perceptible tannin and fresh acidity underpin flavours of black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and toasty oak. A structured wine with a dry, spiced, tangy finish, it can be held a further 2-3 years or served with grilled steak or meaty lasagna. (Susan Desjardins)


Grange of Prince Edward ‘Estate’ Pinot Gris 2011
VQA Prince Edward County $14.95 (069336) 12.8% alcohol
Richly spiced aromas of floral notes and pit fruit waft easily from this balanced and beautiful, tangy Pinot Gris. Oozing nerve and verve, it races across the palate in a blaze of blood orange, white grapefruit and lemon zest. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and mouth-watering finish with a pleasant bite of lemon pith on the aftertaste. Pour with prawn ceviche or mussels steamed in this white wine. (Vic Harradine)


Grange of Prince Edward Trumpour’s Mill Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Prince Edward County $16.95 (230227) 13.5% alcohol
Asian spice, dark toast and black berry aromas provide segue to a generous, spice-infused wash of tangy red currant and ripe, juicy cranberry bathing the palate. It’s dry with nice mouth feel and a lovely, lively and lingering aftertaste of spice-infused black plum, good moderating acidity and perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant a couple of hours to smooth everything out and pour with smoked duck breasts or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Bodega François Lurton Pinot Grigio 2012
Valle de Uco, Argentina $11.95 (556746) 13.0% alcohol
Pit fruit, floral notes and honeyed tropical fruit aromas spill from the glass. Delectable and lip-smacking good, it washes over the palate with flavours galore—ripe, tangy citrus, lively yellow plum and a salad bowl of tropical fruit—pineapple, honeydew melon and passion fruit. It’s balanced, beautiful and dripping with gorgeous fruit and great value. (Vic Harradine)