Catena Zapata ‘Catena’ Chardonnay 2013
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (918805) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit, spice and floral notes introduce a creamy smooth, nicely textured wave of ripe apple, poached pear and white peach mingling with baking spice—balanced and beautiful. It’s medium weight with a dazzling finish of baked apple and lemon curd. Lovely sipped, it pours well with roast chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)
Domaine la Haute Févrie Sèvre-et-Maine sur Lie Muscadet 2013
AOC Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine sur Lie, France $13.95 (390625) 12.0% alcohol
Produced from hand-picked, old-vine fruit, this classic beauty offers enticing aromas of floral notes reminiscent of sweet woodruff, orchard fruit and lemon drop with an elusive saline character. Dry, a touch spritzy and light-mid weight, the texture’s silky and round. Tart and tangy, there’s loads of citrus fruit and pith dancing across the palate. The lengthy finish is clean and refreshing. Serve with fish and seafood. (Susan Desjardins)
Jardin en Fleurs Vouvray 2013
AOC Vouvray, France $18.95 (392050) 11.5% alcohol
Offering subtle aromas of clover, ripe orchard fruit, earth and honey, this lovely Chenin Blanc is light and lively on the palate, showcasing flavours of ripe pear, lemon curd and honey. Nicely balanced with a refined backbone of acidity, it displays a touch of residual sugar through the tasty finish. This is a good choice to sip on its own, to serve with light appetizers or pair with roast pork with apples. (Susan Desjardins)
Southbrook ‘organic and biodynamic - triomphe’ Cabernet Franc 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $21.95 (275958) 12.9 % alcohol
This is benchmark cool-climate Cab Franc with all the ripe fruit flavour, complexity and structure one could hope for. Aromas of mocha, wood smoke and dark berry fruit introduce a palate-bathing, balanced wash of rich, dark cherry, tangy black currant and dark bittersweet chocolate. It’s full flavoured and fully textured with a long finish that’s framed with sleek, moderating acidity and a supple tannin underpinning—this is quite special. (Vic Harradine)
The next three wines are Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores
Kaiken ‘Reserva’ Malbec 2011
Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (58339) 14.5% alcohol
Asian spice, black currant and pipe tobacco precede a dense, rich wash of fruit-laden flavour with black cherry, mulberry and briary berry to the fore. There’s oodles of spice on the fruit-drenched finish and aftertaste. Pour this fruit bomb alongside grilled back ribs mopped in spicy barbecue sauce—a hedonistic experience and well priced. (Vic Harradine)
The Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is $2.00 off the price shown until November 30, 2014
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2013
DOC Valdadige, Italy $17.95 (106450) 12.5% alcohol
This offers delicate aromas of lemon blossom and pit fruit. It bathes the palate with a lighter-styled wash of lemony tang and white grapefruit with flecks of pineapple and white peach, finishing clean, crisp and refreshing. Pour on its own or with seafood or lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
Southbrook ‘organic and biodynamic’ ‘triomphe’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $22.95 (193573) 12.9% alcohol
Showcasing good structure and purity of fruit; the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Aromas of savory roasted herbs, baking spice and sandalwood introduce a cascading gusher of ripe fruit—mulberry, black currant and juicy dark cherry robed in espresso roast and black licorice. This is medium bodied, well balanced with generous texture, supple tannin and lengthy fruit-filled finish—yet another dazzling triomphe for winemaker, Ann Sperling. (Vic Harradine)