• The following Featherstone Cabernet Franc is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores
Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 12.5% alcohol
This is refined and charming finishing lengthy and flavourful; it was hand harvested and indigenous-yeast fermented. An involved nose of tobacco, chocolate and black cherry aromas provide segue to a mid-weight, smooth and mellow, nicely balanced wash of red and black currant interwoven with spice and wisps of cherry pie filling. It’s good to go now and versatile—sip on its own or pour with roast chicken, gnocchi with pancetta, or your idea of comfort food. (Vic Harradine)
Domaine Font De Michelle ‘CuvéeTradition’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012
AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France $47.95 (400358) 15.2% alcohol
The Gonnet family has owned land since the 1600s with present vines +45-years old. This fabulous red blend—70% Grenache/10% Syrah/10% Mourvèdre and 10% field blend—leaps from the glass with bramble berry, tobacco and black licorice aromas. It surges over the palate with delectable flavours of heady black Bing cherry, ripe mulberry and cassis. Balanced, structured and lively, it finishes lengthy, luscious and oozing fruit and lip-smacking tang. Good to go now and on to 2023. (Vic Harradine)
C & D ‘Saint-Tropink’ Rosé 2014
AOP Côtes de Provence, France $12.65 (405431) 12.5% alcohol
Watermelon and sliced strawberry aromas open up this spice-laden gem. It refreshes the palate with a gentle flow of spice, ruby red grapefruit and notions of candied cherry flavours. It’s medium bodied with smooth mellow texture and a crisp, clean finish. It’s just the wine to sip during a day in the sun or to pair with charcuterie, deli board, roast chicken or smoked salmon. Offering exceptional value, pick up a half dozen. (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol
Winemaker Paul Pender took the heartbreak grape from a heartbreak vintage and fashioned a top-drawer red—a tip of the hat to Paul. Roasted herbs, cola and black plum aromas announce a nicely balanced, light-medium weight and well-textured river of passion fruit, blueberry and savoury herbs with wisps of strawberry jam. The pristine purity of fruit persists through the savoury-infused, lengthy finish and aftertaste—a thing of beauty. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores
Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.95 (111989) 13.0% alcohol
This organic/biodynamic gem is a perennial favourite. Delicate aromas of sandalwood, citrus and hints of baking spice herald a focused mouthful of tangy lime cordial garnished with mineral/slate undertones and crisp green apple, all delivered with great élan. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a stylish finish. The aftertaste lingers with lemon pie filling, piquant spice, chalky minerality and a boatload of value and charm. This is not to be missed and will develop further after short-term ageing. (Vic Harradine)