Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot Block 11-140’ Cabernet Franc 2012

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 13.8% alcohol

Subtle light floral notes merge with red and black berry, cocoa and classic pencil shaving aromas on this value-laden red. Dry, medium-full bodied, it showcases a beautiful velvety texture, supple yet powerful tannin paired with fresh acidity framing tasty raspberry and black berry fruit. Notes of cocoa, spice and an earthy quality add complexity through the dry, savoury finish. Serve with herbed leg of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

   
Rockway Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Meritage 2012

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 13.8% alcohol
This equal part Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a tempting, savoury blend. There’s dark fruit, violet, dried herbs, whiffs of vanilla, smoke and pencil shaving aromas. Layers of flavour characterize this medium-full bodied red—blackberry, dried cherry, savory coffee bean, smoky toast and roasted red pepper. Soft tannin frames plush fruit while notes of graphite and bitter chocolate swirl through the long, dry finish. Good value, pour with rare prime rib—aerate/decant three hours or keep a few months before popping corks. (Susan Desjardins)

   
Small Talk Vineyards ‘Recap’ Syrah 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $20.25 (415612) 13.0% alcohol
This opens with red berry fruit, spice and cedar aromas—it spent 18 months in a mix of French and American oak, both new and seasoned. A wash of lively tang—red currant and cranberry—interwoven with cherry and wisps of cola sprint across the palate infusing the balanced finish and aftertaste. It’s medium weight with good texture and lingering, lip-smacking aftertaste. It benefits greatly from a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)