• The following red is 100% Tempranillo, located in the premium Rioja sub-region – La Rioja Alta – and was sourced from hand-harvested fruit. After fermentation it received two to three weeks maceration then underwent malolactic conversion—converting harsh malic acid to creamy smooth lactic acid—followed by 12 months aging in French and American oak barrel then a further six months in bottle. It’s on LCBO Vintages shelves right now.

  
Bodegas Valdelacierva Crianza 2011
DOCa Rioja, Spain $19.95 (438713) 14.0% alcohol 
Fresh, lively aromas of red berry fruit and piquant spice interlace with mocha and cedar on the nose. A medium-bodied, racy river of pie cherry joined by a dusting of cocoa and mixed spice, bathe the palate and infuse the finish and lengthy aftertaste with balance, persistent purity of fruit and pizzazz. Pour after a two-hour, aeration/decant alongside grilled steak, gourmet sausage or burgers. (Vic Harradine)