Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate’ Riesling 2007
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $17.95 (286377)
Flinty, slate and citrus on the nose, this offers more complex flavour than previous years, possibly reflective of the warmer conditions in ’07. There’s a tsunami wave of succulent fruit on the palate with key lime pie, yellow peach and ripe white grapefruit gliding along on a most generously textured mouth feel. The purity of fruit is focused and persistent, ending with a lengthy finish that layers on crisp green apple and peel marmalade. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
Louis Jadot ‘Bourgogne’ Chardonnay 2008
AOC Burgundy $19.95 (933077) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of ripe tree fruits, light toast and vanilla waft from this beautifully balanced white Burgundy. It’s full bodied and complex with a soft texture. Citrus and ripe apple flavors are balanced with perceptible acidity. The finish is long and warmly satisfying. Consider having it with roast chicken or turkey. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Susan Desjardins)
Louis Jadot ‘Combe Aux Jacques’ Beaujolais-Villages 2008
AOC Beaujolais-Villages $16.95 (365924) 12.5% alcohol
Racy and full of verve, this opens with aromas of mixed spice, red berry fruit and red cherry. The flavours—red pie cherry, cranberry and ripe pomegranate are carried along on an assertive spine of acidity. It’s light to mid weight and well textured with a racy and lip-smacking finish. This is looking to partner with tomato-based food like a grilled chicken breast smothered in tomato mushroom sauce or lasagna. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
Kilikanoon ‘Killerman’s Run’ Shiraz 2006
South Australia $19.95 (925453) 14.0% alcohol
An inky, purply red, this wine is a blockbuster! Intense blackberry, smoky oak and vanilla aromas waft from the glass. Soft and well rounded, the wine is nevertheless balanced and tastes of berry fruit pie with a touch of sweet spices and pepper. It has a long warm, peppery finish. Try it with venison or lamb tenderloin. This is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores. (Susan Desjardins)
Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2006
DOCG Chianti Classico $19.95 (606541) 13.0% alcohol
A great value from Antinori, this is a more modern-style Chianti. Opaque in the glass, the nose is reminiscent of berry pie or fresh black cherries, with hints of vanilla and cedar. The wine is well balanced and well structured with slightly drying tannins and strong berry flavors. Notes of espresso complement the ripe fruit on the lingering finish. This is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores. (Susan Desjardins)