Spirits

$2.00 off price shown below for Hayman’s Dry Gin now until June 21, 2014 


Hayman’s London Dry Gin 
England, UK $27.95 (358200) 
Crystal clear and brilliant, distilled with 10 botanicals and licorice, some are discernible on the nose—orange, lemon and black licorice. It’s smooth and mellow on entry with notions of lime cordial. This is quite dry on the pleasing, smooth finish. This is excellent quality and very well priced. (Vic Harradine) 


Concha y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère 2012 

Las Pataguas Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile $18.95 (30957) 14.5% alcohol 
Aromas of dark cherry and spice presage a tang-laden river of red and black cherry and dried currants robed in spice and roasted herbs bathing the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and a lengthy, balanced, dry finish. Each sip is as good or better than the previous—very well structured. Pour with rare-grilled skirt steak. (Vic Harradine) 


Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2012 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (64618) 13.0% alcohol 

Offering tangy, lifted aromas of cherry, berry, herbs and vanilla, this is a finely crafted dry, medium-bodied Franc. Red fruit flavours are complemented by earthy notes, smoke, spice and vanilla framed by fine-grained tannins and clean acidity. There’s an attractive whiff of roasted red pepper that lingers through the finish of this ripe, nicely structured and well-balanced red. (Susan Desjardins) 


Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection Blue Label’ Merlot 2012

California $24.95 (595686) 13.5% alcohol 
Black plum, exotic spice and wisps of fennel and black currant herald a fully flavoured, creamy smooth wash of pure ambrosia—cassis and kirsch liqueur robed in mocha and mouth-watering tang. It’s mid-full weight with a balanced, delectable finish and aftertaste. This is structured, complex and downright delicious. Pour alongside slow-roasted pork or chicken dishes. (Vic Harradine)