February 2, 2015 Newsletter

The California Wine Fair dates are always worth recording—it visits eight centres across Canada from coast to coast.

Expect over 100 wineries represented and more than 400 wines to taste in one gala event. It’s best to use the spit containers provided while sampling, and to arrange for public transportation.

Highly regarded as ‘the’ wine show of the year that one does not miss; it’s often sold out. Purchase tickets @ www.calwine.ca and have questions answered now via the California Wine Fair Hotline (905) 336-8932 or 1-800-558-CORK (2675).

There are NO tickets sold at the door! 

The California Wine Fair Tour moves across Canada on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 7th: Québec City, Espace Dalhousie
• Wednesday, April 8th: Montreal, Québec, Le Centre Sheraton
• Friday, April 10th: Ottawa, Ontario, Westin Ottawa ( $75. per person from 7 to 9:30 pm)
• Monday, April 13th: Toronto, Ontario, The Fairmont Royal York
• Wednesday, April 15th: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Halifax Convention Centre
• Wednesday, April 22nd: Edmonton, Alberta, Shaw Conference Centre
• Friday, April 24th: Calgary, Alberta, BMO Centre, Calgary Stampede, Palomino Room
• Monday, April 27th: Vancouver, British Columbia, Vancouver Convention Centre

Newsletter highlights include:

• Exceptional value wine   – 6 of 46 wines reviewed meet the strict quality-price guidelines, ranging in price from $13.95 to $17.95; all are identified by the   icon. What strict guidelines?  Click here.
• 5-star Wine – no wine rang the 5-star bell.
• Susan Selects – Simonsig ‘Chenin avec Chène’ Chenin Blanc 2012 found under South Africa: White Wine earning 4½ stars @ $24.95
• Julie’s Jem – Cimicky ‘Trumps’ Shiraz 2012 found under Australia: Red Wine earning 4½ stars @ $19.95
• Vic’s Pick – Osborne Oloroso ‘Premium Medium 10 RF’ Sherry found under Fortified Wine: Sherry earning 4 stars @ $16.95

Access the LCBO store nearest you with stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews then clicking on select stores and entering your postal code. The number of bottles available in each store near you is displayed. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, some stores post earlier. For LCBO wines, it should closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. It’s always best to phone first.

Vintages Release: February 7, 2015

Feature: Native Grapes of Italy

Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2011
DOCG Piemonte $29.95 (155408) 14.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby, this is a classic gem and great value. It’s an elegant wine for long-term aging offering lovely subtle aromas—floral notes, red berries, elusive spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, the tannic structure is evident and the finely wrought texture’s quite silky. This offers a touch of warmth on the beautifully balanced, persistent, dry finish. Cellar or serve with rare prime rib. (Susan Desjardins)

Michele Chiarlo ‘Le Marne’ Gavi 2013
DOCG Piemonte $16.95 (228528) 12.0% alcohol
This dry, medium-bodied gem is quite delightful. It offers attractive aromas of tangy citrus, green apple and fresh bread. The lively texture is accented by flavours of lemon-lime and grapefruit while the defined spine of acidity assures a long-lasting, clean, tasty finish. Serve with seafood. (Susan Desjardins)

San Raffaele ‘Monte Tabor’ Soave 2013
DOC Veneto $13.95 (277392) 12.5% alcohol
There’s a touch of spritziness to this straw-green wine. The nose offers nuanced aromas of citrus, pear, stone fruit and mineral. Dry, light-medium bodied, the citrus flavours dominate, the mineral quality evident. There’s lively texture and the mouth-watering finish is tangy and zesty. Enjoy with pasta in pesto sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Ocone ‘Flora’ Falanghina 2012
DOP Taburno Falanghina del Sannio $18.95 (326694) 12.5% alcohol
This was produced from biodynamic, hand-harvested fruit. It’s a unique, dry, medium-bodied wine with stunning perfumed floral and tropical fruit aromas. Flavours of tangerine and grapefruit zest dominate wrapped in creamy, lively texture. Enjoy with cream-based pasta. (Susan Desjardins)

Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011
DOCG Montepulciano $29.95 (685180) 13.5% alcohol
Garnet hued, this is a fine example of Vino Nobile showcasing evocative earthy aromas, cedar and berry. The structure’s firm, the texture juicy and the ripe red fruit is layered with notes of exotic spice and a replay of the savoury, earthy character. This medium-full bodied red evolves on the palate finishing long and dry. Decant and serve with venison or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2011
DOCG Chianti Classico $19.95 (176776) 14.0% alcohol
This is truly classic Chianti, from its subtle aromas of red fruit, delicate spice and earth to the refined, silky texture and outstanding balance. Dry, medium bodied, it offers great harmony, pleasantly warm, ripe, spiced fruit flavours and a dry, lingering finish. It’s elegant and beautifully crafted. Serve with Osso bucco. (Susan Desjardins)

Ilauri ‘Le Pinciaie’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2011
DOC Abruzzo $17.95 (396663) 13.5% alcohol
This inky, single-vineyard Montepulciano spent 12 months in small oak barrels. Notes of cedar weave through the lifted aromas of spiced rose, blackberry and licorice. Dry, full bodied with a wonderful satiny texture, the tasty spice, savoury notes and ripe berry flavours are layered and underpinned by firm tannins. This is an intricate wine that finishes tangy and tasty. It’s an excellent wine to cellar or to serve now with hearty winter stew. (Susan Desjardins)

Feudi Salentini ‘Luporano’ Primitivo del Tarantino 2012
IGP Puglia $17.95 (395368) 14.0% alcohol
This dense, deep, purple red is a Primitivo/Aglianico blend. Warm, ripe, dark fruit aromas mingle with notions of spice, coffee bean and black licorice. It’s full bodied offering good balance, firm structure, velvety texture and great depth of flavour from the tasty, concentrated fruit. Charry coffee notes and an earthy, herbal quality add complexity while the dry finish offers a pleasant, slightly bitter note. (Susan Desjardins)

Giordano ‘Collection’ Primitivo di Manduria 2012
DOC Manduria $19.95 (51797) 14.5% alcohol
Inky and opaque, this Primitivo is somewhat closed on the nose offering elusive notions of dark berry and smoke. Dry and medium-full bodied, the chalky tannins and fresh acidity frame dark berry fruit and savoury, charry notes that evolve to a faint bitterness on the finish. Serve with roast meats and vegetables. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Fortified Wine: Sherry

Osborne Oloroso ‘Premium Medium 10 RF’ Sherry

DO Jerez $16.95 (87536) 18.8% alcohol

This is racy, drop-dead delicious and excellent value. It’s an elegant enticing dry wine with which to greet guests, it also matches well to consommé or other broth soups containing mushrooms and/or wild rice. A gorgeous tawny colour in the glass, the aromas and flavours are all about raisins, nuts and that a-typical aroma, albeit common to most Sherry, called ‘rancio’. When serving, you can impress everyone with the correct pronunciation of the producer—oz born ay—placing emphasis on the middle syllable. (Vic Harradine) 

Dessert Wine

Featherstone ‘Select Late Harvest’ Cabernet Franc 2011
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (210757) 375 mL 11.5% alcohol
Well crafted and alluring, this deep salmon-hued dessert wine exudes lovely aromas of tangerine, cherry/berry and honey. The tasty, beautifully balanced, honeyed berry fruit is paired with a finely honed acidity. This will be a very enjoyable after-dinner sipper on its own or paired with a chocolate-themed dessert. It’s a nice treat for your ‘honey’ on Valentine’s or any day. (Susan Desjardins)

Icewine

  
Henry of Pelham Cabernet Icewine 2013

VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula $39.95 200 mL (672402) 9.5% alcohol

Aromas and flavours of spice, strawberry and mixed field berry abound. It’s balanced on a pin with sweet ripe fruit mingling with tangy acidity on the palate and stunning finish. It’s full bodied and fully textured and not the least cloying. Pour on its own as dessert for a decadent, romantic treat between two people or alongside strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

Poulet et Fils ‘Brut’ Crémant de Die
AOC Rhône $17.95 (392555) 11.5% alcohol
The light and lively nose combines floral with citrus, stone fruit and a touch of leesy notes. Dry, medium bodied, there’s a slightly pithy note on the palate while flavours of citrus and green apple are carried on a lively mousse. Crisp and fresh through the finish, it’ll make a great appetizer wine. (Susan Desjardins)

Nino Franco ‘Rustico Brut’ Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
DOCG Valdobbiadene $19.95 (277574) 11.0% alcohol
The lemon-lime hue of this wine matches aromas of citrus on the nose and palate while floral notes and a mineral quality add to the complexity. The mousse is fine and persistent, the texture clean and fresh, the finish dry and long-lasting. Toast your Valentine with this gem. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

  
Redstone Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (398966) 13.0% alcohol
This is well-crafted and balanced Chardonnay produced from hand-picked grapes aged 12 months in French oak. There’s complexity on the nose with aromas of honey, orchard fruit, spice and a whiff of flint. It offers fresh clean texture and layers of flavours with subtle nutty, toasty notes and tasty spice layered on orchard fruit and citrus. This is a winner; you’ll enjoy it with lemon-rosemary, roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

  
Coyote’s Run ‘Red Paw Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2012
VQA Four Mile Creek $24.95 (79228) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a refined, garnet-hued Pinot with a subtle nose of sweet spice and red cherry/berry fruit aromas. It’s dry and medium bodied with spice replays married to bright red fruit and delicate earthy notes. The texture’s silky, the acidity refined and the whole is harmoniously orchestrated to deliver a clean, fruity finish—elegance in a glass. (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

Ironstone Chardonnay 2013
Lodi $17.95 (355776) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, white flowers and buttery croissant open this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay. It offers lovely flavours of pineapple and white peach paired with toasty oak. Nicely balanced and creamy in texture, the toasty finish offers good length. Enjoy with garlic roast pork. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Angeline ‘Signature Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2013
Green Valley, Sonoma County $19.95 (396143) 13.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent and ruby-hued, this nicely balanced Pinot offers lovely pure fresh aromas of red fruit, a touch of spice and whiffs of smoke. Dry, medium-bodied with great freshness and refined structure, the focused red fruit replays along with attractive notes of spice. Clean and tasty through the finish, it pairs well with grilled salmon or stuffed, roasted Portobello mushrooms. (Susan Desjardins)

Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2012 

Napa Valley $28.95 (590216) 14.5% alcohol 

This California Zin has more complexity and structure than most along with good balance of ripe fruit, racy tang and soft tannin. Dark berry fruit, roasted herbs, mixed spice and toasty bits on the nose foreshadow a generous palate-bathing wave of bramble berry pie and red currant jelly infused with baking spice. It’s medium-full bodied with decent texture and good tang on the dry, racy aftertaste. (Vic Harradine) 

Cosentino ‘Cigar Zin’ Zinfandel 2011 

California $21.95 (269340) 13.5% alcohol 

Charred oak and black currant aromas on the nose; flavour spills over the palate with spice-infused bramble berry, sour cherry and tang-laden acidity to the fore. It’s medium-full weight and nicely textured with a mid-length finish of spice-infused briary berry and persistent racy tang. Smoked, grilled ribs or grilled strip loin pair well. (Vic Harradine)

Lander-Jenkins ‘Spirit Hawk’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
California $17.95 (161398) 13.5% alcohol
This substantial, intense, full-bodied Cab shines the spotlight on sweet black fruits embellished with attractive notes of mint and cedar on the palate. It’s dry, smooth and round, showcasing velvety texture and ripe tannins with well-integrated oak offering notes of vanilla. Concentrated red fruit flavours and subtle sweet spice persist on the plush finish. This is good value; serve alongside lasagna or meatballs with mushroom sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Fabre Montmayou ‘Gran Reserva’ Malbec 2011
Mendoza $22.95 (279802) 14.5%alcohol
Tantalizing sweet rich spice aromas send you back for another swirl and taste. The palate’s supple and smooth with ripe red fruit and soft tannins. There’s also a little mint and green pepper and the mélange of flavours is just lovely. It’s well rounded, bone dry and full bodied with a hint of vanilla and notions of vegetal notes on the finish. Bring on the ribs. (Julie Stock)

Fabre Montmayou ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mendoza $16.95 (261891) 14.5% alcohol
This is a dark and inky Cab with dried currant and cedar aromas on the nose. It’s bone dry and medium to full bodied with a hint of cassis in the dark fruit along with leathery notes. There’s good structure matching firm tannins alongside green and black pepper on the spicy finish. (Julie Stock)

La Posta ‘Pizzella Family Vineyard’ Malbec 2013
Mendoza $15.95 (234518) 13.5% alcohol
Some wines are meant for pizza and this is one of those. There are noticeable aromas of tobacco and forest floor while the palate opens up to a blast of red and black fruit flavours with a few grippy tannins to add interest. Medium bodied with a little tartness in the finish, it has easy-going appeal for the above pizza or pasta with a simple tomato sauce for those nights when you just can’t multi-task. (Julie Stock)

Lamadrid ‘Single Vineyard’ Bonarda 2011
Mendoza $14.95 (232652) 14% alcohol
A lovely bluish red colour, the grapes were hand-picked and spent time in oak barriques. After just one sip, sweet, ripe dark berries coat the palate, seeming to last forever. Blackberries and sweet spice permeate the long fruit finish. Tannins are soft but complex; the wine has good body and would stand up handsomely with anything grilled or some hot salami and olives. It’s also a great sipper on its own with a good book and fireplace. It’s very good value. (Julie Stock)

Chile: Red Wine

Concha y Toro ‘Terrunyo Peumo Vineyard Block 27’ Carmenére 2011
Entre Cordilleras, Peumo $29.95 (562892) 14.5% alcohol
This brawny, concentrated red is true to its namesake colour, an opaque carmine hue. There’s great complexity on the nose and palate with layers of aromas and flavours—a piquant minty note, blueberry/raspberry pie, dried herbs of lavender and spice with a swirl of smoke. It’s dry, full bodied and potent with great depth and intensity of fruit flavours plus coffee bean, exotic spice and an earthy character. Crafted for aging with a firm underpinning, it finishes as it began, intense, potent and flavourful. Cellar or decant now and serve with game. (Susan Desjardins)

Maquis Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Colchagua Valley $18.95 (311720) 13.5% alcohol
Attractive aromas of herbs, baking spice and dark ripe fruit rise from the inky depths of this dry, medium-full bodied Cab. The well-ripened fruit and spice is paired with a subtle earthy character balanced by ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Savoury and tasty on the finish, it’s a match for braised beef. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2012
Padthaway, $15.95 (673897) 14.5% alcohol
When the winemaker describes his wine as “serious fun” this is my kind of humour. There are engaging aromas of black berries and cedar; it’s full bodied and layered with ripe fruit flavours. The palate’s dry and juicy with fine grained tannins and a long spicy finish loaded with cinnamon, black pepper and plenty of delicious flavours. Others also loved this—it received a Silver Medal in a 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition and another is the 2013 China Wine and Spirits Awards. There’s good value here. (Julie Stock)

Cimicky ‘Trumps’ Shiraz 2012
Barossa Valley $19.95 (27383) 14.5%alcohol
This is dark and inky with alluring woodsy, ripe, black cherry aromas that follow through on the palate. It’s value-packed and full bodied with a pinch of smokiness and noticeable tannins entwining with expressive dark plum flavours creating layers of deliciousness. Partner with a roast or strong-flavoured charcuterie. (Julie Stock)

Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Coonawarra $29.95 (590471) 13.5%alcohol
Maturing 22 months in French and American oak barriques has much to do with the tastes and aromas of toastiness and forest floor that subtly blend with black currant and rich ripe berries. This is weighty and mouth-coating smooth with lots of character. Hints of dark chocolate linger on the rich finish. Try meaty veal loin chop coated in fresh herbs with roast potatoes. (Julie Stock)

Rolf Binder ‘Heinrich’ Shiraz/Mataro/Grenache 2010
Barossa Valley, $24.95 (90258) 14% alcohol
You can’t go wrong with this 65% Shiraz, 25% Mataro, 10% Grenache blend. Aromas of ripe plums and sweet spice carry through to the palate in this bold rich red. Smooth as silk on the tongue with soft tannins, there’s a fruity finish almost reminiscent of Christmas cake. It’s layered and complex with lots going on every sip—you could easily cellar this beauty for a few years. Would be fabulous with a Cottage Pie and don’t skimp on the garlic mash topping. (Julie Stock)

Teusner ‘The Independent’ Shiraz/Mataro 2012
Barossa Valley, $19.95 (289876) 14.5% alcohol
The Mataro grape is also known as Mourvèdre and contributes to the classic ‘GSM’ (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blends. Perhaps because it loves the sun, the grape can be tannic with high alcoholm, but it sure makes the perfect partner in this wine. There’s a royal burgundy-mahogany colour, lush plums and spice on the palate with firm assertive tannins and leather on the finish. It’s quite full bodied and will soften with age. This is good value. (Julie Stock)

New Zealand: White Wine

Kim Crawford ‘Small Parcels Spitfire’ Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough $24.95 (38240) 12% alcohol
Tantalizing aromas of green melon and gooseberry feature prominently while passion fruit and citrus dance on the palate. It’s crisp and clean with zesty acidity and slight herbaceous notes on the finish. A lovely, light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc that would be great with a chicken wrap or veggie omelette. (Julie Stock)

Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough $18.95 (225557) 13.5% alcohol
It’s pale in colour with lively green apple aromas that give your nose a vivacious squirt of acidity before tasting. This is very fresh with lots of lemon-lime on the palate that’s also soft and creamy with a tangy clean finish. Not overpowering—although there’s lots of backbone—it would be a fabulous match for some spinach spanakopitas. Any leftover phyllo pastry hiding in the freezer? (Julie Stock)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Giesen ‘The Brothers’ Pinot Noir 2012
Marlborough $29.95 (402685) 14%alcohol
Pinot Noir is not my favourite varietal but this is inviting. The shimmering soft garnet colour and dried brambly fruit aromas pique your interest before the first sip. Sweet and sour cherries do a waltz on the palate, bone dry and silky smooth. It’s a real easy sipper with pleasing red berries on the after taste. This has well-defined structure and suppleness that great Pinot Noir exhibits. It would be lovely with baked salmon and a fruit salsa. (Julie Stock)

South Africa: White Wine

Simonsig ‘Chenin avec Chène’ Chenin Blanc 2012
WO Stellenbosch $25.95 (282772) 14.0% alcohol
Fermented and aged in French oak, this is a powerhouse of lush tropical fruit, honey and nutty, buttery aromas that simply rush from the glass. Dry and lusciously creamy in texture, there’s a dash of white pepper and hints of toast complementing flavours of pineapple, mango, pear and honey. This offers an extended fruit-filled finish and showcases remarkable richness balanced with refined acidity. Savour with creamy cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: Red Wine

Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
WO Coastal Region $16.95 (146894) 14.5% alcohol
Produced by Boekenhoutskloof in the Franschhoek Valley, this classic Cabernet is good value offering appealing aromas and flavours of cassis, cedar, herbs and spice. Dry, medium bodied, the concentrated black berry fruit is framed by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Herbal notes replay mingling with an earthy note through the tasty finish. It’s a wine of character that’ll pair with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)

Rustenberg Shiraz 2011
WO Stellenbosch $19.95 (399248) 14.5% alcohol
This fine Shiraz was produced from hand-harvested fruit aged 16 months in French oak. It’s subtle on the nose presenting aromas of red and black berry, vanilla, spice and pepper. The rich, well-ripened berry fruit is balanced, dry and medium-full bodied with clean texture, fine-grained tannins and delicate toasty notes mingling with spice through the rich, fruity finish. Serve with lamb chops and fresh mint sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

France: White Wine

Stéphane Berg Gewürztraminer 2012
AOC Alsace $16.95 (390674) 13.0% alcohol
This award-winning classic offers heady aromas—floral, rosewater, lychee, baking spice, apricot and tangerine. It’s off-dry, medium-full bodied, absolutely luscious and intensely spicy. There’s mango on the palate with a replay of tangerine and apricot reaching marmalade-like flavours. It’s rich, spicy and unctuous on the lengthy finish. Serve with soft cheese or lobster. (Susan Desjardins)

Domaine de Rochebin Chardonnay Mâcon-Azé 2013
AOC Mâcon-Azé $16.95 (156943) 12.5% alcohol
You won’t go wrong with this fine Chardonnay from southern Burgundy—it offers floral and fruit notes on the nose, lively texture, mineral character and replays of citrus and orchard fruit on the juicy, medium-bodied palate. This is well crafted finishing dry, clean and tasty. It’s a versatile match for all manner of fish, fowl and white meats. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Rosé Wine

Gérard Bertrand ‘Côte des Roses’ Rosé 2013 

AOP Languedoc $18.95 (373985) 13.0% alcohol 

Aside from the unique, collectible glass stopper, this has a substantial nose and mouthful of flavours. Aromas of red berry fruit, wild herbs and mixed spice intro a medium-bodied, nicely textured splash of ripe strawberry, tangy cranberry and red cherry mingling with cherry cordial and red licorice. It finishes dry and refreshing looking for a deli board or crumbled chèvre over mesclun mix. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

Château Le Bourdieu 2010 

AOC Médoc $19.95 (085084) 13.5% alcohol 

Red cherry and spice aromas provide segue for a mouth-watering spray of sour cherry and red currant mingling with black currant and baking spice on a medium-full-bodied frame. There’s good purity of fruit throughout with perceptible tannin and lip-smacking acidity. Pour after a three-hour aeration/decant alongside pasta in tomato sauce or Swiss steak. (Vic Harradine) 

Delas ‘Saint-Esprit’ Côtes du Rhône 2012
AOC Côtes du Rhône $15.95 (729962) 13.0% alcohol
You can rely on Côtes du Rhône for good value and this dry, medium-bodied, Delas blend—Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre—is a fine example. Winsome floral notes drift from the glass entwined with ripe dark fruit, licorice and a touch of spice. The subtle structure and fine acidity expertly balance ripe flavourful fruit while well-integrated oak offers a pleasant note of toast through the lengthy finish. Stock up. (Susan Desjardins)

Portugal: Red Wine

Quinta dos Carvalhais Colheita 2010 

DOC Dão $16.95 (13474) 13.5% alcohol 

Aged in French and American oak, this award-winning deep-ruby gem showcases alluring aromas of berries, dried fruit and baking spice. Dry, full bodied, it’s firmly structured with chalky tannin and clean acidity. Lively flavours of red berry, cherry and blackberry bathe the palate; notions of ripe fig and spice persist on the long dry finish. This can be cellared or enjoyed now after a two-hour aeration/decant with robust meat dishes – pick up a few. (Susan Desjardins) 

Spain: Red Wine

Lacrimus Crianza 2009
DOCa Rioja $17.95 (359968) 14.0% alcohol
Spain continues to offer outstanding value—the promise of this 85% Tempranillo/15% Graciano blend evident in its inky purple hue. The aromas are intense and layered—red berry, licorice, exotic spice, dried herbs and smoke. The tasty fruit bathes the palate, the texture’s dense, medium-full bodied and velvety. Expressive tannins, well-integrated oak and toasty notes persist through the warm, dry, extended finish. It’s a great wine to cellar or to serve now with meat stew. (Susan Desjardins)

New in the LCBO

Costa Mediana Valpolicella Ripasso 2011
DOC Valpolicella $16.95 (377648) 14.0% alcohol
There are lovely evocative aromas here—fresh red fruits, sweet spice and a touch of red licorice. Dry and medium bodied, this is a lively wine with velvety texture, harmonious balance and pleasant nuances of well-integrated oak. The ripe tangy fruit is concentrated; there’s a whiff of dried berries and chocolate while a pleasing hint of bitterness persists through the warm finish. Enjoy with tomato and meat-based pasta or firm cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic, Susan, Julie