June 14, 2022 Newsletter
Breaking News!
Flat Rock Cellars, a popular Ontario winery in Niagara, came out top of their class at one tasting
and top of the world in a recent Decanter sponsored tasting! Read more by clicking here.
June 2nd 2022 had Online-only Exclusive Release - No LCBO in-store release and No Vintages printed release catalogue for that date.
New in Vintages
The following two wines are in LCBO stores now!
• The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is an LCBO Vintages Essentials wine always in stock in select LCBO stores. 100% chardonnay fruit was hand-harvested and sourced from three estate vineyards with 85% from their Moira site/8% from their Mottiar site/7% from their Estate Vineyard with an average vine age of 23 years. 44% of the Moira fruit was destemmed while the 56% remaining was pressed in whole clusters along with Mottiar and Estate Vineyard fruit and comprised 45% of the total then was fermented in neutral hogshead barrels with an average age of six-years-old. Juice from the Moira and Estate grapes comprise 55% of total and was directed to stainless steel for primary fermentation without malolactic fermentation. The barrel portion completed both primary fermentation as well as malolactic fermentation and rested on the lees for nine months. The two portions were combined and bottled August 2021. The switched on Malivoire winemaking team certainly captured the dazzling 2020 VQA Beamsville Bench vintage and it shines through the wine; kudos and a doff of the cap to them all.
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 (744235) 12.5% alcohol
Expressive aromas with plenty of lemon curd, lime cordial and Granny Smith apple along with wisps of orange peel zest waft easily from the glass. It captures the palate with lip-smacking acidity and a boat load of racy pizzazz presented as poached pear with crisp ginger tones, passionfruit and mineral notes that persist through mid-palate and on to the the crisp and refreshing finish. Pour alongside prawn and chorizo paella or lobster claws and tail dipped in warm, clarified butter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Wakefield Wines ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon was matured up to 12 months in French oak barrels before final blending and bottling.
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Wakefield Wines ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
GIs Clare Valley & Limestone Ridge, South Australia $19.95 (744235) 14.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of exotic spice, rich ripe dark cherry/berry fruit and notions of mocha, cigar box and grilled savoury herbs abound on the nose of this medium-plus bodied nicely textured cabernet sauvignon from 2 premium wine regions in South Australia. It glides over the palate with concentrated flavours of ripe mulberry and black currant adorned with excellent tang and racy pizzazz and underpinned with soft ripe tannin. You’ll find persistent purity of fruit to and through the juicy, lengthy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste along with deft balance with each sip as good, or better, than the previous. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour; pick up an armful and pour with backyard burgers or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
New in LCBO stores now
• The following 2020 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Baco Noir is their flagship baco noir and a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores. This is also a wine in high demand in other countries, especially Great Britain where the agent just can’t get enough to satisfy consumer demand. If you haven’t tried it, this price is a $3 discount for a limited time only. Pick up a few or more. I know I will.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve – Family Estate’ Baco Noir 2020
VQA Ontario $24.95 (461699) 13.5% alcohol
Dark and brooding in the glass, it’s dark-purple and opaque. Aromas of pipe tobacco and gamy bits mingle with black cherry/berry fruit on the nose of this expressive French-American hybrid grape. It dazzles the palate with a surge of racy acidity and oodles of pizzazz expressed as racy pie cherry and hints of pomegranate adorned with © Ribena flavours of ripe, juicy black currant and wisps of black plum compote that both persist to and through the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pick up an armful as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pour alongside a meaty rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
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Henry of Pelham Riesling 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (268375) 11.0% alcohol
Sharp aromas of grassy notes and minerality meld well with crisp, refreshing Granny Smith apple preceding a surge of racy tangy palate flavours consisting of nerve, verve and acidity expressed as lemon pie filling, passionfruit and oodles of green apple along with hints of peach and pear. This punches well above the price; pick up a few and pour with freshly shucked briny oysters or your favourite sushi fish platter. (Vic Harradine)
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (557165) 11.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of apple, ripe apricot, honeydew melon and floral notes waft easily from the glass after the gentlest of swirls. It envelops the palate with a lovely stream of barely off-dry flavours with lemon pastilles, tarte tatin and ripe pineapple to the fore. Pick up an armful and pour with spicy Thai and Vietnamese food, tandoori chicken or beef vindaloo. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Henry of Pelham Rosé is a Vintages Essentials Wine and is in select LCBO stores now. This wine is accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario as being sustainably grown. It was sourced from a blend of red grapes that were gently moved by gravity then saw only three hours of skin contact before being fermented at cool and controlled temperatures of 14 to 16 ° C in stainless steel tank preserving delicacy and freshness. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few while this price discount of $2 per bottle lasts. I did… and I’m going back for more.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Classic’ Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (613471) 11.5% alcohol
This is a luminous pink-hued rosé with plenty of aromas that waft easily from the gentlest of swirls. It’s also bursting with myriad fruit flavours on the palate—ripe strawberry and racy pie cherry meld beautifully on the front and mid-palate while underpinned by tang infused-citrus with blood orange and ruby red grapefruit providing a delectably dry finish and mouth-watering aftertaste from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own or alongside freshwater rainbow trout fillets that are pan-seared along with a side of garlic and butter-braised asparagus and another side of steamed Jasmine rice. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: June 18th, 2022
Champagne
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Dom Pérignon Champagne Rosé Brut 2005
AOC Champagne $382.95 (91777) 12.5% alcohol
Add this to your bucket list—name is mystical, the bottle and label command attention and the pour is intriguing. It’s a mature, wild-salmon shaded blend of 60% chardonnay/40% pinot noir offering unique aromas—fresh rose petal, pomegranate, ripe red plum, a hint of marshmallow and flinty minerality that captivate the nose. It hits the glass creating a rich, pinkish mousse that quickly disappears leaving microscopic-bead bubbles hardly perceivable until they tingle the tongue. A profusion of fine and aerial bubbles fill the palate with a delicate froth carrying delectable flavours—ripe stone fruit, crusty baguette, strawberry, tart dried cherry and persistent mineral notes exposing an exceptional and elegant balance of the two grapes. This is delectable on its own with enough structure, complexity and length to make an outstanding companion to langoustine or a red-tuna sashimi feast. (Louise Boutin)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2020 Jaraman Shiraz was sourced from estate vineyards in Clare Valley where the winery is located while McLaren Vale’s noted for their peppery Shiraz. The wine was matured in a mixture of coopers’ pre-loved American oak hogsheads—30% in 1 year old and 70% in 2-3 year old for an average of 14 months before being bottled. There were some extreme weather conditions during the growing season, including the lowest temperature recorded in spring and the highest ever temperature in summer, but overall, the vines showed great resilience and wine quality is strong with intense flavours and colours across the classic Clare Valley varieties. In McLaren Vale, the conditions leading up to vintage 2020 were dry. These conditions, in combination with a hail event in November and hot weather in January and February resulted in both an overall reduction in harvest yields along with a corresponding increase in fruit flavour profiles intensity—what you lose on the roundabouts you make up for on the swings.
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Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Shiraz 2020
Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, Australia $24.95 (377036) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of dark and juicy fruit—black plum, juicy black Bing cherry and black raspberry—intertwine with espresso roast, floral notes, peppery spice and notions of vanilla. It blankets the palate with boisterous and bountiful palate flavours of peppery spice, blueberry, black bramble berry and ripe black cherry and mulberry. This is full bodied and fully textured with a supple underpinning of ripe tannin along with good mouthfeel and plenty of tangy acidity and oodles of pizzazz along with persistent purity of fruit to and through the finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside your favourite grilled meat including grilled gourmet sausage, medium-rare steak or barbecued backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)
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Paringa Shiraz 2019
South Australia $16.95 (632083) 14.9% alcohol
Freshly crushed blackberry and purple plum aromas seep from the glass along with a hint of tar and cracked black peppercorn. Very smooth on the palate and surprisingly light on its feet, this medium-full bodied red matured one year in half-and-half new and used French oak barrels. It offers juicy flavours of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, adding persistent peppery character mid-palate and a bright note of raspberry in the dry finish. Perfect for a barbecue treat with diverse meats of vegetarian alternatives. (Louise Boutin)
New Zealand: White Wine
• The following is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores
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Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island $28.95 (677450) 12.5% alcohol
There’s absolutely nothing shy or retiring about this sauvignon blanc. An explosion of aromas jump from the glass revealing grassy notes, citrus zest, gooseberry and canned peas followed by a tang-laden gusher of gooseberry jelly, lime zest, flinty minerality and a boatload of snappy tang and pizzazz. It’s medium-bodied with generous mouthfeel and an über-lengthy finish decorated with excellent acidity and wisps of pear and apple. Pour alongside olive-oil-dressed arugula under crumbled chèvre or a heap of mussels steamed in a cup of white wine… this white wine, if you wish. (Vic Harradine)
• The following is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores
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Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (326090) 12.0% alcohol
This is a cool-climate styled pinot grigio that was stainless steel fermented with a similar profile both on the nose and palate—ripe pear, green apple, a touch of ginger and a grassy/herbal note in the background. It’s medium-light bodied with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. It pairs well with friends and a sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)
New Zealand: Red Wine
• The following is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores
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Kim Crawford Pinot Noir
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $23.95 (626390) 13.0% alcohol
A portion of this elegant and easy-drinking pinot noir has been aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. This has resulted in a complex nose with aromas of musty wood, dried red fruit, fresh cherries and spice. It’s medium bodied with good acidity and tannins that start gentle then slowly grow, but never become overwhelming. Red berry flavours linger nicely on the finish. It can be cellared another three years and enjoyed with a beef and mushroom stew. (Dave Isaacs)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: July 16th, 2022
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Pinot Noir 2020
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $19.95 (20751) 13.0% alcohol
This is a pinot noir that’s deeply ruby hued and aromatic, sporting aromas of bramble berry and juicy black cherry intertwined with earthy and floral notes. It rolls over the palate with good acidity, expressed as pie cherry, passion fruit and cranberry/raspberry, persisting through the tangy finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Give this a go with lamb tagine or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
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Quails’ Gate ‘Dry Riesling’ Riesling 2020
VQA Okanagan Valley, B.C. $19.95 (308312) 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, lemon-lime and a fruit bowl of peach, apricot and Mirabelle plum abound on the nose of this exceptional-value racy riesling. It captures the palate with a creamy-smooth, nicely textured wash of balanced flavours playing nicely together—racy, juicy acidity juxtaposed with ripe orchard fruit and plenty of jazz and pizzazz to and through the persistent mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. Pick up a few and pour on its own or with olive-oil dressing on arugula under a generous sprinkling of feta cheese. (Vic Harradine)
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.15 (227025) 11.7% alcohol
Very aromatic and quite attractive when poured in the glass. Aromas of apricot, blood orange and Ruby Red grapefruit abound on the nose decorated with mineral notes and exotic spice. It envelops the palate with a dry, racy surge of tang-infused pizzazz and acidity presented as passion fruit and sweet red cherry along with wisps of sweet watermelon and a mid-length lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside mixed sushi platter, pan-seared scallops or rotisserie roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 pinot noir was fashioned by Buena Vista winery California’s first and now oldest premium winery founded in 1857 in Sonoma. The following wine was sourced from six discrete sub-appellations in the AVA North Coast. Fruit was sorted pressed and aged for seven months in a blend of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels.
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Buena Vista ‘North Coast – Vinicultural Society’ Pinot Noir 2018
Sonoma County, California $24.95 (24112) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of pie cherry and exotic spice adorned with mocha and cinnamon are released with the gentlest of swirls. It blankets the palate with a tang-infused wash of passionfruit and pie cherry supported by excellent acidity and fruit-forward flavours of bramble berry and juicy black Bing cherry that extend to and through the lingering, deftly balanced finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour with coq au vin or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Viña Real Crianza Rioja was sourced from 90% tempranillo and a 10% mix of garnacha, mazuelo and graciano with all grown in premium wine areas and vineyards of long time suppliers from generation upon generation. The finished wine was matured for 13 – 14 months in French and American oak barrels before bottling and release. The harsh weather conditions were fortunately rescued by a warm summer and then more good luck as it became a wet winter and a godsend repellent to the previous drought conditions.
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Viña Real Crianza Rioja 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 (657411) 13.5% alcohol
This is surprisingly light in colour, but manages to retain wonderful rich flavours of dark juicy cherry, ripe black currant and persistent purity of fruit flavours throughout. There’s good balance of racy tang, soft ripe tannin and a lengthy finish that adds baking spice and sweet vanilla to the delightful mix. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few and pour with pasta puttanesca or lamb tagine or chorizo and prawn paella. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages online only, Release Date: July 30th 2022
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $15.95 (23906) 12.0% alcohol
Floral and citrus aromas intertwine with chamomile tea and hints of melon. It races over the palate with a linear, laser-like streak of acidity that makes its way to the crisp refreshing finish accompanied by a dry, lemon curd aftertaste as well as hints of saline minerality. Pour this alongside freshly shucked briny Malpec oysters under a few dots of Tabasco sauce ©, a pinch of horseradish and a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Order the following wine by the bottle(s) or case(s) for daily delivery to home, office or restaurant online from this link to Henry of Pelham – There is free delivery on 12 or more bottles in Ontario. Select ‘12 Bottles+’ at check out and allow up to 10 days for delivery or, order online then pick up bottle(s) or case(s) from the winery at 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines ON. Here’s a map.
• The following 2020 Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Padre’ Cabernet Merlot was 100% barrel-aged for 16 months in a mixture of new and older pre-loved oak with 60% French oak barrels and 40% American oak barrels. This reflects the dazzling VQA 2020 Vintage that the alert wine-making team at Henry of Pelham has captured in this wine. It also bears the exceptional-value icon pointing to a multiple buy.
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Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Padré’ Cabernet-Merlot 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 13.3% alcohol
Divine aromas rise from the glass—incense, red cherry, black currant, and wisps of cedar cigar box. It continues to be sourced from the holy trinity of the Bordeaux blend—cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon/merlot. It rolls over the palate nicely balanced with a mouthful of flavour—ripe black currant and raspberry robed in excellent tang and acidity and wisps of dark bittersweet chocolate. It’s medium-weight and satin smooth throughout the tasting and it’s so much more than the psalm of its parts. Pick up a case and rejoice over the next 12 months or so alongside your favourite backyard burgers, grilled gourmet sausage or your favourite pizza. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wines by the case for daily home or office directly online from Kacaba Vineyards with FREE shipping in Ontario on orders of six bottles or more, by phone at 1 866 522-2228 or 1 905 562-5625, or pick up a bottle or case from the winery (curbside pick-up or shop in the boutique it’s open 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week) at 3550 King Street in Vineland ON. For various wine shopping options during COVID-19, click here.
• The following Vintage-dated 2019 ‘Irresistible’ Sparkling Rosé was sourced from the same grape varieties most popular in making French Champagne – 66% chardonnay/20% pinot noir/14% pinot meunier with all hand-harvested. This was fashioned in méthode Charmat with the 2nd alcoholic fermentation made in a special stainless steel tank before being bottled and sealed with a cork and wire cage. The base for this wine was gently pressed to avoid skin contact. After settling, the grape varieties were fermented in separate batches then blended as one into stainless steel. The base then aged for 22 months in stainless then was transferred to a special Charmat tank in October 2020 for its 2nd alcoholic fermentation under pressure. After 2 months of ageing on its lees, the now sparkling wine was racked, filtered and bottled December 2021. This wine and the other Kacaba wines that follows, owe a hearty thanks and doff of the cap to winemaker Vadim Chelekhov and his marvelous winemaking team.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Irresistible – Joanne’s Blend’ Sparkling Rosé 2019
VQA Ontario $30.15 12.2% alcohol
A good mousse, aka bubbles, when poured in the glass, there is also a seemingly endless steady-stream of fine-bead bubbles winding their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the wine in the glass. This is fully flavoured on the palate with pie cherry, red currant and oodles of acidity and pizzazz intertwined with ripe black plum compote and notions of kirsch liqueur. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel, persistent purity of fruit and good balance. The price is right, you could pick up a few and keep for friends who drop in unexpectedly. Serve as an aperitif or match with appetizers such as smoked salmon, oysters Kirkpatrick or crab cakes, (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ was sourced from gamay fruit as it has for many previous vintages. 2021 was another wonderful summer of warmth and just enough rain without serious weather disturbances. Fruit was picked in the cool early morning in mid-October and brought to the winery to cold soak for 24 hours before being gently pressed; which resulted in an attractive pink-hued rosé. It was fermented using a special commercial yeast the cold and long fermentation that followed amplified and concentrated flavours captured during press. It was also cold-stored for a lengthy time avoiding malolactic fermentation before being bottled in April 2022.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.15 (227025) 11.7% alcohol
Very aromatic and quite attractive when poured in the glass. Aromas of apricot, blood orange and Ruby Red grapefruit abound on the nose decorated with mineral notes and exotic spice. It envelops the palate with a dry, racy surge of tang-infused pizzazz and acidity presented as passion fruit and sweet red cherry along with wisps of sweet watermelon and a mid-length lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour alongside mixed sushi platter, pan-seared scallops or rotisserie roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• In the following 2021 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc, once again the excellent 2021 Vintage really shines throughout this lovely, light-on-its-feet wine. Picked at the peak of phenolic ripeness and before the rains came, the fruit for this wine underwent 24 hours of cold soaking then the wine-making team pressed and allowed the juice to settle naturally by gravity at very cold temperatures. After a cold and slow fermentation the wine was allowed to winter in stainless steel tanks achieving cold stability naturally. There was no malolactic fermentation with this wine.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.15 10.5% alcohol.
Aromas of savoury herbs, mango and hints of mint jelly, Granny Smith apple and citrussy notes waft easily from the glass with the gentlest of swirls. It dazzles the palate with a laser-like streak of grapefruit, lemon curd and saline minerality that carry through the mid-length finish and aftertaste. This is clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to final drop. Pour alongside briny freshly shucked, oysters dotted with hot sauce, a pinch of horseradish and a squeeze of fresh lemon wedge. (Vic Harradine)
• Fruit for the following 2021 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Reserve – Premium Series’ Riesling was sourced from vines growing on the footsteps of the Niagara Escarpment. Taking advantage of the excellent 2021 vintage, the grapes were allowed to hang on vines into October. Grapes were harvested very early in the cool morning then quickly and gently pressed at the winery. Juice was settled at very cold temperatures for over a week prior to racking. Juice was then allowed to warm for fermentation which was conducted at low temperatures. The fermentation process was stopped allowing for residual sugar in the wine. Over the winter the wine continued to develop floral and fruit flavours. The wine was then bottled in April 2022.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Reserve – Premium Series’ Riesling 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.15 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of white flowers, green apple, and ripe honeydew melon can be coaxed from the glass with some vigorous swirls. This dazzles the palate with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz in this off-dry, flavourful riesling. There’s a myriad of palate flavours with lemon pastille, crisp green apple, and sweet white peach to the fore. This is nicely balanced and showcases persistent purity of fruit and a lingering, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Short term and careful cellaring – up to five years – should be handsomely rewarded. Pour with the usual suspects; freshly shucked oysters, grilled calamari or spicy Asian food like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)
• Access the Locust Lane Winery website by clicking on the link below where you will find out how to purchase this wine that reflects a dazzling 2020 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore vintage and the winery promises free shipping to your home, office or licensed restaurant. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour making this an exceptional-value wine.
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Locust Lane Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2020
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $16.95 12.5% alcohol
Savoury herbs, grassy notes and plenty of lemon citrussy aromas can be coaxed from this excellent sauvignon blanc. It blankets the palate with a tang-infused river of lemon curd, passion fruit and wisps of gooseberry with a creamy smooth mouthfeel intertwined with persistent purity of fruit, deft balance and a lengthy finish and aftertaste. The price-quality balance swings well in your favour, pick up an armful directly from the winery, see above link to the winery. Pour alongside pan-seared scallops, grilled calamari rings or East-Coast pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following wine is sold at the winery only, order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with FREE shipping on orders of $99 or more, or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario and Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays and noon to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays, and noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There are guidelines due to COVID-19 that change often, best to phone or email first (the website has a space to type and is linked to their email)
• The following 2021 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Moira’ Rosé is available only at the winery. It is sourced from 100% hand-harvested pinot noir from the Estate vineyard of the original Moira Vineyard with unfermented grape sugar coming in at an average of 20.6 ° Brix. Whole-cluster grapes were gently pressed for minimal contact between juice and skins leading to the lightly hued finished wine. After briefly chilling in a low-profile stainless steel tank for optimum lees contact it was transferred to a standard steel tank. The finished wine was bottled in January 2022.
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Moira’ Rosé 2021
VQA Beamsville Bench $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Deep, rich and layered aromas deliver a smorgasbord of fruit with strawberry, rhubarb and watermelon to the fore. It awakens the palate with a racy streak of tang-laden passionfruit, lemon curd and pomegranate that join with ripe flavours of wild strawberry, pie cherry and grilled savory herbs. It finishes in a lingering aftertaste with great élan and elegance that fleshes out ripe fruit and racy tang. Give this a go with a pan-seared fillet of Atlantic salmon under a squeeze of fresh lemon when served. (Vic Harradine)
• Use this link Rockway Vineyards to search their winery website for the following and other wines available to you as they will take your order online and deliver to your home, business office or licensed restaurant. They advertise FREE standard shipping for orders of at least $50.00. You can also phone them as they are open daily 11 am to 6 pm - 905-641-5771 or you can email them - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Only estate-grown, 17-year-old Chardonnay grapes were harvested for the following 2020 Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot’ Chardonnay. Fruit was gently pressed then the juice was cold settled in tank before going to barrel for alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation before being aged for nine months in 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrel. Once matured the wine was racked back into tank where it was stabilized, and filtered before bottling. It reflects the dazzling 2020 vintage and captures deft nuances from the VQA Twenty Mile Bench. Kudos and doff of the cap to the Rockway Vineyards wine-making team for this wine and all those that follow.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.00 14.2% alcohol
Appealing aromas of lemon citrus, crisp Granny Smith apple, ripe pear, baking spice and rising dough abound on the nose of this medium-plus bodied chardonnay that sports satin-smooth mouthfeel and fruit-forward flavours of juicy lemon and mixed spice on the palate and through the finish and aftertaste decorated with saline minerality and plenty of pizzazz. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Rockway Vineyards Gewürztraminer was sourced from a small-ish estate block that is a little less than one acre. The hand-picked fruit was gently whole-cluster pressed for optimum flavours. Juice was cold settled and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The alcoholic fermentation was stopped just before it would have naturally stopped to achieve perfect balance between the residual sugar and the excellent acidity.
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Rockway Vineyards Gewürztraminer 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.00 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, exotic spice and tree fruit—Mirabelle plum and ripe apricot—precede a textbook mouthful of gewürztraminer with palate flavours of tinned lychee preserved in rosewater, sweet vanilla and excellent balancing acidity that persists to and through the finish and aftertaste. Give this barely off-dry beauty a go with a special Sunday, family-dinner of baked bone-in ham adorned with cloves inserted in the outside of the ham along with a maple-syrup glaze… a match made in heaven? (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Rockway Vineyards Gamay was sourced from a vineyard neighbouring their estate vineyards. Fruit was destemmed and crushed into tank for fermentation then left to macerate for a total of 25 days then gently pressed and transferred to 15% new French oak and 85% to neutral French oak barriques. Malolactic conversion occurred in early months of barrel maturation. The wine was filtered before being bottled. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few.
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Rockway Vineyards Gamay Noir 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.00 12.0% alcohol
Fruit-forward aromas of fresh berry fruit are intertwined with nuances of gamey notes. The palate’s enveloped in a replay of simple berry note aromas with black raspberry and black currant to the fore along with wisps of mixed spice, ripe tannin and oaky notes. This is light on its feet with excellent balance of racy tang, loads of succulent fruit flavours and a soft, ripe barely perceptible tannin underpinning. Drink alongside your favourite pan-seared fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon or with Montreal smoked meat sliced up and served with boiled cabbage that’s finished in a fry-pan with fine-diced cooking onion. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot’ Syrah was destemmed, crushed then put into stainless steel tanks where it was cold-soaked and fermented. It was pumped over twice daily for 19 days. After fermentation it was pressed off into tank and transferred to 25% new French oak barrels and the balance to neutral oak. It matured 18 months before being racked into stainless steel tanks for filtration then bottling.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot’ Syrah 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.00 13.0% alcohol
This is lightly hued ruby in the glass with distinctive aromas of sprigs of wild herbs and freshly ground black pepper alongside dark cherry/berry fruit and kirsch liqueur. It caresses the palate with satin-smooth texture, creamy mouthfeel and oodles of ripe fruit flavour—dark cherry and bramble berry—coupled with balancing acidity and soft, ripe tannin. There’s persistent purity of fruit throughout and pours well with grilled rack of lamb, roast potatoes and a sprig of mint. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Rockway Vineyards ‘Staterra’ red blend was sourced from various select premium vineyards in the VQA Niagara Peninsula appellation—the 50% merlot was selected from a vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake; the 30.6% cabernet franc and 19.4% syrah was sourced from Rockway estate vineyards. The grapes were harvested at maximum ripeness, crushed and destemmed into tank for fermentation. The wine was macerated for 28 days with pump-overs before being sent to barrel for maturation. The wine matured for 18 months with 25% in new French oak and 75% in neutral oak.
After blending, the wines were transferred out of barrel, filtered and bottled.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Staterra’ 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.00 13.5% alcohol
Grilled savory herbs, black cherry and toasted oaky notes join with bramble berry, black currant and mocha on the nose of this medium-bodied, structured and still-evolving red blend. It’s full- Monty flavoured with deft balance of fruit flavours, delightful tangy acidity and a perceptible and acceptable ripe tannin underpinning. This is drinking well now and should improve over the next few years, Give it a try with boeuf Bourguignon or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Rockway Vineyards Cabernet – Shiraz was sourced from 50.0% cabernet franc and 37.5% syrah with both estate-grown along with 12.5% cabernet sauvignon from a neighbouring vineyard. The grapes were harvested at different times to capture full ripeness of the fruit flavours and tannins and to balance with the acidity. Grapes were destemmed and crushed into tank for fermentation then macerated for 28 days with daily pump-overs. The wine was then pressed off and into tank for settling. It then matured for 18 months in 25% new French oak with the remaining spending its time in neutral oak barrels. All the wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation while in barrel. The wine was filtered before being bottled.
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Rockway Vineyards Cabernet - Shiraz 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.00 13.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of cherry/berry fruit and cassis waft easily from the glass with the gentlest of swirls. The racy tang envelops the palate along with grippy tannin infusing the black currant and juicy black cherry fruit flavour. It’s full of pizzazz and bracing acidity with a lengthy finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant three hours before serving with grilled steak seasoned generously with Hy’s seasoned steak salt or tuck away for a year or so of careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Cabernet Franc was sourced from an estate vineyard and harvested in late October. Fruit was destemmed and crushed into tank for alcoholic fermentation with once or twice a day pump-overs. The wine macerated for a total of 25 days prior to being gently pressed then transferred to 20% new French oak with the balance in neutral French oak barriques. Malolactic fermentation occurred during early months of barrel ageing and was then filtered before bottling and wine release.
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Rockway Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $28.00 13.5% alcohol
Mixed spice and dark cherry/berry aromas abound on the nose of this gem of a cabernet franc. It envelops the palate with a surge of persistent purity of fruit and concentrated, pure ambrosia with a river of blueberry, black bramble berry and black, juicy Bing cherry robed in excellent acidity, deft balance and an underpinning of delightful tannin that persists to and through the juicy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour alongside chorizo-stuffed Poblano peppers. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: TBD 2022
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Domaine André Brunel ‘Est-Ouest’ 2019
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $15.95 14.5% alcohol
This red blend of mostly grenache with cinsault and syrah is hand-harvested and aged in vats after the fermentation phase. The nose is attractive with very focused aromas of ripe cherry and black plum, a hint of gamey character and graphite minerality. On the palate, an initial silky soft stream of red cherry and cassis flavours grabs along the way fine-grained chewy tannins, earthy and peppery notes and carries this profile into the dry and pleasant savoury finish. This is a medium-full-bodied food companion particularly delicious with game meats or mushroom risotto. (Louise Boutin)
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André Brunel ‘Le tracteur de Brunel’ 2021
Vin de France $14.95 14.0% alcohol
Grenache, syrah and merlot mingle perfectly in this young blend vinified in stainless steel tanks and offering fresh aromas of red cherry, blackberry, raspberry plus white mushroom and dusty quality. Tart red fruit flavours take the lead on the palate adding spiciness and über fine tannins before closing with a dry slightly peppery finish. This is an exceptional-red, surprisingly feeling light on its feet, that will be perfect for a week night spaghetti with meatballs or a simple charcuterie and terrine board. (Louise Boutin)
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André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 2020
AOP Châteauneuf du Pape, France $47.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of smoky black fruit with licorice and floral notes in the background, this medium-full bodied blend—70% grenache and equal parts of mourvèdre and syrah offers a silky textured palate with plenty of ripe blackberry, cassis and plum flavours. The tannins are polished yet noticeable along with the beautiful acidity and warming effect in the fruity-mineral finish with a peppery aftertaste. Pair with braised beef short-ribs or sausage stuffed portobello mushroom on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
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Domaine Fond Croze ‘Confidence’ 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône $14.95 (20951) 14.5% alcohol
A beautiful medium-purple shaded robe introduces very discrete aromas of blueberry, blackberry and black peppercorn. The palate welcomes a silky textured wash of mixed crushed berries dusted with black pepper before showing bright acidity and earthy notes in the finish and aftertaste. Pour this medium-full bodied red alongside lamb burgers or green lentil and root vegetable stew after one hour of aeration/decant (Louise Boutin)
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Domaine Fond Croze Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2020
AOP Rasteau, France $24.95 15.5% alcohol
This is a high-octane, hand-harvested red blend—grenache-syrah-mourvèdre—from old vines matured in 500L French barrels for 12 months. The nose is profound with ripe dark fruit aromas at the fore followed with a wonderful wave of black licorice emerging as you dig deeper in the glass. On the palate, you’ll find a velvety and juicy flow of berry compote combined with peppery notes and zesty acidity, all framed in polished yet slightly grippy tannins and a comforting warm spicy generous finish. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside braised lamb shanks or grilled eggplant with tahini sauce and mint. (Louise Boutin)
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Artisans Partisans ‘Alice 1820’ 2021
AOP Corbières $16.95 13.0% alcoholv]
This bright purple shaded, organic blend of syrah, carignan and grenache screams youthful aromas of crushed mixed berries, black plums, orange zest with yeasty notes. No wood contact in the fermentation nor maturation process, instead six months of ageing on lees in stainless steal tanks. It flows easily on the palate with fresh flavours of blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry and a slight peppery note complementing the picture. Tannins are moderate and welcomed in the overall profile. This medium-bodied red is an excellent companion to mixed grilled artisan sausages along with gourmet mustards. (Louise Boutin)
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Artisans Partisans ‘Capucine premier rendez-vous’ 2019
Vin de France $15.95 14.0% alcohol
Fragrant blueberry compote aromas lead the way in this blend of equal parts syrah, grenache and carignan, followed with ripe black cherry, dark chocolate and a nice whisper of lavender. This is a medium-full-bodied red, treating the palate to a juicy river of fresh flavours aligned with the aromas, all wrapped in smooth tannins and bright acidity offering endless possibility at the table. Try red sauce pizza with bell pepper and black olives, charcuterie board, duck confit, etc. (Louise Boutin)
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Cave de la Comtadine Côtes du Rhône 2020
AOP Côtes du Rhône $16.95 14.1% alcohol
This red blend of mostly grenache with syrah opens up with beautiful aromas of dark plum, blackberry, cola and a fresh peony-like floral note. Light and soft as a feather at first on the palate, with flavours of blackberry, cherry and cassis, it is quickly caught-up with a warm and peppery effect trailing in the slightly chewy and pleasant spicy finish. This intriguing bold red wrapped in a velvet blanket will be perfect alongside marinated juicy flank steak on the grill or summer ratatouille. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2021 Cave Coopérative des Grand Vins de Pazac ‘Le Pigeonnier’ Red was sourced from 50% syrah/20% carignan/20% marselan/10% grenache that were matured in vat for 6 months before bottling.
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Cave Coopérative des Grand Vins de Pazac ‘Le Pigeonnier’ Red 2021
AOP Costiéres de Nîms, Rhône Valley, France $14.95 (20950) 14.5% alcohol
This is smooth and mellow on the nose expressed as beguiling aromas of soft rose petals, ripe juicy dark berry fruit and notions of crème de cassis. It caresses the palate with soft ripe tannin and well balanced tang and acidity and generous pizzazz delivered with a boatload of charm, persistent purity of fruit and mid-length finish and aftertaste that adds to the satisfying experience of tasting this wine, either on its own or with your favourite grilled meat dishes like rack of lamb or backyard burgers. Enjoy. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois - La Source’ was hand-harvested from 80% grenache/20% syrah from vines averaging ten-years-old. Domaine Courtois is a family-owned estate going back several generations. This had temperature-controlled vatting for five to eight days at a cool 25 °C before bottling in early April, 2022.
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Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois - La Source’ 2021
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $15.95 (526640) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral and exotic spice notes mingle with black currant and strawberry on the nose. It coats the palate with mild flavours of racy red cherry/berry fruit along hints of black juicy Bing cherry and notions of © Ribena and plenty of racy acidity. It’s a simple wine with few rough edges and is easily sipped on its own or poured with your favourite appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois – Saint Pierre’ was hand-picked from a vineyard sporting vines that are some 35 years-old growing in chalky-clay soil. Three different premium grape varieties—50% syrah/40% grenache and 10% mourvèdre make up the final blend. Wine was aged in vats for 12 to 20 days in oak barrels with 1/3rd in new barrels/1/3rd in one-year old barrels and the final 1/3rd in two-year-old barrels. It was then stored for 12 months in a cool cellar. The varieties were kept separate when ageing then blended as is shown in the above percentages before bottling. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour; you may want to pick up a few.
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Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois – Saint Pierre’ 2018
AOC Vinsobres, Côtes-du-Rhône, France $22.95 14.0% alcohol
There are alluring aromas of sweet vanilla, baking spice and rich dark cherry/berry fruit intertwined with grilled savory herbs and hints of toasty notes on the expressive nose of this fruit-forward gem. It envelops the palate with dazzling tang and pizzazz expressed as juicy black cherry and luscious black bramble berry along with full-Monty texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel from cork pop to last drop on the lengthy and deftly balanced fruit flavours, soft, ripe tannin underpinning and plenty of tang-infused acidity. It’s a brawny red wine wrapped in a velvet glove. Pour with a premium cut of salted and rare-grilled beef steak or rare-grilled venison steak. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 13- to 16-year-old, trellised, Fairtrade-certified vineyards predominantly in the Swartland region. The vines were meticulously managed to produce yields of below 6 tons per acre. The 100% cabernet sauvignon fruit was hand-picked and cold soaked for 24 hours. Fermentation was initiated using select yeast strains with the temperature kept under 26 °C. The non-alcohol, malolactic conversion was completed in tank while ageing occurred for six months in French and American oak.
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Bodegas Garci Grandi ‘12 Linajes’ Verdejo 2021
DOP Rueda, Spain $14.95 13.0% alcohol
Bountiful aromas can easily be coaxed with the gentlest of swirls. Look for floral and citrus notes soon joined by peach and nectarine. It’s tang-laden and riding a laser-like stream of lemon pie filling and notes of white grapefruit on the palate soon to be joined with tang-infused flavour and plenty of pizzazz throughout. Another wine that punches well above the price, pick up a few, if you get the chance. Pour alongside grilled and breaded calamari rings or your favourite pan-seared fish or steamed mussels in cream, leeks, garlic and white wine. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Bodegas Garci Grandi white wine was sourced from Verdejo grapes grown in various plots of the Rueda wine region. The following 2021 Bodegas Garci Grandi ‘Señorio Garci Grandi is certified both organic & vegan.
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Bodegas Garci Grandi ‘Señorio Garci Grandi’ Verdejo 2021
DOP Rueda, Spain $14.95 13.0% alcohol
Sexy aromas of exotic spice, rose petals and alluring white flowers precede a gusher of palate flavours with Granny Smith apple and ripe Bartlett pear to the fore mingling with lip-smacking lemon curd and racy white grapefruit. It’s pure ambrosia and perfect as a summer sipper or poured with lighter-styled appetizers or pan-seared fish and sea food under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
· The following Alba Vega Albariño 2021 was sourced from 100% Albariño grapes from one of the premium wine appellations for this particular grape—DO Rias Baixas, situated in the far North-West of Spain. Given the quality-price ratio being so much in your favour, pick up a few, if you can.
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Principe de Viana ‘Alba Vega’ Albariño 2021
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $15.95 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of soft citrus and floral notes can be easily accessed with the gentlest swirls. It has medium-plus texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel with palate flavours that have persistent purity of fruit that is crisp, clean and refreshing from first to last drop—Meyer lemon, passionfruit and lime juice. The mouth-watering finish lingers with more of the same as does the lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with all manner of pan-seared fish or steamed mussels or beer-battered fish, with a side of chips. (Vic Harradine)
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Rutini Wines ‘Cruz Alta - Reserve’ Chardonnay 2021
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of honeydew melon, citrus and tropical fruit abound on the nose of this crisp and refreshing, nicely oaked chardonnay. It captures the palate with a deftly balanced river of persistent purity of fruit with Granny Smith apple and ripe Bartlett pear mingling with baking spice, mineral notes, vanilla and toasty notes. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and creamy-smooth lemon curd on the palate and on the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. There’s oodles of pizzazz throughout. Pour with roast chicken or panko-breaded veal cutlets. (Vic Harradine)
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Rutini Wines ‘Cruz Alta - Reserve’ Malbec 2021
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Black cherry/berry fruit aromas intertwine with hints of blueberry, black plum and bramble berry on the nose of this Mendoza, Argentina Malbec. The wine in the glass is ruby-hued, but not nearly opaque. The palate’s treated to a surge of flavours with bramble berry pie, crème de cassis and black juicy Bing cherries that persist to and through the finish and aftertaste that relays and replays the palate flavours with grand aplomb. Given the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour, pick up an armful, if you get the chance. Give it a go with backyard burgers or medium-rare grilled steaks. (Vic Harradine)
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Rutini Wines ‘Cruz Alta - Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 13.5% alcohol
This wine was sourced in high-altitude estate vineyards in the Uco Valley, Mendoza. After alcoholic fermentation this wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation then matured for eight months in 50% all new French oak and 50% all new American oak. An interesting nose of toasty oak, grilled savory herbs and notions of juicy black currant and © Ribena. It streaks over the palate with racy flavours of pie cherry, passionfruit and a boatload of racy tang and pizzazz. It settles down nicely on the finish and aftertaste with balanced and bountiful flavours underpinned by a soft underpinning of ripe tannin. This should be quite good paired with grilled rack of lamb with a side of root veggies. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers and best wishes from Lisa Isabelle, Louise Boutin, Dave Isaacs, Vic Harradine