Winecurrent

February 20, 2010 Vintages Release

This Vintages catalogue begins with the feature, Great Vintages of the Southern Rhône followed by Quality Kosher Wines. Then there’s the familiar country/region format found in the ‘Main Release’ with winecurrent-reviewed wines in the order of the Vintages Release catalogue. 


Other highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

Australia – As a global wine exporter whose image is dominated, many argue tarnished, by commodity wines marketed at low retail prices, one might think the will or the ability to make fine wine has been lost or abandoned. Most argue these mass-produced commodity reds have no sense of place, finesse or structure. Vic’s there now, tasting and reviewing wines from smaller cutting-edge wineries in lesser-known wine regions. Read more...
  • Tawse Winery – this premium Niagara winery rings the 5 star bell with one wine and earns Two Glasses with another
  • Finding Waldo - 5 wines rated 4 stars that are $15 and under, with one at $11.95
  • LCBO stores closed - Monday, February 15 for Family Day. Agency stores may be open, check with any in your area.

Feature: Great Vintages of the Southern Rhône

***1/2 drink now
Grandes Serres ‘Les Portes du Castelas’ Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2008
AOC Côtes du Rhône $13.95 (103697) 13.0% alcohol
The Rhône whites of this producer always have a touch of Grenache Blanc, in this case blended with Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane and Clairette. It’s a brilliant pale gold and partially barrel aged providing a smooth texture. Floral, ripe tree fruit and citrus aromas tantalize. The flavours of ripe stone fruit marry well with citrusy acidity and mineral notes. It’s medium bodied with a pleasant mid-length finish. Enjoy with seafood or lemon-herbed roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar
Les Vignerons du Castelas ‘Vieilles Vignes Signargues’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2007
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $17.95 (34116) 13.5% alcohol
Produced from decades-old vines grown on a sun-drenched hillside in Provence, this is a deep almost opaque wine that demands your attention. Lovely aromas of tart red fruit, roses, herbs and sweet toasty oak entice you to take that first sip. The palate’s treated to ripe berry fruit and the typical savoury garrigue of the region. The wine is dry and medium-full bodied, with perceptible tannin and a crisp texture. Substantial and well structured, it has good aging potential. Decant to serve with a lamb stew, or cellar for 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Mas des Bressades ‘Cuvée Tradition’ 2008
AOC Costières de Nîmes $14.95 (143099) 13.5% alcohol
This is a blend of Syrah and Grenache from a producer who delivers consistently good quality and value. It’s deeply coloured and all about dark field berries—blueberries and blackberries—underlain with spice, earthiness and a mineral note. It’s dry and fresh with well-integrated tannin and delicious spicy berry flavours. A lingering finish rounds out this great value wine from a historic wine-growing region. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar
Domaine Saint-Pierre Vacqueyras 2006
AOC Vacqueyras $25.95 (130013) 14.5% alcohol
Deeply coloured, intensely aromatic and flavourful, this is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Its smoky, herbal, spicy dark berry aromas replay on the palate. It’s a full-bodied mouthful of earthy dark fruit balanced by fresh acidity and perceptible tannin. It has a long dry finish with an herbal note. Drinking well now, it can cellar for another 8-10 years. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 cellar
Domaine du Grapillon d’Or ‘1806’ Gigondas 2007
AOC Gigondas $31.95 (981787) 15.5% alcohol
This powerful blend of Grenache and Syrah is produced on an award-winning estate owned by the Chauvet family since, yes, 1806. A typical full-bodied wine from this appellation, it’s opaque and concentrated, brimming with aromas and flavours of black berries, plums, spice and smoke. Peppery warmth accompanies the dense fruit flavours on a long finish. With impressive body and firm texture, it’s designed for, and will benefit from, patient cellaring. Put it aside for a special anniversary. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Ortas Gigondas 2007
AOC Gigondas $23.95 (155440) 15.0% alcohol
Another award-winning wine from a local wine-making cooperative, this Gigondas is deep red with violet hues. Attractive aromas of sweet toasty oak, plums, berries and spicy cocoa are followed by an approachable, but intensely flavoured mouthful of blueberry, raspberry spices and dark chocolate. The wine is dry with refreshing acidity and perceptible tannin. A long, warm slightly peppery finish makes it a great match for grilled meats garnished with herbes de provence. (Susan Desjardins)

Quality Kosher Wines

***1/2 drink now
Elvi Wines ‘Cava Adar’ Non-Vintage
DO Ribera del Júcar, Spain $17.95 (156737) 11.5% alcohol
A blended wine from Cava’s grape trio—Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo—this is a lively, bright golden sparkler with a fine mousse. Citrusy, yeasty and floral on the nose, it’s mouthwatering, refreshing and crisp with palate-cleansing acidity marrying with flavours of bright green apple and citrus. It’s light bodied with a long appealing finish. Have it as an appetizer or enjoy with fresh seafood or white fish. (Susan Desjardins)

***1/2 drink now
Five Stone Shiraz/Cabernet Rosé 2009
Margaret River, Australia $21.95 (120006) 12.5% alcohol
A striking salmon pink, this offers aromas of bright red berry fruit and light spice. The flavours are refreshing—ripe strawberries and tart cranberries. It’s light bodied and balanced with an energetic, racy acidity to match the sweet fruit. With its crisp mid-length finish, it’s a great choice for a gravlax appetizer or poached trout. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Ontario: White Wine

****1/2 drink now
Château des Charmes ‘Late Harvest’ Riesling 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $21.95 375 mL (432930) 10.5% alcohol
A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards, this dessert wine is a fabulous expression of the vintage and the varietal. Luscious aromas of sweet tropical fruit—mangoes with a squirt of lime come to mind—ripe stone fruit and lemon delight pie. The flavours are consistent, with a honeyed texture that is well balanced with bright acidity. Sweet, but not too sweet, it’s harmonious with a beautiful heft. It’s a dream to sip with artisan cheese or a fruit tart. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Le Clos Jordanne ‘Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $40.00 (33910) 14.0% alcohol
Here’s another fine example of the 2007 vintage, crafted from organically grown grapes. This fine Chardonnay displays intense aromatics of golden apples, ripe pears and smoky toasty oak. It is elegant and balanced with a soft, ripe, buttery mouthful. Yet, there’s a fine fresh acidity and minerality. All comes together in a lingering balanced finish with the fresh fruit flavors underpinned by soft oak and crisp acidity. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Reif Estate Pinot Grigio 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (118513) 12.5% alcohol
This well-made Pinot Grigio is golden hued and exhibits aromas of ripe tree fruit, light citrus and minerality. Fine, soft and mouth filling on the attack, it proceeds to ripe stone fruit, apple and citrus flavours with bright acidity. It’s medium bodied with a mid-length finish replaying citrus and mineral notes. Well matched with roast pork or firm-fleshed fish. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Vineland Estates ‘St. Urban’ Riesling 2007
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $20.00 (38117) 9.0% alcohol
A whiff of petrol and a touch of minerality dance through the fresh aromas of stone fruit and citrus. This Riesling was produced from thirty-year-old vines from one of the oldest vitis vinifera vineyards in Niagara, planted by the founder of Vineland Estates, Hermann Weis. It’s slightly off-dry, offering low alcohol, tangy refreshing acidity and lovely flavours of lemon pie and pears. Medium bodied and well balanced, it’s an ideal match for fish or seafood. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

**** drink now
Fielding ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (36186) 13.0% alcohol
Produced from single-vineyard fruit, this wine was aged mostly in second and third generation French oak. It’s semi-transparent with a slight brick note and has bright aromas of field berries, cherries and sweet spice. On the palate there’s an earthy woodsy note underlying the cherry berry flavours. Mild tannin and fresh acidity provide great balance. There’s a long, fruity slightly peppery finish. All in all, just a lovely Pinot! (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

***1/2 drink now
Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Monterey County $15.95 (586149) 13.0% alcohol
Primarily Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Riesling and Gewürztraminer, this fresh dry wine has alluring aromas of gooseberry and asparagus with notes of green melon and stone fruit. The flavours are consistent, the acidity racy and the finish is mid-length and enjoyable. Well put together, it’s a good match for a vegetable frittata or light white fish. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Chardonnay 2006 

California $19.95 (369686) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Toasty oak, vanilla and tree fruit aromas drift off this gorgeously textured—buttery and silky smooth—medium- to full-bodied Chard. It’s flavourful and fruit forward—a mélange of tropical fruit, ripe lemon and green apple wash over the palate, along with hints of spice and vanilla. Nicely balanced, the finish lingers. This is a willing dance partner with roast stuffed chicken or turkey. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

**** drink now
Blackstone Pinot Noir 2007
California $15.95 (161331) 13.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent with a hint of brick on the rim, this restrained blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah has slightly leafy, herbal aromas combined with red fruit and smoky oak. It’s dry, medium bodied with flavours of raspberries and cherries along with earthy minerality, pepper and spice. There’s zesty acidity on the mid-length finish. Good value for Pinot Noir and well matched with grilled salmon. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
McManis Family Vineyards Syrah 2008
California $18.95 (658104) 14.5% alcohol
Opaque, purple and intense; this is a full-bodied wine with great lashings of jammy fruit and sweet vanilla. It offers a smooth stream of black berry fruit on the palate along with light cedar and spice notes. There’s a juicy, fruity, slightly smoky finish. This is a very enjoyable and approachable wine. Good to sip before and along with roast meats or a winter casserole. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Ravenswood ‘Vintners Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California $17.95 (606632) 13.5% alcohol
Ravenswood is better known for Zinfandel, but this Cabernet is well worth considering. The theme on the home page of their website says it all – No Wimpy Wines! It’s brimming with aromas of cassis and toast, as well as a hint of earthiness. Lovely flavours of blackcurrant jam, black cherry and spice are balanced with just the right level of fresh acidity and tannin. It’s full bodied with a lingering finish of ripe fruit and spice. It’s good value; try it with grilled filet mignon. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink now
Van Ruiten ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2007
Lodi $18.95 (58685) 15.5% alcohol
Deep red with a hint of purple, this award-winning wine has an expressive nose of bramble berry, blueberry pie and a touch of mocha. Produced from the fruit of half-century-old vines, it’s well rounded and loaded with deep true berry pie flavours, sweet vanilla and toasty oak. Full bodied, succulent and harmonious, its mouth-filling finish is one you’ll want to share with friends. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: White Wine

**** drink now
Cristobal ‘1492’ Chardonnay 2009
Mendoza $11.95 (144402) 13.0% alcohol
A bright pale gold, this single-vineyard unoaked Chardonnay has fresh aromas of ripe tree fruits. On the palate, it’s well balanced with fresh citrusy acidity and sweet fruit—pears, Delicious apples and peaches. It’s medium bodied and has a very enjoyable mid-length finish of ripe fruit and zesty acidity. An excellent value! (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

**** drink now
Santa Julia ‘Reserva’ Syrah 2008
Mendoza $13.95 (127613) 14.0% alcohol
Darkly tinted with an expressive nose of sweet oak, dark berry fruit and warm spice, this is another approachable wine from Don Zuccardi’s family winery. It’s velvety and flavourful, reminiscent of a spicy blueberry pie. Well balanced, with a long warm finish, it has soft tannin and pleasant notes of toast and black pepper. Enjoy it with a hearty veal stew. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Trapiche Fincas ‘Las Palmas’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Mendoza $19.95 (143206) 14.0% alcohol
A single-vineyard wine, this offers enticing aromas of blackcurrant, spice, mint and cedar. Dry and medium-full bodied, it has a long mouth-watering finish. Richly flavoured with dark fruits, spice and mocha it also has good structure and moderate acidity, making it an ideal food wine. Enjoy it with rare-roasted or grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

***1/2 drink now
St Hallet ‘Poacher’s’ Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Barossa Valley, Australia $14.95 (57687) 11.0% alcohol
Bright yellow with a hint of green, this is one refreshing and lip-smacking value-driven blend. Crisp and racy flavours dance on the palate with lemon sorbet and a bowl of ripe tropical fruit to the fore. This is nicely balanced and textured, while the finish lingers with mouth-watering tang. It’s lovely sipped on its own and pairs well with mussels steamed in white wine—this white wine. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

**** drink now
Evans & Tate Cabernet/Merlot 2004

Margaret River, Western Australia $19.95 (721548)

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) This is a deftly balanced and refined wine from one of Margaret River's, and Australia's, top producers. Spice and black currant on the nose, the aromas morph into a seamless stream of rich flavours—cherry compote, Belgian chocolate and notes of mint. Never over the top, it still manages to deliver great value (I paid more at the winery then coddled it halfway round the world) and a lovely wine to pair with roast pork tenderloin stuffed with dried cranberries and dried cherries. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now
Maxwell ‘Silver Hammer’ Shiraz 2008
McLaren Vale $19.95 (89599) 14.9% alcohol
Family owned and operated, Maxwell Winery is known for its production of mead, one of the world’s oldest fermented drinks, as well as for outstanding varietal wines. This great Shiraz displays intense aromas of berry fruit, vanilla and toast. It’s ripe, round, smooth and full bodied with silky tannin and a nice touch of acidity to balance the jammy fruit. The finish is long, replaying the fruit along with notes of dark chocolate and char. Drink it now, then buy a few bottles for short-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)

***1/2 drink or cellar
Wyndham Estate ‘George Wyndham Founder’s Reserve’ Shiraz/Cabernet 2006 

Limestone Coast, South Australia $23.95 (107912) 15.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Spending up to 15 months in French oak you’ll get whiffs of it off the nose along with dark berry fruit and black Damson plum aromas. This is straightforward and mellow with pleasant fruit flavours—mulberry spiced plum and dark cherry—that are ably supported by a firm tannin structure, a nice stream of acidity and well-balanced finish. It really shines with food, try grilled pepper steak. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

**** drink now
Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Nelson $15.95 (694737) 13.5% alcohol
This award-winning wine packs quite a punch! It has zingy aromas of gooseberry, grass, green beans and citrus. There’s mouth-tingling acidity, vibrant flavours of citrus—grapefruit and lemon—and a pithy note to dazzle the palate. It’s medium-bodied with a racy zesty finish that’s well matched with pasta with ricotta and basil sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

France: White Wine

**** drink now
Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2007
AOC Chablis $22.95 (112227) 12.5% alcohol
Refined, with a subtle nose of green tree fruits and fresh citrus, this is a lovely medium-bodied Chardonnay with dazzling fruit flavours and a racy rush of bright acidity on the palate. It’s well balanced with a cleansing citrus finish that’s a great match to fish or seafood with a splash of lemon. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

**** drink now
Ascheri ‘Fontanelle’ Barbera d’Alba 2008
DOC Alba $17.95 (982462) 14.0% alcohol
Aged in Slavonian oak for 9 months, this is a semi-transparent red with great flavours of plum, ripe berries and sweet caramel. It’s medium bodied with fine tannin, energetic acidity and appealing flavors of bramble berry and black berry. It’s nicely structured with a persistent and engaging finish. Well made and attractively priced, consider a bottle with slow-roasted pork shoulder plus one or two for short-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Monte Antico Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
IGT Toscana $15.00 (69377) 12.5% alcohol
This is a modern Tuscan blend with an enticing nose of ripe summer berries, black currant jam and toasty oak. Full bodied and dry, it has very pleasing flavours of red cherries, berries and vanilla. An apt level of acidity lingers with the fruity flavors on the tasty finish. It’s a very satisfying wine with moderate alcohol and a great price. Buy it, open it, and drink it – now. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva 2005
DOCG Chianti Classico $21.95 (930966) 14.5% alcohol
Aged in French oak for two years, this lovely Chianti has a hint of mahogany on the rim. It’s characterized by concentrated aromas of black berry fruit, leather, earth, cedar and spice. Perceptible tannin and acidity join with cherry berry flavours and a hint of licorice and pepper. It’s well structured and intense, a classic of the region. Enjoy it with beef Florentine. (Susan Desjardins)

***1/2 drink now
Villa Sandi Merlot 2007
DOC Piave $14.95 (23390) 12.5% alcohol
From a producer perhaps better known for Prosecco, this is an expressive Merlot with a fruity nose—plums, blackberries and cherries. It’s medium bodied, fruit forward, well balanced and very enjoyable. The mid-length finish is warm, fruity and slightly peppery. Well priced and a good match for lighter meats or an Italian cheese like Crotonese. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: White Wine

***1/2 drink now
Agnusdei Albariño 2008
DO Rías Baixas $17.95 (146241) 12.5% alcohol
Gold and brilliant, this fresh wine of northwestern Spain has a lifted nose of ripe stone fruit and sweet citrus. A racy seam of citrus acidity is complemented by mineral notes and a hint of white pepper. Crisp and bright, it seems almost a bit salty on the long mouthwatering finish. This is definitely a good match for pan-seared halibut. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: Red Wine

**** drink now
Raimat Tempranillo/Shiraz 2005 

DO Costers del Segre $12.95 (014696) 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) While Raimat is one of Spain's largest and most progressive producers, this appellation, just west of Barcelona, is fairly new and largely unknown. This opens with earthy, mineral and cherry aromas then delivers a steady stream of well-balanced and delicious flavours with black briary berry and kirsch liqueur up front. It's straightforward, uncomplicated and worthy of a multiple purchase - good value. (Vic Harradine)

Available in Vintages Online Exclusives

****1/2 drink now
Stonier Chardonnay 2007
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia $24.00 (0025353) 14.0% alcohol
Nutty, toasty oak and mineral aromas on the expressive nose segue a mouth-filling palate-coating wash of flavour—sweet luscious ripe nectarine, persimmon and a burst of crisp white grapefruit tang. This is medium bodied, nicely textured, almost buttery, with deftly integrated oak and a lingering crisp refreshing finish. It earned its final ½ star on value. Great to quaff on its own, it’s a match made in heaven with boudin blanc with leeks and a mustard sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: March 6, 2010

**** drink or cellar
Tatachilla Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia $21.95 (80689) 14.5% alcohol
Expressive expansive aromas rip from the glass with black licorice, earthy notes and mixed dark berry fruit galore. A gusher of tangy ripe cherry flavour mingles with dark chocolate and racy cranberry that coat the palate and attack the senses. It’s full-bodied, fully textured and concentrated with a lingering fruity aftertaste. A big and bold crowd pleaser at any gathering, give this a go with a thick slab of grilled rib eye slathered in garlic served rare to medium rare. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: March 20, 2010

****1/2 drink or cellar
St Hallet ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2007
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (980631) 14.5% alcohol
Here’s a flavourful Barossa Shiraz that’s not over worked or over done, but balanced and beautiful with food. Expressive aromas of black pepper, eucalyptus and dark berry fruit give way to flavours of juicy ripe Bing cherry, spice and espresso roast. Mid weight and beautifully textured, this delivers a lengthy finish featuring ripe fine-grained tannin, just enough acidity for balance and juicy lip-smacking dark fruit. It matches up well with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: April 7, 2010

**** drink now
Mitchelton ‘Crescent’ Mourvèdre/Shiraz/Grenache 2004
Central Victoria, Australia $29.95 (6725430) 14.5% alcohol
Leather, raisined berry fruit and ripe fig aromas roll easily off this beautifully balanced, smooth and mellow blend. The fresh fruit flavours—mulberry and ripe red cherry—are underpinned by ripe resolved tannin and a lovely burst of acidity. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a lingering luxurious finish. It showcases six years of bottle age adding a delightful dimension to an already fine wine that was sourced from +40-year-old vines. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: May 1, 2010

***1/2 drink now
Kapuka Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, New Zealand $14.95 (163576) 12.5% alcohol
This is fashioned in an easy-drinking bistro-style bursting with focused flavour and value—it’s certainly worth your attention. Aromas and flavours of zesty lime, savoury herbs, crisp green apple and hints of honeydew melon wash in waves over the palate finishing up crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Sip on its own as an aperitif or pour alongside Greek salad, a deli plate or freshly shucked oysters. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: June 26, 2010

***1/2 drink now
Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, New Zealand $16.95 (163980) 12.5% alcohol
Both value and flavour packed, this jumps from the glass with distinctive aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit salad. It’s medium bodied with a lovely texture offering flavours of key lime and gooseberry delivered on a crisp and refreshing spine of tangy citrus. The aftertaste is lip-smacking good—the perfect foil to pan-seared or grilled prawns or fish fillets under a squirt of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

****1/2 drink or cellar two glasses
Tawse ‘Van Bers Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2007
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $47.95 14.0% alcohol
Vic also raved about this. This wine was a gold-medal winner at the Intervin International Wine Awards—no surprise! Its violet hue evokes bramble berry pie complemented by rich aromas of spice cake and cigar box. This is dry and powerfully built, loaded with dark fruit, robust tannin and delectable notes of dark chocolate, pepper and Indian spice. It’s full bodied with a mouthwatering replay of the exotic flavours on the lingering finish. Serve it now with slow-cooked bison, or cellar for 5-7 years before opening. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

5 starsdrink or cellar
Tawse ‘Meritage’ 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $57.95 13.5% alcohol
Each of the components of this well-integrated blend—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc—were aged separately in French barriques. Dark red with a tinge of violet, it’s a fine example of focused winemaking in an excellent red-wine vintage. Expressive and evocative aromas of rich dark fruit mingle with earthy notes, spice, floral and cedar. This is beautifully balanced and richly textured. It’s also full bodied with intense berry jam, plum and dark chocolate flavours on the long, warm finish. Designed for lengthy aging, it’s enticing to drink it now. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Tawse ‘David’s Block Vineyard’ Merlot 2007
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $44.95 13.5% alcohol
Produced following organic and biodynamic practices, this medal-winning red displays intense tangy berry and plum aromas along with traces of graphite and dark chocolate. Fresh red cherry berry flavors wash over the palate complemented by bright acidity and plush tannin. Notes of mocha, char and herbs add complexity and intrigue. Medium-full bodied, this is well balanced and features a peppery note on the extended finish. Serve it alongside beef tenderloin with a wine sauce or cellar for 3-5 years. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar
Tawse ‘Wismer Vineyard Lakeview Block’ Riesling 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 11.0% alcohol
Intense aromas of spring flowers, stone fruit and sweet mandarin leap from the glass of this pale-straw coloured wine. Characterized by a bright seam of acidity, it’s complex and flavourful—zesty lemon-lime, apricot, nectarine, mineral and floral notes. It has a silky texture and vibrant refreshing finish. Look no further for stunning Riesling. Order by the case for daily office or home delivery via Tawse Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan

Rating System

We use the following symbols when rating wines:

5 starsWines achieving nirvana
4 starsWines of excellence
3 starsWines well worth trying
2  starsWines below average, but drinkable
1 starWines better avoided, unless desperate
half starRepresents a half star
2 glassesWe agree —a brilliant wine!
drink nowDrink now and over the next 2 years
drink or cellarDrink now and over the next 5 years
cellarPlace in cellar