January 22, 2011 Vintages Release

The two features in this Vintages Release catalogue, Chile and Southwest France, showcase wines under $20. Winecurrent selections offer good value reds and whites not only in the features, but throughout the entire Vintages release catalogue.

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Value for money – There are seven wines rated 4½ stars under $20.
• Outside the box – Susan uncorked a red from Gaillac in SW France made from the ‘Fer’ or ‘Fer Savadou’ grape. No, it’s not iron-fortified, the ‘fer’ comes from the iron-hard wood of the vine. Why not take a flyer on it? She also reviewed a dry Muscat under France: White Wine that looks very interesting at $13.95.
• Vic’s picks – Blackstone ‘Winemaker’s Selection’ Merlot from California was tasted at the Ottawa Wine and Food Show along with dozens of others and it still managed to shine—highly recommended.
• There’s still time – The Henry of Pelham Merlot 2007 wasn’t found at the January 8 Vintages release tasting, but Susan managed to taste it last week and it’s reviewed below. Sounds like it’s worth a multiple purchase and there’s still some in stores.

Chile Feature

Emiliana ‘Natura’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Central Valley $15.95 (61069) 14.0% alcohol
There’s some attractive complexity to this organic offering—hints of mint, cedar and earth running through the robust berry aromas. Focused fruit flavours stream across the palate garnished with notes of vanilla, herbs and pepper. Mid-weight, dry with firm tannin and fresh acidity, the wine is nicely balanced delivering a lengthy, fruity finish. Well crafted, it gets an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)


Chilensis ‘Reserva’ Carmenère 2008
Maule Valley $12.95 (657981) 14.0% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent April 3, 2010 @ $11.95) Intense aromas of fully ripened red and black berries along with sweet, toasted oak waft from the glass of this opaque inky wine. It’s dry, full bodied and approachable, displaying firm tannin and moderate acidity. Fruit forward, it has some attractive notes of cocoa and toast. All the components come together in an attractive package on the mid-length finish, where the cocoa and toast linger. An extra ½ star for value; a few bottles may be in order. (Susan Desjardins)


Escudo Rojo
Maipo Valley $16.95 (590331) 14.0% alcohol
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, the fruit was hand harvested, each varietal was vinified separately and the carefully created blend was aged 12 months in French oak. Alluring, refined aromas of spice, berries, dill and cedar drift from the glass. Smooth and round on the palate, the wine is dry, medium-full bodied and displays great depth of dark fruit flavour, along with notes of herbs and espresso that persist on the finish. A lovely wine over which you will want to linger. (Susan Desjardins)


Morandé Pinot Noir 2008
Casablanca Valley $14.95 (59428) 14.5% alcohol
A transparent pale ruby, it has a perfumed, fruit-forward nose, with high-toned floral, earthy, flinty aromas. It’s mid weight and dry with some warm peppery notes, fine tannin and fresh acidity complementing ripe, red cherry and raspberry fruit. The earthiness mingles with a light herbal nuance on the finish—a wine to contemplate. (Susan Desjardins)


Ninquén ‘Antu’ Syrah 2008
Mountain Vineyard, Colchagua Valley $17.95 (675371) 14.5% alcohol
The deep-purple tone portends the full-bodied flavours of this well-crafted wine. It’s dry and firmly structured with sufficient acidity to match the boatload of dark berry and pit fruit that washes across the palate. Notes of black licorice and pepper carry through on the full-flavoured finish. Match it to robust meat dishes, perhaps a pepper steak. (Susan Desjardins)


Santa Carolina ‘Barrica Selection’ Syrah 2008
Maipo Valley $14.95 (34959) 14.5% alcohol
Deeply colored, it has some subtle aromas of dark berry, mint and toast. Dry, medium-full bodied, it offers a balance of ripe tannin, lively acidity and dark berry fruit. Hints of dark spicy toast linger on the finish. It’s a nice match for grilled sausage and potato rösti. (Susan Desjardins)


Viña Maipo ‘Reserva’ Merlot 2009
Rapel Valley $12.95 (135236) 13.5% alcohol
A nicely crafted approachable wine, this dry, mid-weight Merlot has a very consistent profile from start to finish. Focused, fruit flavours and aromas are accented with notes of spice and toast, balanced with ripe tannin and adequate acidity. Enjoyable and priced for everyday quaffing. (Susan Desjardins)


Emiliana Novas ‘Limited Selection’ Chardonnay 2009
Casablanca Valley $14.95 (4515) 14.5% alcohol
Brilliant gold with a slight green tone, 30% of the wine was aged 4 months in French oak. Expect intense aromatics—peach preserves, melon and citrus to the fore. On the palate, it’s dry with a creamy texture, yet a lively acidity tantalizes and complements the ripe stone fruit, melon and buttered toast flavours. Sweet ripe fruit and toasted nuts linger on the finish. An organic product, it’s priced to please. (Susan Desjardins)

Southern France Feature

Laougué Le Clos Camy 2006
AOC Madiran $18.95 (78733) 13.5% alcohol
A deep ruby, this award-winning blend of Tannat, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon has great depth of aroma and flavour, with dark fruit seamlessly integrated with savoury herbal notes. Full-flavoured and dry with substantial body and firm structure, the intense fruit flavours carry through on the long-lasting finish. An appealing choice now for braised beef or hold short term. (Susan Desjardins)


Capitolium 2007
AOC Fronton $14.95 (200022) 12.5% alcohol
Opaque as ink, this award-winning, nicely balanced blend of Negrette and Cabernet Franc offers lifted aromas of field berry and vanilla, floral and herbal notes. Dry and medium-full bodied, the velvety texture caresses the palate while the concentrated dark berry flavours and lovely nuances of cocoa and fine herbs flow through the finish. A good choice for herb-crusted veal chops. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Lecusse Cuvée Spéciale 2008
AOC Gaillac $14.95 (198937) 14.0% alcohol
If you enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone, try this wine, vinified from a little-known grape varietal native to southwestern France, Fer Servadou, known for its soft tannins and concentrated fruit flavours. An attractive mid-weight offering, it’s dry with aromas and flavours of ripe black berries, raspberries and spice box. Supple in texture, fresh acidity frames the bright fruit flavours. There’s a nice spicy lift on the finish. It earns an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Port

Croft Late Bottled Vintage Port 2004
DOC Douro $17.95 (87601) 20.0% alcohol
The density of this wine presages the intensity of aromas and flavours it delivers. On the nose it’s dark berries, fresh figs, spun brown sugar and chocolate, while the richly textured, smooth palate is ripe with caramel, spice, dried berries and a warm peppery note. Luscious and extended, the finish cries out for chocolate crème brulée or blue cheese. Excellent value! (Susan Desjardins)

Sparkling Wine

Antech ‘Grande Réserve Brut’ Blanquette de Limoux 2008
AOC Limoux $17.95 (656470) 12.0% alcohol
Straw-green, crisp and clean, this sparkler has delightful aromas of stone fruit, yeast, brioche and citrus. The mousse is zesty, cleansing and mouth filling, carrying flavours of apricot and citrus across the palate. Dry and light-medium bodied, the mid-length finish offers some light, toasty notes. The sparklers from this appellation are consistently good quality and offer great value for casual gatherings. (Susan Desjardins)


Nino Franco Prosecco Brut
DOC Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene $18.95 (349662) 11.0% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent April 26, 2008 @ $20.95) Apple and citrus aromas and flavours flow through this light-bodied sparkler. The flavours are tight and tangy while the finish has oodles of cleansing citrus flavours that portend a gorgeous match to all manner of fish and sea food appetizers. Good, of course, to quaff on its own. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

Creekside Estate ‘Butler’s Grant’ Riesling 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $15.95 (220293) 11.5% alcohol
Floral notes and aromas of ripe pear, apple and lemon-lime replay on the palate of this lovely light-bodied wine. There’s a bit of spritz and a nice seam of acidity to balance the concentrated honeyed pear and key-lime flavours. The winemaker describes the style as ‘feinherb’, referring to balance among acidity, sugar and fruit intensity. A great match for poached fish and yet another fine example of the excellent Riesling offered by Niagara winemakers. (Susan Desjardins)


Henry of Pelham Reserve ‘Off-Dry’ Riesling 2008
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (557165) 11.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent May 29, 2010 @ $15.95) Slate, mineral and citrus on the nose, sweet and tang flavours bathe the palate with key lime pie, crisp green apple, ripe peach and loads of glorious spice to the fore. Riesling grapes have inherent acidity while the off-dry nature and delicate balance in this allows it to be the perfect foil to spicy Asian cuisine—pad Thai or chicken biryani. It’s nicely priced. (Vic Harradine)

Susan just recently tasted the following Merlot from the January 8, 2011 Vintages Release. There’s still some in stores—you may want to pick up a few!


Henry of Pelham Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (91165) 14.0% alcohol
This is an excellent ruby-hued, value-for-money gem from the celebrated 2007 vintage. Expect complex aromas of plum, berry fruit, mint, herbs and a hint of cocoa. Like silk on entry, the wine is dry, medium bodied and intense with wonderfully layered flavours of black cherry, currant, herbs and dark toast. The tannin’s well integrated and the acidity fresh along with that lovely smooth texture carrying through on a lengthy, savoury finish. Enjoy it now with pâté and fresh French bread and tuck a few bottles away to enjoy over the next 2-3 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Jackson-Triggs ‘Proprietors’ Grand Reserve’ Riesling 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (210112) 12.0% alcohol
Pale straw with a green hue, there are alluring aromas of citrus and stone fruit with a whiff of minerality. Light-medium bodied and just off-dry there’s a backbone of fresh acidity and minerality coursing throughout and carrying the ripe apple and citrus flavours through a lengthy finish. Absolutely lovely—it’s a superb match for spicy Asian dishes now and over the next 5 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Konzelmann ‘Barrel Aged’ Chardonnay 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.20 (364869) 13.0% alcohol
Golden-hued, this wine is a treat for the palate and the wallet. Expect and enjoy aromas of crème caramel, toast and apple pie. On the palate it’s medium bodied, rich, buttery and a harmonious balance of lively acidity, ripe tree fruit and well-integrated, toasty oak. The smooth, round, silky texture brings the glass back to your lips. Don’t miss this, it’s great value! (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

Rosewood Estates ‘Renaceau Vineyard’ Merlot 2008
VQA Beamsville Bench $20.00 (211896) 13.0% alcohol
Deep red with a mahogany note, this wine offers interesting complexity on the nose—field berries, plum, spice, vanilla and a touch of underbrush. Mid-weight and dry, firm tannin and lively acidity create a structured framework for the red berry fruit and earthy nuances that characterize the mid-length finish. Well matched with rare prime rib. (Susan Desjardins)


Strewn Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 12.9% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent October 24, 2009 @ $18.95) Aromas of mineral, earthiness and black plum roll off this cellar dweller while the fruit-forward flavours—black currant, black Bing cherry, pomegranate, with welcomed accents of chocolate and mint. It’s medium to full bodied, nicely textured and wrapped firmly in a ripe, but firm tannin grip. It finishes well balanced, dry and full of promise. Drink 2013 to 2018 alongside a slab of strip loin grilled rare to medium rare. (Vic Harradine)

Okanagan Valley: Red Wine

Mission Hill ‘S.L.C.’ Merlot 2005
VQA Okanagan Valley $34.95 (68353) 14.0% alcohol
Crafted from hand-harvested grapes, it spent 12 months in French oak and displays an opaque mahogany robe. Lifted aromas of dark fruit, plum, dried berries and toast entice. Dry and full bodied, the impact on the palate is powerful and intense—dried cherries, blueberry, black berries and spice to the fore—balanced with ripe tannin and fine acidity. Beautifully integrated, it has a rich, persistent aftertaste. Ready to be enjoyed now. (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc 2009
North Coast $17.95 (146258) 13.5% alcohol
Straw with a hint of green, this nicely crafted, lightly oaked white has that lovely blend of tropical fruit aromas and captivatingly pungent, herbaceous notes. The texture’s quite lush and the flavours replay—tropical fruit, gooseberry and herbs—braced with zesty citrusy acidity. Elusive mineral and vanilla notes come through on the lengthy finish. It’s a nice match for grilled salmon burgers with capers. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Beringer Pinot Noir 2007
Napa Valley $29.95 (718668) 14.3% alcohol
A transparent ruby, this is a subtle refined Pinot that sets you adrift on aromas of cherry, spice, herbs and earth. The texture’s silky and there’s a core of sweet cherry/red berry fruit complemented by soft vanilla notes. Dry and medium bodied, the ripe tannin and lively acidity bring balance to the equation and carry through on the warm, lengthy finish. Serve it now with duck confit, or cellar for 3-5 more years. (Susan Desjardins)


Blackstone ‘Winemaker’s Select’ Merlot 2008
California $15.95 (606327) 13.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent November 13, 2010 @ $15.95) Inky, almost opaque, rich and luscious, this will bowl you over with its deft balance and concentrated fruit flavours. Delectable aromas and flavours—black plum, dark, ripe cherry and spicy pomegranate—are consistent throughout gliding along on a bed of ripe tannin and wonderful moderating tang. It’s structured, medium bodied with a lengthy finish. This punches well above the price with the price-quality ratio skewed in your favour. (Vic Harradine)


Napa Cellars Merlot 2007
Napa Valley $23.95 (161299) 14.5% alcohol
Perfumed floral aromas, plum and an earthy note portend complexity on the palate—plum, red cherry, cigar box and hints of licorice and toast. Dry, medium bodied with a lovely smooth texture, the combination of well-integrated tannin, fresh acidity and intense fruit flavour create a lovely balance. A real palate pleaser! (Susan Desjardins)


Ravenswood ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2008
Lodi $19.95 (942599) 14.5% alcohol
Expect high-toned fragrances—berry pie, exotic spice and vanilla. This is a big wine, full bodied, full flavoured, dry and richly fruity, with velvety texture and fine balance. The tannins are ripe, the acidity fresh and the intense fruit flavour lasting. Definitely not a wimpy wine—serve it with a hearty meat dish or cellar 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Finca Sophenia ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2009
Tupungato $16.95 (66837) 14.0% alcohol
Deep violet in colour, this award-winning young red has attractive aromas of dark berries, vanilla and a floral note reminiscent of a spicy, red rose. Dry and medium-full bodied, the fruit is juicy and focused with some spicy overtones. It’s soft, smooth and velvety from the first sip through the lingering aftertaste. (Susan Desjardins)


Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mendoza $18.95 (656363) 14.0% alcohol
Produced from the fruit of un-grafted French vines, this wine displays its age with a hint of mahogany at the rim. It has a tantalizing bouquet—dried fruit—figs come to mind—plum, vanilla and an elusive, dusty element. Dry and medium bodied, there’s still a good tannic grip on the palate, fine acidity and an attractive replay of dried fruit, vanilla and black berry. There’s quite lovely balance and length on the finish. It’s good value. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

Kilikanoon ‘The Lackey’ Shiraz 2007
South Australia $17.95 (5199) 14.5% alcohol
Very approachable, it has appealing aromas of dark berries, toast and mocha on the nose. Medium-full bodied, it’s full flavoured, ripe, fleshy and round on the palate with peppery notes dancing across the ripe dark fruit. Soft tannin and acidity underlay the fruit, with some attractive notes of cocoa and pepper lingering on the dry, mid-length finish. An easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing Shiraz. (Susan Desjardins)


Westend Estate ‘Cool Climate Series’ Pinot Noir 2009
Tumbarumba, New South Wales $17.95 (203141) 14.5% alcohol
Near the Australian Alps, Tumbarumba is one of the highest, coolest and most remote Australian wine regions. Subtle aromas of fresh red fruit and sweet spice portend the silky texture and tangy acidity of this medium-bodied Pinot Noir. It’s nicely balanced with some interesting complexity. Fine tannin complements the cherry/red berry fruit, and lovely notes of spice. A touch of earthiness remains on the finish. All around, a delightful wine earning an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)


Rapaura Springs ‘Red Gate’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough $14.95 (142919) 13.0% alcohol
If you love the typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc style, this wine’s for you! Pale, green-ish straw in hue, lifted aromas waft from the glass—tropical, vegetal, herbaceous. Dry, light-medium bodied, it has a lush texture with a replay of the aromas. Racy acidity carries the fruit through a lengthy finish. A classic and an incredible bargain! (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: White Wine

Leopard’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2009
WO Western Cape $12.95 (203356) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s another nicely crafted Sauvignon Blanc at a great price. On the nose, pungent asparagus and citrus jump to the fore. On the palate, it’s dry, light-medium bodied with a replay of grapefruit, lemon-lime and a vegetal note. Refreshing and lively, there’s a kick of citrusy acidity on the finish. (Susan Desjardins)

France: White Wine

La Chablisienne Sauvignon Blanc ‘Saint-Bris’ 2008
AOC Chablis $15.95 (641753) 12.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent January 23, 2010 @ $14.95) Crisp, bright and tangy, this is not a commonly seen varietal from Chablis. Nonetheless, it’s a lovely wine with classic aromas and flavors of Sauvignon Blanc—gooseberry, some grassiness, and a floral note. It’s light to medium weight, tart and refreshing with a medium-long finish characterized by citrus fruit and a pleasant tartness. It’s also very good value. (Susan Desjardins)


Terres Blanches ‘Sec’ Muscat 2009
Vin de Pays d’Oc $13.95 (653188) 12.5% alcohol
This pale-gold beauty appeals with aromas of honeyed stone fruit and sweet ripe pears. There’s a basket of fruit flavours on the palate—melon, peach, pear—garnished with a dash of spice. Appropriate acidity balances a lush texture creating a nicely balanced, dry Muscat that’s a delight on the finish. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Château de Nages Réserve 2009
AOC Costières de Nîmes $14.95 (427617) 14.5% alcohol
This Grenache/Syrah blend is another reliably good wine at a great price from the Gassier family. It’s deep ruby with a violet hue complemented by a very ripe, fruity nose with some nuances of spice and dried fruits. Dry and medium bodied, the red berry flavours are concentrated and the notes of spice and dried fruit replay. It displays tantalizing notes of cocoa, toast and spice on the nicely balanced finish. A few bottles won’t go amiss as it may disappear quickly. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Altesino Rosso di Altesino 2008
IGT Toscana $18.95 (658369) 14.0% alcohol
This unoaked blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has vibrant aromas of plum, raspberry, cherry and a nuance of earth. Dry, medium bodied, silky in texture and fruit forward on the palate, it’s pleasingly balanced and offers a tantalizing note of dried fruit on the long finish. It’s a very tasty, enjoyable red. (Susan Desjardins)


Sportoletti ‘Assisi’ Rosso 2008
DOC Assisi $16.95 (926857) 14.5% alcohol
This is a pale ruby gem composed of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet sporting enticing aromas of rich, ripe fruit along with sweet, spicy oak, earthiness and tobacco. It’s medium bodied and generously textured while the soft tannin and acidity are perfectly matched to the juicy berry fruit. The lovely notes of spice and earth recur on the dry, harmonious finish. An extra half star for value—give it a try, we don’t often see wines from Umbria. (Susan Desjardins)


Monte Zovo ‘Sa’ Solin’ Ripasso Valpolicella 2008
DOC Valpolicella $17.95 (650713) 14.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent Sptember 18, 2010 @ $17.95) This is a perennial favorite with its full-flavored, full-bodied, fruity character. It’s dry, but round with velvety tannins and fine acidity balancing the full-bore fruit flavours—cherry, raspberry and ripe cranberry. Attractive notes of toast, pepper and spice linger on the finish. As the cooler weather approaches, it’ll match well with hearty meat dishes. (Susan Desjardins)


Sartori ‘l’Appassito Rosso’ 2008
IGT Veneto $18.95 (193607) 14.0% alcohol
Made in the style of Ripasso, but with local and international varietals, this wine is fragrant with aromas of dried and dark ripe fruit with hints of earthiness. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and structured with tannin and acidity well matched to the intense fruit flavour. Consistent and harmonious, it offers appealing lingering notes of exotic spice, cocoa and toast on the dry finish. Enjoy it with antipasto, with the meal, or with cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: Red Wine

Buil & Giné Giné Giné 2007
DOC Priorat $17.95 (67843) 14.0% alcohol
This is a vibrant blend of Cariñena and Garnacha with subtle aromas of red fruit, spice and licorice. Dry and medium bodied, it’s almost creamy in texture with persistent and lively flavours of red fruit—cherries and juicy raspberries—along with delicate notes of cedar and vanilla. This is a wine with great vitality whose bright fruit, ripe tannin and tangy acidity make it a treat right to the finish. Braised chicken with dried cherries in a balsamic/wine reduction comes to mind as a pairing. (Susan Desjardins)


La Multa ‘Old Vine’ Garnacha 2008
DO Calatayud $13.95 (190793) 14.5% alcohol
This is deep ruby with violet notes in the glass—a value-priced Garnacha that’s all about dark berries, and smoky toast. It’s medium bodied with a nicely structured profile and a lively freshness. Concentrated fruit flavours and notes of toasted herbs and spice persist on the warm, flavourful finish. Enjoy it with pork in a red currant and wine sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: February 19, 2011

Domaine Drouhin ‘Cloudline’ Pinot Noir 2009
Oregon $21.95 (159970) 13.5% alcohol
Candy-apple red and transparent with attractive aromas of fresh red berries, spice box and a light toasty note, this is a dry, fresh, crisp Pinot Noir. It’s silky in texture with good balance of lively acidity and red cherry and berry fruit, spice and white pepper. There’s a hint of warmth, toast and tart berry notes on the mid-length finish. A lovely food wine to match with braised chicken thighs with tomato and mushrooms. (Susan Desjardins)


Luigi Bosca ‘Reserva’ Malbec 2008
Luján de Cuyo, Argentina $17.95 (79293) 14.3% alcohol
This is an intense and fragrant, well-crafted red from a consistently reliable producer. Expect alluring aromas—spicy rose, dark berry fruit, plum, licorice and spice. Velvety on the palate, it’s medium-full bodied with some brooding notes of espresso underlying rich bramble pie flavours. Nicely balanced fruit flavours, soft acidity and tannin create a smooth, dry, harmonious and lasting finish. Bring on the grilled red meat! (Susan Desjardins)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Lindeman’s ‘Bin 45’ Cabernet Sauvignon
South Eastern Australia $11.95 (119628) 13.5% alcohol
Opaque with a hint of purple in the glass, look for interesting aromas of cassis, blueberry pie, spice box and a whiff of cedar. This is a nicely balanced, well-textured Cab with soft tannin, fresh acidity and an attractive, spiced dark berry flavour. Notes of mocha and toast persist on the dry, mid-length finish. It offers good value and a great match for a hearty winter stew. (Susan Desjardins)

The following wine is $9.45 until January 30, 2011


Lindeman’s ‘Bin 65’ Chardonnay 2010
South Eastern Australia $10.95 (142117) 13.5% alcohol
This is now a favourite all over the world after first being made exclusively for Canada. It’s a crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that’s golden-hued with a hint of green and sports attractive aromas of tree and stone fruit with some subtle notes of toast and vanilla. Dry and medium bodied with a pleasant round texture, it displays fresh flavours of ripe apple, pear and citrus. It’s all wrapped up in deftly integrated oak leaving a pleasant toasty aftertaste. (Susan Desjardins)


Lindeman’s ‘Bin 50’ Shiraz 2010
South Eastern Australia $11.95 (145367) 13.5% alcohol
There’s a dazzling, deep violet hue of youth in this user-friendly red along with exuberant aromas of candy-like black berries, licorice and mint. Medium textured and fresh on the palate, it’s loaded with juicy black berry flavours with some nuances of spice, pepper and char. Straightforward and appealing on its own, it’s also well-matched with pizza or burgers. (Susan Desjardins)


Seaview Brut
Southeastern Australia $13.95 (216333) 12.0% alcohol
This is a charming sparkler, bright and frothy with aromas of tree fruit, citrus and fresh-baked bread. Fruity, fresh and crisp on the palate there’s a replay of the ripe apple, pear and lemon-lime citrus with some delectable light, nutty notes lingering on the finish. This is a reliable well-priced sipper to share with friends. (Susan Desjardins)


Wolf Blass ‘Yellow Label’ Sparkling Brut Mousseux
South Eastern Australia $17.95 (649996) 11.0% alcohol
This sparkling wine is a straw colored, nicely crafted blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with an appealing nose of sweet ripe stone fruit, biscuit and a hint of vanilla cream. The mousse is fine and fresh with an invigorating impact. Dry and medium bodied, the wine is crisp on the palate with refreshing flavours of citrus and green apple which persist on the finish. This is a good choice for sipping or to accompany seafood. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan