Winecurrent

March 17, 2012 Vintages Release

California Wine Fair Tour – Friday, March 30 in Ottawa 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
The Westin Ottawa - Confederation Ballroom - 11 Colonel By Drive
General Admission $70.00 includes admission and all tastings
Please use a taxi or public transportation

This event sells out each year - no tickets sold at door! Purchase tickets here…

Over 110 wineries offer more than 450 different wines for tasting. These tastings provide a wonderful opportunity to sample a wide range of styles and varietals from all of the major wine-growing regions of the Golden State. The largest tasting tour of California wines in Canada. 


For information on the tour or to book tickets, contact California Wines at 1-800-558-2675 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click here.

South Africa FlagVic is still in South Africa and for the next few weeks, having now finished tasting and spitting his way through wineries near Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Even though it’s harvest, winery principals, managers, marketers and winemakers gave most generously of their time providing winecurrent subscribers with a rare glimpse into the history of the Cape winelands along with an interesting take on what the future holds.

There’s a brief introduction to each winery and a number of wines reviewed that you access via the link below. Many are, or will be, available through agents and in LCBO, SAQ and other Canadian retail stores. You’ll most likely learn a great deal and, if you have any thoughts of a visit, you’ll get a feel for the treat in store. Read more…

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:
  • Finding Waldo – three wines sport the Exceptional Value icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’, three are in the Main Release below and one is in the South Africa feature, found by clicking on this Read more… link.
  • 5 star reds – Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 @ 89.95 under France and Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2002 @ $79.95 under Italy.
Susan tasted and reviewed this Vintages Release solo while Vic’s still swans around South Africa. This winecurrent newsletter begins with a feature from the Vintages Release catalogue on ‘SpanishWine’ followed by the Main Release.

Feature: Spanish Wine

**** drink now
Leira Albariño 2010
DO Rías Baixas $16.95 (115816) 13.0% alcohol
Worthy of note, this crisp, lively wine proffers lifted aromas of spice, orchard fruit, citrus and flowers. Dry, light-medium bodied, it’s braced by a vibrant seam of acidity and chalky mineral undertones. Lime, pear and apple mingle on a lasting, slightly pithy finish. Recommended with chicken paprika or enjoy with white fish with a splash of lemon. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Vega Sauco ‘Adoremus’ Tinto de Toro 2004
DO Toro $19.95 (268813) 14.0% alcohol
Tempranillo through and through, aged up to 24 months in American and French oak, this substantial harmonious old-vines red shows its age stylishly, with notes of leather and dried cherries merging with sweet fruit and spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, perceptible tannins create structure for a satiny texture with fresh acidity lifting the fruit. Toasty notes persist on the lengthy somewhat peppery finish. A match for robust roast meats. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Peña Roble Crianza 2004
Do Ribera del Duero $18.95 (266932) 14.5% alcohol
This Tempranillo is smoky and toasty, laden with aromas of blackberry and cherry. Dry, medium-full bodied, consistent in flavour profile, there’s a good frame of supple tannin and fine acidity, along with a noticeable peppery heat. Tangy spicy notes persist on the finish. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Cerro Añon Reserva 2005
DOCa Rioja $18.95 (114306) 14.0% alcohol
Principally Tempranillo, this blend displays its lengthy oak aging with notes of vanilla, sandalwood and toast adorning red and black berries. Dry, medium-full bodied, plush and lively fruit wraps around still-perceptible tannin and fresh acidity with nuances of vanilla and sweet spice adding complexity. Charry toasty notes persist on the lasting dry, fruit-filled finish. A substantial red crafted for long-term cellaring and offering excellent value. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Baronia del Montsant Englora 2005
DO Montsant $16.95 (266908) 13.5% alcohol
This blend, aged a scant four months in oak, features expressive and compelling aromas of black and blue berries, cedar, spiced vanilla and smoke. Dry, mid-weight, the intense sweet fruit is underpinned with ripe tannin and fresh acidity, the spiced vanilla lingering through the satisfying, flavourful, fruity finish. Good value for a mature wine and a match for paella. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Atalaya Almansa 2008
DO Almansa $19.95 (132605) 14.0% alcohol
Principally Monastrell, the inky tone presages its big, powerful character. Look for complex aromas of smoke, earth, floral notes, dark fruit and exotic spice. Dry, full bodied, it’s quite round, building on the palate and amplified by tangy pepper and herbal notes--the core of ripe dark fruit is dense and flavourful. Warm savoury toasty notes linger on the finish. Enjoy this outstanding value red now or cellar short term. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar Exceptional Value!
Olivaries ‘Altos de la Hoya’ Monastrell 2009
DO Jumilla $13.95 (163154) 14.0% alcohol
Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in French oak, this Monastrell-dominated blend offers fresh lively aromas of red and black fruit. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s nicely balanced, featuring a lively fresh texture, supple tannin, attractive spiced-infused fruit flavour and nuances of pepper and vanilla. Refreshing and smooth, it’s appealingly fruity on the finish. At this price, pick up a few bottles to savour over the next few years. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Sparkling Wine

**** drink now
G. Marquis ‘Silver Line’ Ice Rosé Non-vintage
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $29.95 (272761) 13.4% alcohol
A lovely salmon pink, this sweet and tangy sparkler is produced in the traditional method with 100% Pinot Noir and a dosage of Cabernet Franc icewine. Enticing floral notes, apricot, sweet red fruit and brioche also bring complexity to the palate. Displaying a fine, elegant mousse and very fine balance of sweet and tang, the wine finishes clean, fresh and fruity. Choose this wine, Magnotta’s alter ego, to serve with a selection of artisan soft-rind cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
See Ya Later Ranch Brut Non-vintage
VQA Okanagan Valley $20.95 (271049) 12.5% alcohol
Here’s a very nice value from the south-central Okanagan, a well-crafted sparkler also produced using the traditional method. Dry, medium bodied, it’s fresh with aromas of grilled grapefruit, floral notes and a hint of nut. The nutty note replays on the dry, medium-bodied palate, fine mousse offering a clean fresh texture and carrying attractive flavours of citrus and orchard fruit through an extended, lively finish. Pick up a few bottles to celebrate spring! (Susan Desjardins)

***1/2 drink or cellar
Mumm ‘Napa’ Rosé

Napa Valley, California $29.95 (205641) 13.0% alcohol

Yeasty aromas mix with red fruit and spice on the nose of this nicely formed sparkler fashioned by the famed Champagne house, Mumm. The frothy mousse carries a fruit-filled attack on the palate with sweet white peach, red licorice and strawberry to the fore. It has good weight and texture delivering a nice kick of acidity and spice on the finish to keep it crisp and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now
Graham Beck ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine Non-vintage
WO Western Cape $18.95 (593483) 12.0% alcohol
A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, 30% of the wine for this sparkler was fermented in barrel, the blended wine undergoing 24 months of secondary fermentation in bottle. A charming pale peach hue, the aromas of brioche, citrus, orchard fruit and spice drift from the glass. Dry, medium bodied, the mousse is mouth filling and creamy, the texture vibrant and the citrus and green apple flavours crisp. Finely crafted and lively sporting good value. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Lefèvre Rémondet Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé Non-vintage
AOC Bourgogne $15.95 (265306) 12.0% alcohol
You can’t go wrong with this great value from Burgundy. The color of fresh cranberry juice, it offers appealing clean aromas of red berry fruit and lightly-grilled toast. The mousse is fine and delicate while fresh, red-fruit flavours are crisp and bright—think cranberry, pie cherry and red currant. It finishes tangy, crisp and fruity. What’s not to like—stockpile a few bottles for casual gatherings. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

**** drink now
Flatrock ‘Twisted’ White 2010 (375 ml)
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $9.95 (273292) 12.0% alcohol
A perennial favorite, this blend of Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay teases the nose with aromas of lime, orchard fruit and mineral. Fruity and medium bodied, the Gewürz shines through with rosewater, spice and a slight bitter note, the lively sweet fruit balanced by a spine of fresh acidity and clean minerality, making for a tasty, clean finish. This half bottle is just the right size to whet your appetite. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Henry of Pelham ‘Barrel Fermented’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (268342) 13.5% alcohol
From a longstanding producer of consistently well-crafted wines comes this value-laden oaked Chardonnay. Sun-kissed stone and orchard fruit aromas are interwoven with hints of toast and vanilla. Dry, mid-weight and creamy, the fruit replays on the palate, the well-integrated oak creating a lovely round texture while the lively spine of acidity ensures balance. Spice and tang mingle on the extended finish. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

***1/2 drink now
Frogpond Farm ‘Organic’ Cabernet-Merlot 2008
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $19.95 (203554) 12.7% alcohol
From Ontario’s original organic winery comes this dry, medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh red blend—Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The nose offers intriguing complexity—high-toned aromas of red currant, fresh blueberry and blackberry, earth and spice. It has subtle tannin and great verve and nerve, a spine of lively acidity bracing vibrant red fruit, earthy undertones with hints of spice and pepper adding interest. Fresh, vivid and fruity, it’s a good choice for wild mushroom risotto, grilled vegetables with polenta, or pork with herbs and garlic. (Susan Desjardins)

Okanagan Valley, B.C.: Red Wine

**** drink or cellar
Aces Okanagan ‘Seven Deuce’ Red 2009
VQA Okanagan Valley $27.95 (273631) 13.7% alcohol
This blend of Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet features high-toned evocative aromas—rich, ripe dark fruit reminiscent of hot South-Okanagan summers, vanilla, black licorice and spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, firmly structured and loaded with ripe fruit—plum, blackberry and cherry—it features lively acidity and intriguing notes of espresso roast that persist on the long dry finish. Young yet, it will cellar 3-5 years and, as the poker-playing owner suggests, is a good choice for your next ‘high steaks’ game. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

**** drink now
J. Lohr ‘Los Osos’ Merlot 2009
Paso Robles $21.95 (27516) 13.5% alcohol
Merlot with splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this substantial ruby wine is loaded with aromas of vanilla, plum, berry and sweet spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, the dense core of spice-infused fruit is framed by round tannin and quite lively acidity. Well-integrated oak offers toasty notes that linger through the finish. (Susan Desjardins)

Oregon: Red Wine

***1/2 drink now
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)

Argentina: White Wine

***1/2 drink now
Las Predices Torrontès 2010
Luján de Cuyo $12.95 (267823) 14.0% alcohol
Expressive floral aromas, sweet citrus and exotic spice drift from the glass of this just off-dry white. Light-medium bodied and clean textured, the palate offers stone fruit, sweet citrus and tropical notes with floral nuances lingering through a warm spiced finish. Well priced and flavourful, serve it with pasta in a cream sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

***1/2 drink now
Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (058081) 14.5% alcohol

Opaque in the glass, reluctant aromas of herbs and kitchen spice segue a chewy mouthful of minty dark cherry, fennel and dried currant underpinned by grippy tannin. It’s medium-full bodied nicely textured with a lengthy aftertaste of cherry and black currant mingling with leafy notes. Decant/aerate two hours and serve alongside spaghetti Bolognaise. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink or cellar
Xumek ‘Single Vineyard’ Syrah 2009
Zonda Valley $15.95 (265223) 14.5% alcohol
Here’s great value to enjoy now or over the next few years. The dense, inky color portends the weight on the palate, aromas of smoked meat, leather, vanilla and grilled herbs mingling with dark fruit. Dry, full bodied, well framed and structured, the dense core of ripe, dark fruit flows across the palate with notes of espresso, tangy pepper and sweet spice creating counterpoint. The finish is long, toasty and fruit filled. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

**** drink now
Intriga Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Maipo Valley $21.95 (57901) 14.0% alcohol
Dense and dark, this is a solid, flavourful Cabernet Sauvignon. Enticing aromas lift from the glass—intense herbal, minty notes, cassis, crushed leaf, earth, licorice and vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s a concentrated focused core of dark fruit, herbs, spice and earthy notes adding to the palate with balance brought by firm underlying tannin and fresh acidity. It’s warm, smooth and toasty on the finish. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

**** drink or cellar
Alkoomi Riesling 2009
Frankland River $16.95 (269290) 12.5% alcohol
An attractive Riesling, this offers hints of petrol and herbs, along with citrus and floral notes. Dry, medium bodied, there’s an almost spritzy fresh acidity, focused citrus flavours and an underlying mineral note lasting through a vibrant finish. Enjoy it now with roast pork tenderloin or cellar short term. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

**** drink or cellar
Shingleback Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
McLaren Vale $24.95 (662957) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this displays appealing aromas of cassis, herbs and smoky toast. It’s a well-balanced dry, medium-full bodied red. There’s great depth of dark fruit, nuances of spiced vanilla, pepper and herbs and a firm frame of ripe tannin and lively acidity delivering a long finish. Enjoy with roast beef or other red meats over the next few years. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar Exceptional Value!
Wakefield Shiraz 2009

Clare Valley, South Australia $17.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol

Balanced and beautiful, Wakefield’s one of 12 family-owned ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’ producing wine with sense of place, and decrying industrialized Aussie bulk wines—sweet, fruity and little else. Lively aromas of red berry fruit, toast and spice presage a rollicking river of dark juicy flavour—black currant, kirsch liqueur and cassis. It’s mid-weight with good mouth feel and a balanced finish of supple tannin, moderating acidity and dark berry fruit. It’s value packed, drinking now to 2017 and was difficult to spit—pick up more than one. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now
Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier 2008

Eden Valley $19.95 (524926) 14.5% alcohol

Purple-hued in the glass, this is a very approachable and quaffable wine that offers rich, ripe, dark fruit, vanilla aromas plus a floral drift on the nose. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with some soft tannin and acidity matched to spicy berry fruit. Appealing and easy to drink, it’s dry and fruity to the finish with some nice notes of toast and pepper. (Susan Desjardins)

New Zealand: White Wine

**** drink now
The Ned Pinot Gris 2011
Waihopal River $14.95 (267138) 13.5% alcohol
Don’t let the transparent hue of this wine distract you from the enticing aromas drifting from the glass—floral, stone fruit, spice and herbs. Dry, mid weight, there’s lively acidity married to rich and tangy stone and orchard fruit flowing across the palate, and through the lengthy finish. A versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with light meat or fish dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: White Wine

****1/2 drink now Exceptional Value!
Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2010
WO Western Cape $14.95 (328559) 14% alcohol
Firm and focused, this delivers a spirited wash of racy, lip-smacking Chardonnay to be enjoyed as an aperitif or poured alongside lemon veal, pan-seared fish or grilled/steamed crustaceans. Aromas of baking spice, Meyer lime and fragrant floral notes herald a mouth-watering river of green apple and ripe yellow plum interwoven with toasty, nutty notes. This is mid-weight and generously textured with a lingering, clean, refreshing aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

South Africa: Red Wine

****1/2 drink now
Spice Route Shiraz 2009
WO Swartland $24.95 15.0% alcohol
Reflecting dry-grown bush vines, seasoned French and American oak, and the sparse, warm terroir of Swartland, this hustles from the glass with a profusion of energetic aromas with aromatic bitters, black licorice and dark, ripe berry fruit among them. A tsunami wave of sweet, ripe mulberry, raisined berries and spice-laden black plum compote washes over the palate persisting through the lengthy, fruit-laden aftertaste. This is full-bodied, value-packed and generously textured with good acidity for balance and an underpinning of sweet, ripe tannin. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

**** drink now
Sylvaine & Alain Normand Macon la Roche-Vineuse 2010
AOC Macon $17.95 (268946) 12.5% alcohol
Subtle on the nose, there are floral and orchard fruit aromas to the fore along with a whiff of citrus. Dry, mid weight and well balanced, clean tangy fruit meets vibrant acidity on the palate. Tasty, flavourful, zesty and fruity on the finish, it’s accessible and approachable now. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

**** drink now
Château le Peyrat 2009
AOC Côtes de Bordeaux $14.95 (171090) 14.5% alcohol
Generally a blend of Merlot and the Cabs, this inky wine appeals with alluring aromas of earth, herbs, spice and dark fruit. Dry, medium-full bodied, firm perceptible tannin and fresh acidity frame a core of intensely flavourful dark fruit adorned with toasty oak and spice. It finishes dry and long, with a whiff of smoke and earthiness persisting. Good value and a good match for a hearty beef or lamb stew. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Château Tour Baladoz 2006
AOC St-Émilion Grand Cru $28.95 (244087) 13.0% alcohol
This award-winning red offers complexity and depth on the nose and palate—earth, cedar and herbs marry with cherry/berry fruit and a hint of vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, it’s firmly structured yet soft in texture, consistently flavourful, spicy and a bit smoky on a well-balanced, fruit-filled finish. Pair with herbed roast meats—it has the structure to cellar several more years. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Domaine Joannet ‘Bourgogne’ Hautes-Côtes de Nuits 2009
AOC Hautes-Côtes de Nuits $21.95 (265009) 13.0% alcohol
Be tempted by the fine, restrained aromas—red fruit, smoke, roast beets. There’s great balance here—crisp acidity, fine tannins, vivid red fruit and spice. Lip smacking and tangy, this is a very tasty dry, medium-bodied wine. Pork in a burgundy sauce and mushroom risotto pairs well. (Susan Desjardins)

***** cellar
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $89.95 (711317) 14.5% alcohol

Gilt-edged and always worth picking up on faith, this is a dazzling expression of one of the iconic wines of the world. Cedar, sprigs of herbs, graphite and black currant on the nose, there’s a mélange of concentrated, complex flavours on the palate with cassis, briary berry, spice-laden black plum and juicy, tangy, black Bing cherry to the fore. It’s rich, luscious and full-bodied with deft balance, well-integrated oak, perceptible tannin and a lingering delectable aftertaste. Drinking well 2015 to +2025. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now
Domaine Saint Andéol Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $17.95 (251512) 14.5% alcohol
Ruby violet in hue, this dry, medium-full bodied blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan is a contrast of delicate aromas and full flavours. On the nose, there are aromas of floral, red fruit, spice and herbs with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, lively acidity meets firm structure, balancing a whack of vibrant, spice-infused dark fruit and tangy pepper extending through the lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable with rich meat dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: White Wine

**** drink now
Elio Filippino Arneis 2010
DOC Langhe $15.95 (60848) 12.5% alcohol
A delightful white, this offers complex aromas—floral, citrus, orchard fruit, tangy apricot and an elusive stoney, mineral note. Dry, medium bodied with an almost spritzy texture, there’s clean fresh acidity matched to citrus, stone and orchard fruit flavours washing across the palate. Balanced, lively and lovely, it pairs well with white meats or seafood. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

***1/2 drink or cellar
Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007

DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $17.95 (216408) 13.5% alcohol

Good value here with aromas of spice and berry fruit replaying on the palate along with a solid core of ripe fruit—red cherry, black plum and cranberry—mingling with good acidity, a hallmark of the Montepulciano grape, a solid tannin underpinning and lip-smacking aftertaste. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured ratcheting up a notch or two paired with meat-laden pizza or pasta in spicy meat sauce. (Vic Harradine)

***** drink or cellar
Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2002
DOC Valpolicella $79.95 (986117) 15.0% alcohol
Can wine engender bliss? If so, this can. A decade old, released just after the death of its illustrious winemaker, Giuseppe Quintarelli, this fine, garnet wine offers subtlety, elegance, depth and pure, tasting joy. On the nose, whispers of leather, earth, evolved fruit, dried cherries, subtle spice and vanilla layer, mingle and merge on the palate. Pure silk, the texture is lush yet remarkably fresh, the tannins supple. There’s a sense of warmth and earthiness, of exquisite integration and balance, and a finish that lasts and lasts. Dinner out or this wine? – no contest—pick up a couple. (Susan Desjardins)

Portugal: Red Wine

**** drink or cellar
Quinta Nova Pomares 2009
DOC Douro $16.95 (214007) 13.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby, this attractive blend of classic Port grapes features high-toned aromas and flavours of red fruit, spice, dried herbs and vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, the impact on the palate is lively and fresh, the texture appealingly silky, the tannins sleek and subtle, the finish tangy and refreshing. A well crafted wine that offers good value, drinking well now and cellarable short term. (Susan Desjardins)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: March 31, 2012

**** drink now
Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (172643) 12.5% alcohol
Charming salmon pink, this perennial favourite is produced from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Gamay. An appealing fresh, floral note and cherry/berry aromas rush from the glass. Dry, medium bodied, deftly balanced, it’s clean, fruity and lively on the palate, the red fruit and juicy texture offering a delightfully tasty, crisp and flavourful finish. Sip away. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Vintages

**** drink now
Tawse ‘Sketches’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89037) 13.0% alcohol
Subtle, attractive aromas of light toast, orchard fruit, and sweet spice expand in the glass. Dry, medium-full bodied, displaying nicely balanced acidity and fruit, the well-integrated oak offers flavours of toasted nut and spice. Round and smooth, lively and bright, the finish is tasty and pleasantly warm. Offering good value, this is a versatile wine to pair with white meats or fine cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Ontario Wineries

***1/2 drink or cellar
Tawse ‘Grower’s Blend’ Cabernet Franc 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $26.95 13.0% alcohol
Intense in hue, produced from hand-harvested fruit and aged 15 months in French oak, this dry, medium-bodied wine beckons with alluring aromas—floral, earthy autumnal notes, dark berries, roasted peppers and a whiff of smoke. Flavours of field berries are braced by perceptible tannin and vigorous acidity, notes of spice and espresso roast adding complexity and persisting through the dry finish. A wine that calls for robust dishes, serve with grilled meats and veggies or cellar 2-3 years. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Tawse, or in select LCBO stores. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar
Tawse Cabernet Franc Icewine 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 10.0% alcohol 200 mL
The aromas of this opulent ice wine captivates—candied fruit and sweet floral notes juxtaposed with elusive herbal, vegetal aromas. Luscious in texture—like satin across the palate—the exquisite balance of sweet and tang brings mouth-watering crispness to balance the sumptuous honeyed, red fruit. Sip and savour on its own, or if you must, serve with a cranberry pecan tart. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink or cellar
Tawse ‘Wismer Vineyard Lakeview Block’ Riesling 2010
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 10.0% alcohol
Transparent yellow-green, high-toned aromas of stone fruit and citrus mingle with floral and mineral nuances. Fruity, medium bodied, with a clean tangy texture and pleasing balance, there’s considerable depth and breadth of fruit flavour, an appealing hint of residual sugar and great vitality and freshness on the finish. A model of subtlety and style, cellar medium term for further evolution. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan