July 7, 2012 Vintages Release
This’ll be the final publication of Vintages Release wines by winecurrent. The outpouring of subscriber comments since this was first announced has been humbling, heart warming and sincerely appreciated. In case you missed the announcement in the previous newsletter, a portion follows.Overall time constraints, plus recent changes to the tasting schedule of Vintages Releases caused me to re-evaluate priorities. The LCBO recently shortened considerably the access time allotted for tasting Vintages Release wines in Ottawa. This does not leave sufficient time in the 3½ hours now allotted to professionally taste, evaluate and write notes on those slated for review—there are +200 wines on offer. It would require multiple tastings to cover all wines properly. It’s also time for me to take on less, not more, enjoying some downtime.
For the above reasons, I didn’t attend the recent tasting. In spite of that, there are nine wines from this release reviewed below, all tasted previously, plus 37 additional wines, including those from Susan Desjardins and Dave Isaacs, reviewed after the Main Release. All reviews are archived on winecurrent.com and will remain accessible to everyone for the next few months.
Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:
- Exceptional value wines — eight wines earned the icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’; prices range from $9.95 to $17.95 – one in the Main Release, one in New in Vintages, four in New in the LCBO Portfolio and two in New in Private Order.
- Nokhrin Wines — are featured with 19 wines after the Main Release. You can order these wines for office or home delivery via Consignment or Private Order.
- Five stars — one wine earned the highest rating along with the exceptional value icon and it’s found in the Main Release as well as published in the LCBO Vintages glossy brochure.
The Main Release
Cave de Rasteau ‘La Domelière’ Rasteau Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2009
AOC Rasteau Côtes du Rhône-Villages $15.00 (222927) 14.5% alcohol
In 2010, Rasteau gained full AOC status—scoop up a few while it’s still a bargain! This medium-bodied blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is sweet and spicy with lovely aromas of dark fruit and licorice on the nose. Dry and silky textured, it’s structured and fruit-filled with dark berries, herbs and licorice notes riding a wave of fresh acidity braced with resolving tannin. Nicely balanced and showcasing heft and texture on the palate, pour with pasta in meat-based sauce or rich beef stir fry. (Susan Desjardins)
La Ferme du Mont ‘Le Ponnant’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $17.95 (171371) 14.5% alcohol
This is great value, produced from old vines Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, a classic Rhône blend. Ruby hued, it offers an appealing nose of sweet spice, black cherry and raspberry. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s subtly structured and loaded with fresh berry fruit garnished with spice and vanilla. Round, smooth, mouth filling, the fresh acidity is a match for the fruit, the finish lengthy and pleasantly dry. Take a cart, run, don’t walk. (Susan Desjardins)
Rosehall Run ‘Cuvée County’ Chardonnay 2009
VQA Prince Edward County $21.95 (132928) 13.0% alcohol
Just now hitting its stride, this dazzles the olfactory with lifted aromas of apple-pie spice, toasty notes and lemongrass. Washing in balanced and mouth-watering waves, there’s an amalgam of flavours—ripe pear, yellow peach and green apple mingling with wisps of toasty oak and nutty notes. It finishes long and crisp with a lick of minerality and acidity. (Vic Harradine)
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)
Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2010
WO Stellenbosch $14.95 (739995) 13.5% alcohol
Balanced and fresh with natural acidity, this was sourced from low-yielding, 30- to 35-year-old bush vines. Yellow-gold hued with a perfumed nose of orange blossom and honeyed white fruit—pear, apple and succulent peach—this dishes up a rich and luscious mouthful of mid-full weight, nicely textured flavours. Beautifully balanced waves of ripe melon, pineapple and citrus wash over the palate and through the lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Sebastiani Zinfandel 2008
Sonoma County $17.95 (672667) 14.5% alcohol
Inky-hued and intensely fruity, this is a beguiling approachable Zin with aromas of sweet spice and tangy raspberry-blueberry pie. Dry and medium-full bodied, the ripe fruit is balanced with fresh acidity and soft tannin. Tasty, juicy and flavour-packed, the fruity finish offers lingering notes of toast and vanilla. Enjoy with barbequed sausage or meaty pizza. (Susan Desjardins)
Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
South Australia $16.95 (159632) 14.5% alcohol
Well balanced and nicely structured, this value-laden blend has an earthy autumnal character and attractive aromas of cassis and spice. Dry, full bodied, it’s loaded with spicy berry flavours and black pepper supported by perceptible tannin and fresh fruity acidity. Enjoy the tasty, fruit-filled finish now or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Bastianich Friulano 2010
DOC Colli Orientali Del Friuli $18.95 (277467) 13.0% alcohol
Winery owners Joe and Lidia Bastianich are Michelin-starred restaurateurs while Joe is also an acclaimed wine author and Lidia a famous cookbook author, TV personality and chef. Honeysuckle, marmalade and citrus aromas announce a voluminous gusher of flavour with spiced apple, minerality and nutty notes interlaced with ripe Bosc pear and pineapple. These replay on the aftertaste of this medium-full-bodied, silky-smooth gem. It’s complex, balanced and beautiful. Sensational sipped on its own and no less so when paired with roast guinea fowl or ris de veaux. (Vic Harradine)
Poliziano Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 2007
DOCG Montepulciano $25.95 (988055) 14.5% alcohol
This is a luscious red wine from a stellar vintage with the price-quality balance tipping well in your favour—it’s worth more than a casual look. Lilac, spice and mixed berry fruit wafts from the quiet nose heralding a rich river of palate-bathing flavour—dark berry fruit, juicy black cherry and spiced black currant. It’s balanced with good definition, a touch of class and loads of charm. Medium-full bodied and nicely textured, it finishes dry and lip-smacking good. Drink now to 2015. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: Winter 2013
Kacaba ‘Wismer Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Niagara Escarpment $22.95 12.2% alcohol
Savory herbs, toasty oak and spice-laden, heady notes of dark field berry dominate the nose. It’s racy and tangy on the palate with a focused stream of red currant, sour cherry and beetroot interwoven with blueberry and red plum. Mid weight with balance and good sense of purpose, flavours replay on the lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with grilled, cedar-planked salmon. (Vic Harradine)
Cattail Creek ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Merlot 2007
VQA Four Mile Creek $24.95 (271825) 12.5% alcohol
From an outstanding red wine vintage, this blend—50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc—delivers rich, complex aromas of cherry, menthol and toasty notes. It’s mid weight with a smooth, silky good mouth feel and is chockfull of tangy, racy, red cherry and red currant interwoven with cassis and oodles of spice. The aftertaste is dry with good structure, balance and complexity; what’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
Domaine de Hegarty Chamans ‘No. 2’ Grenache Mourvèdre Cinsault 2009
AOC Minervois, France $21.95 (277061) 15% alcohol
This unfiltered red blend sports a juicy, fruit-filled river of flavour with sweet, succulent, briary berry and ripe and juicy Bing cherry to the fore along with notes of cedar, aromatic bitters and black plum compote. It’s mid-full weight with generous mouth feel and a lingering ripe, dark berry fruit aftertaste. Good to go now and pours particularly well with smoked, grilled ribs liberally brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Château de l’Ille ‘Cuvée Andréas’ 2008
AOC Corbières, France $16.95 (276311) 13.5% alcohol
This red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Grenache shows subtle aromas of espresso roast, mixed field berry and sandalwood. There’s a balanced, gentle wash of red and black currant interlaced with red cherry and blueberry on the mid weight, nicely textured palate with flavours replaying on the lengthy, delectable finish. Good to go now on its own, even better with rotisserie chicken or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO Portfolio
Bertani Valpolicella 2011
DOC Valpolicella $14.95 (277319) 12.0% alcohol
This is a well-priced, easy-going sipper with the balance and structure to front up well to grilled burgers, meat-laden pizza or spicy wings. Hi-toned aromas of dark berry fruit, cedar and charred toast herald a straightforward river of cassis, kitchen spice and sweet, ripe cherry. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a medium-length finish that layers on strawberry and vanilla flavours with excellent, balancing acidity. (Vic Harradine)
Cono Sur ‘Reserva’ Chardonnay 2011
DO Casablanca, Chile $12.95 (270066) 13.4% alcohol
There’s good value here—aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and peach waft easily for this medium-weight, nicely textured Chardonnay. It’s brimming with sweet tropical fruit, pineapple, mango and melon interlaced with moderating lemon chiffon pie and pineapple. It finishes with lip-smacking, tangy white grapefruit and succulent, ripe peach. (Vic Harradine)
Cono Sur Merlot Rosé 2011
DO Rapel Valley, Chile $9.95 (122481) 13.0% alcohol
Strawberry with hints of spice and plum aromas on the nose, it sports a well-balanced, flavourful wave of red cherry and red currant interwoven with ruby red grapefruit on the palate. The aftertaste is sheer delight—lengthy and lip smacking with juicy blood orange, sweet ripe berry fruit and juicy tang throughout. This summer sipper’s great value and versatile at the table—pair with pizza, Greek salad, Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken or lighter-styled dishes. (Vic Harradine)
Kacaba Cabernet Merlot 2009
VQA Niagara Escarpment $16.95 12.7% alcohol
Perfumed aromas of berry fruit, spiced black plum and fennel herald a medium-full bodied, nicely textured wash of rich, black currant and dark plum compote interwoven with dark toast and excellent moderating acidity. It’s balanced with good grip from a lick of tannin on the aftertaste. Well paced and well priced—pour alongside gourmet sausage, burgers or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Masi ‘Modello delle Venezie’ Rosé 2011
IGT delle Venezie Rosato, Italy $10.95 (587725) 12.0% alcohol
Lively aromas of red cherry, sweet strawberry and lemongrass roll easily from this crisp, refreshing, value-packed gem. Tangy red grapefruit, red cherry and currant flavours wash over the palate persisting through the lip-smacking aftertaste. It’s balanced and beautiful sipped on its own and versatile with food—white pizza, fried chicken, deli platter or pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
James Oatley ‘TIC TOK’ Shiraz 2010
Central Ranges, NSW, Australia $15.95 (187187) 13.5% alcohol
Dark berry fruit, toasty notes and hints of black pepper on the nose, this nicely balanced, medium-bodied red dishes up a warm and satin-smooth wash of sweet, ripe mulberry, black raspberry and juicy, sour cherry. It finishes with good fruit and lip-smacking acidity making it the perfect partner with prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
Veramonte ‘La Gloria Reserva’ Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Casablanca Valley, Chile $12.95 (602649) 13.5% alcohol
This jumps from the glass with lifted aromas of citrus, pit fruit and savoury herbs. It washes over the palate with nicely paced flavours of lemon-lime, green apple and ripe pear. It’s mid weight and moderately textured with good fruit flavour and oodles of acidity throughout. The lip-smacking finish makes skillet-seared fish or grilled prawns great partners. (Vic Harradine)
Willm ‘Réserve’ Gewürztraminer 2010
AOC Alsace $15.95 (269852) 13.0% alcohol
Intense aromas of rosewater, exotic spice and honeysuckle herald a delightful, delectable, off-dry, mouthful of mid-weight, generously textured flavour—spiced yellow plum, tropical fruit and lemon drop candy. Balanced and beautiful, the aftertaste lingers luxuriously with crisp, refreshing tang. Lovely sipped on its own and even better with Münster or spicy Asian cuisine like tandoori chicken and garlic Nan. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
Calamus Riesling 2011
VQA Vinemount Ridge $16.20 12.0% alcohol
Bright pale yellow, the nose offers subtle aromas of ripe stone and orchard fruit with a hint of sweet woodruff, citrus and mineral. Vibrant, tangy and fruity, you’ll enjoy the crisp texture, a hint of spritz and delicious ripe peach, apricot and apple with a squeeze of lemon/lime. The fruit flavours are nicely balanced by zesty acidity through a refreshing finish. Pair with a grilled chicken Caesar salad or cellar mid-term. A good value and available for daily home or office delivery by the case (6 bottle minimum) from Calamus. (Susan Desjardins)
Calamus Pinot Gris 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.20 12.2% alcohol
Described as the winery’s ‘fan favourite’, this wine offers clean notes of ripe apple, citrus fruit and wet stone. Light-mid weight and crisp, the flavour profile is true to the aromas, minerality and lively acidity underpinning well-ripened aromatic fruit. This wine perks up the palate and finishes clean and fresh. A nice patio sipper with four-cheese and arugula pizza. Available for daily home or office delivery by the case (6 bottle minimum) from Calamus. (Susan Desjardins)
Calamus ‘Red’ 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.20 12.5% alcohol
An equal blend of Cabernets with a dash of Merlot, aged 41 months in French and American oak, this garnet, mid-weight wine offers floral notes along with aromas of grilled herbs, cedar, red and black berries. Dry, softly textured and tangy on the palate, notes of toasted oak, white pepper and spice mingle with savoury berry flavours—red currant, raspberry and black cherry—persisting on the lively toasty finish. Match with grilled burgers or meaty, wood-fired pizza. Available for daily home or office delivery by the case (6 bottle minimum) from Calamus. (Susan Desjardins)
Cattail Creek ‘Estate Series’ Chardonnay Musqué 2011
VQA Four Mile Creek $17.95 13.0% alcohol
Festooned with its classy new label, this rips from the glass with expressive aromas of exotic spice, tropical fruit and ripe nectarine. It serves up a palate-coating river of off-dry, fruit-laden flavour with succulent white peach, juicy mango and pineapple to the fore. It’s medium weight with a hint of spritz and a glorious, lengthy finish replaying the rich, sweet fruit and nuances of citrus. A fabulous sipper, it has the profile to pair perfectly with spicy Asian cuisine. Available for daily home or office delivery by the case from Cattail Creek. (Vic Harradine)
Nyarai Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 130% alcohol
The predominantly citrus nose is backed by traces of canned green vegetable. It’s light bodied in the mouth with mouthwatering lemon tartness lingering for a length pleasing finish. A nice match for baked breaded haddock with steamed asparagus. Purchase directly from Nyarai Cellars. (Dave Isaacs)
Nyarai Cellars Viognier 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.95 130%
This wine opens with a delightful nose of honeydew melon, peach and clover. Slightly heavy in the mouth, well balanced with crisp acidity and flavours of peach and cantaloupe. Finish is pleasantly fruity. A nice match for chicken with orange sauce with baked sweet red peppers. Purchase directly from Nyarai Cellars. (Dave Isaacs)
Alex Nokhrin dropped by the other day with a case or so of wine for tasting and review. Nokhrin Wines is a family-owned wine agency with whom many winecurrent subscribers have developed a relationship after reading winecurrent reviews, ordering and receiving wine delivered to their home or office. Some of his wines also appear in Vintages Releases. It’s an opportunity to try wines that are not yet, and may never be, available in LCBO stores, but available to you through ‘Private Order’ or ‘Consignment’. Private Orders usually take six to eight weeks for delivery, Consignment wines much less time. Read more here….
New in Consignment
Kuehn Sylvaner 2010
AOC Alsace, France $14.50 12.0% alcohol
Pink-hued with hints of spritz, this offers alluring aromas of exotic spice, orange blossom and quince jelly. There’s a juicy, crisp and refreshing stream of zesty lemon and tangy white grapefruit on the palate and lip-smacking finish. It’s light on its feet and a perfect summer sipper. Pour alongside flatbread under crumbled then lightly grilled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
New in Private Order
Sparkling Wine
Veronesi ‘Riserva Privata – Amour Toujour’ Brut Rosé 2007
DOCG Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy $40.00 12.5% alcohol
This Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend showcases privileged provenance and the finest sparkling wine methodology—methode traditionelle—in a frothy, mouthful of pleasure. An attractive light-pink hue gives way to aromas of red berry fruit and floral notes. The profusion of fine-bead bubbles provides a platform for crisp flavours of red currant, cherry and ruby red grapefruit on the palate and through the lengthy, refreshing, lip-smacking aftertaste. This is value-packed and versatile as an aperitif or paired with a variety of cuisine from pan-seared salmon to roast chicken or turkey—not to be missed. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi ‘Riserva Privata – Amour Toujour’ Brut Satèn 2006
DOCG Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy $40.00 12.5% alcohol
Franciacorta is a little-known, über-premium Italian sparkling wine region—made in the classic method of Champagne—growing primarily Chardonnay (85%) along with Pinot Bianco (5%) and Pinot Noir (15%). This is slightly off-dry (aka Brut Satèn), unctuously textured with a full slate of rich, ripe tropical fruit—mango, pineapple and melon. A fine perlage melds with good mouth feel and a rich aftertaste of tropical fruit and nutty nuances. It’s drinking well now; consume over the next 12 months. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi Prosecco Brut Non-vintage
DOC Prosecco Treviso, Veneto, Italy $17.85 11.0% alcohol
Floral, citrus and nutty on the nose, this value-packed sparkler lays it all out there on the palate with a brisk, refreshing wash of bubbles galore delivering racy, white grapefruit, zesty lemon and a crisp bitter almond bite, especially on the aftertaste. It’s dry, balanced and beautiful on the mouth-watering finish. A sure-fire crowd-pleaser sipped on its own or as an aperitif or classy welcoming wine. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Table Wine
Citari ‘Conchiglia’ Lugana 2011
DOC Lugana, Italy $20.25 13.5% alcohol
Honeysuckle, pit fruit and pineapple aromas on the fragrant nose provide segue for a complex, balanced and flavourful river of tangy, hand-harvested Trebbiano. Green apple, lemon zest and ripe pineapple flavours roll over the palate in medium-bodied generously textured waves. It finishes with oodles of fruit and lip-smacking good. Beautiful sipped on its own with enough oomph to pour well with roast chicken, turkey or pork, and of course, with fish or seafood. Great value offered here. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Kuehn Muscat 2011
AOC Alsace, France $14.95 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic spice, rosewater and soft, sweet floral notes waft easily from this lively, light-on-its-feet, good-value sipper. It’s nicely balanced on the palate with a gentle wash of tangy lemon-lime interwoven with spiced yellow plum. It finishes crisp, clean and refreshing. Delightful sipped on its own and well matched with lighter-styled appetizers. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bodegas Del Medievo ‘Tuerce Botas’ ‘Crianza’ Graciano 2009
DOCa Rioja, Spain $21.15 14.0% alcohol
Graciano is primarily used for blending… pity; this bolts from the glass with wonderful aromas heralding a flavour-laden gusher that’s balanced and beautiful. Black plum, toast, cherry and black berry fruit aromas mingle with mushroom and notes of kitchen spice on the medium-bodied, generously textured palate. The aftertaste’s lingering and luxurious with great balance and hi-toned, dark berry fruit—not to be missed. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bodegas Del Medievo ‘Selección Especial’ Tempranillo 2010
DOCa Rioja, Spain $11.20 13.0% alcohol
Mint, cherry and red berry fruit aromas intro this spice-driven, value-packed red. It’s silky smooth on the palate sporting dark berry fruit, tangy red cherry and spiced black plum that washes in waves interlaced with racy red currant. This is well balanced with good texture and a delicious aftertaste showcasing berry fruit and good acidity. Hard to imagine better from a tony neighbourhood at $11 and change. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617.(Vic Harradine)
Château Myrat Sauternes 2009
AOC Sauternes, France $58.95 500 mL 14.0% alcohol
This bustles from the glass showcasing lifted aromas of honeysuckle, quince jelly and ripe apricot. It’s medium-full bodied and generously textured unleashing a complex, tidal wave of flavour with honeyed apricot, succulent peach and a salad bowl of tropical fruit to the fore. With deft balance, structure and a lengthy aftertaste, it finishes in a blaze of honeyed pit fruit harmonizing with tangy, lip-smacking citrus. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Vinha Paz ‘Red’ 2010
Dão, Portugal $17.95 14.0% alcohol
This is a ripper—it’s fully flavoured with balance, structure and a lengthy, juicy aftertaste. Sourced from indigenous, Iberian grapes—Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro Preto and Tinta Roriz—lifted aromas of dark cherry and charry smoke billow forth. Black briary berry, red cherry and currant flavours meld effortlessly with spice and herbs on the smooth as silk palate. It’s medium-full weight and showcases a tangy, juicy finish showcasing ripe, gentle tannin and good moderating acidity. A hi-toned sipper that’s perfect with grilled steaks, pork back ribs or grilled rack of lamb. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Quinta do Pinto Touriga Nacional 2009
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal $25.50 14.0% alcohol
This is a beauty. The deep colour and lifted aromas—briary berry, charry toast and spice-infused, dark, Bing cherry interwoven with black plum—portend a fruit-laden, full-bore red… you won’t be disappointed. Silky smooth and fully textured, it coats the palate with complex flavours of sweet, ripe mulberry, black currant and espresso roast. There’s good acidity, oodles of fruit and a gentle hint of ripe, fine-grained tannin on the gorgeous aftertaste. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617.(Vic Harradine)
Castello di Roncade Pinot Grigio 2011
DOC Venezia, Italy $15.50 12.5% alcohol
Citrus and floral on the nose, this oozes with lemon zest, minerality and spice-infused yellow plum flavours that roll over the palate with mid weight and substantial texture. There’s good sense of purpose, a focused spine of acidity and laser-like finish that’s clean and refreshing. Pour as an aperitif or with steamed mussels à la Provençal or linguini in cream sauce with steamed clams. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617.(Vic Harradine)
Rondan ‘Reserva’ Rioja 2006
Rioja, Spain $21.60 13.5% alcohol
Espresso roast, cedar and exotic Asian spice herald a glorious wave of balanced, complex flavours that roll over the palate in never-ending waves with ripe Bing cherry, sweet mulberry and black currant to the fore. It’s mid-weight and generously textured—silky smooth—and finished with great moderating acidity and a monumentally lengthy lip-smacking aftertaste. A rock-solid buy. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009
DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy $42.85 15.0% alcohol
Rose petals, raisins and wood smoke on the nose, this delivers oodles of rich dark flavour—cassis, dark Bing cherry and black currant. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a boatload of charm. Silky smooth on the palate and aftertaste, it finishes dry, balanced and blessed with a solid core of ripe berry fruit. Pour alongside veal scaloppini or osso bucco. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi Valpolicella 2011
DOC Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Red cherry/berry and floral notes on the nose herald a fruit-filled, spirited, tangy river of red currant and strawberry interlaced with blueberry and nuances of cherry cola on the palate. It’s medium weight with nice texture and a balanced, dry finish. Easy sipping alone, it also pours well alongside deli-platter meats or white pizza adorned with arugula. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi ‘Collezione Privata’ Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2009
DOC Barbera d’Alba Superiore, Italy $22.75 13.5% alcohol
Charming aromas of exotic spice, cherry and cedar waft easily from this tangy, racy 100% Barbera. Focused and laser-like on the palate, red currant and sour cherry lead into a drying aftertaste with the flavours replayed and interlaced with hints of toasty oak joined by a lick of tannin and good acidity. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi ‘Collezione Privata’ Barolo 2006
DOCG Barolo, Piedmonte, Italy $38.00 14.0% alcohol
Lilac, cherry and sandalwood aromas provide segue for a complex stream of red currant, ripe, succulent dark cherry and good moderating acidity. Mid weight and nicely textured this provides a gorgeous, lengthy, fruit-laden finish—cassis and spiced black plum—underpinned by ripe, fine-grained tannin. Aerate/decant three hours pairing with roast venison, elk or cassoulet. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi ‘Collezione Privata’ Chianti 2009
DOCG Chianti, Tuscany, Italy $16.45 13.5% alcohol
Red cherry, spice and black plum on the nose, it’s full-flavoured, fruity and nicely balanced. Red berry fruit and currants swirl over the palate in silky-smooth waves making their way to a fruit-filled, balanced and beautiful, lingering aftertaste. It’s medium weight with good mouth feel and a steal at the price; pick up a case. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Veronesi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2009
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso, Italy $20.70 13.5% alcohol
The nose offers cassis, currants and heady kitchen spice heralding a mouthful of dark berry fruit and sour cherry. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel and lip-smacking balance. The lengthy finish is full of dark rich fruit and bracing acidity underpinned with supple, fine-grained tannin. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs brushed with spicy, barbecue sauce. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Vic