February 25, 2014 Newsletter

The California Wine Fair dates are always worth recording—it visits nine centres across Canada from coast to coast. Highly regarded as ‘the’ wine show of the year one does not miss; it’s often sold out. Purchase tickets now @ www.calwine.ca and have questions answered via the California Wine Fair Hotline (905) 336-8932 or 1-800-558-CORK (2675).


There are NO tickets sold at the door!


The 34th annual California Wine Fair moves across Canada on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 1st: Quebec City, Espace Dalhousie 
• Wednesday, April 2nd: Montreal, Quebec, Le Centre Sheraton 
• Friday, April 4th: Ottawa, Ontario, Westin Ottawa 
• Monday, April 7th: Toronto, Ontario, The Fairmont Royal York 
• Tuesday, April 22nd: Vancouver, British Columbia, Vancouver Convention Centre 
• Wednesday, April 23rd: Calgary, Alberta, Hotel Arts 
• Thursday, April 24th: Edmonton, Alberta, Shaw Conference Centre 
• Wednesday, May 7th: Moncton, New Brunswick, Casino New Brunswick 
• Thursday, May 8th: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Pier 21 

Highlights in the following newsletter include:


Susan Desjardins - wrote most of the reviews for this release while Vic continued to bask in the southern sun.

• Exceptional value wines – only 2 of the 33 wines sipped, spat and reviewed meet the strict, quality-price guidelines. a Portuguese white and a Spanish red, $16.95 and $17.95, both identified by the above icon. What are the quality-price guidelines? Go to www.winecurrent.com, click on ‘Rating System’. 
• 5-star wines – none in this publication managed to ring the 5-star bell. 
• Vic’s Picks – Santa Carolina ‘Barrica Selection’ Petit Verdot, 4 stars @ $15.95 under Chile: Red Wine; Cantine Sant’Isidoro ‘Pinto’, 4 stars @ $15.95 under Italy: Red Wine 

Access the LCBO store nearest you with stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews. You can tighten your search criteria by using the drop-down box to see only particular areas. You can also see the number of bottles available in each store. For Vintages Release wines, the stock should be showing on the site by the Friday before a Saturday release with some stores posting earlier. For LCBO Portfolio wines, it should closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours, always best to phone first.

March 1, 2014 Vintages Release

Feature: Why Cab is so Fab 

Rutherford Ranch ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, $49.95 (60525) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this wine showcases ripe fruit and structural harmony. Dry, medium-full bodied with a touch of warmth on the palate, the fruit is rich, the texture smooth and round and the wine retains a tangy, clean texture and finely-wrought structure. The plush, ripe black fruits coat the palate and linger through the full finish, complemented by notes of smoke and herbs. Enjoy with your choice of hearty meat dishes or aged cheese. (Susan Desjardins)


Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, $25.95 (642207) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s excellent value, crafted with care to offer great balance, structure and weight. Ruby purple, there are aromas are cassis, smoke, herbs and cedar. On the palate, the perceptible tannin and fresh texture frame blackberry, plum and raspberry with notes of roasted herbs and hints of red pepper offering depth and complexity. Dry, tangy, peppery and fruity through the finish, this pairs well now with red meats and is suitable for further cellaring. At this price, pick up a few. (Susan Desjardins)


Château la Gravette Lacombe 2010
AOC Médoc $19.95 (295808) 13.5% alcohol
A lovely ruby hue, this Cru Bourgeois offers a plethora of attractive aromas—cedar, cassis, dried herbs and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s a lovely balance of ripe tannin, dark berry and plum fruit with mineral undertone, notes of toast and a fine backbone of acidity. The lingering finish showcases notes of coffee, dark toast and grilled herbs. Excellent value for a well-crafted wine. (Susan Desjardins)


Angove ‘Vineyard Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Coonawarra $22.95 (361311) 13.5% alcohol
Imagine a basket of freshly picked field berries, and you’ve captured the key aromas of this wine. Add notes of cedar, earth, menthol and spice, and there you go. The minty notes come through on the palate of this dry, medium-full bodied red, mingling with well-ripened raspberry and cassis. Perceptible tannin frames the fruit, while fine acidity lifts flavours through an extended dry finish. Enjoy with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Cicchitti ‘Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mendoza $21.95 (301465) 14.0% alcohol
Complex aromas waft from the glass of this opaque ruby-hued wine—cassis, graphite, earth, grilled herbs and oak stand out. Dry, medium-full bodied, the ripe fruit is showcased by a tangy texture and subtle, firm underlying structure. The notions of earth and dried herbs mingle with dark chocolate, bringing complexity and persisting through the long, well-defined, warm, tangy finish. Crafted for aging, it’s great value. (Susan Desjardins)


Flagstone ‘Treaty Tree Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2012
WO Western Cape $16.95 (278382) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this Cabernet brings Merlot to the table, offering aromas of black currant, black cherry, plum, exotic spice and earth. Medium-full bodied, it’s fruity and tangy, round, generous and approachable. Blackcurrant and raspberry flavours caress the palate framed by ripe tannin and fresh acidity. Attractive savoury notes of toast, dried herbs and dark chocolate whisper through the dry finish. Excellent value and a great choice for grilled flatiron steak. (Susan Desjardins)


San Fabiano Calcinaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
IGT Toscana $27.95 (181420) 14.5% alcohol
Dense ruby garnet, this is a fine example of a Tuscan Cabernet, offering lovely aromas of herbs, black fruit, vanilla and charry toast. Dry, medium bodied, notions of mint and dried herbs, black berry and cassis are framed by chewy tannins and fine acidity. It finishes dry and fruity, a great food wine that will cellar. (Susan Desjardins)

Mini-feature: The Real Israel

White Wine

Recanati Chardonnay KP 2012
Upper Galilee $19.95 (128322) 13.5% alcohol
Offering lovely notes of tropical and stone fruit touched with notes of toast, this dry, medium-bodied Chard is creamy and round, fruity and fresh. Notions of spice mingle with flavours of citrus, apple and pear, carrying through the attractive fruity finish. Enjoy with fish or fowl. (Susan Desjardins)

Red Wine

Galil Mountain Alon KP 2010
Upper Galilee $20.95 (354522) 15.5% alcohol
Principally Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this blend has a subtle, spicy, smoky nose with lovely aromas of ripe black fruit. Dry, medium bodied, it offers a firm, clean texture, warm fruity flavours, a touch of dark chocolate and toast and a tasty, plush, fruit-filled finish. Enjoy with roast beef or lamb. (Susan Desjardins)


Tabor ‘Earth Series’ Shiraz KP 2011
Upper Galilee $24.95 (356709) 14.4% alcohol
This fruit-forward Shiraz showcases red berry and plum, vanilla and spice. Dry, medium bodied, it’s round, ripe and fruity with notions of vanilla and spice replaying on the palate. Subtly structured with just the right touch of acidity balancing the fruit, it’s palate pleasing and approachable. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. (Susan Desjardins)

Sparkling Wine

Pierre Sparr ‘Brut Réserve’ Crémant d’Alsace Non-vintage

AOC Alsace $16.95 (173401) 12.0% alcohol

Light on its feet, yet creamy and generous, this fresh citrusy wine has fine aromas and flavours of toasted brioche, stone fruit and lemon-chiffon pie. It’s vibrant, lively and refreshing with a delicate mousse and palate-cleansing mid-length finish. It’s a great choice for a veal or pork dish. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

G. Marquis ‘The Silver Line’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $17.95 (258681) 13.2% alcohol
Here’s an award-winning golden-hued gem offering lovely aromas of pineapple, apple, stone fruit and toasted nut. Dry, round and quite luscious, the rich fruit flavours are lifted by a touch of minerality, a fine backbone of acidity and hints of citrus. A great marriage of fruit, natural acidity and oak, this is a wine to serve with a range of roasted fowl and rich seafood dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine 

Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (64618) 13.0% alcohol
Offering tangy, lifted aromas of cherry, berry, herbs and vanilla, this is a finely crafted dry, medium-bodied Franc. Red fruit flavours are complemented by earthy notes, smoke, spice and vanilla framed by fine-grained tannins and clean acidity. There’s an attractive whiff of roasted red pepper that lingers through the finish of this ripe, nicely structured and well-balanced red. (Susan Desjardins)


Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot’ Cabernet-Merlot 2011
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $15.95 (370346) 13.0% alcohol
Wonderful aromas of sweet, fully ripened fruit lift from the glass of this nicely balanced red blend, bringing to mind a sun-drenched field of berry fruit. Dry, medium bodied, there’s fruit to the fore mingling with notes of vanilla, dried herbs, spice and red licorice. It has a clean, fresh texture, subtle tannin and an attractive earthiness making it a great food wine. The great balance and excellent value also make it a multiple-bottle purchase. (Susan Desjardins)

Okanagan Valley, B.C.: Red Wine

Cedarcreek Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2010
VQA Okanagan Valley $24.95 (175604) 13.9% alcohol
Inky purple, this is complex and intense with potent aromas of blueberry pie, plum, cassis and black cherry preserve accented by a floral note and a whiff of spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s round, smooth and spicy, richly fruity, and firmly structured. Notions of earth and dried herbs tantalize the palate and linger on the finish. Nicely balanced and flavourful. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Bonterra Pinot Noir 2011
Mendocino County $19.95 (317685) 13.5% alcohol
Produced from organic fruit, this transparent garnet wine is subtle, refined and feminine in style. If offers floral notes, hints of spice, vanilla, red cherry and berry aromas and flavours matched to delicate, fresh acidity. Silky smooth, it’s very pleasant and approachable. Go ahead, buy a boatload of this versatile wine for sipping or savoring with salmon, pork, chicken or charcuterie. (Susan Desjardins)


Gloria Ferrer ‘Carneros’ Pinot Noir 2010
Carneros $26.95 (925925) 13.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby, this is a refined, well-structured Pinot. Offering floral notes and subtle aromas of red fruit, earth and vanilla, it’s dry, medium bodied, clean and freshly textured. Fresh-picked strawberry and currant flavours tantalize the palate creating a bright, juicy, tangy taste experience through the well-defined finish. A pleasure to savoury. (Susan Desjardins)


Lander-Jenkins ‘Spirit Hawk’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 

California $19.95 (161398) 13.5% alcohol 

All savoury herbs and mixed spice on the nose, it spills over the palate with excellent balance, plenty of fruit, supple tannin and loads of charm. Look for dark cherry and briary berry mingling with sprigs of herbs surging through the lingering, balanced aftertaste bolstered by fine-grained tannin and moderating acidity. Good to go now and on to 2018 poured alongside grilled strip loin and grilled portobellos. (Vic Harradine)


Rutherford Ranch ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Napa Valley, $49.95 (60525) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this wine showcases ripe fruit and structural harmony. Dry, medium-full bodied with a touch of warmth on the palate, the fruit is rich, the texture smooth and round and the wine retains a tangy, clean texture and finely-wrought structure. The plush, ripe black fruits coat the palate and linger through the full finish, complemented by notes of smoke and herbs. Enjoy with your choice of hearty meat dishes or aged cheese. (Susan Desjardins)


Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, $25.95 (642207) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s excellent value, crafted with care to offer great balance, structure and weight. Ruby purple, there are aromas are cassis, smoke, herbs and cedar. On the palate, the perceptible tannin and fresh texture frame blackberry, plum and raspberry with notes of roasted herbs and hints of red pepper offering depth and complexity. Dry, tangy, peppery and fruity through the finish, this pairs well now with red meats and is suitable for further cellaring. At this price, pick up a few. (Susan Desjardins)

Oregon: White Wine

Wine by Joe Pinot Gris 2011
Oregon $20.95 (58651) 13.5% alcohol
A lovely straw hue, this Pinot Gris offers intriguing floral notes and juicy aromas of stone fruit, yellow plum and flowers. Medium bodied, it’s quite generous on the palate, where the stone fruit shines, mingling with notions of mango, lime and pineapple. Tangy and showcasing sweet fruit, it has good underlying acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. Try it with grilled pork with an orange-lime reduction. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Cicchitti ‘Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mendoza $21.95 (301465) 14.0% alcohol
Complex aromas waft from the glass of this opaque ruby-hued wine—cassis, graphite, earth, grilled herbs and oak stand out. Dry, medium-full bodied, the ripe fruit is showcased by a tangy texture and subtle, firm underlying structure. The notions of earth and dried herbs mingle with dark chocolate, bringing complexity and persisting through the long, well-defined, warm, tangy finish. Crafted for aging, it’s great value. (Susan Desjardins)


Mountain Door Malbec 2011
Mendoza $15.95 (355578) 13.5% alcohol
Opaque ruby, intense aromas of red fruit swirl from the glass, bringing a whiff of vanilla and spice. Dry, medium bodied, soft tannins underlay dark berry and plum fruit, hints of red licorice and a touch of mineral adding complexity. The finish is clean and fruity, making this wine a good match for roast pork loin with mushrooms. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Santa Carolina ‘Barrica Selection’ Petit Verdot 2011 

Rapel Valley $15.95 (007484) 14.5% alcohol 

The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; it’s ripe, delicious and chockfull of flavour. There’s aromas of espresso roast, charred toasty notes and ripe, dark fruit on the nose. It dishes up a fruit-filled wash of ripe, luscious flavour of sweet mulberry, briary berry and bittersweet chocolate that rolls over the palate in waves infusing the lingering, tangy aftertaste. This is full bodied, textured and delectable. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: White Wine

Wakefield Chardonnay 2012
Clare Valley $14.95 (711556) 13.0% alcohol
This award-winning, value-packed Chardonnay offers excellent value, showcasing aromas and flavours of tropical fruit, pear, vanilla and sweet spice. Dry, round, fresh yet fruity, the orchard fruit replays combine with hints of yellow plum garnished with notes of tasty, toasty oak. Finishing pleasantly fruity and creamy, it’s versatile and will pair well with light meats, roast chicken or smoked salmon. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

Angove ‘Vineyard Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Coonawarra $22.95 (361311) 13.5% alcohol
Imagine a basket of freshly picked field berries, and you’ve captured the key aromas of this wine. Add notes of cedar, earth, menthol and spice, and there you go. The minty notes come through on the palate of this dry, medium-full bodied red, mingling with well-ripened raspberry and cassis. Perceptible tannin frames the fruit, while fine acidity lifts flavours through an extended dry finish. Enjoy with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Jim Barry ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz 2012
Clare Valley $26.95 (998476) 14.5% alcohol
Jim Barry Wines are one of 12 family-owned ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’; producing wine with sense of place. A reliably well-made and deftly balanced wine, this vintage delivers a dense, intense wine that features optimally ripened black fruits mingling with notions of pepper and herbs. Dry, full bodied, pepper and exotic spice shine on the palate, the full fruit flavours mingling with earthy, toasty notes to create appealing complexity. There’s a subtle yet defined structure framing the fruit, clean acidity matched to a touch of warmth that lingers on the extended finish. A good buy and a fine match for roast lamb. (Susan Desjardins)


Tanunda Hill Shiraz 2011
Barossa $18.95 (289983) 13.5% alcohol
Deep ruby, this award-winning Shiraz, grown on a warm site and subject to strict cropping of fruit, offers balance and excellent value. Aromas of clean, ripe dark fruit, blueberry pie, sweet spice and notions of earth and chocolate waft from the glass. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s very nicely balanced, red and black berry flavours mingling with spice, lifted by a fresh texture and framed by fine-grained tannin. Enjoy the clean fresh finish and stash a few bottles to savor over the next couple of years. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: Red Wine

Flagstone ‘Treaty Tree Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2012
WO Western Cape $16.95 (278382) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this Cabernet brings Merlot to the table, offering aromas of black currant, black cherry, plum, exotic spice and earth. Medium-full bodied, it’s fruity and tangy, round, generous and approachable. Blackcurrant and raspberry flavours caress the palate framed by ripe tannin and fresh acidity. Attractive savoury notes of toast, dried herbs and dark chocolate whisper through the dry finish. Excellent value and a great choice for grilled flatiron steak. (Susan Desjardins)

Israel: White Wine

Recanati Chardonnay KP 2012
Upper Galilee $19.95 (128322) 13.5% alcohol
Offering lovely notes of tropical and stone fruit touched with notes of toast, this dry, medium-bodied Chard is creamy and round, fruity and fresh. Notions of spice mingle with flavours of citrus, apple and pear, carrying through the attractive fruity finish. Enjoy with fish or fowl. (Susan Desjardins)

Israel: Red Wine

Galil Mountain Alon KP 2010
Upper Galilee $20.95 (354522) 15.5% alcohol
Principally Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this blend has a subtle, spicy, smoky nose with lovely aromas of ripe black fruit. Dry, medium bodied, it offers a firm, clean texture, warm fruity flavours, a touch of dark chocolate and toast and a tasty, plush, fruit-filled finish. Enjoy with roast beef or lamb. (Susan Desjardins)


Tabor ‘Earth Series’ Shiraz KP 2011
Upper Galilee $24.95 (356709) 14.4% alcohol
This fruit-forward Shiraz showcases red berry and plum, vanilla and spice. Dry, medium bodied, it’s round, ripe and fruity with notions of vanilla and spice replaying on the palate. Subtly structured with just the right touch of acidity balancing the fruit, it’s palate pleasing and approachable. Pair with roast chicken or turkey. (Susan Desjardins)

France: White Wine

Berthet-Rayne ‘Tradition’ Cairanne Côtes du Rhône Villages 2011
AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages $17.95 (354100) 14.0% alcohol
Golden hued, this blend of Clairette, Marsanne, Roussane and Bourboulenc offers alluring floral and ripe fruit aromas touched by spice, vanilla and toasted nut. Dry, medium bodied, there’s apricot and juicy stone fruit to the fore and a replay of sweet spice. Light acidity and a touch of mineral complements the full, fruity flavours. Pair this weighty wine with garlic and herbed pork roast or turkey. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Domaine des Amadieu ‘Cuvée Vieilles Vignes’ Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2011
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne $18.95 (354233) 14.5% alcohol
A gold-medal winner, this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre offers a whiff of flowers, clean aromas of sun-ripened red fruit, sweet spice and vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s loaded with plush fruit—the tang of raspberry or cherry pie comes to mind—complemented by intense spicy, peppery notes. Ripe tannin and fresh acidity offer balance to the ripe fruit while notes of toast and roasted herbs linger on the finish. It’s flavourful and excellent value. (Susan Desjardins)


Château la Gravette Lacombe 2010
AOC Médoc $19.95 (295808) 13.5% alcohol
A lovely ruby hue, this Cru Bourgeois offers a plethora of attractive aromas—cedar, cassis, dried herbs and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s a lovely balance of ripe tannin, dark berry and plum fruit with mineral undertone, notes of toast and a fine backbone of acidity. The lingering finish showcases notes of coffee, dark toast and grilled herbs. Excellent value for a well-crafted wine. (Susan Desjardins)


Santa Duc ‘Les Vieilles Vignes’ Côtes du Rhône 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône $15.95 (101543) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this red blend offers aromas of dark berries, smoke and dried herbs. Dry, medium-full bodied, the rich, ripe fruit is front and centre, a touch of white pepper and sweet spice adding interest. There’s sufficient structure to balance the fruit and create a nice, dry, tangy finish. Serve with grilled burgers or meat casseroles. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

San Fabiano Calcinaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
IGT Toscana $27.95 (181420) 14.5% alcohol
Dense ruby garnet, this is a fine example of a Tuscan Cabernet, offering lovely aromas of herbs, black fruit, vanilla and charry toast. Dry, medium bodied, notions of mint and dried herbs, black berry and cassis are framed by chewy tannins and fine acidity. It finishes dry and fruity, a great food wine that will cellar. (Susan Desjardins)


Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 

DOCG Chianti Classico $17.95 (211599) 14.0% alcohol 

Garnet hued, this is a lovely fragrant Chianti with layers of aromas—vanilla, smoke, black berry, cherry and sweet spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s lively, supple and clean, with bright red cherry/berry fruit, notes of spice and wood smoke. Finishing tangy, dry and crisp, it’s beautifully balanced and an excellent value. (Susan Desjardins)


Cantine Sant’Isidoro ‘Pinto’ 2011 

DOC Rosso Piceno, Italy $15.95 (364885) 12.5% alcohol 

100% Sangiovese, spending nine months in oak, it barrels from the glass with fresh, lively aromas of cherry cola, lilac and spiced dark plum. A spirited river of red cherry and ripe cranberry embroidered by racy red raspberry and mixed spice persists through the crisp, tangy finish. The dry, structured aftertaste is zingy and refreshing throughout. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza—good value here. (Vic Harradine)


Pico Maccario ‘Lavignone’ Barbera d’Asti 2011
DOCG Barbera d’Asti $17.95 (365486) 13.5% alcohol
Displaying lifted aromas of ripe red cherry, red berry, spice, earth and vanilla, this dry, medium-bodied wine offers loads of ripe red fruit, attractive notes of spice and a touch of white pepper wrapped around a core of clean fresh acidity. Smooth yet fresh, it’s clean, long and lively on the finish. Good value and versatile, it’ll pair with duck with cherries, meat-based pasta or aged Italian cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: Red Wine

Bodegas Balbás ‘Ardal’ Crianza 2005

DO Ribera del Duero $17.95 (167601) 14.0% alcohol

This red blend—90% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon—opens with a richly perfumed nose of dark berry fruit, vanilla and floral aromas. It’s well balanced, medium-full bodied with a textured mouth feel and flavour galore—racy red berry and sweet ripe red cherry adorned by spice and hints of toasty notes. There’s a lip-smacking lingering finish that sets it up for a delightful pairing with meat and prawn paella. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

February 1, 2014 release, still available in select stores.

Pierres Dorées Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $49.95 (79749) 14.5% alcohol
Deep ruby, this approachable, well-structured red is a blend of hand-harvested Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged mainly in seasoned oak. Intense, powerful aromas of spice, fruit, dried herbs and smoke abound. Dry and full bodied, dense and richly fruity, the fine-grained tannin builds on the palate, a subtle freshness balancing flavourful raspberry, black berry and plum. Pepper, herbs and tasty cedar notes add complexity, growing in substance and power with every sip. The finish is long, dry and warm. Showcasing depth of fruit, this robust wine says drink me now but is also suitable for aging. Enjoy with grilled rack of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

February 15, 2014 release, still available in select stores.

Quinta das Marias Encruzado 2011
DOC Dão $16.95 (364802) 14.0% alcohol
Straw gold in the glass, Encruzado is an indigenous grape variety from the Dão region. It projects attractive, enticing aromas – ripe stone fruit, pear, musk melon, vanilla and delicate floral notes. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s round and ripe, fresh in texture. Tasty fruit—grapefruit pith, green plum, tropical and orchard fruit— clings to the palate like a wave of satin. Hints of pepper and warmth linger on the impressively long finish. Enjoy with grilled fish. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan