April 23, 2014 Newsletter

On June 12, 2014, in Toronto, Ontario, Tuscan winery, Ornellaia, one of the world’s most prestigious wine producers, will release its new vintage and flagship wine of the estate, Ornellaia 2011, at an annual gala dinner and charity auction. Read more here…

Highlights include:

• Exceptional value wines – 8 of 51 wines reviewed meet the strict, quality-price guidelines; 4 in the Main Release, and 4 follow, identified by the icon. What are the strict, quality-price guidelines? Go to www.winecurrent.com and click on the ‘Rating System’ tab. 
• 5-star wines – an amazing 6 wines rang the 5-star bell and 4 of them earned the exceptional value icon  Give the latter a very hard look, they’re rare. 
• Vic’s Picks – all the 5-star and exceptional value wines plus Evans and Tate ‘Metricup Road’ Shiraz 2010, 4½ stars @ $22.95 and Château de Monbadon 2010, 4½ stars @ $18.95. 
• Finding Waldo – nicknamed ‘the little rascal’ this grape delivers quite a mouthful and is commonly found in Roero, a hilly region in Alba, Piedmonte—this one is terrific value. 

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. 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, best to phone first. 

Vintages Release: April 26, 2014

Feature: Bordeaux

Château de Monbadon 2010
AOC Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux $18.95 (365882) 14.5% alcohol
The powerful nose opens with licorice, berry fruit and espresso roast. Concentrated flavours of cassis, spice box and dark coffee meld with good acidity, excellent mouth feel and deft balance. There’s purity of fruit and complexity on the fruit-filled lingering aftertaste. Pick up a few, giving a two-hour aeration/decant, drinking now to 2019. Good value. (Vic Harradine)


Château Le Bourdieu 2010
AOC Médoc $20.95 (085084) 13.5% alcohol
Red cherry and spice aromas provide segue for a mouth-watering spray of sour cherry and red currant mingling with black currant and baking spice on a medium-full-bodied frame. Good purity of fruit throughout with perceptible tannin and lip-smacking acidity. Pour after a three-hour aeration/decant alongside pasta in tomato sauce or Swiss steak. (Vic Harradine)


Château Donissan 2010
AOC Listrac-Médoc $17.95 (365874) 14.0% alcohol
Forest floor, dark berry fruit and toasty oak on the nose, it bathes the palate with a balanced wash of cassis, red currant and notions of tobacco. It’s mid weight with acidity and fruit well balanced and decent mouth feel. The mid-length finish layers on red and dark berry fruit, gamy notes and a fine-grained tannin underpinning. Pour, after a two-hour aeration/decant, with seasoned rack of lamb, grilled rare. (Vic Harradine)

Fortified Wine: Port

Kopke ‘20 Years Old’ Tawny Port
DOC Douro $56.95 (368340) 20.0% alcohol
Not to be confused with ‘Vintage Port’, this is sweet, smooth as silk and ready for the table. Aromas of figs, dates, rich caramel and toffee waft from the nose of this aged beauty—some of the wine in this is +20-years old. Creamy smooth nectar coats the palate and long, long aftertaste—toffee, nutty notes, Christmas cake spice and dried apricot. Sip on its own or with spice cake: it’s one of the wine world’s hidden treasures. (Vic Harradine)

Champagne

Fleury ‘Blanc de Noirs Brut’ Champagne
AOC Champagne $54.95 (368761) 12.5% alcohol
An affordable luxury, this has incredible depth and complexity with pin-point balance, weight, structure and focus throughout. Fleury was the first certified, bio-dynamic winery in Champagne with all 12 acres planted to Pinot Noir. Baking brioche and nutty notes jump from the glass with well-integrated flavours of deep-red berry fruit, spice and red grapefruit notes zinging across a lively display of frothy mousse. The aftertaste is mouth-watering delicious, lengthy and refreshing—a top-drawer offering at a very reasonable price. (Vic Harradine)


Ployez-Jacquemart ‘Extra Quality Brut’ Champagne
AOC Champagne $54.95 (362558) 12.0% alcohol
This showcases a dazzling array of aromas and flavours with minerality, sharp flinty notes, citrus and orange blossom notes galore. It’s medium-full bodied with lively acidity and lovely creamy texture followed by a lingering, rich, refreshing finish and aftertaste. The wine is approximately 50-50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, barrique-fermented and hand riddled. It’s quite a step above ordinary. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

Bailly Lapierre ‘Réserve’ Crémant de Bourgogne

AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $19.95 (991562) 12.0% alcohol
An almost transparent straw colour, this lovely sparkler has delicate aromas of pear, green apple and brioche. It’s quite rich and fruity on the palate—tree fruit in particular with a citrus note—and the mousse is soft and creamy. This is finely balanced, well crafted and quite flavourful. An underlying minerality and fresh fruity acidity persist on the finish. This is good value. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine J. Laurens ‘le Moulin’ Blanquette de Limoux Brut Non-vintage 

AOC Blanquette de Limoux, France $17.95 (180323) $16.95 12.0% alcohol 

This sparkling wine does just that, dishing up a nose of yeasty notes, citrus and peach before unleashing a profusion of glorious bubbles riding a wave of flavour—succulent white peach, racy lemon yoghurt and zesty pineapple. The crisp, refreshing aftertaste also makes its mark. This pours well as an aperitif or alongside roast fowl or seafood; it has the oomph and charm to handle both. (Vic Harradine)


La Marca Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Veneto $17.95 (287987) 11.7% alcohol
Here’s a light and lively sparkling wine that shouldn’t be missed. It has wonderful aromas, oodles of fruit flavour and a crisp finish. Floral, lime and orchard fruit aromas introduce a painter’s palette of flavour with lemon chiffon pie, orange sherbet and ripe, sweet apple and pear to the fore. It’s light on its feet and the perfect welcoming wine or party starter. Drinks well on its own or paired with lighter-styled appetizers. The price –quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)


Poderi Elia Moscato d’Asti 2009 

DOCG Moscato d’Asti $15.95 (211664) 5.5% alcohol 

Delicacy and finesse characterize this sweet straw-coloured fizz. Lovely aromas of honeysuckle, sweet orchard and stone fruit presage the replay of lifted fruit flavours with a dash of key lime—all wrapped in a gentle mousse. Off dry, the acidity is gentle and the finish is soft and fruity. Very low alcohol; this is a great wine to sip on its own after a generous meal or pour alongside peach and blueberry galette. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

Malivoire Musqué Spritz 2013
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (189670) 9.0% alcohol
Off-dry, light and lively, this dishes up a delightful, perfumed spray of aromas—orange blossom, exotic spice and buckwheat honey followed by flavours of Meyer lemon, white grapefruit and spice-infused layers of tropical fruit salad. This is a quintessential warm-weather sipper that also pairs well with spicy Asian cuisine or blue-veined cheese. (Vic Harradine)

Okanagan Valley: White Wine

Gray Monk ‘Unwooded’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Okanagan Valley, BC $19.95 (303743) 13.5% alcohol
An exuberant plethora of aromas jump from the glass—pit fruit, floral notes and mixed spice. Rich, luscious flavours of nectarine, melon and citrus ride on a river that’s well balanced with creamy smooth texture and refreshing tang. The finish has oodles of charm, clean, crisp and refreshing. Pour on its own or serve alongside pan-seared fish under a squirt of freshly squeezed lemon—very good value here. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

Beringer Chardonnay 2012
Napa Valley $19.95 (084988) 14.5% alcohol
Fully flavoured and full bodied, it’s balanced and beautiful. Sweet tropical fruit—melon, mango and pineapple—bolstered by exotic spice and white peach, coat the palate and aftertaste. It’s well structured and complex throughout. The finish showcases hints of toasty oak and delicious, lip-smacking tang. Pour with take-out, rotisserie chicken and crisp, roast potatoes. (Vic Harradine)


McManis Chardonnay 2012
River Junction $19.95 (265983) 13.5% alcohol
Orchard fruit—peach, pear and apple—dominate the alluring aromas and flavours garnished with sweet vanilla and buttered toast in this perennial favourite. It’s mid-full weight, balanced with excellent citrus tang and long in the finish and aftertaste. The mouth feel is satin smooth and you can’t argue with the price-quality balance that tips in your favour. Pour with roast chicken or slow-roast pork. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

Ironstone Petite Sirah 2012
Lodi $17.95 (361915) 13.5% alcohol
Robust aromas of dark berry fruit, mixed spice and espresso roast spill from this medium-full bodied red. Mouth-watering flavours of red cherry and red currant mingle with piquant spice and riper, sweeter mulberry and black cherry on the palate and mid-length aftertaste. It’ll pour well with what you pull of your Weber—gourmet sausage, burgers or steak. 

Washington State: Red Wine

Three Rivers ‘River’s Red’ 2011
Columbia Valley $19.95 (287433) 14.4% alcohol
A powerful, concentrated, swashbuckling red blend—55% Merlot, 24% Syrah, 21% Cab Franc—that’s not for the faint of heart. Dark, juicy cherry, cassis and spice on the nose, it washes over the palate with torrents of flavour—kirsch liqueur, plum compote and cassis—bolstered by toasty oak, perceptible tannin, textured mouth feel and oodles of moderating acidity. The long finish replays the palate flavours, surprisingly somewhat balanced. Aerate/decant for three-hours pouring with grilled, meaty dinosaur ribs slathered in barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

Alamos Syrah 2012 

Mendoza $13.95 (183848) 13.5% alcohol 

Straightforward and crowd pleasing, this is worth a multiple purchase. Aromas of baking spice, toasty bits and dark, field berry fruit provide segue to a rich, involved wash of red cherry, dried currant and bramble berry flavours persisting through the palate and lengthy aftertaste mingling with good moderating acidity and juicy tang. Good to go now and pours well with meat-laden pizza, gourmet sausage or burgers. (Vic Harradine)


Casarena Ramanegra ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Mendoza $18.95 (366138) 14.9% alcohol
Savory herbs, dark berry fruit and earthy tones on the nose introduce a dense, concentrated wash of plum compote and juicy black cherry garnished with handfuls of piquant spice and sprigs of savory herbs. It’s balanced, mid-full weight with generous mouth feel, complexity and oodles of charm. The lengthy finish and the aftertaste glisten with dark, juicy berry fruit and notions of cassis—a good-value red. (Vic Harradine)


Chakana ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2012
Mendoza $16.95 (018671) 14.0% alcohol
Dark toast, dark berry fruit and anise aromas provide segue for a delectable river of fruit-filled flavour with cassis, cherry and ripe mulberry to the fore. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel and balanced nicely with lip-smacking tang. The finish and aftertaste are laced with dark fruit supported by notes of mocha and dark toast. Pour with grilled gourmet sausage, burgers or steak. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: White Wine 

Yalumba ‘Eden Valley’ Viognier 2012 

Eden Valley, South Australia $24.95 (954644) 14.0% alcohol 

You won’t find better Viognier from anywhere in the world at this price or from the new world at any price —it’s from an outstanding vintage and will improve in bottle over the next decade. An alluring nose of apricot and nectarine wreathed in floral notes opens this medium-bodied, creamy-smooth gem. Layered flavours of apricot and white peach mingle with racy lemon and hints of blood orange on the palate infusing the lengthy, balanced and beautiful aftertaste. It’s an outstanding wine with depth, elegance and great potential. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

Mitolo ‘Serpico’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
McLaren Vale, South Australia $52.95 (659599) 15.0% alcohol
This is absolutely delicious; it snuggled up to 5 stars. Hi-toned aromas of dark cherry, baking spice and black briary berry abound. It’s full bodied and fully flavoured with cassis, warm, toasty oak plus red and black berry fruit supported by moderating acidity and a creamy smooth mouth feel. The complex, lengthy aftertaste is underpinned by fine-grained tannin for structure. Good to go now and on to the 2020s. (Vic Harradine)


Sister’s Run ‘Epiphany’ Shiraz 2011
McLaren Vale, South Australia $15.95 (269464) 14.5% alcohol
Sprigs of herbs, eucalyptus and black cherry aromas spill onto the palate in a delectable replay joined by sweet ripe mulberry and black bramble berry. It’s full bodied with creamy texture and good complexity and structure throughout. The lengthy finish and aftertaste is nicely balanced with fruity flavours and mouth-watering tang. What’s not to like—pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Momo Pinot Noir 2011
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (163972) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of savory herbs, red cherry/berry and cinnamon herald a lively line of bracing acidity delivered on a bed of red currant and sour cherry flavour. It’s medium-bodied with a mouth-watering finish of red grapefruit tang. Pour with prawn ceviche. (Vic Harradine)

South Africa: Red Wine

Pepin Condé Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
WO Coastal Region $15.95 (365981) 14.0% alcohol
Mixed field berry fruit, floral notes and cedar aromas presage a well-balanced wash of ripe mulberry and black briary berry robed in sweet vanilla, spice and excellent moderating tang. It’s medium weight with good mouth feel and plenty of charm. It finishes lengthy, balanced and lip-smacking good. Don’t be shy, pick up enough for the gang and summer barbecues—it’s a crowd pleaser. (Vic Harradine)


Remhoogte Estate Wine 2007
WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch $18.95 (694539) 14.0% alcohol
Fragrant aromas of wood smoke, espresso roast and savory herbs peel from this mid-full bodied red blend—32% Merlot, 29% Syrah, 26% Cab Sauv, 13% Pinotage. Spice-infused red cherry and red currant flavours streak across the palate, full of nerve and verve and lip-smacking tang. There’s reasonable balance and texture and lively mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Domaine du Tremblay ‘Cuvée Vin Noble’ Quincy 2012
AC Quincy $20.95 (375659) 13.0% alcohol
Piercing aromas of flinty minerality, grassy notes and passion fruit herald a bracing line of acidity on the palate and throughout the finish and aftertaste—flavours of gooseberry and mouth-watering citrus dominate. Pour with mesclun salad under warmed, crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: White Wine

Cascina Del Pozzo Roero Arneis 2012 

DOCG Roero Arneis, Italy $18.95 (368506) 13.0% alcohol 

Lively aromas of honeysuckle, key lime and mineral/slate notes open this beautifully balanced mouthful of flavour and charm. A stylish wash of grilled pineapple, white peach and crisp Granny Smith apple ripple over the palate persisting through the lengthy lip-smacking finish. It’s mid weight with considerable texture and notions of honeyed fruit peeking through on the aftertaste. Pour alongside roast pork and veggie risotto. This is terrific value. (Vic Harradine) 

Italy: Red Wine

Cennatoio Chianti Classico 2011
DOCG Tuscany $18.95 (232561) 13.5% alcohol
Nicely structured with good purity of fruit, it opens with spice and cherry/berry aromas on the nose. It’s full of fruit flavour—red and black cherry and hints of leather and tobacco—medium bodied and nicely balanced. Straightforward and tasty, there’s a bit of grip on the finish and aftertaste, easily handled with a two-hour aeration/decant. Pour with meat-lovers pizza, burgers or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

Alvaro Palacios ‘Velles Vinyes Les Terrasses’ 2011
DOCa Priorat $46.95 (977843) 14.5% alcohol
The doyen of Priorat, Alvaro Palacios, often hits the bulls-eye. The expressive nose gives up aromas of camphor, baking spice and dark coffee presaging a surge of palate-bathing flavour—black briary berry, cassis and mulberry mingling with cedar and spice. It’s structured, mid-full bodied, well textured, balanced and beautiful. The finish lingers with dark berry fruit, fennel and mocha. Pair with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)


Ardal ‘Reserva’ 2006
DO Ribera del Duero $22.95 (167700) 14.5% alcohol
Black licorice, dried, dark berries and leather aromas herald a full-bodied, fully flavoured stream of flavours—cassis, espresso roast and dark chocolate-dipped black cherries to the fore. It’s medium-weight with good mouth feel, balance and plenty of charm. It’s well structured and has the oomph, from a ripe tannin underpinning, to pair well with osso bucco or grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)


Elías Mora ‘Crianza’ 2009
DO Toro $22.95 (366815) 15.0% alcohol
Aromas of rose petals, black plum compote and gamy notes dominate the nose of this mid-weight rich, luscious Tinta de Toro—a.k.a.Tempranillo. Concentrated flavours of black cherry and black currant garnished with spice and floral notes persist throughout. It provides good balance and lovely texture on a mid-weight frame along with a lengthy mouth-watering finish. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages Essentials – always available in select stores

Bachelder ‘Niagara’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (302083) 13.0% alcohol
Flint and minerality, citrus and toast aromas herald a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lemon citrus, green apple and notions of vanilla on the palate. It finishes clean, crisp and refreshing on the lengthy aftertaste. There’s good structure and complexity with the obvious touch of a master vigneron, Thomas Bachelder. (Vic Harradine)


Santa Margherita ‘Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut’ Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage

DOC Prosecco di Valdobbiadene $17.95 (687582) 11.5% alcohol
Citrus, toasty, and floral on the nose this dishes out a creamy smooth texture and delicious flavour—it’s also good value. There are oodles of bubbles with a river white peach, lemon sherbet and mouth-watering tang on the palate and lip-smacking finish. Wonderful as a welcoming wine and can be poured with stand-around appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

Ara ‘Single Estate’ Pinot Noir 2011
Marlborough, New Zealand $23.95 (361279) 13.5% alcohol
Savory, svelte and subtly charming, the alluring aromas of herbs, dark berry fruit and aromatic bitters presage a stylish wash of sour cherry, red currant and beetroot garnished with cedar and herbs. It’s medium bodied with silky mouth feel and a lingering, balanced and complex finish. There’s structure and purity of fruit throughout. Pour with smoked duck breasts or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Bridlewood Estate Monterey County Pinot Noir 2012
Monterey County, California $19.95 (361824) 14.1% alcohol
This stylish Pinot takes the best from both worlds with a savoury nose and elegance from cool, damp Burgundy and deft balance with ripe, delicious fruit from sunny California. Aromas of savory herbs, tobacco and red berry fruit herald a delightful, balanced wash of ripe dark cherry and mulberry mingling with spice and delectable red cherry tang. It’s medium bodied with creamy smooth mouth feel and lingering finish. How good is that? (Vic Harradine)


Evans and Tate ‘Metricup Road’ Shiraz 2010
Margaret River, Australia $22.95 (606905) 14.5% alcohol
Luscious and concentrated, this showcases great purity of fruit, pin-point balance and oodles of alluring aromas and lip-smacking flavours. Ripe, black cherry and earthy notes mingle with tobacco and savoury bits on the nose. Palate-drenching flavours of ripe, mulberry and spice-infused dark cherry abound on the palate and lingering aftertaste. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour; pick up a handful. (Vic Harradine)


Kim Crawford ‘Pansy!’ Rosé 2013
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $17.95 (650325) 13.0% alcohol
This off-dry red blend—63% Merlot, 37% Malbec—dishes up aromas of cherry cordial, spice and red licorice. Deliciously sweet flavours of maraschino cherry and raspberry gum drops bathe the palate persisting through the lengthy finish. It’s light-medium bodied with good texture and plenty of charm. A great sipper or welcoming wine can also be served with baked ham or roast chicken—it’s a crowd pleaser. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Liqueur - Here’s an authentic Sloe Gin Fizz recipe from 1910—2 ounces of Sloe Gin, juice of half a lemon, ½ teaspoon super-fine sugar; shake all in a cocktail shaker with ice then strain into a chilled fizz glass, add soda (2-3 oz.) to taste.


Hayman’s ‘Original Recipe’ Sloe Gin
Product of England $25.00 (302679) 700 mL 26.0% alcohol
The gin is handmade by a Master Distiller in a copper pot still before the addition of ‘sloe berries’—a type of wild plum from the Blackthorn tree. Effusive aromas jump from the glass with blood orange, anise and baking spices to the fore. It’s unctuous and powerful on the palate with sweet berry fruit flavours bolstered by cinnamon and mixed spice. On the warm lingering aftertaste, a sour cherry flavour provides beautiful balance and a clean finish. (Vic Harradine)

Table Wine


De Loach ‘Heritage Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2011
California $15.45 (220434) 13.5% alcohol
Sprigs of savory herbs and spice mingle with red cherry/berry aromas on the nose of this creamy smooth Pinot. It’s mid weight and charming with ripe, juicy red cherry, sweet ripe mulberry and spice and herb-infused notions of tangy blueberry bathing the palate persisting through the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. Pour with glazed, clove-decorated baked ham and root veggies. (Vic Harradine)


Mitolo ‘Junior’ Shiraz 2011
McLaren Vale, Australia $16.95 (183947) 14.0% alcohol
Cedar, herbs and smoky tar aromas introduce a medium-weight wash of red and dark berry fruit mingling with moderating acidity. Good mouth feel and balance mark this as wine that’s versatile at the table and food friendly, pour with burgers, pizza or chicken fajitas. (Vic Harradine)


Speri Valpolicella Ripasso ‘Classico Superiore’ 2011
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $21.95 (370353) 13.5% alcohol
Fruit-forward aromas of dark berry fruit and red cherry mingle with fig and spice. A balanced and beautiful wash of red cherry and red berry fruit garnished with savoury herbs and espresso roast coat the palate infusing the lengthy finish. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and plenty of complexity, character and charm. Pour with meat-laden pizza, lasagna or pasta in tomato sauce after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Sparkling Wine

Order the following two wines, in the very near future, by the case for daily home or office delivery directly from 2027 Cellars.


2027 Cellars ‘Queenston Road Vineyard’ Sparkling Non-Vintage
VQA St. David’s Bench $30.00 12.0% alcohol
This single vineyard, limited production—under 100 cases—gem was fashioned Méthode Traditionelle with 28 months on its lees and no dosage. A profusion of richly-hued, fine-bead bubbles fill the glass followed by aromas of white peach, mango and mineral, yeasty notes. It bathes the palate with weighty, creamy smooth flavours of ripe orchard fruit—nectarine, pear, green apple—and Meyer lemon. This finishes balanced and beautiful with more ripe flavour and texture than most—unique and outstanding with oomph to pair with roast fowl and most seafood. (Vic Harradine)

Table Wine

2027 Cellars ‘Wismer Vineyard-Fox Croft Block’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $30.00 13.0% alcohol
Delicate, alluring aromas of buttered toast, mineral notes and green apple presage a glorious, creamy mouthful of tang-laden flavour with peach, pear and lemon citrus to the fore. It’s medium weight, deftly balanced and stylish, even at this early stage. Flavours persist through the lingering aftertaste, focused and pure. Drinks beautifully now, will improve in bottle—consummate food wine, pour with pan-seared scallops or tuna, roast pork and more. Owner/winemaker Kevin Panagapka adds to his sterling reputation. (Vic Harradine)

Order the following two wines by the case, can be mixed, for daily home or office delivery direct from Fielding.


Fielding Estate Winery Cabernet-Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $35.15 12.5% alcohol
A delicious red blend—42% Cab Franc, 33% Merlot, 25% Cab Sauv—bottled unfined and unfiltered after 24 months in French and American oak. Mocha, espresso roast and oodles of dark berry fruit aromas on the nose, it settles on the palate with a solid core of delectable, structured and balanced flavour with red cherry, ripe mulberry and plenty of charm. It’s medium-full bodied with generous texture and supple tannin underpinning—it has mellowed beautifully since tasting in September. The finish lingers. (Vic Harradine)


Fielding Estate Winery ‘Tufford Road Vineyard – Rock Pile Red 2012
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $20.15 13.0% alcohol
This red blend—62% Merlot, 38% Cab Sauv—dishes up savory, dark berry fruit and mocha aromas before spilling over the palate with an array of tang-laden laden, spice-infused flavour with red currant and sour cherry to the fore. It broadens out on the finish and aftertaste layering on riper mulberry and dark cherry tones. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and underpinned by still-resolving tannin. Pour now after a three-hour aeration/decant alongside pasta puttanesca or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

Order the following two wines by the case for daily home or office delivery from Kacaba.


Kacaba Cabernet Franc 2011
VQA Niagara Escarpment $18.95 13.5% alcohol
Savory herbs, smoky bits and pencil shaving aromas herald a rip-roaring river of black currant and juicy black cherry coating the palate adorned with lip-smacking acidity and a solid tannin underpinning. On the powerful finish there’s oodles of fruit, complexity and good length. It’s very good now after a two-hour aeration decant with promise of much more by opening in a year or two. (Vic Harradine)


Kacaba ‘Rebecca’ Rosé 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (227025) 11.4% alcohol
This stylish red blend—Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cab Franc—jumps from the glass with lifted aromas of strawberry jam, cherry syrup and spice-infused red berry fruit. It bathes the palate with oodles of fabulous, well-balanced flavour—tangy red grapefruit, red cherry and red currant jelly. It’s a lovely package—balanced, complex with structure, charm and just plain delicious. Clean crisp and refreshing, the aftertaste is lip-smacking good. Pick up a few for summer/fall enjoyment; it pours well with a deli platter, soft or blue cheese, duck or chicken. (Vic Harradine)

Order the following three wines by the case for daily home or office delivery from Thirty Bench.


Thirty Bench ‘Triangle Vineyard’ Small Lot Riesling 2012
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula $30.00 10.9% alcohol
Floral notes, notions of petrol and citrus aromas herald a delectable river of lemon-lime, pineapple and grapefruit flavours garnished by tangy apple and yellow plum flavours. It’s medium bodied with a very creamy mouth feel, nicely balanced, zippy and refreshing. Pour on its own or pair with spicy Asian dishes. (Vic Harradine)


Thirty Bench ‘Steel Post Vineyard’ Small Lot Riesling 2012
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula $30.00 10.8% alcohol
This is a majestic wine for Riesling aficionados and just plain wine lovers—kudos to winemaker, Emma Garner. Exotic spice, orange blossom, lime cordial and minerality on the nose, it washes over the palate with nerve, verve and lip-smacking tang—lime sherbet, Meyer lemon and notions of Granny Smith apple. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a deliriously wonderful aftertaste, tangy, refreshing and mouth-watering. Delicious now, better in 4-5 years. (Vic Harradine)


Thirty Bench ‘Red’ 2011
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula $24.00 13.4% alcohol
Aromas of earthiness, dark berry fruit and wood smoke open this structured red blend—48% Cab Sauv, 42% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc. Gorgeously textured waves of briary berry, black currant, mocha and mixed spice wash over the palate, infusing the balanced, lengthy finish. The involved aftertaste is fruity and flecked with spice and notions of pipe tobacco. (Vic Harradine)

Private Order

Order the following 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.


Domaine de la Foliette ‘Clos de la Fontaine’ ‘Vielles Vignes - Sur Lie’ 2013
AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine $14.25
Floral and citrus aromas dominate garnished with hints of yeasty, mineral notes. It delivers a focused stream of tang with lemon and grapefruit mingling with green apple and pear on the medium-bodied palate. It’s mouth-watering, crisp and refreshing throughout with a nice bite on the aftertaste. It really shines with sea food—mussels steamed in garlic and wine, tuna tartare or prawn ceviche—great value here. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic and Susan