Vintages Release: June 27, 2015
La Cadierenne ‘Cuvée Grande Tradition’ Bandol Rosé 2014
AOC Bandol $18.95 (119453) 13.5% alcohol
Barely pink-hued, it dishes up a delicate array of aromas—strawberry, watermelon and rose petals. In spite of the subtle beginning, it’s medium-plus weight and nicely textured with a surge of flavour coating the palate—piquant spice, pie cherry and red currant to the fore. Flavours replay on the refreshing finish. Pour alongside pan-seared salmon under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Culmina Hypothesis 2012
VQA Okanagan Valley $39.95 (414243) 14.0% alcohol
Deep, rich aromas of briary berry and tobacco interplay with black plum and smoky/toasty bits on the nose. It coats the palate with a persistent stream of ripe fruit and tang—red currant with passion fruit juxtaposed with briary berry and juicy black cherry. Full bodied with good mouth feel, this dishes up piquant, peppery spice on the aftertaste and a lick of still-resolving tannin. Pour now after a three-hour aeration/decant or pop corks 2017 – 2021. (Vic Harradine)
Rancho Zabaco ‘Sonoma Heritage Vines’ Zinfandel 2013
Sonoma County $19.95 (434605) 14.8% alcohol
Here’s a value-packed, spice-laden, fruity Zin with a 7% splash of Petite Sirah that’ll set a hedonistic, Zin-lovers heart ablaze. It leaps from the glass with spice-infused aromas of bramble berry jam before dazzling the palate with a fruity river of ripe, sweet mulberry, black currant and wisps of piquant spice and dark coffee. Medium weight with good mouth feel, it finishes balanced, delectable and fruit forward with each sip as good or better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: October 17, 2015
Creekside Estate ‘Queenston Road Vineyard - Reserve’ Viognier 2013
VQA St. David’s Bench $29.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of honeysuckle, baklava and notes of hazelnut abound in this amazing expression of Niagara Viognier. It bathes the palate with a surge of unctuous flavours that are pure ambrosia—honeyed apricot, blood orange and lemon curd to the fore. It’s good weight and heavenly textured with a monumental finish and aftertaste—palate flavours replay along with sweet vanilla, piquant spice and a notion of grapefruit pith. This limited edition, only 150 cases, is 100% Viognier, fermented and aged 9 months in oak on its lees—stunning wine. (Vic Harradine)
Classics Catalogue: Fall 2015
Tawse Winery Meritage 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $59.95 13.5% alcohol
This almost even split of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon delivers aromas of dark berry fruit, graphite, cedar and grilled herbs. It dazzles the palate with a surge of sweet and tang—ripe mulberry and juicy red raspberry meet pie cherry and racy red currant. It’s medium bodied with textured mouth feel, good structure and a well-integrated 18 months in French oak barrel underpinned by fine-grained tannin. The finish is dry, balanced and lip-smacking. Aerate/decant three hours, popping corks now to 2023. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 2015
Featherstone ‘Joy - Premium Cuvée’ Sparkling Wine 2011
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula $34.95 (310334) 12.5% alcohol
From the festooned crown-cap closure to the very last bubble, this Chardonnay - Traditional Method sparkler’s a winner. It delivers persistent, fine-bead bubbles and aromas of orchard fruit and citrus. Stylish and flavourful, the palate’s treated to lively river of lemon curd and lime yoghurt interlaced with nectarine and notions of Granny Smith apple carried along by oodles of delightful bubbles. It finishes crisp, refreshing and value packed. Bravo! (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Winery ‘Limestone Ridge’ 2013
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $21.95 10.0% alcohol
This Limestone Ridge, single-vineyard fruit was farmed organically and biodynamically. Stylish aromas of green plum, minerality, lime and Kiwi fruit herald a delicious wash of Key lime pie and lime cordial with hints of piquant spice and flinty/mineral notes. Medium bodied and brimming with tang, it finishes lengthy and mouth-watering good. Pour alongside steamed mussels in cream sauce. (Vic Harradine)