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Details: Created: 14 June 2022

Vintages Release: July 16th, 2022

90
Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Pinot Noir 2020
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $19.95 (20751) 13.0% alcohol
This is a pinot noir that’s deeply ruby hued and aromatic, sporting aromas of bramble berry and juicy black cherry intertwined with earthy and floral notes. It rolls over the palate with good acidity, expressed as pie cherry, passion fruit and cranberry/raspberry, persisting through the tangy finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Give this a go with lamb tagine or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

91
Quails’ Gate ‘Dry Riesling’ Riesling 2020
VQA Okanagan Valley, B.C. $19.95 (308312) 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, lemon-lime and a fruit bowl of peach, apricot and Mirabelle plum abound on the nose of this exceptional-value racy riesling. It captures the palate with a creamy-smooth, nicely textured wash of balanced flavours playing nicely together—racy, juicy acidity juxtaposed with ripe orchard fruit and plenty of jazz and pizzazz to and through the persistent mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. Pick up a few and pour on its own or with olive-oil dressing on arugula under a generous sprinkling of feta cheese. (Vic Harradine)

92
Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.15 (227025) 11.7% alcohol
Very aromatic and quite attractive when poured in the glass. Aromas of apricot, blood orange and Ruby Red grapefruit abound on the nose decorated with mineral notes and exotic spice. It envelops the palate with a dry, racy surge of tang-infused pizzazz and acidity presented as passion fruit and sweet red cherry along with wisps of sweet watermelon and a mid-length lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside mixed sushi platter, pan-seared scallops or rotisserie roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 pinot noir was fashioned by Buena Vista winery California’s first and now oldest premium winery founded in 1857 in Sonoma. The following wine was sourced from six discrete sub-appellations in the AVA North Coast. Fruit was sorted pressed and aged for seven months in a blend of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels.

93
Buena Vista ‘North Coast – Vinicultural Society’ Pinot Noir 2018
Sonoma County, California $24.95 (24112) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of pie cherry and exotic spice adorned with mocha and cinnamon are released with the gentlest of swirls. It blankets the palate with a tang-infused wash of passionfruit and pie cherry supported by excellent acidity and fruit-forward flavours of bramble berry and juicy black Bing cherry that extend to and through the lingering, deftly balanced finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour with coq au vin or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Viña Real Crianza Rioja was sourced from 90% tempranillo and a 10% mix of garnacha, mazuelo and graciano with all grown in premium wine areas and vineyards of long time suppliers from generation upon generation. The finished wine was matured for 13 – 14 months in French and American oak barrels before bottling and release. The harsh weather conditions were fortunately rescued by a warm summer and then more good luck as it became a wet winter and a godsend repellent to the previous drought conditions.

92
Viña Real Crianza Rioja 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 (657411) 13.5% alcohol
This is surprisingly light in colour, but manages to retain wonderful rich flavours of dark juicy cherry, ripe black currant and persistent purity of fruit flavours throughout. There’s good balance of racy tang, soft ripe tannin and a lengthy finish that adds baking spice and sweet vanilla to the delightful mix. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few and pour with pasta puttanesca or lamb tagine or chorizo and prawn paella. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages online only, Release Date: July 30th 2022

89
Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $15.95 (23906) 12.0% alcohol
Floral and citrus aromas intertwine with chamomile tea and hints of melon. It races over the palate with a linear, laser-like streak of acidity that makes its way to the crisp refreshing finish accompanied by a dry, lemon curd aftertaste as well as hints of saline minerality. Pour this alongside freshly shucked briny Malpec oysters under a few dots of Tabasco sauce ©, a pinch of horseradish and a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: TBD 2022

90
Domaine André Brunel ‘Est-Ouest’ 2019
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $15.95 14.5% alcohol
This red blend of mostly grenache with cinsault and syrah is hand-harvested and aged in vats after the fermentation phase. The nose is attractive with very focused aromas of ripe cherry and black plum, a hint of gamey character and graphite minerality. On the palate, an initial silky soft stream of red cherry and cassis flavours grabs along the way fine-grained chewy tannins, earthy and peppery notes and carries this profile into the dry and pleasant savoury finish. This is a medium-full-bodied food companion particularly delicious with game meats or mushroom risotto. (Louise Boutin)

90
André Brunel ‘Le tracteur de Brunel’ 2021
Vin de France $14.95 14.0% alcohol
Grenache, syrah and merlot mingle perfectly in this young blend vinified in stainless steel tanks and offering fresh aromas of red cherry, blackberry, raspberry plus white mushroom and dusty quality. Tart red fruit flavours take the lead on the palate adding spiciness and über fine tannins before closing with a dry slightly peppery finish. This is an exceptional-red, surprisingly feeling light on its feet, that will be perfect for a week night spaghetti with meatballs or a simple charcuterie and terrine board. (Louise Boutin)

91
André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 2020
AOP Châteauneuf du Pape, France $47.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of smoky black fruit with licorice and floral notes in the background, this medium-full bodied blend—70% grenache and equal parts of mourvèdre and syrah offers a silky textured palate with plenty of ripe blackberry, cassis and plum flavours. The tannins are polished yet noticeable along with the beautiful acidity and warming effect in the fruity-mineral finish with a peppery aftertaste. Pair with braised beef short-ribs or sausage stuffed portobello mushroom on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

89
Domaine Fond Croze ‘Confidence’ 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône $14.95 (20951) 14.5% alcohol
A beautiful medium-purple shaded robe introduces very discrete aromas of blueberry, blackberry and black peppercorn. The palate welcomes a silky textured wash of mixed crushed berries dusted with black pepper before showing bright acidity and earthy notes in the finish and aftertaste. Pour this medium-full bodied red alongside lamb burgers or green lentil and root vegetable stew after one hour of aeration/decant (Louise Boutin)

92
Domaine Fond Croze Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2020
AOP Rasteau, France $24.95 15.5% alcohol
This is a high-octane, hand-harvested red blend—grenache-syrah-mourvèdre—from old vines matured in 500L French barrels for 12 months. The nose is profound with ripe dark fruit aromas at the fore followed with a wonderful wave of black licorice emerging as you dig deeper in the glass. On the palate, you’ll find a velvety and juicy flow of berry compote combined with peppery notes and zesty acidity, all framed in polished yet slightly grippy tannins and a comforting warm spicy generous finish. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside braised lamb shanks or grilled eggplant with tahini sauce and mint. (Louise Boutin)

89
Artisans Partisans ‘Alice 1820’ 2021
AOP Corbières $16.95 13.0% alcoholv]
This bright purple shaded, organic blend of syrah, carignan and grenache screams youthful aromas of crushed mixed berries, black plums, orange zest with yeasty notes. No wood contact in the fermentation nor maturation process, instead six months of ageing on lees in stainless steal tanks. It flows easily on the palate with fresh flavours of blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry and a slight peppery note complementing the picture. Tannins are moderate and welcomed in the overall profile. This medium-bodied red is an excellent companion to mixed grilled artisan sausages along with gourmet mustards. (Louise Boutin)

90
Artisans Partisans ‘Capucine premier rendez-vous’ 2019
Vin de France $15.95 14.0% alcohol
Fragrant blueberry compote aromas lead the way in this blend of equal parts syrah, grenache and carignan, followed with ripe black cherry, dark chocolate and a nice whisper of lavender. This is a medium-full-bodied red, treating the palate to a juicy river of fresh flavours aligned with the aromas, all wrapped in smooth tannins and bright acidity offering endless possibility at the table. Try red sauce pizza with bell pepper and black olives, charcuterie board, duck confit, etc. (Louise Boutin)

91
Cave de la Comtadine Côtes du Rhône 2020
AOP Côtes du Rhône $16.95 14.1% alcohol
This red blend of mostly grenache with syrah opens up with beautiful aromas of dark plum, blackberry, cola and a fresh peony-like floral note. Light and soft as a feather at first on the palate, with flavours of blackberry, cherry and cassis, it is quickly caught-up with a warm and peppery effect trailing in the slightly chewy and pleasant spicy finish. This intriguing bold red wrapped in a velvet blanket will be perfect alongside marinated juicy flank steak on the grill or summer ratatouille. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2021 Cave Coopérative des Grand Vins de Pazac ‘Le Pigeonnier’ Red was sourced from 50% syrah/20% carignan/20% marselan/10% grenache that were matured in vat for 6 months before bottling.

92
Cave Coopérative des Grand Vins de Pazac ‘Le Pigeonnier’ Red 2021
AOP Costiéres de Nîms, Rhône Valley, France $14.95 (20950) 14.5% alcohol
This is smooth and mellow on the nose expressed as beguiling aromas of soft rose petals, ripe juicy dark berry fruit and notions of crème de cassis. It caresses the palate with soft ripe tannin and well balanced tang and acidity and generous pizzazz delivered with a boatload of charm, persistent purity of fruit and mid-length finish and aftertaste that adds to the satisfying experience of tasting this wine, either on its own or with your favourite grilled meat dishes like rack of lamb or backyard burgers. Enjoy. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois - La Source’ was hand-harvested from 80% grenache/20% syrah from vines averaging ten-years-old. Domaine Courtois is a family-owned estate going back several generations. This had temperature-controlled vatting for five to eight days at a cool 25 °C before bottling in early April, 2022.

90
Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois - La Source’ 2021
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $15.95 (526640) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral and exotic spice notes mingle with black currant and strawberry on the nose. It coats the palate with mild flavours of racy red cherry/berry fruit along hints of black juicy Bing cherry and notions of © Ribena and plenty of racy acidity. It’s a simple wine with few rough edges and is easily sipped on its own or poured with your favourite appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois – Saint Pierre’ was hand-picked from a vineyard sporting vines that are some 35 years-old growing in chalky-clay soil. Three different premium grape varieties—50% syrah/40% grenache and 10% mourvèdre make up the final blend. Wine was aged in vats for 12 to 20 days in oak barrels with 1/3rd in new barrels/1/3rd in one-year old barrels and the final 1/3rd in two-year-old barrels. It was then stored for 12 months in a cool cellar. The varieties were kept separate when ageing then blended as is shown in the above percentages before bottling. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour; you may want to pick up a few.

93
Famille Jaume ‘Domaine Courtois – Saint Pierre’ 2018
AOC Vinsobres, Côtes-du-Rhône, France $22.95 14.0% alcohol
There are alluring aromas of sweet vanilla, baking spice and rich dark cherry/berry fruit intertwined with grilled savory herbs and hints of toasty notes on the expressive nose of this fruit-forward gem. It envelops the palate with dazzling tang and pizzazz expressed as juicy black cherry and luscious black bramble berry along with full-Monty texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel from cork pop to last drop on the lengthy and deftly balanced fruit flavours, soft, ripe tannin underpinning and plenty of tang-infused acidity. It’s a brawny red wine wrapped in a velvet glove. Pour with a premium cut of salted and rare-grilled beef steak or rare-grilled venison steak. (Vic Harradine)

• All Piekenierskloof Wine Company wines are certified by the Wine and Spirit Board – as Integrity and Sustainable. The following 2021 Piekenierskloof Wine Company Chardonnay was sourced from a low-yielding vineyard at 600 meters above sea level on the iconic Piekenierskloof plateau. The 100% chardonnay vines are meticulously groomed and managed to produce low yields. Fruit was hand-harvested in late February, 2021 and brought to the winery to be barrel-fermented by select yeasts at a cool, controlled temperature of 15° C. It then matured for 6 months in 500 L French oak barrels before being bottled.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company Chardonnay 2021

Wine of Origin Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa $18.95 12.5% alcohol

This appears golden yellow in the glass and releases aromas of baking spice, Granny Smith apple and toasty oak. It’s pure ambrosia on the palate with a deftly balanced river of flavour with apple pie spice and lemon curd intertwined with oodles of racy tang and pizzazz. It’s creamy-smooth and nicely textured from cork pop to last drop. Give this a go on its own or pour with crown roast of pork, roast chicken or a festive roast turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)

• All Piekenierskloof Wine Company wines are certified by the Wine and Spirit Board – as Integrity and Sustainable. The following 2020 Piekenierskloof Wine Company Shiraz was sourced from low-yielding, dry-land, bush vines that are grown in sandy-loam soils on the iconic Piekenierskloof plateau. The yields are kept below 5 tons per hectare. Fruit was hand-harvested during the second week of February, 2020 then cold-soaked for 24 hours followed by fermentation initiated by select yeasts and kept under 26 °C. Grapes were punched down and pumped over in 3000L foudre while malolactic conversion and maturation of 14 months also took place in the foudre.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company Shiraz 2020

Wine of Origin Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa $18.95 14.5% alcohol

Beguiling aromas of black licorice, savoury herbs and dark, juicy cherry/berry fruit dominate the nose. It’s nicely textured, well balanced and smooth as satin on the palate while dishing up myriad of fruit flavours on the palate with black currant, black juicy Bing cherry and oodles of racy tang to the fore. This showcases persistent purity of fruit, good balance of fruit flavours, soft tannin and acidity. It finishes lengthy and lingering. Pour alongside grilled rack of lamb, curried lamb tagine or your favourite premium cut of beef done on the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)

• All Piekenierskloof Wine Company wines are certified by the Wine and Spirit Board – as Integrity and Sustainable. The following 2020 Piekenierskloof Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from vineyards in the iconic Piekenierskloof plateau during the 2nd week in March, 2020. Grapes were hand-picked and cold-soaked for 24 hours while fermentation was initiated with select yeast strains and is kept under 26 °C. During fermentation the grape cap is punched down 4 times per day for maximum extraction, then pressed off to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine is racked for maturation of 14 months in 30% new and 70% second-fill and older, pre-loved 225 L French oak barriques.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Wine of Origin Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa $18.95 14.5% alcohol

Aromas of cedar cigar box, dark bittersweet chocolate and an array of cherry/berry fruit dominate the nose. It blankets the palate with a full-Monty wash of racy, red pie cherry, black bramble berry and hints of black juicy plum along with firm texture and underpinning of tannin along with savoury herbs and lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour with rare-grilled flank steak or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)

• All Piekenierskloof Wine Company wines are certified by the Wine and Spirit Board – as Integrity and Sustainable. Until a decade or so ago Chenin Blanc in South Africa was known widely as Steen and was its signature white grape. It’s still very popular in South Africa and is now widely exported as a wine to most wine-loving countries giving the Loire Valley tough competition for taste, flavour, mouthfeel and drinking enjoyment, as well as a thorough drubbing when it comes down to excellent price-quality value. The following 2022 Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Chenin Blanc with a 92 point rating is a perfect example at $14.95 for a 750 mL bottle.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Chenin Blanc 2022

Wine of Origin Western Cape, South Africa $14.95 12.5% alcohol

Intriguing floral notes, pineapple and honey aromas waft from the glass with the gentlest of swirls accompanied by quince jelly, white peach and lemon pastille. It delivers mouthful after mouthful of pure ambrosia with firm texture, excellent creamy-smooth mouthfeel and persistent purity of fruit—honey-drizzled tropical fruit decorated by spicy notes and racy tang-infused finish and aftertaste. A gorgeous wine to sip and savour or to match with spicy Asian cuisine or a plate of your favourite sushi or a plate of freshly shucked briny Malpeque oysters. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour… if you get a chance, pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

• All Piekenierskloof Wine Company wines are certified by the Wine and Spirit Board – as Integrity and Sustainable. 100% Chardonnay fruit was sourced for the following 2022 Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Chardonnay, and sourced only from Fairtrade certified vineyards primarily in the Swartland region. Grapes were hand-harvested very early morning allowing it to retain its natural flavour. There was no oak used with this wine. Only short term cellaring for two to three years is recommended by the winery. They also recommend poultry dishes, perhaps a supermarket or Costco rotisserie chicken.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Chardonnay 2022

Wine of Origin Western Cape, South Africa $14.95 12.5% alcohol

Delicate aromas of citrus, crisp green apple and hints of minerality can be coaxed after a few brisk swirls. It’s bristling with tang and oodles of pizzazz on the palate and persists to and through the crisp, refreshing finish and the lip-smacking aftertaste along with lemon curd and hints of lime cordial. This is the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer day to quench your thirst or served alongside roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 13- to 16-year-old, trellised, Fairtrade-certified vineyards predominantly in the Swartland region. The vines were meticulously managed to produce yields of below 6 tons per acre. The 100% cabernet sauvignon fruit was hand-picked and cold soaked for 24 hours. Fermentation was initiated using select yeast strains with the temperature kept under 26 °C. The non-alcohol, malolactic conversion was completed in tank while ageing occurred for six months in French and American oak.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Wine of Origin Western Cape, South Africa $14.95 13.5% alcohol

Aromas of grilled savoury herbs, adorned with black currant and notions of charred toast abound on the nose. It envelops the palate with a tang-laden surge of acidity and pizzazz that continues to and through the mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste that adds on a soft, ripe underpinning of tannin and notions of black plum. This pours well with backyard burgers, spicy sausage or Cape Malay bobotie. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Damilano ‘Marghe’ Nebbiolo was sourced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes that were grown on vines from 30- to fifty-years-old. It was fermented at a controlled temperature for 12 days then matured for 12 months in large oak barrels before bottling.

Damilano ‘Marghe’ Nebbiolo 2020

DOC Langhe, Italy $19.95 (576793) 14.0% alcohol

Aromas of leather, rose petals and black licorice dominate the nose of this well-paced and well-priced wine. It captures the palate with a rich and juicy mouthful of bramble berry jelly, racy red pie cherry and wisps of tar and underpinned by approachable tannin from cork pop to last drop. Give this a go with gourmet sausage or backyard, cheese burgers. (Vic Harradine)

• This Non-Vintage Bosco Viticultori ‘Pra Dei Dogi’ Prosecco - Spumante Brut, Non-Vintage was sourced from 100% glera grapes which are thought to be indigenous to Slovenia and were previously known as prosecco grapes.

Bosco Viticultori ‘Pra Dei Dogi’ Prosecco - Spumante Brut, Non-Vintage

DOC Prosecco, Italy $16.95 11.0% alcohol

Floral notes and honeydew melon aromas are adorned with lemon citrus on the nose. There’s plenty of ‘mousse’ when poured and in the glass when the froth dies down to steady streams of small bubbles making their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the glass in seemingly endless winding streams. It dazzles the palate with yet more bubbles with flavours that are pure ambrosia including lime cordial, passionfruit and lemon curd intertwined with saline-tinged mineral notes and on the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. At this exceptional-value, pick up an armful and enjoy now to October/November, 2022 along with a sushi platter a deli board or lighter-styled appetizers of fish or seafood. (Vic Harradine)

• The Darragan family have been successful winegrowers in the AOC Vouvray appellation for nine generations. The following wine was sourced from 100% chenin blanc fruit. The wines are made in a newly built cellar and aged in former troglodyte caves before being bottled and released at pressure of five to six bars. Many vintages of these wines can be carefully cellared for decades. Fermentation temperature was at a cool and well-controlled 16 °C. Serving temperature is at a suggested 8 °C. If stored in the average kitchen refrigerator—approx. 4 °C—take it out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before opening and pouring as an aperitif or alongside smoked salmon. This was fashioned similarly as with Champagne, hence the Méthode Traditionnelle with the 2nd fermentation completed in the bottle that you purchase.

Maison Darragon–‘Blanc de Blanc–Zero Dosage’ Chenin Blanc-Non-Vintage.

AOC Vouvray, Loire Valley, France $22.95 13.0% alcohol

This pours with a profusion of mousse made from fine-bead bubbles and aromas of citrus fruit, saline minerality and oodles of pizzazz. A tang-laden surge of flavour envelops the palate with lemon curd, white grapefruit and hints of crisp, refreshing green apple that persist to and through the lip-smacking finish and racy aftertaste. Pour alongside cold-smoked Atlantic salmon placed on a bagel smothered in cream cheese and decorated with a few sprigs of dill weed and a handful of capers. The price-value proposition swings well in your favour; pick up a few when released. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Shiraz was sourced primarily from Fairtrade shiraz vineyards that are trellised and meticulously farmed and groomed to yield below 8 tons per hectare in the Swartland wine region. Grapes were hand-harvested and cold soaked for 24 hours followed by fermentation by selected yeast strains and kept under 26 °C. Malolactic conversion was completed in tank before the wine was matured for 6 months in both French and American oak.

Piekenierskloof Wine Company ‘Six Hats’ Shiraz 2020

Wine of Origin Western Cape, South Africa $13.95 14.0% alcohol

Aromas of black plum, mulberry, grilled herbs and black licorice abound in the nose of this well-priced, well-paced shiraz. It blankets the palate with a balanced and bountiful wash of dark Bing cherries and black currant decorated with tang and plenty of pizzazz. This is medium-plus bodied and nicely textured with good mouthfeel and a persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop. Pour alongside beef fajitas, shawarma or pulled pork or beef enchiladas. (Vic Harradine)

91
Bodegas Garci Grandi ‘12 Linajes’ Verdejo 2021
DOP Rueda, Spain $14.95 13.0% alcohol
Bountiful aromas can easily be coaxed with the gentlest of swirls. Look for floral and citrus notes soon joined by peach and nectarine. It’s tang-laden and riding a laser-like stream of lemon pie filling and notes of white grapefruit on the palate soon to be joined with tang-infused flavour and plenty of pizzazz throughout. Another wine that punches well above the price, pick up a few, if you get the chance. Pour alongside grilled and breaded calamari rings or your favourite pan-seared fish or steamed mussels in cream, leeks, garlic and white wine. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Bodegas Garci Grandi white wine was sourced from Verdejo grapes grown in various plots of the Rueda wine region. The following 2021 Bodegas Garci Grandi ‘Señorio Garci Grandi is certified both organic & vegan.

90
Bodegas Garci Grandi ‘Señorio Garci Grandi’ Verdejo 2021
DOP Rueda, Spain $14.95 13.0% alcohol
Sexy aromas of exotic spice, rose petals and alluring white flowers precede a gusher of palate flavours with Granny Smith apple and ripe Bartlett pear to the fore mingling with lip-smacking lemon curd and racy white grapefruit. It’s pure ambrosia and perfect as a summer sipper or poured with lighter-styled appetizers or pan-seared fish and sea food under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

· The following Alba Vega Albariño 2021 was sourced from 100% Albariño grapes from one of the premium wine appellations for this particular grape—DO Rias Baixas, situated in the far North-West of Spain. Given the quality-price ratio being so much in your favour, pick up a few, if you can.

91
Principe de Viana ‘Alba Vega’ Albariño 2021
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $15.95 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of soft citrus and floral notes can be easily accessed with the gentlest swirls. It has medium-plus texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel with palate flavours that have persistent purity of fruit that is crisp, clean and refreshing from first to last drop—Meyer lemon, passionfruit and lime juice. The mouth-watering finish lingers with more of the same as does the lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with all manner of pan-seared fish or steamed mussels or beer-battered fish, with a side of chips. (Vic Harradine)

93
Rutini Wines ‘Cruz Alta - Reserve’ Chardonnay 2021
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of honeydew melon, citrus and tropical fruit abound on the nose of this crisp and refreshing, nicely oaked chardonnay. It captures the palate with a deftly balanced river of persistent purity of fruit with Granny Smith apple and ripe Bartlett pear mingling with baking spice, mineral notes, vanilla and toasty notes. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and creamy-smooth lemon curd on the palate and on the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. There’s oodles of pizzazz throughout. Pour with roast chicken or panko-breaded veal cutlets. (Vic Harradine)

92
Rutini Wines ‘Cruz Alta - Reserve’ Malbec 2021
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Black cherry/berry fruit aromas intertwine with hints of blueberry, black plum and bramble berry on the nose of this Mendoza, Argentina Malbec. The wine in the glass is ruby-hued, but not nearly opaque. The palate’s treated to a surge of flavours with bramble berry pie, crème de cassis and black juicy Bing cherries that persist to and through the finish and aftertaste that relays and replays the palate flavours with grand aplomb. Given the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour, pick up an armful, if you get the chance. Give it a go with backyard burgers or medium-rare grilled steaks. (Vic Harradine)

91
Rutini Wines ‘Cruz Alta - Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 13.5% alcohol
This wine was sourced in high-altitude estate vineyards in the Uco Valley, Mendoza. After alcoholic fermentation this wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation then matured for eight months in 50% all new French oak and 50% all new American oak. An interesting nose of toasty oak, grilled savory herbs and notions of juicy black currant and © Ribena. It streaks over the palate with racy flavours of pie cherry, passionfruit and a boatload of racy tang and pizzazz. It settles down nicely on the finish and aftertaste with balanced and bountiful flavours underpinned by a soft underpinning of ripe tannin. This should be quite good paired with grilled rack of lamb with a side of root veggies. (Vic Harradine)