Vintages Release: September 4, 2010

Chateau Los Boldos ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Merlot 2007
Rapel Valley, Chile $18.95 (16006) 13.5% alcohol
Dark ruby red, almost opaque, lifted aromas billow from this mid-weight generously textured gem—toasty oak, black licorice, gobs of dark berry fruit and sprigs of savoury herb and spice. There’s a complex and well-structured rush of earthy and fruity flavour—ripe black currant, succulent juicy Bing cherry and savoury notes. It finishes lengthy with a nice base of fine-grained tannin and good balance. Good to go now and on to 2017. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 18, 2010

Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2009
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa $15.95 14.0% alcohol
From a renowned Chenin Blanc producer, this was crafted from the fruit of 32-year-old vines then wild-yeast fermented in barrel and tank. The complex aromas—light toast, spice, ripe tree fruits and cantaloupe—follow through on the palate. It’s medium bodied, nicely balanced and silky smooth with added flavours of racy Granny Smith apple and tangy lemon-lime with a whiff of vanilla fudge. A great choice for spicy food, it has a lengthy refreshing finish. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: November 27, 2010

Domaine Machard de Gramont ‘Clos Blanc’ Pommard 1er Cru 2006
AOC Pommard 1er Cru, Burgundy $44.50 13.5% alcohol
Billows of earthy, savoury spice and camphor aromas emanate from the perfumed nose. It’s light bodied, delicately textured with a persistence of gamy tangy flavour throughout—racy cranberry, red currant along with hints of cherry cordial mingling with notes of bacon and savoury herb and spice. A very good effort in a challenging year with enough tannin for interest and structure and good acidity—decant two hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)