Vintages Release: December 11, 2010
Clos du Bois Zinfandel 2008
North Coast, California $18.95 (38000) 13.5% alcohol
This light-on-its-feet Zin dishes up a racy, herb-driven wash of flavour with good balance and a lengthy aftertaste. Aromas of sweet berry fruit and savoury herbs dominate the nose providing a smooth segue to focused flavours of savory red cherry and racy red currant. Poured perfectly with meat-laden, spicy pizza or pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 27, 2010
The Show Cabernet 2007
California $17.95 (140715) 13.9% alcohol
This is a kick-ass blend that bolts from the glass with rip-roaring aromas of toast, dark berry fruit and spice. It hits full stride on the palate with rich, luscious and balanced flavours—black currant, mint-infused cherry and dollops of chocolate. It’s mid weight, nicely textured with good pace throughout. The tail end is lingering, fruity and lip-smacking good—leaving you champing at the bit for more. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: January 22, 2011
Blackstone ‘Winemaker’s Select’ Merlot 2008
California $15.95 (606327) 13.5% alcohol
Inky, almost opaque, rich and luscious, this will bowl you over with its deft balance and concentrated fruit flavours. Delectable aromas and flavours—black plum, dark, ripe cherry and spicy pomegranate—are consistent throughout gliding along on a bed of ripe tannin and wonderful moderating tang. It’s structured, medium bodied with a lengthy finish. This punches well above the price with the price-quality ratio skewed in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: February 19, 2011
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Select Late Harvest’ Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 375 mL (210757) 11.5% alcohol
Wow, this is one perfumed, succulent and refreshing mouthful of spiced red fruit with tangy raspberry, lively strawberry and pie cherry to the fore. The ripe, sweet fruit and moderating raciness is balanced on a pin and persistent throughout, finishing mouth-watering, crisp and refreshing. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour easily serving 4 as a special, after-dinner treat. (Vic Harradine) 
Liberty School Chardonnay 2007
Central Coast, California $17.95 (900120) 13.5% alcohol
Toasty notes, vanilla and alluring tropical fruit aromas abound on the nose of this mid weight and very generously textured beauty. Ripe citrus, persimmon and green apple flavours persist throughout while the moderating acidity provides a clean and lip-smacking finish. Seamlessly integrated oak, luscious fruit and deft balance coalesce in this value-packed offering. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 2011
Riverview Cellars ‘Salvatore’s Reserve’ Cabernet 2008
VQA Niagara River $20.95 12.8% alcohol
This is special, don’t miss out—the price quality balance tips well in your favour. Tantalizing aromas—vanilla, dark berry fruit and spice—presage a delectable array of complex, ripe, succulent flavour with ripe, black, Bing cherry, juicy mulberry and hints of mint to the fore. It’s 2/3 Cab Franc and 1/3 Cab Sauvignon with 12 months in American oak. Full-bodied with a silky smooth texture, it’s perfectly balanced with a lingering aftertaste showcasing fine-grained sweet tannin and more delicious fruit. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
Inniskillin Icewine Vidal 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $49.95 (551085) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
Almost twenty years ago Canada burst onto the world wine stage with a 1989 vintage of this wine. Taste this to learn why as this 2007 vintage has also earned its share of gold medals and accolades. It’s rich, silky textured and unctuous brimming with concentrated, luscious flavour—sweet mango, ripe apricot, luscious yellow peach. On the finish it’s refreshing, leaving you looking for another sip… or three. Click here [PDF file] for icewine and cheese suggestions. This Vintages Essentials wine is always available in select LCBO stores. (Vic Harradine)