Quinta da Almiara ‘Tinto’ 2008
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal $13.50 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark chocolate, savoury herbs and berry fruit open this mid-weight, silky-smooth red blend, primarily Touriga Nacional. You may know VR Lisboa as the lengthy, narrow wine region NW of Lisbon, formerly known as ‘Estremadura’. There’s a consistent, persistent wash of dark berry fruit and dark chocolate with a supple tannin underpinning and good balance throughout followed by a dry, mid-length finish. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)
Quinta das Camélias ‘Reserva’ 2009
DOC Dão, Portugal $16.80 14.0% alcohol
A blend of two premium Port grapes, this opens with aromas of dark coffee bean, cherry and loads of mixed spice. It’s medium-full bodied and overflowing with complex, rustic flavours that bloom in the glass and on the palate—bittersweet chocolate, dark, succulent cherry and ripe briary berry interlaced with spice and roasted herbs. It finishes fruity, lengthy and full of promise. Aerate/decant three hours or tuck away until 2014. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)
Domaine de Coussergues Cabernet Sauvignon-Petit Verdot 2009
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $12.95 14.0% alcohol
This showcases purity of fruit, deft balance and terrific value. Roasted herbs and black currant on the nose, it bathes the palate with a balanced, beautiful wash of flavour—black briary berry and juicy Bing cherry mingling with mocha and black liquorice. It’s medium bodied with silky texture bolstered by depth and concentration with a lingering dry, fruit-laden finish. Be certain to pick up a case or two for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)
Le Haut Chesneau Sauvignon 2010
AOC Touraine, France $13.95 12.0% alcohol
This punches well above the price; it’s crisp and refreshing with good texture, depth and oodles of charm. Aromas of mineral and slate, grassy notes and citrus billow forth heralding a tangy wash of pineapple, key lime and lemongrass caressesing the palate wreathed in silky-smooth texture with hints of leesy notes. The lip-smacking finish begs for fish and seafood—steamed mussels, poached scallops, pan-seared fish. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)
Navardia Crianza 2008
DOCa Rioja, Spain $19.95 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of mixed spice, mocha, camphor and dark berry fruit waft easily from this gorgeous, well-priced red blend—50% Tempranillo, 28% Graciano, 22% Garnacha. Lively red cherry and black plum wash over the palate with nuances of toast and dark chocolate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a lengthy finish underpinned by soft tannin framed by juicy, mouth-watering tang. Good to go now poured with grilled red meat or meat-laden, thin-crust pizza. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)
Navardia Joven 2010
DOCa Rioja, Spain $13.95 13.5% alcohol
Joven translates to ‘young’ and indicates very little, if any, oak aging. Lively aromas of piquant spice, roasted herbs and aromatic bitters. Fresh clean cherry/berry and spoiced black plum in the mouth while the tangy finish adds spice and strawberry. It’s mid weight and mouth-watering with ripe tannin and savoury herbs peeking though. Great sipping when slightly chilled, terrific with pizza, lasagna, wings or ribs. (Vic Harradine)
Navardia Reserva 2007
DOCa Rioja, Spain $27.95 13.5% alcohol
A complex and structured red blend—38% Tempranillo, 35% Garnacha, 27% Graciano—aromas of dark cherry and toasty notes presage a rich and textured wash of fruit-laden delight. Flavours of sweet, ripe mulberry and succulent Bing cherry interweave with bittersweet chocolate and tarry notes on the palate and linger through the balanced and beautiful aftertaste. It’s fully textured with ripe tannin adding structure and interest. Pair with rare-grilled hangar steak. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)
Domaine de la Poulette Côte de Nuits-Villages Blanc 2010
AOC Côte de Nuits-Villages $21.95 13.0% alcohol
This terrific Chardonnay—marked by vivid purity, deft balance and delectable flavour—opens with aromas of apple, minerality and floral notes. It splashes over the palate in measured waves of succulent white nectarine, tropical fruit and baking spice. It’s good weight with generous texture and a long, lemon sherbet, tangy finish. Pour alongside slow-roasted pork, roast turkey or pan-seared, freshwater fish. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office 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. (Vic Harradine)