Liqueur - Here’s an authentic Sloe Gin Fizz recipe from 1910—2 ounces of Sloe Gin, juice of half a lemon, ½ teaspoon super-fine sugar; shake all in a cocktail shaker with ice then strain into a chilled fizz glass, add soda (2-3 oz.) to taste. 


Hayman’s ‘Original Recipe’ Sloe Gin 
Product of England $25.00 (302679) 700 mL 26.0% alcohol 
The gin is handmade by a Master Distiller in a copper pot still before the addition of ‘sloe berries’—a type of wild plum from the Blackthorn tree. Effusive aromas jump from the glass with blood orange, anise and baking spices to the fore. It’s unctuous and powerful on the palate with sweet berry fruit flavours bolstered by cinnamon and mixed spice. On the warm lingering aftertaste, a sour cherry flavour provides beautiful balance and a clean finish. (Vic Harradine) 

Table Wine 


De Loach ‘Heritage Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2011 
California $15.45 (220434) 13.5% alcohol 
Sprigs of savory herbs and spice mingle with red cherry/berry aromas on the nose of this creamy smooth Pinot. It’s mid weight and charming with ripe, juicy red cherry, sweet ripe mulberry and spice and herb-infused notions of tangy blueberry bathing the palate persisting through the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. Pour with glazed, clove-decorated baked ham and root veggies. (Vic Harradine) 


Mitolo ‘Junior’ Shiraz 2011 
McLaren Vale, Australia $16.95 (183947) 14.0% alcohol 
Cedar, herbs and smoky tar aromas introduce a medium-weight wash of red and dark berry fruit mingling with moderating acidity. Good mouth feel and balance mark this as wine that’s versatile at the table and food friendly, pour with burgers, pizza or chicken fajitas. (Vic Harradine) 


Speri Valpolicella Ripasso ‘Classico Superiore’ 2011 
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $21.95 (370353) 13.5% alcohol 
Fruit-forward aromas of dark berry fruit and red cherry mingle with fig and spice. A balanced and beautiful wash of red cherry and red berry fruit garnished with savoury herbs and espresso roast coat the palate infusing the lengthy finish. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and plenty of complexity, character and charm. Pour with meat-laden pizza, lasagna or pasta in tomato sauce after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)