Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
California $19.95 (738823) Vintages Essential
Skylar Stuck, export manager of Treana, which makes Liberty School, decribes this as "a step and a half above any other Cab we've made." This is the new vintage (the 15th) of what I think is one of the great buys in the LCBO. It over-delivers on everything, with compelling, concentrated black fruit aromas and flavours, and attractive and tangy texture, sweet tannins and a long finish. This is a natural for rich red meat dishes. (RP)


Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (13763)
One often hears musings as to the feasibility of growing red grapes, other than Pinot Noir, in Niagara given its cool climate. Hello, they need to taste this. Gorgeous aromatics of dark berry fruit waft from the glass of this full-bodied rich and concentrated offering. Bing cherry and black currant flavours abound on the palate while the lengthy finish layers on ripe tannin and moderate tang, both providing structure and balance. (VH)