• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon garnered a Platinum rating at the 2019 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the 2019 Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards. It also was awarded ten Gold medals and a swag of Silver medals at wine competitions around the world. The Taylor family are also one of the founding members of the über-exclusive Australia’s First Families of Wine with just nine other iconic Australian wineries in the group.
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Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (744235) 14.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit abound adorned with savoury herbs, espresso roast and wisps of minty notes. A rich, luscious surge of black currant and cassis blankets the palate decorated with dark bittersweet chocolate and vanilla and wisps of savoury herbs. It’s medium-full bodied, balanced and bountiful with persistent purity of fruit from entry to finish and after taste. Pour now or over the next eight years with grilled rack of lamb that was rubbed in rosemary. The price-quality balance is well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Donatien Bahoud ‘Les Grands Mortiers’ Vouvray was sourced from 100% chenin blanc fruit.
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Donatien Bahoud ‘Les Grands Mortiers’ Vouvray 2019
AOP Vouvray, Loire Valley, France $21.95 (140899) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and Mirabelle plum waft from the glass with the slightest swirl. It delivers a stream of medium-plus bodied and creamy smooth mouthfeel that envelops the palate with delightful off-dry flavours of honeydew melon, sweet Bosc pear and notions of rosewater and mixed spice. It’s nicely balanced and bountiful with texture and flavours throughout the tasting experience. It may be a bit sweet for some, but there’s certainly enough citrus acidity to balance the sweetness as chenin blanc has a natural high acidity. Give this a go with spicy Asian cuisine or baked, bone-in ham decorated with cloves and basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)
• This 100% Tempranillo Gran Reserva was sourced from Spain’s most prominent wine region – Rioja. This wine was matured for 24 months in French and American oak barrels before bottling and further resting in bottle.
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Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Gran Reserva’ 2011
DOCa Rioja, Spain $32.95 (453548) 14.0% alcohol
Involved aromas of dried dark cherry/berry fruit decorated with earthy notes, piquant spice and leather dominate the nose of this decade-old red wine. It captures the palate with a surge of red fruit flavours of red currant, pie cherry and passionfruit underpinned by still-evolving tannin and robed in piquant spice. The finish and aftertaste lingers with its palate flavours and tannin replaying. This not for the faint of palate. Aerate/decant for three or four hours pouring with Spanish paella with prawns and chorizo. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay was sourced from the oldest, estate vines that were shovel planted and were 36 years old when grapes for this wine were hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Fruit was sustainably grown and certified by SWO. The wine was barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres then barrel-matured for eight to ten months with a portion being new oak. This wine showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage in all appellations of VQA Ontario.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $29.95 (616466) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of vanilla, minerality and floral notes give way to a luscious, rich mouthful of palate flavours—lemon drop candy, poached pear and exotic spice—adorned by buttery notes and plenty of intertwined sweet and tang from first to last drop. This is balanced-on-a-pin, medium-plus bodied, fully flavoured and textured with structure and a boatload of elegance and charm. A doff of the cap to the winemaking team at Henry of Pelham for this luscious beauty. Pour with steamed lobster dipped in butter or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)