May 13, 2015 Newsletter

Newsletter highlights include:

• Exceptional value wine   – 18 of 96 wines reviewed meet the strict quality-price guidelines and are found throughout the newsletter priced between $10.95 and $30.00—10 appear after the Main Release; all are identified by the   icon. What strict guidelines?  Click here.
• Every wine-lovers dream! – When you have a moment, scroll to the end of the newsletter to the caption Private Order Wine and learn about a local guy and his wife who now own a producing winery in the south of France.
• Finding Waldo – This red from the Montsant region hails from soils infused with ‘pebbles’ of limestone.
• 5-star Wine – five wines rang the 5-star bell. They are found both in and after the Main Release
• Julie’s Jewel – Tyrrell’s ‘Brookdale’ Semillon 2013 at $24.95 earning 4½ stars and found under Australia: White Wine in the Main Release.
• Vic Picks – Stoneleigh ‘Latitude’ Sauvignon Blanc 2014 at $21.95 earning 5 stars and a  and found under New Zealand: White Wine in the Main Release

Access the LCBO store nearest you with stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews then clicking on select stores and entering your postal code. The number of bottles available in each store near you is displayed. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, some stores post earlier. For LCBO wines, it should closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. It’s always best to phone first.

Vintages Release: May 16, 2015

The Main Release

Dessert Wine

Rosehall Run ‘The Finisher - Liquoreux Vin de Dessert’ 2013

VQA Ontario $17.95 (415992) 11.3% alcohol  

This is a unique, one-time-only, white-blend, dessert wine—Ehrenfelser 85% and Muscat Ottonel 15%. Quiet aromas of fennel, lemongrass and honeycomb set the table for a tang-laden river of blood orange, racy lemon-lime and honeyed white nectarine. Pour on its own or with fruit flan or sliced, fresh peach or nectarine over vanilla yoghurt, gelato or ice cream. (Vic Harradine)

Champagne

Delouvin-Bagnost ‘Tradition’ Brut Champagne Non-Vintage

AOC Champagne $49.95 (385369) 12.0% alcohol

Lifted leesy/yeasty aromas mingle with hazelnut on the nose of this fruit-forward gem. Ripe apple and poached pear roll over the palate with a profusion of fine-bead mousse. There’s good mouth feel and the crisp refreshing finish cleans up nicely with a blaze of mouth-watering tang. Not your typical Champagne as flavour and quality punch well above the price. Don’t be shy in picking up a couple for when guests drop by unexpectedly. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

Simonsig ‘Kaapse Vonkel Brut’ Cap Classique 2012
WO Western Cape, South Africa $22.95 (342758) 12.5% alcohol
This über-dry sparkler streaks across the palate with a laser-like line of acidity—think of sparkling Chablis on steroids. There’s lemony tang galore on entry, the palate and crisp, clean mouth-watering finish. It’s a match made in heaven for briny, freshly shucked oysters under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

  
Calamus Pinot Gris 2013
VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (349456) 12.0% alcohol
A gorgeously wrought, value-laden Gris, it opens with aromas of honeyed pit fruit and lemony tang with hints of slate/minerality. It bathes the palate with a generously textured medium-weight river of slightly off-dry nectar with white peach, ripe pear and citrus zest all in the mix. It finishes nicely balanced and lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)

  
Cave Spring Pinot Gris 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (621086) 13.0% alcohol
A slight pink-hue in the glass, this is textbook cool-climate Pinot Gris with good nerve and verve and plenty to like. Spice-infused orchard fruit mingles with notions of minerality and citrus aromas heralding a delicate stream of peach, pear and lemon zest. It’s medium bodied with good balance and crisp, clean, mid-length aftertaste. Pour with grilled calamari rings or pan-seared freshwater fish. (Vic Harradine)

  
Creekside ‘Backyard Block’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (341792) 12.5% alcohol
A cool fermentation in stainless steel tank set up this crisp, clean and refreshing gem. Aromas of melon and pit fruit interweave with wisps of citrus and flinty/mineral notes introducing a medium-weight, nicely textured and beautifully balanced wash of ripe apple and Bosc pear mingling with tangy grapefruit and notions of blood orange. The lengthy finish and aftertaste provide more of the same—mouth-watering and delicious. (Vic Harradine).

  
Featherstone ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (80234) 9.5% alcohol
This over-achieving flagship Featherstone Riesling is always on the mark—hand picked, hand sorted and whole-bunch pressed, it delivers a world of value, pin-point balance and purity of fruit throughout. Aromas of green apple and citrus peel introduce a persistent, sweet-tinged river of peach, green apple and lemon zest. It’s mid-weight with good mouth feel and lengthy, clean, crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside smoked, grilled duck breasts with spicy fruit condiment. (Vic Harradine)

  
Fielding Pinot Gris 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (251108) 12.5% alcohol
Winemaker Richie Roberts crafted yet another cool-climate beauty in this, a challenging vintage. Floral, piquant spice and orchard fruit aromas herald a palate-bathing wash of juicy, fresh fruit flavours—green apple, Key lime and lemony tang. It broadens out on the back palate with softer pit fruit—peach and yellow plum. It’s medium weight with good texture and deft balance unfolding into a crisp and lip-smacking aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

  
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree Red’ 2012 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol 

Dark toast and roasted herbs on the nose, this is mid weight with satin-smooth mouth feel and still-resolving tannin on the palate and back end. There are waves of dark berry fruit and savory-infused cherry on the palate replaying on the long aftertaste underpinned by tannin and good moderating acidity garnished by mocha and wisps of wood smoke. Pop corks now to 2020 or alongside seasoned, grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)

  
Rosehall Run ‘The Certain Ratio’ 2012

VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 13.5% alcohol 

Mixed field berry fruit, cedar and peppery spice on the nose, this delivers a racy, lively rendition of the ‘Bordeaux blend’—45% Cab Sauv, 34% Merlot, 21% Cab Franc. It streaks over the palate with ripe red fruit—cherry, red currant jelly and cranberry tart framed with great acidity and underpinned by soft, supple tannin. Medium bodied with good texture, if finishes dry in a blaze of balanced, beautiful red and black cherry. (Vic Harradine)  

  
Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2011 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $26.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol

Red cherry, rose petals, toast and spice dominate the aromas in this mid-weight, delicately textured Pinot. There’s a balanced flow of ripe strawberry and red raspberry with notions of red licorice caressing the palate. For now and the short term, there’s tannin on the savory finish and aftertaste, aerate/decant for two hours before serving. (Vic Harradine) 

Ontario: Rosé Wine

  
Megalomaniac ‘Pink Slip’ Rosé 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (85126) 12.0% alcohol
This is a thing of beauty—it’s brimming with ripe, red fruit flavour—strawberry, watermelon and cherry—showcasing structure and creamy smooth mouth feel, and finishing in a lip-smacking blaze of charm—tangy red currant and racy sour cherry. Perfect for sipping on its own; it’s plus perfect with light appetizers, chèvre or charcouterie and bagels. (Vic Harradine)

Okanagan Valley: Red Wine

  
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2011
VQA Okanagan Valley $54.95 (343038) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, black currant and pipe tobacco open the floodgates to a tsunami wave of rich, ripe, luscious black currant, mulberry and black plum compote flavour. It’s fully flavoured, full bodied and firmly structured with substantial mouth feel and a lengthy aftertaste adorned with black fruit and dark chocolate. At present, this remains in a state of still-evolving tannin. It should handsomely reward careful cellaring—pop corks 2016 – 2022. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

Bergstrom ‘Old Stones’ Chardonnay 2011
Willamette Valley, Oregon $41.95 (410753) 13.4% alcohol
Vibrant aromas of steely/saline/minerality and lemon-lime peel meld with blood orange on the nose. It steaks across the palate with a lean line of white grapefruit and hints of pineapple—medium bodied and nervy. It finishes in a blaze of mouth-watering citrus tang. Give it a go with grilled prawns or calamari rings under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

Cade Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley $93.95 (296509) 14.5% alcohol
A slightly cooler, somewhat punishing 2011 vintage produced this well structured California Cab with aromas of dark bramble berry jam and notions of milk chocolate. It’s full of flavour—cassis and kirsch liqueur cloaked in sweet vanilla, baking spice and nutty notes—medium-plus weight and absolutely creamy smooth in the mouth. Persisting through the lengthy finish and aftertaste it layers on soft-grained tannin and lip-smacking tang. (Vic Harradine)

Frei Brothers ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County $26.95 (38075) 14.2% alcohol
This is delicious with purity of fruit, structure, deft balance and good depth. Bramble berry and black currant aromas mingle with pipe tobacco, toasty notes and cedar on the nose. It coats the palate with ripe, juicy dark berry fruit, baking spice and mocha. The oak’s well integrated, the dark berry fruit flavours persist and it’s balanced on a pin. The lingering aftertaste layers on wisps of kirsch liqueur nicely balanced with moderating, mouth-watering acidity. Each sip’s as good or better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley $64.95 (273391) 14.9% alcohol
This is ripe and rich on the palate with good mouth feel while the lingering finish drips with dark juicy fruit. It was cold-soaked and fermented with indigenous yeast producing aromas of dark berry fruit and spice melding with floral notes. Briary berry and black juicy cherry flow across the palate creamy smooth and mid-full bodied. The balanced finish lingers with ripe black fruit, good tannin structure and mouth-watering acidity. (Vic Harradine)

La Crema Pinot Noir 2013
Los Carneros $45.95 (58024) 14.5% alcohol
Hand-picked fruit was cold soaked five days - 70% whole berries, then fermented in open-top tanks with gentle cap push downs. Racked into French oak barrel—1/3 new—it was aged 9 months then blended and bottled. Dark berry fruit, earthy notes, mint and baking spice aromas set the stage for a medium-plus bodied river of nicely textured flavour—mulberry and black cherry interwoven with roasted savory herbs and mocha. It finishes balanced and beautiful. (Vic Harradine)

Quivira ‘Reserve’ Zinfandel 2012
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County $44.00 (394494) 14.5% alcohol
This family-owned winery really delivered in 2012; it was a great vintage that ameliorated the Zin grower’s nightmare, uneven grape development within each cluster. This Reserve delivers in spades with all those spice-driven jammy flavours incredibly balanced by moderating tang/acidity and underpinned by soft tannin structure. Black currant jam and spice-laden black cherry flow over the palate medium-plus bodied and generously textured. Interwoven with the fruit flavour there’s baking spice, cracked black pepper and notions of truffles. The finish lingers balanced and charming. (Vic Harradine)

Rodney Strong Merlot 2012
Sonoma County $22.95 (497933) 13.5% alcohol
Rodney Strong, of the crowd-pleasing, value-for-money, consumer-friendly wine, has done it again. Ripe cherry/berry and mulberry jam coat the palate interweaving with dark bittersweet chocolate, fine-grained tannin and red cherry tang. This is chockfull of flavour, dishing up creamy smooth texture and a finish of balanced, ripe, dark fruit and racy tang. (Vic Harradine)

Oregon: Red Wine

Carabella Estate Pinot Noir 2012
Chehalem Mountains, Oregon $46.95 (180125) 14.4% alcohol
There’s great purity of fruit throughout this mid-weight, well structured Oregon Pinot. Aromas and flavours of ripe black cherry and spiced black plum mingle with earthy notes and toasty oak. The nicely textured palate replays aromas persisting through the long, tangy aftertaste. It’s drinking well now and should do for the next five years. Pour alongside a roasted bird. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: White Wine

Fina El Origen ‘Reserva’ Torrontés 2014
Salta $15.95 (262089) 14.3% alcohol
Lemon-lime aromas and flavours persist throughout garnished with wisps of white and pink grapefruit pith. There’s a seam of minerality in the finish coupled with lively acidity all leading to a lasting fresh and clean taste. It’s a great summer sipper and pours well with grilled shrimp on a skewer. (Julie Stock)

Argentina: Red Wine

El Enemigo Malbec 2011
Mendoza $24.95 (400150) 13.9% alcohol
El Enemigo translates as the enemy but I’m not convinced. Although Malbec originated in France, it has become Argentina’s signature grape since the climate is so agreeable to its growth. Inky in colour, aromas of smoke, earth, dried herbs and dark plums abound. Concentrated flavours of ripe blackberry and plum coat the palate. The tannin’s soft and this full-bodied red is velvety rich and very smooth. With a spinach sausage lasagne, it’s only an enemy to your waistline. (Julie Stock)

Michel Torino ‘Don David Reserve’ Malbec 2012
Lafayette Valley $14.95 (64998) 14.0% alcohol
This is an amazing wine at this price point, talk about value. Loaded with dark plum, blueberry and notions of savoury, the palate’s smooth with confident tannins and mint and pepper on the mid-length finish. It’s a gutsy Malbec; pour with grilled meats like side ribs or rib eye. (Julie Stock)

 
Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mendoza $19.95 (260919) 14.0% alcohol
A dark beauty in colour, it spent 10 years in cellar developing woodsy, cedar-like aromas that herald ripe red cherries on the palate with rosemary and licorice on the finish. Structured and complex, the tannins are tight. Put it down for a couple of years then pour with peppered steak. (Julie Stock)

Valle Las Acequias ‘Oak’ Malbec 2011
Mendoza $16.95 (138412) 13.5 % alcohol
This Malbec really shines. Deep red garnet in colour, ripe black cherry and black plum dominate the nose playing with the olfactory system. These aromas replay coating the palate with delectable fruit flavour along with subtle oaky notes as a result of ten months in cask. There’s soft tannin and sweet spice on the aftertaste. Pour with Argentinean stew, Carbonada Criolla, or roasted pork tenderloin. (Julie Stock)

Australia: White Wine

Winecurrent subscribers purchasing Australian wine may be familiar with all the wineries below as wine reviews often include a link to AFFW – see link below. These Australian wineries are a select group of twelve multi-generational Australian wine families representing 17 wine-growing regions and 48 generations of winemakers. All have the ability to offer a tasting of over 20 vintages of a flagship wine, show ownership of an established +50-year-old vineyard and employ world-class environmental practices - Australia’s First Families of Wine. In my opinion, they offer dessert, red and white wine with ‘sense of place’, something not often found in mass-produced wine. Vic Harradine

Henschke ‘Tilly’s Vineyard’ 2013
Adelaide Hill/Eden Valley $26.95 (61705) 12.5 % alcohol
There are well-articulated notes of pears and stone fruit on the palate and although soft in texture and light bodied, there’s an explosion of flavour. Every sip brings more fruit to the palate and it’s an easy-drinking wine. There’s a bit of tangerine and minerality on the balanced finish. Try with pulled pork and a fruit salsa. This is an aromatic, balanced and flavourful gem. (Julie Stock)

Howard Park Flint Rock Chardonnay 2012
Great Southern $22.95 (410027) 13.0% alcohol
Owned by the Burch family—they also own Mad Fish—they’re the only winery in the group from Western Australia. Aromas of tropical fruit fill the air carrying forth on the palate. There’s buttery mouth feel coupled with banana and other tropical flavours that waltz over the palate. It’s very smooth with a clean seam of acidity and long flinty finish. This is a great wine to accompany steamed mussels in white wine sauce with garlic scapes. (Julie Stock)

Tyrrell’s ‘Brookdale’ Semillon 2013
Hunter Valley, New South Wales $24.95 (269316) 11.0% alcohol
From one of the world’s leading producers of Semillon, Tyrrell’s worked their magic picking in the cool of night, a speedy, cool fermentation, minimal time on lees then bottled seeing no oak. It’s fresh and mouth-watering in youth, developing honeyed, nutty toasty nuances with age. A garden fresh aroma of white flowers leads up to soft citrus flavours on the palate. It’s smooth as silk and bone dry but creamy smooth in texture. Soft acidity’s more noted in the grassy aftertaste than on the palate, it’s one classy, refined wine. With a seafood casserole or shrimp salad, it’s fit for the Queen. (Julie Stock)

Yalumba Viognier 2013
Eden Valley $24.95 (954644) 13% alcohol
This is quite aromatic with intense musky notes. Apricots, lychee, peach and yellow plum bathe the palate. It’s full bodied with a rich, creamy mouth feel and a dry, lingering aftertaste. This pours and pairs well with milk-soaked and poached scallops under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Julie Stock)

Australia: Red Wine

D’Arenberg ‘The Coppermine Road’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
McLaren Vale $49.95 (943399) 14.2% alcohol
In case you’re wondering, Coppermine Road runs parallel to the vineyard. The wine’s quite deep in colour with lots of red berry and violet aromas. Look for blackberry and currant notes on the palate along with chocolate notes. They accompany chalk-like tannin and a minty, earthy aftertaste. It’s quite stylish and offers sprigs of herbs on the finish—grilled ribs would be a lovely match. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving. (Julie Stock)

D’Arenberg ‘The Love Grass’ Shiraz 2011
McLaren Vale $25.95 (48785) 14.2% alcohol
You have to love the name—love grass is wild grass that surrounds the vineyard. The wine’s heavy-duty, hedonistic, fruit-forward with dark ripe red berries and firm tannin. It remains juicy to the bone-dry finish. It’s a winner with rack of lamb and baby potatoes. Here’s what winemaker Chester Osborne had to say – ‘Small batches of grapes are gently crushed and then transferred to open fermenters. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation, the wine is basket pressed and then aged in French oak for up to 18 months.’ (Julie Stock)

De Bortoli ‘Villages’ Pinot Noir 2012
Yarra Valley, Victoria $23.95 (408336) 13% alcohol
These are the folks that make the world-renowned botrytis- Semillon dessert wine – Noble One. This has a funky nose with forest floor, barnyard and tobacco aromas. The cherry-red, purple-hued colour foretells red cherry and sweet, dark berry flavours in this soft, mid-weight, Burgundian-like Pinot. The tannins are soft but noticeable on the racy, dry, cherry-dominated finish. It’s a very nice pairing with mushroom risotto—aerate/decant two hours before serving. (Julie Stock)

Henschke ‘Henry’s Seven’ 2013
Barossa Valley $42.95 (685578) 14.5% alcohol
Nirvana! Vic and I both—independently tasted—awarded this 5 stars. It’s a beautiful deep-garnet hue. The blend of 60% Shiraz, 26%Grenache, 7% Mataro and 7% Viognier showcases layers of complexity with rich, red fruit flavour—raspberry and black plum—alongside blackberry with hints of bitter chocolate, white pepper and sage on the palate. Velvety structured tannin and fruit flavour linger on the lengthy finish. This is superb and deserves prime rib roast with all the trimmings. (Julie Stock)

Howard Park ‘Miamup’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Margaret River, $19.95 (410019) 14% alcohol
Deep brick-ish, ruby-red in colour, the wine spent 15 months in French oak barrique. There are oodles of blackberry and black plum flavours with savoury notes of rosemary and thyme on the palate. The tannins are soft and the finish fruit-forward. This double-gold medal winner is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and very approachable now; it’ll pair well with roasted meats and grilled veggies. (Julie Stock)

Jim Barry ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz 2012 

Clare Valley $26.95 (998476) 14.5% alcohol 

A reliably well-made and deftly balanced wine, this vintage delivers a dense, intense wine that features optimally ripened black fruits mingling with notions of pepper and herbs. Dry, full bodied, pepper and exotic spice shine on the palate, the full fruit flavours mingling with earthy, toasty notes to create appealing complexity. There’s a subtle yet defined structure framing the fruit, clean acidity matched to a touch of warmth that lingers on the extended finish. A good buy and a fine match for roast lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

Jim Barry ‘The Cover Drive’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 

Coonawarra $26.95 (677476) 13.5% alcohol 
Cover Drive is cricket terminology and the Barry family are cricket-mad. This Cab is a blend from their beloved Clare Valley and the iconic Terra Rossa soils with its sub-soils of porous limestone in the Coonawarra region. Spice-driven aromas of cherry and dark berry fruit herald a solid line of pomegranate acidity balanced by ripe mulberry fruit on the palate, persisting through the lip-smacking aftertaste. Good to go now after a two-hour aeration/decant and on to 2026 with snags off the barbie—Aussie slang - snags aka sausages. (Vic Harradine)

Tahbilk Estate Shiraz 2010
Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, $22.95 (214742) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of Christmas cake spice fresh from the oven abound. A gusher of ripe, very juicy, dark berry fruit coats the palate. There’s definitive sweet spice and chocolate on the velvety finish; it’s very delectable indeed. Sip on its own or perhaps with rack of lamb. One of the oldest Victorian wineries, they have pre-phylloxera Shiraz vines still bearing fruit that were planted in 1860 – some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world. Some time ago, family-member and qualified winemaker Alistair Purbrick was heard to comment, ‘They struggle, but still produce impeccable fruit.’ (Julie Stock)

Wakefield Merlot 2013
Clare Valley, $17.95 (683201) 14.5% alcohol
This Merlot is delicious each vintage and good value. It’s dark ruby red with notes of violets and red berry fruit aromas on the nose. It’s refreshing with good texture, mid-weight and gentle, velvety tannin on the palate along with sweet and savoury notes on the finish. Pour alongside roast chicken. Due to trademark restrictions, they are known as Wakefield here, but in Australia as Taylors, where they are owned and managed by the Taylor family. (Julie Stock)

Yalumba ‘The Strapper’ GSM 2012
Barossa, $19.95 (295873) 14% alcohol
Founded in 1849, Yalumba is Australia’s oldest winery. Their Museum Reserve collection of ancient stickies, aka dessert wine, is legendary. It’s also difficult not to like their blends of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro—aka Mourvèdre. An abundance of dark cherry and blackberry flavours dance on the palate with a pinch of spice appearing on the balanced finish. Wisps of tannin and herbaceous notes infuse the aftertaste. This is a good steak or burger wine. (Julie Stock)

New Zealand: White Wine

Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island $18.95 (225557) 13.0% alcohol
Marlborough is located in the NE corner of the South Island of New Zealand and is considered by many wine critics to produce the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. There’s a TV, auto commercial with ‘zoom, zoom’, and it’s a good description for this racy wine. It’s medium bodied with fresh lemon-lime flavours, tangy and crisp, smooth and elegant. It won gold at the International Wine Competition this year. Delicious on its own or with a wide variety of summer fare; there’s lots of backbone and flavour. (Julie Stock)

Rapaura Springs Pinot Gris 2013
Marlborough, South Island, $17.95 (393702) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s Nirvana in a Pinot Gris. Aromas of baked yellow apples and rose petals dominate the nose. It’s just slightly off-dry with a little spritz in the mouth feel. Citrus, tropical fruit and ripe pears play like a fiddle on the palate and the clean refreshing taste sends you back for another sip. With a pinch of spice on the finish, it’s a fabulous wine, perfect for warm weather. Try a seafood salad and crusty bread with this. (Julie Stock)

Stoneleigh ‘Latitude’ Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, $21.95 (324228) 13.5% alcohol
As with the previous two vintages—also 5-stars—this was very tough to spit. It showcases purity of fruit, balance and structure. Gooseberry and citrus aromas mingle with nuances of slate/minerality on the nose. It streams laser-like across the palate with citrus acidity and mineral notes broadening out on the back palate with delectable white nectarine and apple. The careful handling of fruit and magical soils of the ‘Golden Mile’, where this hails from, hold all the answers. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Nobilo ‘Icon’ Pinot Noir 2013
Marlborough, South Island $29.95 (66803) 13.0% alcohol
Nobilo is one of New Zealand’s older wineries founded in 1943. Plump aromas of red cherries and bitter cranberries play on the palate. It’s medium-bodied with a seam of soft tannin and a velvety finish. Satisfying and smooth as silk, it’s a lovely Pinot. Pour with an uncluttered baked salmon. (Julie Stock)

South Africa: White Wine

Winery of Good Hope ‘Vinum Africa’ Chenin Blanc 2012

WO Stellenbosch $15.95 (739995) 13.0% alcohol

Exotic spice and nutty notes on the nose open the door for a nicely balanced, well-textured flow of honeyed apricot and peach cloaked in a solid line of acidity and tang. It finishes crisp and refreshing looking for a pan of breaded, grilled freshwater fish or bouillabaisse. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Gustave Lorentz ‘Réserve’ Riesling 2013
AOC Alsace $18.95 (641639) 12.5% alcohol
The lifted, involved nose of mango, melon and spice—ginger and nutmeg—provide a lively segue to this steely-dry, Réserve Riesling. It’s a classic with lemon tang and mineral notes interwoven with crisp green apple and pear on the lively, racy palate. It’s mid weight with a crisp, clean, refreshing finish and aftertaste. Freshly shucked Malpecs on the half shell with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drop of red hot sauce, pair well. (Vic Harradine)

Pierre Sparr ‘Réserve’ Pinot Gris 2013
AOC Alsace $16.95 (983395) 13.0% alcohol
At just a touch off dry, this provides a flavourful, nicely balanced Gris at a decent price point. Aromas of pit fruit, buckwheat honey and lemon zest set the table for a salad bowl of flavour with pears, peach and apple entwining with spice-infused tropical fruit. It’s medium bodied with good texture and lingering, mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour with baked ham and spiced-apple condiment. (Vic Harradine)

Pierre Sparr ‘Réserve’ Sylvaner 2013
AOC Alsace $13.95 (408179) 12.0% alcohol
A much maligned variety due to its vigorous growth producing large yields and ‘watery’ tasting wine, Sylvaner is experiencing a re-awakening as some producers have planted on better sites and reduced the hi-yield. This is lighter in style and quite delicious with flavours of peach, melon and pear to the fore. Light-mid weight with a balanced fruit-filled finish, it pours well alongside lighter-styled appetizers—chicken or fish or lightly spiced dishes. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

Château Barreyre 2011
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur $19.95 (404293) 14.0% alcohol
This cellar-dweller opens with aromas of dark berry fruit along with hints of herbs and piquant spice. It’s mid-plus bodied with good mouth feel and a solid tannin underpinning. Flavours of teeth-staining black currant and notions of toasty oak dominate the palate and extended finish. Pop corks 2018 – 2022. (Vic Harradine)

Château Haut Peyraud 2010
AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux $16.95 (413948) 14.0% alcohol
This small, family-owned winery with just five hectares of vine averaging of 25 years of age, is planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The involved nose dishes up dark cherry/berry aromas adorned with notions of clove and leather. It spills over the palate medium-full bodied, nicely textured and fruit-forward—black cherry with red and black currant to the fore. (Vic Harradine)

Domaine Chanzy Mercurey ‘Clos du Roy’ Mercurey 1er Cru 2012
AOC Mercurey 1er Cru $37.95 (408161) 13.0% alcohol
Red fruit, sharp spice, roasted herbs and toasty oak aromas—aged ten months in French oak barrique, 30% new—mingle on the elegant nose. It’s balanced and beautiful with good purity of fruit—red cherry and ripe mulberry—interwoven throughout along with charred wood smoke and notions of forest floor. It finishes with wisps of tannin and mouth-watering tang. Pour alongside smoked grilled duck breasts after a two-hour decant. (Vic Harradine)

Château de Gourgazaud ‘Cuvée Mathilde’ Minervois 2013
AOC Minervois $14.95 (958629) 13.5% alcohol
This value-packed, consumer-friendly red blend, Syrah/Mourvèdre, opens with a spice-driven nose of dark fruit—cherry, plum and currant—and mocha. There’s a truckload of rich, ripe, dark berry fruit—raspberry, currant and plum compote—interlaced with baking spice and dark bittersweet chocolate on the medium-weight palate persisting through the lengthy finish. It’s hedonistic and luscious along with structure and some balance from moderating tang. Good to go now with what you pull off your barbecue and on to 2018; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

Domaine l’Ostal Cazes ‘Grand Vin’ 2011
AOC Minervois La Livinière $31.95 (413021) 14.5% alcohol
Savoury herbs, earthiness and toasty oak aromas herald a rich, balanced river of flavour from this multi-grape blend—70% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 10% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre (blend taken from the bottle label). It’s seductive and structured with a broad swath of delectable flavour coating the palate—dark cherry and black currant melding with spice, dark chocolate and hints of tar. The deftly balanced aftertaste lingers with ripe fruit and juicy tang. If you cast bait in $30 waters, hook three of these, drinking one now, another 2017, and the other 2019. (Vic Harradine)

Domaine La Fourmone ‘Le Fauquet’ Gigondas 2012
AOP Gigondas $34.95 (380618) 15.0% alcohol
This dishes up a fully flavoured, full-bodied gusher of ripe, juicy fruit and a solid line of tangy acidity that’s firmly underpinned by grainy tannin. Espresso roast, black licorice and peppery herb and spice aromas foreshadow a generously textured, heavyweight red blend of Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre. Black currant and ripe black Bing cherry garnished with herb and spice coat the palate extending through the mouth-watering finish. Expect careful cellaring to be rewarded—pop corks 2018 – 2025. (Vic Harradine)

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2011
AOC Côtes du Rhône $10.95 375 mL (413252) 14.0% alcohol
Guigal is considered by many to be the doyen of the Rhône Valley having produced fabulous wine for decades. This entry level red blend delivers a nose of berry fruit and sharp spice prior to bathing the palate with rich, ripe red cherry, currant and mulberry garnished with red licorice and pipe tobacco. It’s mid weight with good texture and a balanced lengthy finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Clos Troteligotte ‘K-Or’ Malbec 2012
AOC Cahors $17.95 (299982) 14.0% alcohol
This opaque Malbec offers aromas of piquant spice and dark berry fruit before unleashing a solid line of acidity expressed via juicy red currant, pomegranate and lively cranberry flavour. It’s mid-full bodied with decent texture and lingering finish of red and black berry fruit, spice and drying tannin. It’s best to open 2017 to 2020. (Vic Harradine)

France: Rosé Wine

Delas Saint-Esprit Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé 2014
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône $14.95 (224964) 13.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of spice and a salad bowl of red fruit open this nicely balanced Rosé. It spills over the palate with ruby red grapefruit and blood orange providing the racy tang that’s softened by wisps of ripe red plum and blueberry. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a crisp, refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)

Château Bellevue ‘La Forêt’ Rosé 2014
AOP Fronton $14.95 (219840) 12.5% alcohol
This light-on-its-feet Fronton—a wine region in the far SW corner of France just north of Toulouse—is nicely balanced with delicate aromas and flavours. Red cherry/berry aromas waft from the glass infusing the flavours and aftertaste. It finishes clean and refreshing; it’s a lovely sipping wine. (Vic Harradine)

Germany: White Wine

C.H. Berres ‘Ürziger Würzgarten’ Riesling Auslese 2012
Prädikatswein, Mosel $33.95 375 mL (408583) 9.5% alcohol
The ‘Auslese’ designation indicates only specially sought, hand-picked, very ripe bunches of Riesling grapes were chosen for this wine and sugar may not be added. There’s a smoky, savoury nose before coating the palate with a gorgeously textured gusher of honey-soaked peach and pear flavour with wisps of ginger. It cleans up quite well on the finish with moderating mineral notes, passion fruit and citrus. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

Ascheri San Giacomo Nebbiolo D’Alba 2012
DOC Pedere di Rivalta $24.95 (412346) 14.0% alcohol
Floral notes with spice and cherry/berry fruit aromas foreshadow a clean, juicy stream of racy red currant and bright red cherry streaking across the palate with lip-smacking acidity. It’s light-medium bodied with über nerve and verve. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Recchia Masùa Di Jago Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2011
DOCG Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico $37.95 (362921) 16.0% alcohol
This punches well above the price of Amarone at any level and this is premium plus on the quality scale. It opens with a subdued bouquet of pipe tobacco, baking spice and dark chocolate before coating the palate with a full-bodied gusher of ripe fruit flavour—black currant, mulberry, bramble berry pie—adorned with creamy-smooth mouth feel and excellent moderating acidity. The warm, fruit-forward aftertaste layers on spice-driven flavour and that tell-tale Amarone, sweet and tang bite. Amarone lovers and aficionados should pick up a few for drinking now to 2020. (Vic Harradine

San Michele Castellani Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $19.95 (410688) 14.0% alcohol
This is rich, ripe and rarin’ to go with lifted aromas of dried currant, tobacco and mocha mingling with dark berry fruit. Luscious fruit flavour travels in waves coating the palate with delectable lashings of black briary berry, mulberry and black licorice. It’s nicely balanced with tannin, acidity and fruit in sync. It’s mid-plus weight with good texture and a lip-smacking good finish. (Vic Harradine)

Portugal: Red Wine

Quinta Do Vale Meão ‘Meandro’ 2012
DOC Douro $24.95 (244731) 14.0% alcohol
This traditionally wrought gem was sourced from premium, dry-farmed Port grapes—38% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Roriz—hand picked and foot trodden before being aged in seasoned French oak barrel. Red berry fruit and lilac aromas foreshadow a rich river of kirsch liqueur and black cherry fruit mingling with black licorice and spice. It finishes long, balanced and mouth-watering delicious with a bit of tannin that’s easily handled with a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

Convento San Francisco 2005 

DO Ribera del Duero $23.95 (206409) 14.5% alcohol 

There are not many decade-old wines you can purchase at this price to cellar for another ten years. Savory herbs, dill weed, and gamy notes introduce a tangy wash of sour cherry and passion fruit adorned with mixed spice and toasted oak. It’s mid-plus weight with decent mouth feel and a long fruity finish laced with tannin. Drink 2018-2025. (Vic Harradine) 

Faustino ‘I Gran Reserva’ 2001

DOCa Rioja $36.95 (976662) 13.5% alcohol

This is surprisingly vibrant, given the age, dishing up a persistent line of youthful, crisp fruit and flavour. A subdued bouquet of spice, floral notes and leather open the door for a fresh and lively flow of red cherry and red currant interwoven with floral notes and red licorice. It’s medium bodied with a creamy-smooth mouth feel and lingering dry, fruity aftertaste. Pour on its own for a unique tasting experience. (Vic Harradine)

Compania se Vinos del Atlantico (CVA) ‘Pinyolet’ Garnacha 2012
DO Montsant $18.95 (271791) 14.0% alcohol
Pinyolet are pebbles of limestone infused in the soil unique to the best wines of the new-ish [2002] Montsant region. Coincidentally, CVA was founded in the same year. Its higher elevation provides cooler nights allowing hand-harvested fruit to set acidity and produce juicy, lively wine. The nose of bright red berry fruit and spice note aromas opens an almost elegant, certainly balanced, stream of red raspberry and cassis mingling with piquant spice and notions of slate/minerality on the palate. This all persists on the finish, mid-full bodied and generously textured. There’s very good value here. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

Grange of Prince Edward ‘Single Vineyard’ ‘Fume Blanc’ 2011
VQA Prince Edward County $17.95 (327007) 13.0% alcohol
Honeysuckle, cedar and herbaceous aromas provide segue for a tangy, racy, river of key lime, minerality and blood orange. It’s medium bodied with very good texture and a crisp, refreshing aftertaste layering on ripe, pit fruit and nuances of green herbs. A riveting spine of acidity provides focus while the pit fruit balances the flavours nicely. Pair with prawn ceviche. (Vic Harradine) 

New in the LCBO

• Save $2.00 off the price shown below for the Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Reserva’ now to May 24, 2015

Viña Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Reserva’ Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 

DO Colchagua, Chile $13.90 (308189) 13.5% alcohol 
Dark chocolate and baking spice aromas herald a fruit-filled, value-laden red blend. A gusher of black raspberry and ripe mulberry coat the palate adorned with earthy notes, black Bing cherry and chalky, mid-plus texture on the lengthy nicely balanced finish and aftertaste. Pour this value-laden red Reserva with steak, meat-lovers pizza, grilled sausage, burgers or meat balls and sauce in pasta. (Vic Harradine)

Viña Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Guardian Riserva’ Red Blend 2012
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $13.60 (392787) 14.0% alcohol
This interesting red blend of Cab Sauv, Carmenère, Merlot, and Cab Franc offers aromas of piquant spice and mixed field berry fruit. It bathes the palate with grainy-textured waves of ripe blackberry and red cherry flavours garnished with a solid line of acidity. It’s medium weight with a racy, tangy, dry finish and aftertaste. Pour with lasagne or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

Fontanafredda ‘Briccotondo’ Barbera 2013
DOC Piemonte, Italy $14.95 (372987) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of cedar, tobacco and red berry fruit set the table for a feast of flavour with red currant and dark cherry leading the way adorned with spice and excellent moderating acidity. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a balanced aftertaste that’s fruity and mouth-watering delicious. It’s quite good value and pours well with all the usual suspects—pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, spicy wings and grilled ribs. (Vic Harradine)

Francois Labet ‘Dame Alix’ 2013
AOC Côtes-Du-Rhône, France $12.95 (630657) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of earthiness, red cherry fruit and hints of tobacco introduce a line of red cherry, red cranberry and red currant tang racing across the palate infusing the crisp, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. This sets up well with pasta in tomato sauce, lasagne or meat-filled cabbage rolls in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Casa Planeta Grecanico – Chardonnay 2013
DOC Sicilia, Italy $11.95 (387191) 12.5% alcohol
This value-packed white blend opens with a glorious nose of floral notes and a salad bowl of tropical fruit aromas. It bathes the palate with ripe fruit flavours—peach, pear and apple—nicely balanced with tangy white grapefruit. It’s mid weight with good texture and a crisp refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)

Bottega ‘Il Vino Dei Poeti’ ‘Sparkling’ Prosecco Brut Non-vintage 

DOC Prosecco, Italy $13.95 (897702) 11.0% alcohol

This is one of the most popular sparkling wines in the LCBO—there’s a very good chance your local LCBO stocks it. Dry and delicious, there are aromas of white flowers and lemon while the flavours are a mélange of white grapefruit, ripe lemon and pineapple. It’s fizzy and food friendly, especially with appetizers or seafood, while the texture is silky and the finish clean and refreshing. (Vic Harradine) 

• Save $2.00 off the price shown below for the Bottega ‘Il Vino Dei Poeti’ ‘Sparkling’ Rosé now to May 24, 2015

Bottega ‘Il Vino Dei Poeti’ ‘Sparkling’ Rosé Brut Non-vintage 

Product of Italy $13.45 (277202) 11.5% alcohol

There are aromas of watermelon, strawberry and hints of blueberry on the nose of this knock-out sparkler. It’s clean and crisp with delicate flavours of ruby red grapefruit and cherry/berry fruit wrapped up in a light spritz throughout. It’s lip-smacking good on the aftertaste. Pour as a welcoming wine as guests arrive and keep it flowing as it pairs well with seafood and lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

Luccarelli Primitivo 2013
IGP Puglia, Italy $10.95 (253856) 14.0% alcohol
This über-popular, fruity Primitivo struts its stuff with aromas and flavours of rich, ripe, dark fruit mingling with spice and lip-smacking tang. It flows across the palate with spice-infused black currant, cherry and black plum mingling with dark coffee and tangy red berry fruit. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a long, balanced, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. You get a lot of wine for your eleven dollars. Pour with steaks, burgers, pizza and pasta. (Vic Harradine)

Monasterio de las Viñas Crianza 2008
DO Cariñena, Spain $18.85 1500 mL (393090) 13.0% alcohol
This red blend—Garnacha, Tempranillo and Syrah—is value-packed and consumer friendly. Dark berry fruit, warm spice and hints of cassis aromas provide segue for a rich river of bramble berry, mulberry and black compote bathing the palate infusing the lengthy finish and aftertaste. It’s mid weight with a very smooth mouth feel and sports oodles of charm. Pour with grilled meats or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)

  
Sandbanks ‘Summer’ 2013
VQA Ontario $14.95 (414748) 11.5% alcohol
Liquid sunshine in a bottle, this white wine dishes up perfumed aromas of rosewater, exotic spice and a boatload of charm. It coats the palate with a creamy gusher of off-dry flavour—lychee, ripe honeyed melon and spice-infused lemon yoghurt. It finishes in a blaze of spicy flavour and good moderating tang. It’s made for fun in the sun, but if it’s cloudy, it will certainly brighten your day—very good value, as well. (Vic Harradine)

  
Sandbanks Rosé 2014
VQA Ontario $12.95 (244616) 11.5% alcohol
Perfumed aromas of melon and stone fruit set the table for a feast of juicy flavour with lemon-lime yoghurt and crisp refreshing apple to the fore. It’s light-medium weight with good texture and a crisp, refreshing finish and aftertaste. Wonderful chilled and sipped on its own, it also pours well with lightly dressed Caesar salad adorned with grilled chicken strips. (Vic Harradine)

  
Southbrook Vineyards ‘Connect - Organic Red’ 2013

VQA Ontario $15.95 (249565) 11.8% alcohol

Predominantly Cabernet Franc, baking spice and roasted herbs mingle with red berry fruit aromas on the nose. It’s fresh and lively on the palate with a tapestry of flavour—pomegranate, red cherry and strawberry interwoven with wisps of piquant spice and red licorice. This is light on its feet with a fine line of acidity and tangy red fruit throughout. The dry finish is mouth-watering and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

Southbrook Vineyards ‘Connect - Organic White’ 2014
VQA Ontario $15.95 (249078) 9.9% alcohol
This eclectic blend—Vidal, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc—punches well above the price. Delicate aromas of melon, pit fruit and citrus introduce a tapestry of flavour with lemon pie filling and tangy lime cordial mingling with crisp green apple. It’s light-medium bodied with good mouth feel and delicious lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. A sipper for sure, it has the balance and depth to pour well with charcouterie, soft cheese and a baguette. (Vic Harradine)

Tavernello ‘Collezione’ Sauvignon 2013
DOC Grave, Friuli, Italy $12.75 (361477) 12.0% alcohol
This Sauvignon Blanc rips from the glass with savory herbs, grassy notes and a mouthful of delicious flavour. Balanced and beautiful it bathes the palate with a persistent wash of spice and herb-laden citrus mingling with passion fruit and a crisp, refreshing tasting experience. It finishes with clean, crisp replays and hints of kiwi fruit. Sip on its own or pour with all manner of light appetizers, especially with chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

• Order the following wines by the mixed case of 6 or 12 for daily home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario from Huff Estates.
 
  
Huff Estates ‘south bay vineyards’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Prince Edward County $30.00 13.0% alcohol
Hailing from Burgundy, winemaker Frédéric Picard works his magic once more with this Chardonnay. Toffee, caramel and spice on the nose, it dishes up a bold, mouth-filling river of racy citrus, green apple, ripe pear and tropical fruit. This limited-edition gem—only 300 cases produced—aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. It’s mid-full weight with creamy smooth mouth feel and a lengthy lip-smacking finish. There’s toasty oak on the palate and aftertaste that 12 months in bottle will ameliorate. (Vic Harradine)

  
Huff Estates ‘south bay vineyards - unfiltered’ Merlot 2012
VQA Prince Edward County $40.00 13.0% alcohol
Wood smoke, dark chocolate and black cherry aromas open the door to spice-driven wash of red cherry, red currant and mulberry framed by a persistent line of acidity. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouth feel and lingering finish and aftertaste underpinned by firm tannin structure. You could pour now after a three-hour aeration decant, better to pop corks after careful cellaring to 2017—it’ll reward your patience. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following wines by the case for delivery to home, office or licensee from Grange of Prince Edward along with those reviewed in the most recent April 28, 2015 winecurrent newsletter.

  
Grange of Prince Edward ‘Estate’ Pinot Gris 2013
VQA Prince Edward County $14.95 (69336) 12.7% alcohol
Lifted aromas of honeysuckle, baked apple and notions of red licorice abound. A medium-bodied generously textured wash of citrus and ripe tropical fruit bathe the palate. It finishes lengthy with lemony tang and white grapefruit pith on the aftertaste. Drinking well now, it pairs well with pan-seared fish and grilled clams or lobster. (Vic Harradine)

  
Grange of Prince Edward ‘Diana Block’ Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Prince Edward County $35.00 13.0% alcohol
Subdued, almost elegant, aromas of passion fruit, cola and cedar sneak from the glass of this lightly hued, delicate red. It’s a light-on-its-feet Pinot with good balance and form on the palate—bright red cherry and cranberry mingle with notions of savoury herbs, earthy notes and ripe black plum. The lively fruit and savoury bits persist through the tasty finish and aftertaste. This is a perfect red for sipping and wiling away time or poured with a deli platter after a fifteen-minute chill in the frig. (Vic Harradine)

• Order as few as 2 bottles for free home, office or restaurant delivery from Sandbanks Estate Winery.

  
Sandbanks ‘Summer’ 2013
VQA Ontario $14.95 (414748) 12.5% alcohol
Liquid sunshine in a bottle, this dishes up perfumed aromas of rosewater, exotic spice and a boatload of charm. It coats the palate with a creamy gusher of off-dry, flavour—lychee, ripe honeyed melon and spice-infused lemon yoghurt. It finishes in a blaze of spicy flavour and good moderating tang. It’s made for fun in the sun, but if it’s cloudy, it will certainly brighten your day—very good value, as well. (Vic Harradine)

  
Sandbanks Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
VQA Ontario $16.95 11.5% alcohol
This is electric-pink hued in the glass with lively aromas of fresh-picked strawberry and watermelon galore. It bathes the palate with a solid line of red berry, pomegranate and red cherry acidity nicely balanced on the back palate and finish with spice and ripe red plum. It’s tangy and racy on the aftertaste. It pours well with roast chicken or pork and has the oomph to pair well with duck breasts and red currant jelly. (Vic Harradine)

• Pick up wine at the winery or order online for home, restaurant or office delivery the following wines from Southbrook Vineyards or phone toll free: 1 888 581-1581. 

 
Southbrook Vineyards ‘triomphe’ Cabernet Franc 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 12.6% alcohol
Aromas of bright red berry fruit, cedar and sprigs of herbs announce a balanced and beautiful wash of lively, ripe red cherry/berry flavour bathing the palate, mid weight, delicately textured with persistent purity of fruit throughout. It finishes in a fanfare of red fruit flavour garnished with savoury-infused, roasted herbs and good moderating acidity. (Vic Harradine)

  
Southbrook Vineyards ‘triomphe’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 13.1% alcohol
Organic fruit and practices were used to produce this 5-vineyard gem—a combination of stainless steel tank and French oak along with cultured and indigenous yeast for fermentation and 6 months aging on the ‘lees’—aka spent yeast cells. Orchard fruit aromas interweave with hazelnut and leesy notes on the nose of this mid-plus bodied beautifully textured Chardonnay. A persistent flow of ripe apple and pear mingle with lemony citrus, minerality and grapefruit pith on the palate and lingering tangy aftertaste. Good to go now with roast pork and root veggies. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following three wines by the case for daily home or office delivery from Thirty Bench. 

  
Thirty Bench ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir 2013
VQA Ontario $35.00 12.4% alcohol
Smoke-infused aromas of roasted herbs, sandalwood and tobacco leaf set the stage for a delicate, dare I say elegant, wash of red cherry, passion fruit and cranberry fruit. It’s tangy and mouth-watering, light bodied and deftly balanced. It’s lighter styled for certain, with persistent purity of fruit and good moderating acidity. The finish adds a sprig of savoury herbs. Pour with bacon-stuffed mushroom caps or Peking duck. (Vic Harradine)

    
Thirty Bench ‘Small Lot – Wild Cask’ Riesling 2013
VQA Beamsville Bench $30.00 9.6% alcohol
The involved aromas of mineral/salinity, lime zest and notions of blood orange leap from the glass. Fruit from Triangle Vineyard was hand-harvested, hand-sorted and divided allowing two 500-litre, neutral-oak Puncheons to ferment with indigenous yeast while the other 1/3rd was inoculated in stainless steel tank. A vibrant tang-laden wave of green apple, passion fruit and lemon curd unleashes on the palate persisting throughout the lingering finish. It broadens out on the back palate with white nectarine and hints of grilled pineapple. This complex, limited-edition beauty is medium bodied with plush texture and is a stunning achievement—hats off to another triumph from winemaker, Emma Garner. (Vic Harradine)

  
Thirty Bench ‘Small Lot’ Rosé 2014
VQA Beamsville Bench $22.20 12.7% alcohol
Aromas of passion fruit, sweet floral notes and hints of cherry cordial provide segue to a gorgeous mouthful of tangy charm with red raspberry and Montmorency cherry to the fore. It’s medium weight with good nerve and verve persisting through the long, lip-smacking aftertaste where wisps of ripe red plum makes a surprise, welcomed appearance. Pour this unique blend—40% Pinot Meunier, 39% Cab France, 21% Pinot Noir—well chilled with mesclun salad topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

Consignment Wine

• Order by the case of 12 for home, office or restaurant delivery via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Read more here about Domaine Frédéric Brouca - a ‘local guy’ living every wine-lovers dream as he and his wife make a positive splash in the world of fine wine! Fred and Elaine purchased 25 acres of 30 to 50-year-old vines in 2012 and in 2013 they produced their first wine. The first two reviewed below are from these vineyards.

Frédéric Brouca ‘Champs-Pentus’ Faugères 2013
AOC Faugères, France $20.00 13.5% alcohol
From organic, 30-year-old vines of hand-harvested Syrah, Grenache and Carignan planted in metamorphic and schist soil in the Languedoc-Roussillon, this bolts from the glass with lifted aromas of sandalwood, savoury herb and rich, dark berry fruit. It’s round and plush on entry showing ripe berry fruit, sprigs of herbs and a solid line of tangy acidity on the palate persisting through the rustic finish. It’s unfined and unfiltered, mid weight with good structure—aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring. (Vic Harradine)

Frédéric Brouca ‘Clos Sauveplane’ Faugères 2013
AOC Faugères, France $30.00 13.5% alcohol
Ripe, dark cherry, local wild herbs and exotic incense herald a medium-weight, delicately textured tapestry of flavour caressing the palate with depth and complexity—ripe mulberry and bramble berry interwoven with roasted herb and tangy red currant. It’s balanced on a pin with good purity of fruit and oodles of charm. It finishes lengthy with well-integrated fruit, acidity and tannin. This flagship, 50-year-old Mourvèdre and 30-year-old Syrah blend from isolated walled vineyards on an ancient plateau, was farmed organically, hand-picked, left unfined and unfiltered—it’s fine wine at a very good price. (Vic Harradine)

Frédéric Brouca ‘Terracaë’ Cahors 2012
AOC Cahors, France $17.00 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry and spice introduce a lively, juicy stream of dark berry fruit, toasty notes and wisps of caramel on the palate. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a balanced finish and aftertaste that layers on savoury tang. It’s good to go now and pours well with pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic, Julie, Susan