July 16, 2018 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights include:

• Exceptional-value wine   – a bonanza 10 of 41 wines will soon be available at LCBO retail meeting strict quality-price guidelines. They’re found in the following Vintages Release. These wines range from $12.95 to $18.95 and are found throughout the newsletter easily identified via the exceptional-value checkmark above. Strict guidelines? Click here.
• 95 and over – no wine scored 95 points or over.
• Louise Loves – Sand Point Sauvignon Blanc 2017 earned 89 points @ $16.95 found under California: White Wine; Lange Twins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2015 earned 90 points @ $24.95 found under California: Red Wine; Dirty Laundry ‘Say Yes’ Pinot Gris 2016 earned 89 points @ $21.95 found under Okanagan Valley: White Wine and, of course, all her exceptional-value wines.
• Vic Picks – 2027 Cellars ‘Edgerock’ Pinot Noir 2016 earning 93 points @ $24.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 earned 91 points @ $24.95 found under South Africa: Red Wine; Brigaldara Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2013 earned 94 points @ $66.95 found under Italy: Red Wine and, of course, all his exceptional-value wines.

Identify 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 stores near you is displayed—or by clicking ‘Check all stores’ where you’ll see stock available in all LCBO stores. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, updated every 24 hours, some stores post earlier. LCBO wines (wine not in Vintages) should always closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. However, it’s always best to phone the store before making a trip.

July 21, 2018 Release

Scotch Whiskey

88
Isle of Arran ‘Robert Burns’ Single Malt Scotch

The Highlands, Isle of Arran, Scotland $51.95 (981084) 43.0% alcohol

This exclusive Robert Burns edition of the Arran Single Malt is produced by Isle of Arran Distillers, Patron of the Robert Burns World Federation and one of the few remaining independently owned Scottish distilleries. The whisky is light golden brown in colour with hints of caramel and honey on the nose that carry through all the way to the finish. Though enjoyable neat, a small shard of ice in the glass helps smooth this out. If you’re looking to raise a glass to the poet on his birthday, you certainly won’t go wrong with this. (Dave Isaacs)

Sparkling Wine

92
Trius ‘Traditional Method’ Brut Rosé
VQA Niagara Peninsula $32.95 (184309) 12.0% alcohol
As with most Trius wine, this is quite good. It’s flavourful, balanced, refreshing and offers a good price point when one considers the quality within. Alluring aromas of red berry fruit and leesy notes mingle with citrus on the nose of this deftly balanced sparkler. It dazzles the palate with strawberry and raspberry fruit flavours robed in piquant spice and excellent tang. The fine-bead bubbles and lengthy flavour-filled, lip-smacking finish speak to high-quality sparkling wine. A perfect welcoming wine to offer company. (Vic Harradine)

88
Conundrum ‘Traditional Method’ Blanc de Blanc 2016
California $24.95 (497735) 12.0% alcohol
This unique blend—pinot gris, viognier, muscat canelli, pinot blanc, chardonnay—opens with a shy nose of citrus and floral notes. The eye is treated to a vigorous mousse while on the palate there’s solid line of tang delivered via a wash of Key lime and lemon curd nicely supported by ripe melon flavour. This finishes clean, crisp and refreshing. Give it a go with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers on a toasted bagel. (Vic Harradine)

90
Bailly Lapierre ‘Réserve’ Crémant de Bourgogne Non-Vintage

AOC Crémant de Bourgogne cki 375mL $11.95 (641423) 12.0% alcohol 

An almost transparent straw colour, this lovely sparkler has delicate aromas of pear, green apple and brioche. It’s quite rich and fruity on the palate—tree fruit in particular with a citrus note—and the mousse is soft and creamy. This is finely balanced, well-crafted and quite flavourful. An underlying minerality and fresh fruity acidity persist on the finish. The 750 mL is very good value. (Susan Desjardins)

89
Château Moncontour ‘Cuvée Prédilection’ Vouvray Brut 2015
AOC Vouvray, Loire Valley $19.95 (168963) 12.0% alcohol
This is sourced from 100% chenin blanc grown on their 130-acre estate. It offers aromas of honey and damp wool with yeasty notes. There are plenty of bubbles - aka mousse - when poured and the slightly off-dry palate flavours are Granny Smith apple, piquant spice and nutty notes adorned with lemon tang. It has good weight and mouthfeel with a lengthy, dry, mouth-watering finish. Pour alongside pan-seared fish or lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

90
Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay Musqué 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench $17.95 (246579) 13.5% alcohol
Crafted from a chardonnay grape clone, this aromatic 100% musqué varietal charms with its ripe fruit aromas—pineapple, peach and pear plus citrus and white blossom notes. This stainless steel fermented, medium-bodied white is round and ample on the palate swaying mature orchard fruit flavours coated with a touch of honey and good balance of acidity resembling well-made viogniers. An exceptional value to drink now with grilled sushi or seafood. (Louise Boutin)

• The following Rosewood Riesling has an addition of Süssreserve. This method, accredited to German winemakers, refers to the addition of non-fermented grape juice held back and added after all fermentation has ceased—adding texture, natural acidity and sweetness to the fermented wine. This particular riesling is exceptional value and a dazzling example of a wine with Süssreserve.

90

Rosewood Estates ‘Süssreserve’ Riesling 2015

VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (258806) 10.1% alcohol

Aromas of honeyed nectarine and lemon zest herald a full-flavoured, fully textured river of peel marmalade, lemon pie filling with wisps of minerality and baked apple. This is balanced on a pin with a lingering sweet and tang aftertaste. It’s this yin and yang that make it so versatile at the table—pour as an aperitif or with spicy Asian dishes or green salad under crumbled chèvre or blue cheese. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Rosé Wine

90
Creekside Rosé 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (48819) 12.5% alcohol
This is fully textured, full fruited and full value. Aromas of roses, strawberry, raspberry and red cherry abound. A bold river of red raspberry and strawberry replay from the nose along with considerable tang, great mouthfeel and loads of pizzazz. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a lengthy, tangy, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a deli platter, well-dressed burgers or gourmet sausage in a bun with all the fixings—sauerkraut, onions, mustard. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

• Fruit for the following 2027 Cellars ‘Edgerock’ 2016 Pinot Noir comes by its vineyard name, ‘Edgerock’, honestly; it’s nestled up to the hard ledge of a limestone-rich rock quarry on Niagara’s prestigious Twenty Mile Bench. 2027 owner/winemaker Kevin Panagapka is a stickler for sourcing über-premium fruit and allowing it to express its optimum qualities. The vines—Burgundian Clone 115 with their smaller berries and softer tannin—are on reclaimed-quarry land on a sunny, south-facing slope. Back up the van for this. (Vic Harradine)

93

2027 Cellars ‘Edgerock’ Pinot Noir 2016

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 (561035) 12.9% alcohol

Aromas of red cherry, flinty/minerality and wisps of toast and tobacco leaf give promise of something special, this delivers in spades. It brandishes persistent purity of fruit, good underlying structure, deft balance, well-integrated oak and lengthy, delectable finish. A racy line of piquant spice, beetroot, red cherry and savory herbs bathe the palate adorned with minerality and soft, ripe, grainy tannin. This is medium weight with good mouthfeel and lingering, lip-smacking finish. It’s ready to go after a two-hour decant and pours well with smoked, grilled duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)

Okanagan Valley: White Wine

89
Dirty Laundry ‘Say Yes’ Pinot Gris 2016
VQA Okanagan Valley $21.95 (423202) 12.5% alcohol
Fermentation notes dissipate after a vigorous swirl to reveal pink grapefruit, honeysuckle and pickled ginger aromas. A round mouthfeel introduces flavours of yellow apple, ripe Bosc pear joined mid-palate by zesty lime juice awakening the laziest taste buds. This medium-bodied white has just enough residual sugar to make it an excellent partner to spicy crab cakes. Enjoy now. (Louise Boutin)

California: White Wine

89
Sand Point Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Lodi $16.95 (572487) 12.5% alcohol
This is very good value. Herbaceous aromas of freshly cut grass mingle with white grape, kiwi and lime before introducing a soft, yet fresh, wash of flavours—white grapefruit, green apple and lime zest. This is medium-light-bodied with a bright honeydew melon note in the finish inviting you to go back for more. An asparagus, goat cheese and arugula flatbread warmed-up on the grill may be the perfect pairing. (Louise Boutin)

California: Red Wine

93
Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Napa Valley $199.95 (711663) 14.0% alcohol

Very dark, almost opaque, aromas of raspberry jam, spice and wisps of blueberry fill the air and lead to an array of flavour bringing unbridled enjoyment. A full-bodied, generously textured stream of black raspberry and juicy, dark Bing cherry interwoven with dark chocolate, kirsch liqueur, elegance and charm coat the palate persisting through the lingering, balanced finish. Aerate/decant three hours for maximum enjoyment. (Vic Harradine)

88
Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Lodi, California $17.95 (537597) 13.5% alcohol

This wine delivers year after year, a consistent, pleasurable and approachable tasting experience at a reasonable price—how good is that. It’s dark plum in colour with an interesting nose of blackcurrant, smoked meat and vanilla. Full bodied in the mouth with flavours of cherry, mocha latte and smoked bacon, this is perfectly paired with grilled burgers topped with smoked cheese and bacon. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Irony ‘Small Lot Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

North Coast $24.95 (25106) 13.5% alcohol

Grilled savory herb and baking spice aromas support the predominant rich, ripe berry fruit on the nose of this structured, complex red. The palate’s awash with dark bramble berry and black cherry flavour intertwined with mocha, sweet vanilla, cassis and soft, ripe tannin. It’s medium-plus bodied with silky mouthfeel and lengthy balanced finish. As California cab prices go, this offers very good value. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)

91
Klinker Brick ‘Farrah’ Syrah 2014
Lodi $31.95 (575472) 14.9% alcohol
A lovely bouquet of dark plum compote, ripe blackberry and kirsch liqueur emanates from the glass and keeps giving as you swirl—violet, smoke, licorice and star anise. This presents with superb freshness and lighter weight than anticipated, delivering plenty of fruit on the palate—black and red cherry, cassis, blackberry plus a tart raspberry note hitting mid-palate. Definitely full-bodied with polished tannin and perfectly integrated alcohol, it offers a wonderful fruity and spice-laced, lengthy finish. This calls for grilled red meat or stuffed Portobello mushrooms. (Louise Boutin)

90
Lange Twins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2015
Lodi $24.95 (575480) 14.8% alcohol
A single old-vine parcel vinification followed with meticulous blending and eighteen months maturation in American oak results in this beautiful fresh fragrant, balanced zin with black cherry, ripe blackberry, raspberry, mocha and sweet smoke flavours on the palate. The aromatic profile replays on the palate interwoven with still-evolving tannin and sustained acidity. Additional cellaring will enhance the enjoyment. Can’t wait? Aerate/decant 2-3 hours and pour with rare-grilled lamb chops now to 2022. (Louise Boutin)

• The distinctive elephant duo label is a playful representation of the two winery owners Michael and David Phillips who are affectionately referred to as big and robust, just like the wine below from their ‘Freakshow’ collection.

92
Michael David Petite Petit 2015
Lodi $28.95 (213017) 14.5% alcohol
This blend—85% petite sirah / 15% petit verdot—displays a beautiful opaque purple robe. An attractive nose of fresh plum compote, dry cherry, kirsch, baking spice, vanilla and a violet note fill the air. Very fruit forward on the palate — purple plum, dry cherry, blackberry and blueberry—meld with fine tannin and good acidity fashioning a delectable, long, fruity, spicy dry finish. This full-bodied red, aged 13 months in French oak, will do wonders with a grilled-rare rib steak. Aerate/decant two hours and enjoy now to 2025. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: White Wine

89
Luca ‘G Lot’ Chardonnay 2016
Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza $32.95 (167338) 13.5% alcohol
Tropical fruit, baking spice and oaky notes dominate the aromas on this medium-full bodied, nicely textured chardonnay. A gusher of lime, green apple and ginger wash over the palate robed in spice and oaky flavour persisting through the lingering finish and aftertaste. Pour and pair with heavily spice-rubbed, grilled beer-can chicken. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

87
Quieto 3 Malbec 2014
Mendoza $17.95 (275701) 14.0% alcohol
A lifted nose of grilled savory herbs and earthy notes swirl easily from the glass interlaced with red cherry/berry fruit aromas. It streaks over the palate with a rustic river of sour cherry, grainy tannin and wisps of tomato leaf. The finish and aftertaste replay palate flavours along with oodles of mouth-watering tang. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours and drink in the short term with pasta swimming in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Chile: White Wine

90
Santa Ema ‘Gran Reserva’ Syrah 2015

Leyda Valley $18.95 (371161) 13.5% alcohol

This is an opaque, black plum colour offering aromas of wet stone, moss and dark berry jam on the nose along with wisps of smoke lurking in the background. Its medium bodied on the palate with mouth-watering juiciness dominated by flavours of crunchy red cherry. The tannins are smooth and meld with ease into the finish. It’s recommended for drinking within the next 12 months and pours well with roast duck. (Dave Isaacs)

Chile: Red Wine

90
Apaltagua ‘Envero’ Gran Reserva Carmenère 2015
DO Apalta, Colchagua Valley $18.95 (481010) 14.0% alcohol
Opaque, dark purple in the glass, this offers black plum and savory herb aromas on the nose. It rolls in endless waves over the palate with nicely structured mouthfuls of crunchy red fruit—cranberry, cherry and passionfruit—interweaving with cassis and perceptible supple tannin. This is medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a dry, lengthy finish. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring with grilled striploin. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

88
Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (919514) 13.0% alcohol

Savory herbs, canned peas and asparagus aromas bombard the olfactory system. A bracing, laser-like stream of intense flavours streak across the palate with great élan—racy, tang-laden lemon, piquant spice and sharp notes of minerality. This is mid weight with a lingering, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour with freshly shucked oysters under a dot of hot sauce, horse radish and a squeeze of fresh lemon, or pair with sushi. (Vic Harradine)

South Africa: White Wine

89
Rustenberg ‘Stellenbosch’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017
WO Stellenbosch $14.95 (456020) 13.5% alcohol
Sauvignon blanc lovers will pass by this high-altitude, hand-picked, lees-aged beauty at their peril—it’s racy, full of fruit, crisp clean and refreshing at a fabulous price. It leaps from the glass with aromas of fresh-cut grass, citrus and piquant spice. Palate flavours envelop the palate with gooseberry, lime and ripe pineapple to the fore. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a lingering, tang-infused, lip-smacking finish. Pour with olive-oiled arugula under a generous helping of crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

• Famous for his excellent wine—see the following review for his 2015 Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon—and golfing prowess, Ernie Els—dubbed the ‘Big Easy’ due to his seemingly effortless golf swing—and his wife are also well known for the millions their foundation raises for research into autism and his other important work in assisting young South African youth to learn the game of golf and learn critical life skills with a focus on those from families who have limited resources. Read more.

South Africa: Red Wine

91
Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
WO Stellenbosch $24.95 (278358) 14.5% alcohol
Wood smoke, cedar and dark berry fruit aromas abound. Fruit-forward, deftly balanced and simply delicious; this is full bodied and full fruited with a compelling price-quality ratio. Black currant, red plum, savory herb and black raspberry flavour coats the palate infusing the finish intertwined with soft tannin, black licorice, tarry notes and delectable tang. Pour alongside grilled burgers, beef fajitas or smoked pork back ribs. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

89
Domaine du Colombier Chablis 2015
AOC Chablis $28.95 (366419) 12.5% alcohol
This 100% chardonnay opens the door with subtle orchard fruit, floral aromas and a breath of classic Chablis flinty minerality. Six to eight months of maturation in stainless steel tanks, more than likely on lees, gives this a nice round mouthfeel to showcase flavours of green apple, ripe pear, freshly cut citrus and an interesting dry honeyed and mineral note trailing in the pleasant finish. Pop the cork by 2020 and enjoy with coquille St-Jacques or escargots Bourguignon. (Louise Boutin)

89
la Haute Fevrie ‘Le Fils des Gras Moutons’ Sur Lie - Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2016
AOC Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine $14.95 (363150) 12.0% alcohol
This is one of the best buys of this release, don’t dally. Sourced from 100% hand-harvested, melon de bourgogne grapes from 40 – 70 year old vines, this struts its stuff early with alluring aromas of honey, citrus and minerality. It spent six to seven months on its lees, aka ‘sur lie’, enhancing aromatics and forming the creamy texture. It flows over the palate with lovely, crisp green apple, saline minerality and flecks of ripe pear flavours that make their way to the clean, mouth-watering finish. Pour with white pizza decorated with olive-oiled arugula. (Vic Harradine)

90
Michel Gassier ‘Les Piliers’ Viognier 2016
Product of France $18.95 (669531) 14.0% alcohol
It would be sad to disregard this southern-France white based on the acetone-like first whiff. A brisk swirl and it dissipates, unveiling beautiful fruit-filled aromas—ripe pineapple, mango, clementine zest and orange blossom. The first sip coats the palate with warm flavours of ripe peach, pineapple and a hint of vanilla deftly balanced with lime acidity ensuring a delicious finish. Perfect on its own, it also shines alongside steamed mussels in saffron sauce. (Louise Boutin)

87
Mont Gravet 2017
IGP Côtes de Gascogne $15.95 (521930) 11.5% alcohol
This is good value, straightforward 100% Colombard; it’s crisp, clean and refreshing. A light-yellow hue in the glass, aromas of floral notes, citrus and mineral notes abound. It streaks over the palate riding a bracing streak of tang and acidity expressed as lemon curd, Key lime and pineapple on the palate. After three months on fine lees, the mouthfeel is quite generous. Sip on its own as a pleasing thirst quencher or pour with seafood appetizers, grilled or poached fish, oysters or sushi. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

89
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $54.95 (735407) 14.0% alcohol
Primarily a grenache/mourvèdre/syrah red blend with a splash of cinsault, this Domaine’s staple wine is the result of careful, single-varietal vinification, maturation and a meticulous blending dance. A shy nose of red cherry, blackberry, forest floor and roasted herbs prefaces palate flavours of fresh and dry cherry, charred savoury herb and dry cocoa notes lingering in the medium-long finish. Nicely balanced with good acidity and polished tannin, this medium-full-bodied red offers versatility at the table. Enjoy now to 2024. (Louise Boutin)

85
Château Saint-Nabor Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2017
AC Côtes du Rhône $14.95 (485532) 13.0% alcohol
This white blend—80% roussane, 10% grenache blanc and 10% ugni blanc—offers subtle aromas of white flower, lime and mineral notes. On the palate, crisp red and green apple intertwine with citrus rind and persistent pithy citrus notes persisting through the finish and aftertaste. Pour this medium-light bodied white chilled alongside salty appetizers. (Louise Boutin)

France: Rosé Wine

89
Hecht & Bannier Bandol Rosé 2017
AOC Bandol $27.95 (450767) 13.5% alcohol
This has excellent flavour, good sense of purpose, deft balance and gorgeous mouthfeel. It bathes the palate with flavour—strawberry, watermelon with a burst of blood orange, bracing tang and minerality. Persistent purity of fruit carries through to the lengthy, structured finish and aftertaste. This has the flavour, character and oomph to pair well with chorizo and prawn paella or fish tacos. (Vic Harradine)

87
Château Bellevue La Forêt Rosé 2017
AOP Fronton $14.95 (219840) 13.0% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews in your favour here; consider a multiple purchase. This unique red blend—négrette, cabernet sauvignon, gamay, cabernet franc—dishes up a boatload of delectable palate flavours with red raspberry and red cherry coalescing with pink grapefruit and excellent, tangy acidity throughout. Pour with grilled seafood, sushi or steamed mussels. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: White Wine

88
Claudio Quarta ‘Sanpaolo’ Fiano 2016
IGP Campania $14.95 (562231) 13.0% alcohol
It’s believed the Fiano grape is indigenous to southern Italy, it may even pre-date ancient Roman times being cultivated by the Greeks before them. Floral and tropical fruit aromas demand your attention. On the palate it reveals itself with an off-dry river of fruit-filled flavours—orange marmalade, lemon yoghurt and lime cordial. It finishes with palate replays and an added touch of yellow nectarine. This is light on its feet with decent texture and refreshing aftertaste. Pour with coquille St. Jacques. (Vic Harradine)

88
Fontanafredda ‘Gavi Di Gavi’ 2016
DOCG Friuli $18.95 (366948) 12.5% alcohol
The cortese grapes sourced for this wine have delicate flavours and moderate acidity making it a wise choice for seafood dishes. It’s straw-yellow hued in the glass while impressive aromas of licorice and exotic spices are quite alluring. The palate’s treated to a light-medium stream of delicious flavours—orange cordial, lemon pie filling and nutty notes—that persist through the nicely balanced, dry finish. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

91
Silvio Grasso Barolo 2012
DOCG Piedmont $47.95 (539403) 14.0% alcohol
Stunning aromas of dried berry fruit, faded roses and mocha billow from this drink-me-now nebbiolo. On the medium-full bodied, nicely textured palate, mature flavours abound with dried cherry/cranberry, black plum, dark bittersweet chocolate and muted black currant persisting through the long, dry finish. There’s a firm underpinning of supple tannin—aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving with cassoulet or roast beef. (Vic Harradine)

91
Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2012
DOCG Chianti Classico $26.95 (945196) 14.0% alcohol
The muted aromas of dark berry fruit, wood smoke and earthy notes precede a gorgeous tang-infused palate wash of red fruit flavour—cherry, plum and raspberry—interlaced with spice, herbs and silky, soft tannin. This is medium weight, deftly balanced with good texture, persistent purity of fruit and lingering finish. Pour with pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)

94
Brigaldara Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2013
DOC Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico $66.95 (300012) 16.5% alcohol
This is rich, intense, luscious and delicious with purity of fruit, firm structure and touches of elegance. Aromas of peppery spice, pencil shavings, dried fruit and uber-ripe dark berry fruit abound. It coats the palate with a full-bodied, densely textured river of pure ambrosia—ripe juicy black cherry and black currant adorned by spice and dark bittersweet chocolate. It handles the high-octane alcohol level nicely and finishes with palate-flavour replays, dry and delicious. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving with aged hard cheese—mimolette, Gouda or parmigiana reggiano. (Vic Harradine)

Portugal: Red Wine

87
Porca De Murça ‘Reserva’ Tinto 2014
DOC Douro $18.95 (684753) 13.5% alcohol
Sourced from grape varieties usually reserved for top quality Port wine—Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz—this firm, fruit-forward red offers aromas of wood smoke, earthy notes and wisps of grilled savory herbs. Palate flavours include herb-infused black plum compote, crunchy red cherry and bramble berry framed in good acidity, bolstered by grainy tannin. Aerate/decant two hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)

88
Quinta Do Espírito Santo 2015
Vinho Regional Lisboa $12.95 (488015) 15.0% alcohol
Opaque in the glass, aromas of dark berry fruit and mocha swirl from the glass. It envelops the palate with chocolate-infused flavours of dark cherry and black currant intertwined with tarry notes and black licorice. This is medium-full bodied with generous mouthfeel and lengthy finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours pouring with roast lamb. This punches well above its price. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

89
Hacienda Lopez de Haro Blanco 2016
DOCa Rioja $14.95 (543785) 12.5% alcohol
Sourced from old-vine viura fruit that was barrel fermented, it showcases crisp refreshing fruit, lively acidity and a mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Citrus and floral on the nose, it bathes the palate with a tang-laden stream of racy lemon zest, Key lime, piquant spice and minerality. It’s crisp and clean throughout with a lip-smacking finish. Sip alone, or pour alongside all manner of grilled or poached seafood. (Vic Harradine)

90
Izadi ‘Reserva’ 2013
DOCa Rioja $19.95 (461269) 14.0% alcohol
This opens with red and black cherry/berry fruit aromas mingling with mixed spice. The palate’s treated to a smorgasbord of flavour with crunchy red fruit—cranberry, cherry—interwoven with black currant baking spice and excellent acidity. It’s medium-plus weight and nicely balanced with plenty of fruit and structure, Aerate/decant before service, pouring with grilled rack of lamb. This is quite good value. (Vic Harradine)

87
Rioja Madre Graciano 2016
DOCa Rioja $15.95 (354753) 14.5% alcohol
This was sourced from 100% graciano vines approximately 20-years old, hand-picked, hand-sorted fruit then aged 7 - 9 months in oak barrel before bottling. Lively, lifted aromas of über-ripe dark fruit and forest floor abound. A wash of flavour engulfs the palate with fig, raisin and black plum compote to the fore. Concentrated, extracted palate flavours replay through the finish adorned by savory herbs and piquant spice. Pair with grilled back ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic, Louise, Lisa