January 28, 2019 Newsletter

The 2019 California Wine Fair Announces its Tour Schedule

It’ll be the hottest ticket in town and there are NO tickets sold at the door!

Winecurrent subscribers receive a $5 discount on each ticket purchased for Ottawa (April 26) and/or Toronto (April 29) consumer tastings. Use promotional code: cwfwinecurrent

It often sells out, but never disappoints the crowds who attend. It’s arguably Canada’s best, and best-value, wine tasting. Tickets are NOW on sale! One entry price covers unlimited tasting samples from hundreds of wines along with a few nibblies. Spittoons are provided at each station in this walk-around tasting and you’re encouraged to use them and arrange for commercial or public transportation rather than driving. Please drink in moderation; never drink and drive.

In its 40th year, Canada’s largest Wine Fair Tour showcases some of the finest wines from the Golden State with over 450 wines from more than 150 wineries offered. There are trade and consumer tastings. 

Learn here about how, where and when to attend and to purchase your ticket(s).

Newsletter Highlights Include:

• Exceptional-value wine  – 7 of 43 wines in this newsletter that are available in the LCBO now, meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $12.95 to $18.95 and are found throughout the newsletter identified via the value checkmark above. Strict guidelines? Click here.
• 95 points and over – no wine in this newsletter earned 95 points or over.
• Louise Loves – 2017 Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine earned 90 points at $39.95 200 mL found under Ontario: Icewine, Tapiz Torrontés Sparkling Wine ‘Extra Brut’ Non-Vintage earned 92 points at $19.95 found under Sparkling Wine and 2016 Rodney Strong Chardonnay earned 90 points at $22.95 found under California: White Wine and, of course, all her exceptional-value reviews.
• Dave’s Delights – Burmester 20-Year-Old Tawny Port earned 93 points at $58.95 found under Fortified Wine: Port; 2017 Attems Pinot Grigio earned 90 points @ $19.95 found under Italy: White Wine; 2010 Marqués del Puerto Reserva earned 92 points @ $23.95 found under Spain: Red Wine and, of course, all his exceptional-value reviews. 
• Vic Picks – 2017 Pelee Island ‘Lola’ Cabernet Franc Rosé earned 88 points @ $15.95 found under Ontario: Rosé Wine

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

Vintages Release: February 2, 2019

Fortified Wine: Port

• Tawny Ports are Port wines that have been aged for many years in large oak casks. The gradual oxidation and evaporation gives the wine a golden-brown—that is, tawny—colour and nutty, caramelized flavour characteristics. Tawny Ports are blended wines of varying vintage dates, and the age stated on the label certifies that the following Burmester 20-Year-Old Tawny meets all characteristics of a twenty-year-old Tawny Port as decided by a tasting panel. Although Tawny Ports will keep for many years in the bottle, they will not improve over time once bottled.

93
Burmester 20-Year-Old Tawny Port
DOP Douro $58.95 (582924) 20.0% alcohol
This Tawny is a beautiful orange amber in colour. The nose overflows with nutty aromas, highlighted with notes of candied orange and caramel. It’s full bodied on the palate, thick and sweet without being cloying. A delicious acidity complements flavours of orange, caramel, and almonds which all linger in a mouth-watering finish. This will be wonderful served after dinner, slightly chilled, alongside caramel pecan pie. (Dave Isaacs)

Ontario: Icewine

90
Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95 200ml (471813) 11.0% alcohol
This bright, 100% cabernet sauvignon elixir never disappoints; fragrant on the nose—maraschino cherry, crushed strawberry and black pepper—it introduces a delightful and vibrant juice of sweet and tart flavours with ripe cherry, strawberry, tangy raspberry on the palate followed by a savoury herb and red, bell pepper jam note trailing on the perfectly balanced finish. Enjoy on its own or with creamy cheese such as Brie or Camembert at any time. (Louise Boutin)

88
Henry of Pelham Cabernet Icewine 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95 200ml (672402) 9.5% alcohol
Made from 100% cabernet franc, this staple red dessert wine has beautiful copper hues. Red candied apple and strawberry aromas abound along with savoury and peppery notes. It’s luscious almost syrupy on the tongue with flavours of strawberry jam, red bell pepper coating the palate and persisting in the sweet and mild peppery finish. Delicious on its own it can also be judiciously poured with sparkling wine for a Kir Royale-inspired drink. (Louise Boutin)

Sparkling Wine

92
Tapiz Torrontés Sparkling Wine ‘Extra Brut’ Non-Vintage
Mendoza $19.95 (576199) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s an opportunity to try a white varietal grown almost exclusively in Argentina. This is sourced from high-altitude vines at 1050 meters above sea level. It’s crafted Méthode Traditionnelle with eight to ten months of ‘sur lie’ ageing. The nose is beautifully floral along with ripe crushed pear, white peach and zesty aromas. A fresh and airy mousse tops the glass with gorgeous, palate flavours—honeyed poached pear mingling with Meyer lemon and a balancing persistent minerality making spitting near impossible. The finish is crisp and clean with a subtle sweetness on the palate despite10g/L of residual sugar, which aligns with ‘extra brut’ labelling in Argentina. This is delicious on its own and will also do wonders poured with crispy coconut shrimp. (Louise Boutin)

Ontario: White Wine

• Redstone is the owner’s inspired venture which he—Moray Tawse—started in 2009 after opening Tawse Winery in 2005. The winery name refers to the red soil that’s farmed biodynamically and well suited for a wide variety of grapes. The chardonnay featured below is a beautiful expression of the varietal.

90
Redstone Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 (511428) 13.0% alcohol
The 12-month fermentation and ageing in French oak barrel is immediately apparent on the nose followed by additional gorgeous aromas—grilled pineapple, peach, vanilla and baking spice. This five-year old, medium-bodied white is remarkably fresh on the palate with flavours of ripe peach, cantaloupe, zesty lemon, nutmeg and a gentle almond-skin bite on the balanced, dry, crisp finish. Pour now to 2023 with lemon-butter baked, wild cod sprinkled with roasted almond. Huge kudos to the winemaking team involved with this beauty. (Louise Boutin)

Ontario: Red Wine

91
Peninsula Ridge ‘Beal Vineyard – Reserve’ Merlot 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (257311) 14.0% alcohol
Matured 16 months in French oak, this superb-value, rich ruby, medium-full bodied merlot offers exquisite aromas of ripe dark fruit, violet, smoke and baking spice. A silky wash of juicy ripe blackberry, dark plum, cassis and clove pleases the palate followed by a nice dosage of tangy raspberry in the lengthy and delicious, dry, spicy finish. Nicely structured with fine-grained tannins, perfect acidity and well-integrated alcohol, this will keep for another seven to ten years. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside glazed beef, short ribs. (Louise Boutin)

Ontario: Rosé Wine

88
Pelee Island ‘Lola’ Cabernet Franc Rosé 2017

VQA South Island, Lake Erie North Shore $15.95 (552497) 12.5% alcohol

Aromas and flavours of freshly picked strawberry, tangy cranberry and ruby red grapefruit dominate the nose and palate intertwined with notions of mixed spice and excellent acidity prevailing through the palate and infusing the finish then aftertaste. Pour well chilled on its own or with a mixed deli board. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour here. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

90
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2016
Sonoma County $22.95 (226936) 13.5% alcohol
This golden-hued blend of locally farmed, estate-grown fruit was 60% fermented and aged six months in oak barrel with monthly lees agitation. The oaky nose shields ripe peach, pear and roasted coconut aromas. It’s quite round and pleasantly oily on the palate with flavours of ripe orchard fruit and a kick of tart lemon-curd mid-palate evolving into a comforting delectable buttery vanilla, poached pear finish. This is medium-full bodied, nicely textured and will shine alongside moules-marinières and fries. (Louise Boutin)

89
Noble Vines ‘Collection 446’ Chardonnay 2016
San Barnabe Monterey $18.95 (458687) 14.5% alcohol
The number on the label refers to the chardonnay clone (4) and the vineyard block (46) where it was sourced. This medium-bodied white is partially fermented in oak barrel with a portion undergoing malolactic conversion. It’s quite oaky on the nose but also showcases Golden Delicious apple, butterscotch and coconut aromas. The palate is mellow with cooked apple, peach, lemon curd flavours and a butterscotch replay persisting on the warm, lengthy, dry finish. Serve with a hearty chicken pot pie. (Louise Boutin)

California: Red Wine

92 
Gundlach Bundschu Merlot 2014

Sonoma Valley $58.95 (397497) 14.7% alcohol

This red blend—89% merlot/5% petit verdot/4% cabernet sauvignon/1% malbec/1% cabernet franc—is aged 17 months in French oak barrel, 40% new. It’s opaque, brick-red coloured with expressive aromas of smoke, dry leaves, vanilla, cherry, strawberry and dried herbs. On the palate it feels full bodied and smooth with silky tannins along with juicy flavours of cherry and blackberry. A hint of coffee and chocolate lingers pleasantly on the finish, underscored by gentle tannins. Drinking wonderfully now, it has the structure and oomph to easily last to 2022. Aerate/decant a couple of hours and enjoy with roast duck. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Clayhouse Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Paso Robles $18.95 (57869) 13.5% alcohol
This medium-full bodied red is from a certified sustainable vineyard and offers freshly crushed black cherry sprinkled with black pepper and a chocolate-raspberry note on the nose. The aromas are replayed on the palate with an addition of dry-cocoa and sweet vanilla flavours riding all the way through the dry, spicy finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant one hour and pour with braised beef shanks and wild mushrooms. (Louise Boutin)

90
Cline ‘Cashmere Black Magic Red’ 2016
California $22.95 (539213) 14.5% alcohol
This aptly named blend of petite sirah, zinfandel, mourvèdre, carignan and alicante bouschet was aged in French oak, 35% new, for 12 months. It’s opaque in the glass with a distinctive nose of cough syrup, grilled meat, sweet smoke, licorice and ripe cassis. Über round and plush on the palate, it features flavours of cassis, ripe blackberry, tangy raspberry, lavender, vanilla and an all spice note trailing in the fruity, dry finish. This full-bodied charmer is fantastic with roasted portobello mushrooms with chestnut stuffing. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: White Wine

89
Piattelli Reserve Torrontés 2017
Cafayate Valley $14.95 (536672) 14.0% alcohol
This torrontés is grown in the spectacular landscape of the Cafayate valley at an altitude of 1800 meters. The nose is fragrant with orange blossom, ripe pineapple, peach and chalky minerality. Twenty per cent of the wine is matured in French oak for two months adding roundness to this fresh, medium-bodied white. Expect palate flavours of ripe orchard fruit, pink grapefruit, almond and a dry honeyed finish and aftertaste. Pair with butternut squash soup. (Louise Boutin)

89
Familia Schroeder ‘Alpataco’ Chardonnay 2017
Patagonia $16.95 (629428) 13.0% alcohol
This is from the southern border of Argentina and sourced from hand-harvested fruit fermented in stainless steel tank and matured sur lie. Charming aromas fill the air with ripe stone fruit, dry apricot, honeysuckle and sweet citrus. Quite focused on ripe citrus palate flavours, this medium-bodied chardonnay develops a sweeter note of fresh apricot mid-palate then ends with a crescendo of tangy lemon and mineral notes on the finish and aftertaste. Fresh and versatile, it pairs well with fish and chips under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: Red Wine

89
Wapisa Malbec 2016
Patagonia $19.95 (631879) 13.9% alcohol
This deep purple-hued malbec exudes fresh black fruit, sweet menthol aromas and wisps of vanilla. A cool cashmere-textured wave of flavours, predominently blueberry compote and blackberry, flows easily on the palate with the perfect balance of acidity and polished tannin while a fresh rosemary note completes the medium-long, fruit-forward finish. This is a great value and pairs well with a variety of gourmet sausage and grilled veggies. (Louise Boutin)

90
Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2016
Luján de Cuyo Mendoza $18.95 (261867) 14.5% alcohol
This popular favourite consistently impresses with its finesse, balance and affordable price tag. Inky colored and staining the glass, it’s also generous on the nose with ripe blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and menthol notes that are repeated on the palate in juicy waves followed by mild vanilla and a tang-infused finish and aftertaste. This is medium-full bodied, nicely structured and enjoyable with a variety of dishes; try eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)

90
Catena ‘Alta Historic Rows’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Mendoza $48.95 (959965) 13.5% alcohol
This unfined/unfiltered blend of cabernet sauvignon with its 5% splash of cabernet franc is sourced from the oldest vines of the Catena vineyards then aged 18-24 months in French oak barrel. It takes time to open, but when it does, fragrant ripe dark cherry, cassis, sage and baking spice aromas abound. A velvety-textured flow of juicy dark cherry, blackberry and tart cherry travels on the palate before firm tannins show and shape a drying, medium-long finish with dark chocolate-covered cherry and savoury notes in the aftertaste. This has at least ten years of cellaring potential. If drunk now, aerate/decant three hours to somewhat appreciate the complexity and finesse of this wine. Best kept in the cellar, popping corks 2022 and beyond. (Louise Boutin)

88
Familia Schroeder ‘Saurus Select’ Pinot Noir 2016
Patagonia $23.95. (55442) 14.0% alcohol
This pale-garnet, medium-bodied, hand-picked pinot was 40%-matured in oak barrel for three months. Fresh red cherry, rose and laurel aromas spring forth. A velvety wash of tart red cherry, cranberry and dry bay leaf enrobed in soft tannins travel the palate all the way to the warm, spicy finish. This will further evolve with additional cellaring. Aerate-decant a couple of hours before pouring now to 2025 alongside osso buco. (Louise Boutin)

90
Catena ‘Appellation San Carlos’ Cabernet Franc 2016
Mendoza $19.95 (450106) 13.0% alcohol
This deep-ruby, highly extracted 100% cabernet franc is aged 12 months in oak barrel, 35% new, displaying aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, red bell pepper and cedar. A flow of ripe blackberry, juicy cherry and tangy raspberry draped in a silk blanket envelops the palate with grippy tannin joining in and adding structure to this medium-bodied red. The finish is nicely balanced between sweet and tart fruit with a sprinkle of baking spice and savoury herb adding complexity to this great-value, cab franc. Pair with minced-beef stuffed, roasted red bell peppers. (Louise Boutin)

89
El Enemigo ‘Single Vineyard - La Esperanza’ Bonarda 2015
Mendoza $21.95 (629782) 13.5% alcohol
Often overshadowed by malbec, bonarda is the second-most planted red variety in Argentina. It’s known to produce exuberant fruity wines and although this one has a shy nose, it bursts with juicy ripe dark fruit flavours on the palate—cherry, blackberry, blueberry and a hint of vanilla. It’s cool and silky on the palate with a little grip of tannin in the dry and fruity finish. Drink now with pulled-pork sandwiches. (Louise Boutin)

90
Altocedro ‘La Consulta - Select Blend’ 2015
Mendoza $24.95 (631770) 14.4% alcohol
This red blend—42% malbec/ 27% cabernet sauvignon/22% tempranillo/9% syrah—was sourced from vines averaging 35-years old was then matured in French oak barrels for 12 months. It has beautiful aromas of ripe sweet black fruit with a layer of cedar and black tea in the background. On the palate, tart cassis flavours are facing juicy blackberry and cherry while a nice licorice and vanilla note develops in the long tasty finish. This is full-bodied with polished tannin and a great value to enjoy with well-seasoned, grilled lamb chops. (Louise Boutin)

Chile: Red Wine

• Kudos to the folks at Vintages for sourcing the following 2015 Montgras ‘Antu’ Carmenère. This exceptional-value, medium-full bodied red is one of their popular wine of the month selections.

90
Montgras ‘Antu’ Carmenère 2015
DO Peumo, Cachapoal Valley $18.95 (632752) 14.5% alcohol
This spent 14 months in oak barrel—85% French, and 15% American with some new—and presents with a beautiful ripe nose of dark plum, black cherry completed with sharp jalapeño pepper and cedar note aromas. It’s nicely structured with firm, polished tannin, perfectly integrated alcohol and oak, along with tart cherry acidity. Look for palate flavours of dark cherry, green bell pepper and freshly-cracked black peppercorn with a balanced spicy finish. This excellent, medium-full bodied red pours well alongside rare-roasted, prime rib. (Louise Boutin)

Australia: Red Wine

91
Yalumba ‘The Strapper – GSM’ 2015

Barossa Valley, South Australia $19.95 (295873) 13.5% alcohol

This GSM red blend—grenache/syrah/mourvèdre—dishes up good structure, deft balance and lip-smacking flavour at a very good price. Savory herb aromas are first up on the nose followed by dark berry fruit and mocha. It blankets the palate with a nicely textured, smooth-as-silk river of bramble berry jam and juicy black cherry framed by vibrant, tangy, mouth-watering acidity and underpinned by supple tannin. The luscious, lingering finish is lip-smacking good. Aerate/decant a couple of hours and pour with a thick slab of grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

90
J. Moreau & Fils Chablis 2017
AOC Chablis $25.95 (466144) 12.5% alcohol
This is a wonderfully refreshing Chablis; the 100% malolactic fermentation plus the eight months it spends sitting on its lees gives it a varied nose of yeast and pear punctuated with notes of wet stones and chalk. It’s medium bodied and smooth on the palate with citrus-like acidity and flavours of pear and apple. A hint of astringency comes forward at the end of the finish. This will keep nicely in the cellar until 2022. Enjoy along with a baked fillet of salmon. (Dave Isaacs)

88
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2016

IGT Pays d’Oc, France $14.95 (147975) 13.5% alcohol

Honeyed stone fruit and orange blossom aromas on the nose, this envelops the palate with a medium-full bodied, creamy-smooth wash of palate-coating flavour—ripe Bosc pear, lemon pie filling and Mirabelle plum. It finishes with palate replays and wisps of soft acidity. This pairs well with lightly spiced Asian dishes like pad Thai or Chicken Chow Mein. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

90
Château Bernadotte 2010
AOC Haut-Médoc $44.95 (257741) 14.0% alcohol
This wine is really hitting its stride with a dark, brick-red appearance and enticing aromas of leather, smoky moss and blackberry fruit. On the palate it’s medium bodied and smooth. The tannins have evolved wonderfully and are balanced with nice, juicy, tartness. Flavours of tart raspberry and strawberry fade elegantly to a long vanilla finish. This will keep in the cellar for another couple of years, but why wait? Enjoy right now with lamb stew. (Dave Isaacs)

• The 2016 vintage of the Château d'Arsac was tasted and reviewed, while the Vintages catalogue lists the 2015 vintage as being released. Readers should confirm the vintage on bottles selected for purchase applying the following review to the 2016 vintage only.

91
Château d'Arsac 2016
AOC Margaux $51.95 (500660) 13.5% alcohol
This is one for the cellar. It’s dark cherry red in colour with aromas of moss, cherry, sage, and dark chocolate on the nose. It’s medium-to-full bodied on the palate, and has an excellent balance of acidity. There are flavours of juicy red fruit with a slight hint of mint, buried under strong and aggressive tannins. This wine is still in its youth and won’t be ready for drinking for at least another eight years. When the time comes, enjoy this with a medium-rare slice of roast beef. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Château la Fleur Pourret 2010

AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru $39.95 (455667) 14.5% alcohol

This high-octane, merlot-dominated red showcases aromas of oak, charred toast and berry fruit before blanketing the palate with a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of crunchy, tangy, red fruit—currant, cherry and plum—intertwined with riper blackberry, mixed spice and cocoa. There’s chalky tannin and oodles of tang on the finish. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce or pastitsio. (Vic Harradine)
86
Château Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2016 

AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages – Plan de Dieu $15.95 (224592) 14.5% alcohol

This entry-level grenache/mourvèdre/syrah blend offers aromas of cherry, raspberry, savory herbs and freshly cracked, black pepper aromas on the nose. The first sip is round and mellow on the palate until joined by peppery, tart juicy cherry flavours and young tannins. It’s a medium-bodied red that may need a couple of years to fully reveal its intriguing personality or you can aerate/decant a few hours before pouring a glass while digging into a gourmand charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)

Italy: White Wine

90
Attems Pinot Grigio 2017
DOC Friuli $19.95 (707950) 12.5% alcohol
This very well-priced white is light gold in appearance, with an appealing nose of clover, orange and orange zest with mineral notes lurking in the background. It’s medium bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and flavours of lemon, orange, and sweet pear. The finish is long and lip-smacking while demanding another sip. Enjoy this with lemony steamed cod or halibut. (Dave Isaacs)

Italy: Red Wine

• Barolo wines, by regulation, must be aged at least 2 years in oak. The following Barolo from Fontanafredda splits this ageing into 2 parts: 1 year in 225-litre barriques followed by another year in 2000-litre casks.

89
Fontanafredda ‘Serralunga d'Alba’ Barolo 2014
DOCG Barolo $49.95 (943290) 13.5% alcohol
This Barolo is medium-to-light garnet in appearance with an overall salmon-coloured cast. It has a nose of cherry and vanilla aromas punctuated with whiffs of white pepper. It is medium bodied on the palate, with a strong base of tannin supporting flavours of anise and dried herbs. The finish is long and tannic. This will be drinking well for another five or six years. Enjoy alongside a plate of roasted rack of lamb. (Dave Isaacs)

92
Abbadia Ardenga Brunello di Montalcino 2013
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino $50.95 (672337) 14.0% alcohol
This delightfully elegant brunello is matured for 36 months in Slovenian oak barrels then for 12 months in stainless steel tanks and finally for 12 months in bottle before release. It appears medium-dark ruby in colour, with a slight orange cast. The nose has aromas of dried red fruit, pepper, smoke and moss. It’s medium bodied on the palate with a very pleasing balance of acid and firm, approachable tannins while flavours of vanilla and raspberry abound. The finish is lengthy and flavourful and demands another sip. This will keep in the cellar through 2024 and is drinking wonderfully right now. Enjoy with a bowl of hearty Italian beef stew. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Masi ‘Brolo Campofiorin Oro’ 2014
IGT Rosso del Veronese $26.95 (976092) 14.0% alcohol
This is made in the appassimento style with a blend of corvina, rondinella and oseleta grapes that have been dried before pressing. The result is dark cherry in appearance with an expressive nose of dried cherries, herbs, and smoke. It’s medium-to-full bodied on the palate with a smooth mouthfeel, approachable tannins and a lip-smacking tartness. The flavours of sour cherry mixed with smoke linger pleasantly in the finish. This will keep in the cellar for a few more years and will be enjoyed alongside a dish of mushroom risotto. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Lornano Chianti Classico 2013

DOCG Chianti Classico $17.95 (211599) 14.5 % alcohol

The expressive nose of this 100% sangiovese from the original heart of the Chianti region showcases cherry and plum aromas layered with appealing notes of sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mushroom and violet. It’s dry and mid-plus weight with flavours of red cherry, strawberry, garrigue and tea leaves enveloping the palate and extending through the lengthy, flavourful finish. Enjoy with tomato-based pasta dishes. (Lisa Isabelle)

Portugal: Red Wine

87
Altivo Red 2016
DOC Dão $12.95 (522292) 13.0% alcohol
This is an easy-drinking red blend source from touriga nacional, jaen, and trincadeira grapes. There are aromas of green wood and smoke on the nose and flavours of strawberry, blackberry and vanilla on the palate. It feels medium bodied and juicy in the mouth with diminished tannins and a smooth texture. It’s a good-value red to enjoy with hors d'oeuvres. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Opta Red 2015
DOC Dão $15.95 (633834) 13.0% alcohol
An enjoyable blend of touriga nacional, alfrocheiro, tinta roriz, this is black cherry hued with aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla and pepper on the nose. It’s medium-to-full bodied with smooth tannins and juicy flavours of cherry and hint of black pepper. This can be kept in the cellar for a few more years and will match nicely with spaghetti and meat sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Evel Tinto 2014

DOC Douro $13.95 (190694) 13.5% alcohol

This deep-purple coloured Douro blend —touriga nacional, touriga franca and tinta roriz—fills the air with generous aromas of ripe black cherry, juicy black plums, kirsch liqueur and dry tobacco. The palate’s hit with a potpourri of ripe black fruits, lifted with tangy raspberry and a hint of vanilla softly wrapping the flavours. The finish keeps giving with enjoyable fine tannin and black peppercorn notes adding to this already rich character, medium-full bodied beauty. This is a powerhouse gem at a bargain price. Delicious now and will certainly improve with an additional 3-5 years cellaring. Aerate/decant about an hour before pouring alongside a rare well-seasoned, grilled striploin. (Louise Boutin)

• Portugal is divided into 14 Vinho Regional—that is, regional wine—areas. Wines labelled with a VR region have less strict rules than those labelled with the traditional Denominação de Origem Controlada areas. This allows VR wine producers a degree of innovation and creativity not available for DOC wines.

88
Periquita Reserva 2016
VR Península de Setúbal $16.95 (488007) 13.0% alcohol
This is a blend of 56% castelão, 22% touriga nacional and 22% touriga francesa. It has a nose of strawberries and green leaf aromas. It’s medium bodied on the palate with a smooth mouthfeel and tannins that start small becoming more prominent on the finish. Flavours of cherry and vanilla also carry through to the finish and aftertaste. This will last in the cellar through to 2022 and pours well with aged cheddar cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

87
Porta da Ravessa Reserva Tinto 2015
VR Alentejano $13.95 (631010) 14.0% alcohol
Made from a blend of alicante bouschet, touriga nacional, and syrah, this spent 12 months in new French oak barrels. It’s dark cherry in colour with aromas of wood, smoke, and plum on the nose. Medium-to-full bodied on the palate, flavours of cherry, blackberry, and easy-going tannins dominate. Enjoy with a slice of pizza with smoked ham, bacon and mushroom toppings. (Dave Isaacs)

88
Quinta da Rede ‘Reserva’ 2013
DOC Douro $17.95 (431742) 13.5% alcohol
This wine is dark cherry in colour with a smoky nose accompanied by aromas of green wood. It’s medium-to-full bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, pleasing, juicy acidity and just a touch of tannins. Flavours of cherry linger on the finish. This is well priced and a good match for grilled hamburgers. (Dave Isaacs)

Spain: Red Wine

92
Marqués del Puerto Reserva 2010
DOCa Rioja $23.95 (638767) 14.0% alcohol
This wine is made from a blend of tempranillo and mazuelo fruit and has a deep, black cherry appearance. There's an elegant nose that mixes aromas of dried wood, dried red fruit, leather, moss, and fresh cedar. It’s full bodied on the palate with a captivating juiciness and excellent balance. There are plenty of well-integrated tannins that blend well with flavours of sweet vanilla and cherry. This’ll keep nicely in the cellar for another 5 or 6 years and will be a great match for braised lamb shanks with rosemary. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Torres ‘Salmos’ 2015
DOCa Priorat $39.95 (450734) 14.5% alcohol
A delicious blend of Cariñena/garnacha/syrah, this has a dark plum colour and an expressive nose of smoke, leather, raspberry, and vanilla aromas punctuated with hints of dried basil. It’s full bodied on the palate with a good balance of acidity and plenty of smooth tannins. The flavours of sour cherry linger in a mouth-watering finish. This can be kept in the cellar until about 2023. Enjoy it along with smoked pork tenderloin. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Ardal ‘Reserva’ 2006 

DO Ribera del Duero $23.95 (167700) 14.5% alcohol 

Black licorice, dried, dark berries and leather aromas herald a full-bodied, fully flavoured stream of flavours—cassis, espresso roast and dark chocolate-dipped black cherries to the fore. It’s medium-weight with good mouth feel, balance and plenty of charm. It’s well structured and still has the oomph, from a ripe tannin underpinning, to pair well with osso buco or rare-grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Louise, Dave, Vic