February 29, 2020 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights

Vic tasted most recently in Australia in the cool-climate Clare Valley at the family-owned winery of Taylor’s Wines (sold as Wakefield in Canada). Taylor’s are members of the vaunted ‘Australian First Families of Wine’ and 3rd generation vignerons. Vic was joined by Taylor’s Chief Winemaker, Adam Eggins. Read wine reviews and much more here.

• Exceptional-value wine  – 13 of the 35 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $14.95 to $24.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above.
• 95 points and over – Three wines rang the 95 points and over bell. 2016 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 95 points @ $24.95 found under Australia: Red Wine; 2018 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Shiraz earned 96 points @ $24.95 along with 2018 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Chardonnay earned 96 points @ $21.95 with both found under Upstream in winecurrent.
• Louise Loves – All the following wines are found under New in Ontario Wineries. 2017 Redstone Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage earned 90 points at $29.95; 2018 Tawse Gamay Noir earned 92 points at $18.25 and 2016 Tawse ‘Grower’s Blend’ Cabernet Franc earned 91 points at $28.95.
• Lisa Likes – 2018 Tawse ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling earned 91 points @ $24.95 and 2016 Tawse ‘Tintern Road’ Pinot Noir earned 93 points @ $44.95 with both found under New in Ontario Wineries.
• Vic Picks – 2017 Errázuriz ‘Aconcagua Costa’ Pinot earned 92 points @ $24.95 found under Chile: Red Wine; 2016 Southbrook Farms ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Chardonnay earned 91 points @ $19.95 found under Ontario: White Wines and, of course, all his exceptional-value reviews.

Vintages Release: March 9, 2020

Champagne

91
Tarlant Rosé Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $53.95 (664680) 12.0% alcohol
This offers very good value. Lifted aromas of leesy/yeasty notes introduce energetic mousse when poured in the glass. Flavours of fresh-baked, strawberry/rhubarb pie interweave with tart, ruby red grapefruit and flinty/mineral notes on the palate. It’s medium bodied with reasonable texture and grapefruit pith and lemon zest on the racy, dry finish and aftertaste. Pour as a welcoming wine, an aperitif or with pan-seared salmon under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

89
Cave de Beblenheim Brut Rosé Crémant d’Alsace Non-Vintage
AOC Alsace $19.95 (168948) 12.5% alcohol
This dry, pale-salmon sparkler, made in the traditional method, displays a fine effervescence that persists on the palate. Delicate aromas and flavours of red field berries—cranberry, currant and raspberry—dominate, while lively acidity carries the flavours through a crisp, palate-cleansing finish. A great wine for sipping or paired with salads, fish or white meats. (Susan Desjardins)

89
Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Ivoire’ Blanc de Blancs – Brut - Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne, France $19.95 (48801) 12.0% alcohol
Dry, light in body, offering a fine creamy mousse, this lovely Crémant balances refreshing vibrant acidity, clean minerality and subtle notes of citrus, green apple and brioche. Long and bright on the finish; it’s very good value and can be enjoyed on its own or with light appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)

89
Rechsteiner Di Florian Von Stepski-Doliwa Brut Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco Spumante, Italy $12.95 (548214) 11.5% alcohol
This was sourced 100% from Glera grapes, the accepted name since 2009 for grapes that were previously called Prosecco. It’s a friendly, pleasing sparkling wine that opens with a gentle, delicate nose of savoury herbs and lemon zest. It bathes the palate with soft bubbles and a crisp refreshing taste of citrus, pear and peach. Give this a go with a wide variety of dishes—light appetizers or seafood—or happily sip on its own. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

88
Flat Rock ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (356873) 12.5% alcohol
This was fermented in stainless steel tank and matured in barrel for 6 months on its lees. Aromas of tropical fruit and citrus introduce a light-medium bodied, lightly oaked stream of ripe pineapple and white grapefruit interlaced with mineral notes and hints of lemon curd. The finish is racy and showcases a lip-smacking spine of mouth-watering acidity. This is crisp, clean and refreshing; give it a go with sushi or ceviche. (Vic Harradine)

91
Southbrook Farms ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (172338) 13.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up an armful. Exotic spice, wisps of smoky oak and sweet vanilla aromas provide segue to a racy river of lime-drizzled crab apple jelly and notions of Mirabelle plum caressing the palate infusing the lengthy, mouth-watering finish. This is medium weight with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang throughout. Pour with ceviche, sushi, pan-seared or grilled seafood. (Vic Harradine)

90
Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling 2017
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 10.5% alcohol
Organic- and biodynamic-certified, this off-dry riesling shows classic aromas of petrol along with apple, honey, ginger and white grapefruit. A delicious flow of juicy apple, ripe pineapple and pink grapefruit flavours cross the plate with a mouth-watering effect and a surprisingly crisp and clean mineral finish despite its 25g/L of residual sugar. This has cellaring potential until 2025 and is quite delicious now with spicy food such as spicy Thai or Indian cuisine. (Louise Boutin)

Ontario: Red Wine

91
Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir 2014
VQA Beamsville Bench $31.95 (274753) 12.7% alcohol
A subdued nose of red berry fruit and spice provide segue for a gorgeous mouthful of deftly balanced racy tang—pie cherry and red currant—and ripe juicy fruit—black plum and dark Bing cherry. It’s medium weight with good mouthfeel and a delectable lingering finish of mixed spice with wisps of toasty oak and soft tannin. Pour this organic gem with rack of lamb, roast turkey or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

90
Kaiken ‘Ultra Las Rocas’ Malbec 2017
Uco Valley, Mendoza $19.95 (50849) 14.5% alcohol
This showcases great value, deft balance and ageability. Twelve months of ageing in French oak barrels, one-third new, has given this malbec a varied nose of wet leather, smoke and cut wood with additional nuances of dried fruit and dried herbs. It has a medium body, great balance of acidity and firm, but silky tannins. Jammy palate flavours of blackberry with hints of smoke, linger in a pleasantly tangy finish. This’ll keep nicely in the cellar for another four years. Decant for an hour before serving, and enjoy with an after-dinner selection of aged, hard cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

Chile: Red Wine

92
Errázuriz ‘Aconcagua Costa’ Pinot Noir 2017
DO Aconcagua Valley $24.95 (541151) 13.0% alcohol
Mineral notes, piquant spice and savory herbs mingle with alluring floral notes on the nose of this deftly balanced and gorgeously tasty pinot noir. It’s as smooth as silk on the palate showcasing flavours of ripe black cherry and passionfruit intertwined with sprigs of herbs and juicy tang and acidity. It’s medium weight with good texture and persistent purity of fruit. Pour with roast chicken or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)

90
Vinedos Marchigue Quilina ‘Gran Reserva’ Carménère 2018
Colchagua Valley $14.95 (13430) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe dark cherry, hot pepper flakes and dry tobacco leaf make up the nose of the native French grape featured in this Chilean wine. A silky-soft cool wash of juicy mixed berry and black cherry flavours travels the palate easily meeting green bell pepper notes and a suggestion of black peppercorn sprinkled strawberry in the dry finish. Medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration, this beautiful red will spice up your spaghetti and meatballs’ dinner night. (Louise Boutin)

Australia: White Wine

90
Stella Bella ‘Skuttlebutt’ Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2018
Margaret River, Western Australia $19.95 (47621) 12.0% alcohol
This is very good value and was sourced from a popular Aussie white blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon. This leaps from the glass with piquant spice, lemon-lime citrus and hints of tropical fruit. It’s carried on the palate with a stream of tangy acidity with white grapefruit and lemon curd leading the way decorated with notions of minerality and ripe pear and apple. This is light on its feet with plenty of pizzazz from opening twist top to final, mouth-watering drop. Pour with grilled prawns or fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

90
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz/Cabernet 2017
Padthaway, South Australia $16.95 (186114) 14.5% alcohol
There’s a lot of value in this cabernet sauvignon and shiraz blend. The nose is spicy with hints of cloves and pepper aromas. The palate is full bodied and smooth with a nice balanced acidity, well integrated tannins and flavours of vanilla and pie cherry. The finish is pleasant and fruity with notes of dried herbs. Enjoy with a hearty serving of chili con carne. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following 2016 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from two vaunted wine regions in the State of South Australia—Coonawarra, with its coveted terra rossa soils, and Clare Valley, now the spiritual and worldly home of the Wakefield winery and its third-generation owners, the highly successful, respected Taylor family. This was tasted a couple of days ago with Taylor’s Chief Winemaker extraordinaire, the affable, Adam Eggins.

95
Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Coonawarra/Clare Valley, South Australia $24.95 (142398) 14.5% alcohol
This showcases deft balance, purity of fruit, good structure, a monumentally long aftertaste and plenty of racy tang. Lifted aromas of piquant spice, floral notes, red and black berry fruit with hints of mint waft easily from this medium-plus bodied, fully textured cab. It’s both powerful and elegant enveloping the palate with a tsunami wave of bracing tang and silky tannin interwoven with crunchy red fruit to the fore—pie cherry and red currant—along with blueberry and plum. Aerate two hours and serve or twist tops 2022 and beyond. (Vic Harradine)

• Although the following 2017 Wits End ‘Luna’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from what’s referred to as cool-climate McLaren Vale; the term ‘cool climate’ is open to interpretation. Compared to Ontario, Canada, it’s definitely not cool climate. However, compared to its Barossa Valley neighbours, it is. However, along with the normal mid-30s C temperature and higher in their growing season and harvest, it does get cool in the evening, with swings in the diurnal temperature averaging approximately 14 to 15 C allowing the balancing acid and tang to also shine through in the finished wine along with natural ripe-fruit sweetness.

90
Wits End ‘Luna’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
McLaren Vale, South Australia $17.95 (921239) 14.7% alcohol
Aromas of roses, earthy notes and dark berry fruit waft easily from this medium-plus bodied, nicely textured cab. It captures the palate with a surge of delightful and deftly balanced flavour—juicy black currant, dark black cherry and cassis mingling and melding with a dollop of pie cherry and red currant acidity and tang. The finish and aftertaste layer on replays of palate flavours, still balanced, beautiful and lip-smacking good. Each sip is as good, or better, than the previous. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

90
Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2017
IGT Salento Rosso $13.95 (270306) 14.0% alcohol
This is a big wine for such a modest price. It’s opaque in the glass with aromas of cherry, plum and black pepper. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with smooth and moderate tannins and a very pleasant balance of acidity and juicy flavours of cherry and vanilla with a touch of smoke. The finish is long, tasting of smoky vanilla. This’ll keep in the cellar for a few more years, but it’s intended to be consumed young. Enjoy now with a hearty bowl of chili con carne. (Dave Isaacs)

New in Vintages

• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate’ Shiraz is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select LCBO stores. After harvest from nearby estate vines, fruit was whisked to the winery, de-stemmed, gently pressed and stainless-steel fermented then transferred to American oak barrels for 100% malolactic conversion (a non-alcoholic fermentation that converts tart-tasting malic acid into softer lactic acid) then the wine blissfully matured for 12 months in the American oak barrels before bottling.

93
Wakefield ‘Estate’ Shiraz 2018
Clare Valley $18.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of black cherry, berry and plum intertwine with baking spice and cocoa on the nose of this value-laden shiraz. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth and medium-plus bodied while unleashing a gusher of fruit-forward flavour of ripe mulberry, black plum and ripe Bing cherry adorned with balancing tang and a boatload of pizzazz. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, is balanced on a pin and sports a dry, delectable finish with palate replays plus a hint of cassis and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Pour with friends and slow-cooked lamb shoulder or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

• Anytime you see Wakefield and Shiraz together on a wine label, it commands a second look. If it’s 750 mL and the price below, purchase a few, ask questions later.

89
Wakefield ‘Promised Land’ Shiraz 2018
South Australia $14.95 (441543) 14.0% alcohol
This is medium bodied, nicely textured, well balanced with a lengthy finish. Aromas of red and black fruit—cherry and currant—interlace with wisps of earthy notes and a sprig of mixed herbs. A broad tapestry of delectable flavours flow over the palate—juicy black cherry and dark bramble berry mingling with mocha and dried herbs—and persist through the lengthy, dry finish. Delightful sipped on its own, it’s a great pairing with grilled beef, game or fowl from the barbeque. (Vic Harradine)

90
Wakefield ‘Promised Land’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
South Australia $14.95 (358838) 14.0% alcohol
Here’s an under-priced cabernet you won’t want to pass up; it punches way above the price. Spice, floral notes and red and black berry fruit aromas abound. It envelops the palate with a well-textured flow of alluring flavours—black juicy cherry and dark bramble berry fruit melding nicely with racy tang in the red cherry/berry spectrum. Medium-plus bodied, ready to drink and creamy smooth, it’s a perfect dance partner with meat-laden pizza, backyard burgers or grilled gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in Winecurrent

Vintages Release: March 21, 2020

93
Wakefield ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2018
Clare Valley $16.95 (711556) 13.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance in this gem tips wildly in your favour. Delicate aromas of mixed spice, caramel and pit fruit precede a balanced and beautiful wash of palate flavours with a bowl of tropical fruit with grilled pineapple and mango to the fore interweaving with white peach, lemon zest and wisps of grapefruit. There’s persistent purity of fruit, creamy texture and lengthy delectable finish and aftertaste. Don’t be afraid to pick up an armful; it’s food friendly and a crowd pleaser. Give it a go with beer-can roast chicken or pan-seared pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July 11, 2020

96
Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Shiraz 2018
Clare Valley/McLaren Vale $24.95 (377036) 14.5% alcohol
Highly perfumed aromas of roses and violets introduce this fabulous shiraz. An oxymoron that it’s both delicate and powerful, but it is. It’s also medium-full bodied and silky smooth on the palate with fruit-forward flavours of sweet ripe bramble berry melding perfectly with crunchy pie cherry adorned with dark chocolate, grilled savory herbs and espresso roast gliding easily over the palate infusing the finish and aftertaste. It’s all underpinned with a dollop of ripe tannin adding structure and interest. Drink now after a two-hour aeration/decant on its own or alongside this fabulous recipe from the late, great James Beard for marinated filet of beef. (Vic Harradine

Vintages Release: TBD

• The following 2018 ‘Jaraman’ Chardonnay won ‘Best of Show Australia White Wine’ at the recent ‘Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards’. It’s a unique blend of 66% Clare Valley / 34% Margaret River fruit with Taylor’s Chief Winemaker, Adam Eggins pointing out, “The Clare Valley parcel delivers mid-palate fleshiness whilst the Margaret River component contributes restrained green fruit notes that are typical of this region.”

95
Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Chardonnay 2018
Clare Valley/Margaret River $21.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice—ginger and nutmeg—are joined by notions of lemon-lime and flinty minerality on the nose of this medium-bodied, gorgeously textured, show-stopping chardonnay. It bathes the palate with persistent purity of fruit—tangy lemon curd and wisps of racy grapefruit juxtaposed with riper, sweeter quince jelly, white nectarine and Mirabelle plum. These replay on the lingering, deftly balanced finish and aftertaste. Drink now and up to 2027 or so. It’s quite food friendly, give it a go with pork, chicken, veal or for an inspired choice – try this recipe, just for the halibut. (Vic Harradine)

New in Okanagan Valley Wineries

• The following 2015 Culmina ‘Hypothesis is available to buy online from Culmina Family Estate Winery by the case of 12 bottles to be shipped to your home or office.

93
Culmina ‘Hypothesis’ Red blend 2015
VQA Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, B.C. $39.00 (414243) 14.5% alcohol
This value-packed vintage includes 4% petit verdot and 2% malbec in addition to the traditional cabernet franc/merlot/cabernet sauvignon blend. Sixteen months of ageing in French oak, 30% new, contributes to the involved aroma profile—cedar wood, tobacco and baking spice, adding depth to the dark fruit, green bell pepper and dry sage profile. This is a full-bodied red with ripe blackberry, cassis and dark cherry palate flavours showcasing a definite savoury character enwrapped in firm tannin and bright acidity. Aerate/decant two to three hours if poured now or cellar now to 2028 for a more evolved experience. (Louise Boutin)

New in Ontario Wineries

• The following wines from Tawse Winery and Redstone can be purchased by the bottle(s) case (s) for home, office or restaurant delivery online at Tawse Winery, by Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by phone +1 905 562 9500 or for pick up by bottle(s) or case(s) directly at the winery 3955 Cherry Ave, Vineland ON. Here’s a map.

90
Redstone Sparkling Rosé 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 12.0% alcohol
This value-laden, vintage-dated, Méthode Traditionnelle, salmon-hued, 100% pinot noir with its 12 months of lees contact will transport you to a strawberry field on a hot summer day. A lovely pink-ish mousse rises up the glass along with fine-bead bubbles releasing aromas of fresh ripe strawberry, cranberry and yeasty-brioche notes. There’s a surge of pie cherry and rhubarb flavours and a cinnamon tinge leading to a mouth-watering medium-length lip-smacking, refreshing finish. This will please all brut sparkling lovers especially when paired with salted nuts or pan-seared rainbow trout. (Louise Boutin)

91
Tawse ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling 2018
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 10.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of lemon rind, pink grapefruit and nectarine with traces of honeysuckle, ginger and this grape’s characteristic petrol aroma open this well-balanced riesling. Sweet citrus flavours—tangerine and lemon-lime—merge with ripe peach and a mineral note on the palate. Medium sweet, balanced with vibrant acidity, it delivers a creamy, mouth-coating texture and a long, flavourful finish. Enjoy with a spicy chicken curry. (Lisa Isabelle)

90
Redstone ‘Limestone Vineyard-South’ Riesling 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $18.95 11.0% alcohol
This off-dry hand-harvested riesling has pungent petroleum notes that dissipate with a vigorous swirl, unveiling yellow apple, ginger, candied lemon peel aromas and lots of wet-stone minerality. It’s bright and fresh on the palate with a pear and melon profile coupled with pink grapefruit acidity, vibrant green apple and ginger flavours making its 31g/L of residual sugar almost go incognito. This is medium-light bodied and will shine next to a selection of gourmet sushi. (Louise Boutin)

91
Tawse ‘Robyn’s Block’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $45.95 12.5% alcohol
Only 1600 bottles of this organic- and biodynamic-certified wine were produced using hand-picked fruit sourced from Tawse’ oldest chardonnay vineyard. It was barrel fermented and spent 12 months in French oak which can be enjoyed on the first sniff—oak spice, vanilla, roasted nut along with peach and tropical fruit. A creamy wash of peach and ripe pear flavour is decorated with bright citrus and ripe pineapple acidity pleasing the palate and adding a delicious nutmeg and slate minerality note to the crisp, clean finish. There’s noticeable finesse in this medium-bodied beauty. Pour alongside baked cod loin over a bed of creamy gnocchi. (Louise Boutin)

93
Tawse ‘Tintern Road’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.95 13.0% alcohol
This delightful pinot noir showcases more concentration and depth of flavour than the pale-garnet colour might suggest. Aged 18 months in French oak, 20% new, prior to bottling, it was produced with grapes from a four-acre parcel first planted with grapes in 2010. A perfumed bouquet introduces tart red fruit aromas paired with chocolate-orange, forest floor, leather and violet. Dry, medium bodied, with silky tannins, the bright acidity carries cherry and cranberry flavours into the lengthy, mineral-laden finish while a hint of smoke appears on the aftertaste. Pair with duck confit. (Lisa Isabelle)

92
Tawse Gamay Noir 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.50 12.5% alcohol
This gamay is full of beautiful fruit character without tasting like a candy store. Fresh red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate aromas abound along with a nice layer of spice and wood notes, courtesy of eight months of maturation in French oak barrels. You’ll notice a nice sustained cooling effect carrying delicious flavours of tart red fruits hanging out with a sweet note of kirsch liqueur and a hint of forest floor and spice, wrapped in a blanket of soft tannin. Super approachable and versatile, this medium-bodied convivial red is delicious with Veal scaloppini with tomato caper sauce or simply on its own. (Louise Boutin)

91
Tawse ‘Grower’s Blend’ Cabernet Franc 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $28.95 13.5% alcohol
I love cabernet franc for its perfect combination of fruit and savoury character translating into excellent versatility at the table and this one is a prime example. It’s fresh on the nose and palate with red cherry, raspberry, red pepper jelly aromas. Fruit aromas replay on the palate and dig a bit deeper on the savoury side with green pepper and oregano notes. This is medium-bodied with polished tannin and will pair beautifully with traditional, rich cabbage rolls. (Louise Boutin)

91
Redstone ‘Redstone Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2017
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $39.95 13.0% alcohol
This fine offering was aged 18 months in French oak, 20% new, before bottling. The expressive nose offers ripe cherry-berry and redcurrant aromas joined by pretty floral notes, a bouquet garni of herbs, dusty cocoa and a hint of eucalyptus. Dry, medium bodied with well-integrated tannin, red and dark fruit flavours mingle with savoury herbs and a grounding mineral note before surging over the mouth-watering palate and into the medium-long, tangy finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

91
Redstone ‘Redstone Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $45.95 14.0% alcohol
Layers of aromas emerge from the glass—blackberry, cassis and raspberry jam garnished with notes of cedar, smoke, baking spice and mint. Dry, medium-full bodied and well structured with fine-grained tannins and supporting acidity, ripe plum and blackcurrant flavours, adorned with traces of crushed raspberry, vanilla and spice, flow over the tasty palate. It finishes medium-long and offers a pleasant minty freshness on the aftertaste. Enjoy with braised lamb ragout. (Lisa Isabelle)

93
Tawse Meritage 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $68.15 13.5% alcohol
There were only 1000 bottles of this premium Bordeaux blend produced from top-quality, hand-picked fruit—50% cabernet sauvignon / 27% cabernet franc / 23% merlot. Ripe black fruit, dark chocolate-covered black cherry, tobacco leaf, pencil shaving and sweet smoke aromas are intense on the nose. Cassis, blackberry, and ripe cherry flavours mingle with green bell pepper, dry oregano and freshly cracked black peppercorn offering a robust feast for the palate with its firm yet fine-grained tannin, splendid acidity and long finish. This medium-full bodied gem will further evolve over the next ten years. If drinking now, aerate/decant three hours and enjoy with rare-grilled flank steak or stuffed Portobello mushrooms. (Louise Boutin)

90
Redstone ‘Redstone Vineyard’ Syrah 2017
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $39.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark plum, blackberry compote with hints of eucalyptus, black pepper and spice precede a mouth-watering cascade of dark fruit flavours joined by savoury herbs, baking spice and espresso bean. Dry, medium bodied with velvety tannins, spiced plum flavours extend through the medium-long finish. Enjoy alongside a smoked beef brisket. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following Vineland Estates Winery wine is available for purchase and delivery to your home, office or restaurant online or for purchase and pick up at the winery cellar door – here’s a map.

89
Vineland Estates Cabernet-Merlot 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.00 12.5% alcohol
This red blend—39% cabernet franc / 36% merlot / 25% cabernet sauvignon—offers pie cherry and blackberry aromas along with fermentation notes, mushroom and pencil shaving. It’s medium-bodied and very mellow on the palate with a delicious melange of red and black fruit palate flavours with dry savoury herb and a nice earthy note showing up in the finish. An excellent choice to pour with your red-sauce pizza or pasta. (Louise Boutin)