January 9, 2010 Vintages Release
This Vintages catalogue begins with a feature about 'easy' wines (both drinking and on the wallet) with prices from $11.95 to $16.95. Up next is the familiar country/region format found in the ‘Main Release’ with winecurrent-reviewed wines in the order of the Vintages Release catalogue.Susan Desjardins will handle this and the next few Vintage Releases for winecurrent.com while Vic tastes and spits his way around Australia sending back periodic reports and tasting notes.
The wines in this release were not offered for tasting until Wednesday, January 6. Hats off to Susan for having the wines written up and published so quickly!
Vic will also be writing a feature article for the 2nd issue of newly launched Brix Magazine - an informative and entertaining publication blending interesting people, travel destinations, and unique wine experiences. Subscribe at Brix after January 20, 2010.
Other highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include :
- Two lovely Viognier - Anakena and the Michel Gassier from France.
- Two value-packed ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon – one from Lindemans and the other from Santa Julia.
- Organic wines are on the upswing – the La Cappucina Soave and the Perrin Reserve are both worth a second look.
- Run, don’t dawdle, and snag an armful of this before it’s all gone – 5 stars and $15.95! Look under Italian red.
Easy Wines
Doña Paula ‘Los Cardos’ Chardonnay 2008
Mendoza $12.95 (93898) 13.5% alcohol
Golden hued and quite aromatic, this wine offers a sweet nose characterized by ripe tree fruits and toasty oak. The sweetness flows through to the palate with tropical notes matched by a gentle wash of acidity. The judicious use of oak has produced a well-balanced and easy-drinking Chardonnay. (Susan Desjardins)
Santa Julia ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mendoza $13.95 (93781) 14.0% alcohol
An opaque mouthful, this wine is easy on the palate and the pocketbook. It has classic aromas of cassis with notes of mint and oak. Produced with well-ripened fruit, it has supple tannins and subtle acidity. It is medium bodied with rich berry flavors—blackberries, cherries—and notes of sweet spice and smoky oak. A great value and lovely paired with strongly flavored meats. (Susan Desjardins)
d’Arenburg ‘The Stump Jump Lightly Wooded’ Chardonnay 2008
Adelaide $14.95 (147520) 13.0% alcohol
This member of the “Stumpies” collection lives up to its billing! Produced with fruit from Adelaide and McLaren Vale, only 24% of the fruit is fermented in old French and American oak barrels. The nose is fruity with hints of toast from the oak aging. It’s well rounded and mouth filling with enjoyable flavors of pears and pineapple. Slightly off-dry, it’s quite full bodied with a well-balanced finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Alkoomi Shiraz 2007
Frankland River $14.95 (138560) 13.5% alcohol
Deep purply red, this Shiraz offers a bouquet of sweet field fruits and spice. The full, fresh fruit character follows through on the palate complemented with nuances of pepper and spice. The wine is dry and full bodied with perceptible acidity and tannins that balance the fruitiness. Very good value for a well-made Shiraz. (Susan Desjardins)
d’Arenburg ‘The Stump Jump’ Grenache/Shiraz/ Mourvèdre 2008
McLaren Vale $14.95 (606236) 14.0% alcohol
Fermented in large open casks, this GSM blend offers a fruity nose of mature berries with a floral note and a touch of minerality. It’s awash in refreshing fruit flavors with balancing crispness and soft tannins. A definite party wine, the dark berries and fresh acidity carry right through on the medium-length finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Lindemans ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Coonawarra $14.95 (141994) 13.5% alcohol
Dense and darkly ruby in color, Lindemans has produced a wine with some very interesting aromas—red fruit and dark berries, smoky oak, and a hint of tobacco leaf. Full bodied, the flavors are of black berries and plum harmonized with slightly drying tannins and a medium acidity. The oak comes through on the long toasty finish. Good value for this full-bodied and flavorful wine. (Susan Desjardins)
Eastdell Estates Cabernet/Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (155705)
This wine is a great offering from the fabulous 2007 vintage in Niagara. The fruit was well ripened and extracted, offering an attractive nose of dark field berries and sweet spices. Medium bodied, all the components are playing well together with plummy fruit, delectable acidity and drying tannins. It has a long finish with some tasty coffee and smoky oak notes. A few bottles will go a long way on those cold winter nights! (Susan Desjardins)
Anakena ‘Single Vineyard’ Viognier 2009
Rapel Valley $12.95 (45138) 13.5% alcohol
For a relatively young wine, this wine has lots of personality and was a gold medal winner at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London. Golden coloured with a pretty peach tint, it has intense aromas of honeysuckle, tropical fruits and spice. All these wonderful aromas are reflected in the rich flavors of pineapple and tinned peaches with that lovely touch of bitterness characteristic of this varietal. It’s well balanced and full bodied, 25% of the grapes having aged in French oak. A great value at this price. (Susan Desjardins)
Albert Bichot ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Pinot Noir 2007
AOC Burgundy $16.95 (43331) 12.5% alcohol
A semi-transparent and bright red wine, this well-made Pinot Noir from Burgundy has aromas of field berries and spice box. Medium bodied and true to the varietal, it tastes of summer berries—blackberries, strawberries and currants. Perceptible acidity carries the fruit flavor through on the refreshing finish. Well balanced and well priced. (Susan Desjardins)
Chateau Armandière ‘La Fée Violine’ Malbec 2005
AOC Cahors $12.95 (147967) 12.5% alcohol
All the Malbec lovers out there should give this unique wine a try. Produced in the original home of Malbec in southwestern France, this is a deep opaque wine with intense aromas of black berries, plum, licorice and smoke. It’s plush, flavorful and full bodied. The strong berry fruit is complemented by moderate acidity and slightly drying tannins. This “vins noirs de Cahors” will cellar for several years. A good buy. (Susan Desjardins)
Château de Vaugelas ‘le Prieuré’ Corbières 2007
AOC Midi $12.95 (154617) 13.5% alcohol
Composed of varietals common to the south of France—Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre—this blend is a gold-medal winner that has great aromas of berries, spice and smoke. It’s very well balanced featuring dark ripe almost jammy berries and toasty oak notes. It is medium to full bodied and mouth filling with fairly soft acidity. It’s also well integrated on the lovely finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Ortas ‘Tradition’ Rasteau 2008
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $15.00 (998716) 14.0% alcohol
Another French gold medal winner, this wine wears a bright cherry robe with hints of purple. The nose is redolent of petits fruits—blackberries and raspberries—along with the wonderful herbs producing ‘garrigue’. With flavors consistent with the aromas, it’s a dry, medium-bodied wine that has a seam of refreshing acidity and perceptible tannins. A hint of berry tartness and pepper linger on the warm finish. A hearty winter stew will do. (Susan Desjardins)
La Cappuccina Soave 2008
DOC Soave $14.95 (81489) 12.0% alcohol
Produced from the native Italian grape, Garganega, this is a lovely wine that has great aromas of sweet tree fruits and honey. It’s appetizing and easy on the palate with fresh acidity that balances the rich flavors of ripe pears and apples. The body is such that this wine will pair well with a range of fairly rich fish and fowl dishes. For a change from your regular whites, give this wine a try. (Susan Desjardins)
Giordana Vespero 2005
IGT Toscana $16.95 (72421) 13.5% alcohol
Produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this slightly older wine has a mahogany tint on the rim. It seems a classic expression of the varietal with delicate aromas of slightly dried fruits, red berries, leather and spice. The palate is a fine balance of fresh acidity matched with cherries, berry pie and sweet vanilla. It’s full-bodied and deeply flavorful with a long lush finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Juan Gil ‘gos’ Monastrell 2008
DO Jumilla $12.95 (94888) 14.0% alcohol
This wine is produced in a region of Spain known for its blazing sun and blustery winds. Often the Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) is grown in a goblet shape, close to the ground on vines that have been established for decades. This modern-style wine is crowd pleasing, full bodied and tasty with bright aromas of ripe fruit and exotic spices. It’s balanced with mild tannins, cherry/berry flavors and soft acidity. The finish is fruity and warm. (Susan Desjardins)
Glass Mountain Merlot 2005
California $12.95 (135335) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s another wine with some age at an amazing price. It expresses the Merlot varietal character well, with aromas of ripe berries and plum with a trace of minerality. It’s dry, easy on the palate with quite luscious flavors of berries, plums and spice. Medium bodied, it has a zesty fruity finish. It’s well made and a great value. (Susan Desjardins)
Gnarly Head ‘Old Vines’ Zinfandel 2007
Lodi $15.00 (678698) 14.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) The old "gnarly" vines that grow the fruit for this wine are free standing and head-trained (as opposed to growing on a trellis) and must therefore be harvested by hand. This helps deliver a wine with a complex nose of musty earth, dry leaves, smoke and vanilla. On the palate it has a full body, lots of fruit, tart acidity and alcohol. It's a real mouthful that leaves a long lingering cherry pie finish. A great BBQ wine that is also great value. (Dave Isaacs)
The Main Release
Ontario: White Wine
Fielding Estate Pinot Gris 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (78519) 12.0% alcohol
The fruit for this wine was harvested from 3 different vineyards at different times and some of it was fermented in neutral French barrels; all adding interest and complexity to the wine. The aromas are soft, refined and of tree fruits and clover honey. Medium bodied and well balanced, this off-dry wine has lovely flavors of ripe pears, apricots and peaches with a hint of citrus. It has a succulent finish. Drink it on its own or with roasted white meats. (Susan Desjardins)
Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (551168) 12.5% alcohol
Pale in color, this is a classic Sauvignon Blanc with pungency and aromas of citrus and grass. It’s light and slightly spritzy with citrusy flavors, lively acidity and mineral notes. A very refreshing and spirited wine with a long fresh citrusy finish. Enjoy with the classic match—goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes on a crostini . . . with warm soup. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: Red Wine
Malivoire Gamay 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (591313) 12% alcohol
A varietal that does very well in Niagara, this is also very well made. It’s a lovely wine with expressive aromas and flavors. Showing a bright ruby red with fresh aromas of woodland berries and baking spices. Oak aging has added to the intensity of the flavors—raspberry jam and cherry pie—and to the body of the wine. It’s juicy and well balanced with crisp acidity and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Give it a (s)whirl. (Susan Desjardins)
California: Red Wine
Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Sonoma County $17.95 (161190) 14.5% alcohol
A deep red, this wine offers a plethora of aromas—black currant, attractive leafiness, cedar and hints of eucalyptus. It’s beautifully structured and well integrated with tangy acidity and silky drying tannins. Loads of lush dark fruit rush across the palate and carry through on the lingering finish that teases with hints of toasty oak and cocoa. (Susan Desjardins)
Liberty School Syrah 2007
California $18.95 (942383) 13.5% alcohol
Quite opaque with violet notes, this is an intense wine with fantastic aromas of black fruit and pepper. The wine is well structured having spent about 14 months in mostly French oak, some of it new. The fruit flavors are rich—blackberries and plums—balanced with a crisp acidity and integrated tannins. It’s full-bodied with a long peppery finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Loredona Pinot Noir 2006
Monterey $18.95 (57620) 13.5% alcohol
Inhale deeply enjoying the exquisite aromas of berries, cherries and sweet cedar. This mid-weight wine has a fresh acidity and bright berry flavors. It’s clean, invigorating and well balanced, with a long finish with subtle nuances of white pepper. A great wine to serve with herbed pork tenderloin or roast duck with spatzle. Scored extra points for value. (Susan Desjardins)
Chile: Red Wine
Nativa ‘Single Vineyard Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
DO Valle del Maipo $22.95 (975359) 14.0% alcohol
Organically grown grapes using only wild yeasts, this winery is seriously eco-friendly heading for bio-dynamic status. The nose is orgasmic with perfumed aromas of exotic Asian spice and aromatic bitters mingling with dark cherry compote. It’s fully textured and rich on the palate with a solid core of spiced black Damson plum and kirsch liqueur. There’s complexity and balance throughout with a lingering aftertaste that layers on polished tannin, hints of tobacco leaf and Montmorency cherry. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
Chapel Hill Shiraz 2007
McLaren Vale $22.95 (743989) 14.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Perfumed and persuasive aromas of savoury spice, ripe dark berry fruit and sweet vanilla segue a succulent surge of lip-smacking deftly balanced flavour—ripe black currant and juicy Bing cherry—each sip is better than the previous. Mid weight and generously textured, there’s a monumental aftertaste of warm sweet juicy fruit with moderating acidity—a quintessential big Aussie Shiraz. (Vic Harradine)
New Zealand: White Wine
Wild Rock ‘Elevation’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Marlborough $16.95 (142828) 13.0% alcohol
Straw colored, this is a delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which has been blended with small amounts of aromatic Viognier and Riesling. It has the classic pungency of gooseberries tempered with sweet citrus aromas. It’s crisp, fresh and has a pleasant hint of bitterness as a counterpoint to the ripe apple and lemon pie flavors. Well balanced, this has an impressive long finish. (Susan Desjardins)
New Zealand: Red Wine
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2008
Marlborough $19.95 (626390) 13.5% alcohol
Light ruby in color, here’s another New Zealand classic. It has pleasant aromas of cherries and berries. It’s light to medium weight, juicy, spicy and well flavored with ripe field strawberries and Bing cherries. Enjoyable to drink on its own, it’s well balanced with a crisp finish. A versatile wine you can serve as an aperitif or with veal escalope. (Susan Desjardins)
South Africa: White Wine
Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008
WO Western Cape $11.95 (662718) 13.0% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) There’s some really good value in Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa these days and this wine is a fine example. It has attractive aromas with soft herbal notes combining with grapefruit, peach and even some banana fruit—the herbal flavours become more prominent in the mouth. It carries moderate acidity on a medium-bodied frame. It’s refreshing but not tart, with great balance and nice length. The price-quality ratio is well in your favour. (Mark Tandan)
France: White Wine
Jean Geiler ‘Réserve Particulière’ Chasselas 2008
AOC Alsace $12.95 (141150) 11.5% alcohol
Chasselas is more commonly seen as a varietal wine from Switzerland, but this is a well-made gem from an established Alsatian cooperative near the Swiss border, and a very good value. It has a refined nose of ripe tree fruits and citrus, recurring on the palate, which is rich with sweet citrus and fresh apple. It’s medium bodied, an easy-drinking versatile wine to be served on its own or with light appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)
Michel Gassier ‘Les Piliers’ Viognier 2008
Vin de Pays d’Oc $16.95 (669531) 14.5% alcohol
Produced by a reputed winemaker near the historic town of Nîmes in southern France, this is a wonderfully expressive and aromatic Viognier. It offers a mouthful of rich flavorful fruit, following a lush floral and fruity bouquet. The rich fruitiness is balanced by a fine seam of acidity and the typical slight bitterness of the varietal. It has a long lush finish with honeyed notes. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of the wine on its own or with some pan-fried halibut. (Susan Desjardins)
France: Red Wine
Gérard Bertrand ‘Grand Terroir’ Montpeyroux 2007
AOC Coteaux du Languedoc $17.95 (147983) 13.5% alcohol
A concentrated wine, it is a blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan and Grenache with a range of aromas—plummy fruit, floral, earthiness and peppery spices. It’s lively and full-bodied, but smooth and silky. Ripe fruitiness is complemented by toasty notes, refreshing acidity and soft tannins. It’s a well-balanced crowd-pleasing wine. (Susan Desjardins)
Perrin ‘Nature’ Côtes du Rhône 2007
AOC Côtes du Rhône $16.95 (948059) 13.5% alcohol
Produced near the iconic Perrin family property, Château de Beaucastel, this organic blend of the classic Rhône varietals has red berry and plum aromas with some earthy notes. The ripe red berry flavors explode on the palate, tempered with some notes of cedar. Mid-full bodied, it’s well balanced with perceptible acidity and structured tannins. Drinking well now, it can cellar for a few years. (Susan Desjardins)
Italy: Red Wine
Terra d’Aligi ‘Tatone’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2006
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $15.95 (994616) 14.0% alcohol
Concentrated and opaque with deep red hues, this is a richly aromatic wine with notes of licorice, ripe fruits and smoky oak. The full dark fruity flavors combine with silky slightly drying tannins and moderate acidity to produce a beautifully balanced wine with enduring impact. It has a long dazzling finish with lovely notes of sweet spice and rich caramel. A great wine to serve with a hard cheese or beef Florentine. (Susan Desjardins)
Sori’ Paitin Barbaresco 2005
DOCG Barbaresco $39.95 (106591) 14.5% alcohol
Produced from the Nebbiolo grape and aged in oak casks for 24 months, this is an elegant wine with a refined slightly floral nose. The flavors are of tart berries—currants, raspberries—carried on a lively seam of acidity. The wine is very well structured with well-defined tannins. To fully enjoy this wine’s complexity and character, cellaring 3 or 4 years is recommended. (Susan Desjardins)
Remo Farina Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2005
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $16.95 (999946)
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Rich, spicy and earthy on the nose, this shifts into overdrive on the palate with a blast of sweet succulent boysenberry and cassis fruit flavours. There are also nuances of bacon, savoury notes and dense black licorice and tar. It’s medium to full bodied, generously textured and delivers a well-balanced finish. Sip on its own or pair with grilled red meats. The price-quality balance is tipped well in your favour, pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
Portugal: Red Wine
Mimo 2005
DOC Douro $17.95 (147918) 13.5% alcohol
A blend of the grapes traditionally used in the production of Port, this wine won a bronze medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. A gem, it entices with powerful aromas of black fruits and toasty oak. Ripe fresh berry fruit combines with spicy notes and pleasantly dry tannins to produce a full-bodied and well-balanced wine. All the components merge into a harmonious long finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Special Offer
Two dollars from every bottle purchased will go to the Sens Foundation — an organization that supports charitable organizations that improve the quality of life for young people in eastern Ontario and western Québec.An “All Star” Wine supporting a worthy charity!
Stuntman Stu ‘Red Line’ Merlot 2008
VQA Ontario $20.15 12.8% alcohol
Spice and red cherry aromas waft from the glass of mid-weight generously textured red. It’s nicely balanced sporting flavours of mixed field berry, savoury herb and hints of mint accompanied by a firm tannin underpinning. It pours well beside pizza, lasagna and pasta in tomato-based sauce. Purchase for office or home delivery direct from SavvyCompany. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
Château des Charmes Vidal Icewine 2006
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $25.95 (0565861) 200 ml 9.5% alcohol
Expressive alluring aromas of honeyed pear and caramelized apple mingle with nuances of minerality. Succulent and mouth-filling, the deftly balanced nectar is smooth as silk and flavourful with dried apricot, peel marmalade and vibrant acidity predominant. This has developed beautifully since the last time tasted. It's paired perfectly with apple or pear fruit flan, or crème caramel. (Vic Harradine)
Kaiken ‘Reserva’ Malbec 2008
Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (58339) 14.5% alcohol
Dark purple, almost opaque in the glass, aromas of red cherry segue an uncomplicated stream of flavour-packed fruit with pie cherry, ripe mulberry and spice-infused bramble berry predominant. It’s mid weight and smooth as silk on the delivery. There’s a wisp of nicely integrated oak on the warm, sweet and value-packed finish. This is a (new) Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California $18.95 (738823) 13.5% alcohol
A consistent performer, this Vintages Essentials product is always available in select stores. Look for mint, dark berry fruit and earthy tones on the nose with a persistent shower of succulent cherry and boysenberry mingling with dark bittersweet chocolate and luscious cassis on the palate. It’s mid weight, nicely textured and delivers a lengthy finish underpinned by ripe supple tannin mingling with tangy tart cherry. (Vic Harradine)
Navarro Correas ‘Alegoría Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (28936) 14.0% alcohol
Smoky and toasty on the nose—18 months in French oak barrels—this is a ripper. It gushes with rich luscious concentrated flavour—dark berry fruit, succulent cherry and black plum mingling with dark chocolate. There’s good structure and balance from a firm tannin underpinning and moderating acidity and a lengthy balanced finish. This full-bodied nicely textured Cab is well priced. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2008
Marlborough, New Zealand $18.95 (326728) 13.5% alcohol
Smoky, toasty and tree fruit on the nose, this Vintages Essentials product—always available in select stores—delivers a gusher of delectable and tangy flavour with spiced green apple, nectarine and musk melon predominant. Mid weight with a plush mouth feel, the flavourful finish is lip-smacking good and lingers forever. Well sculpted, well balanced and well... delicious. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO
Australia
Lindemans ‘Bin 85’ Pinot Grigio 2009
South Eastern Australia $10.95 (668947) 11.0% alcohol
Fresh aromas of floral notes, honeyed pear and buckwheat roll from this mid-weight nicely textured white. Delicate flavours of lime, green apple and white grapefruit bathe the palate. It finishes clean and crisp with hints of white peach. It’s the perfect foil to pan-seared scallops over a bed of arugula. (Vic Harradine)
Lindemans ‘Bin 95’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
South Eastern Australia $10.95 (181388) 10.5% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews in your favour. The expressive aromas capture the essence of this popular varietal with herbaceous grassy notes entwined with hints of savoury herb and hints of tropical fruit. Balanced with a good mouth feel, it provides a gusher of crisp refreshing flavours with lemon-lime citrus and rangy red currant to the fore. The finish lingers with a lengthy clean aftertaste. Refreshing on its own, it pairs particularly well with pan-fried garlic shrimp and pan-seared tilapia. (Vic Harradine)
McWilliam’s Wines ‘Hanwood Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (214577) 13.5% alcohol
Expressive aromas of black licorice, spiced cherry and earthy tones rip from the glass of this balanced full-flavoured red. Sweet red cherry, spiced black plum and tangy tart red berry fruit flavour washes over the palate and the lingering well-balanced finish. Everything’s in harmony and it punches well above the price. Smooth and silky sipped on its own; it has the character to pair well with grilled red meat, roast pork or chicken. (Vic Harradine)
McWilliam’s Wines ‘Hanwood Estate’ Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia $13.95 (557934) 14.0% alcohol
Caramel apple, tree fruit and hints of toasty oak aromas waft from this medium- to full-bodied, beautifully textured gem. It's refreshing and full of flavour with ripe citrus, Granny Smith apple and spiced tropical fruit throughout. The lengthy finish adds nuances of well-integrated oak and savoury herb and spice. A very nice drop that’s well sculpted and fairly priced. (Vic Harradine)
California
Barefoot Cellars Pinot Grigio Bubbly Non-Vintage
California $12.95 (106088) 12.5% alcohol
A well-priced sparkler, this off-dry wine has a sweet nose of tree fruits matched with notes of biscuit and toast. The ample mousse carries sweet flavors of apple and candied lemon onto the palate that are handily balanced by refined acidity. The crisp finish has a slight lingering pithiness. A versatile wine for an informal gathering, drunk as an aperitif, paired with prosciutto and melon or with spicy Asian food. (Susan Desjardins)
Barefoot Cellars Chardonnay Non-Vintage
California $9.95 (97121) 13.5% alcohol
A bright pale gold, this uncomplicated Chardonnay has a honeyed nose of freshly harvested tree fruits—think peach pie and poached pears. The palate is soft and inviting, with sweet notes of ripe apple and a hint of citrus. An easy-sipping, crowd-pleasing wine, you can offer this as a patio sipper, with a cheese platter or simple roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)
Barefoot Cellars Shiraz Non-Vintage
California $9.95 (54015) 13.0% alcohol
The bright purple hues of this down-to-earth Shiraz are an invitation to enjoy the aromas of blackberries and black grapes wafting from the glass. Soft and fruity, with mellow acidity and imperceptible tannins, this is a cheerful, smooth bistro-styled wine. The finish is fresh and fruity with a hint of cocoa. Enjoy with a quick meal of pizza or a tomato-based pasta dish. (Susan Desjardins)
Beringer ‘Stone Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California $13.95 (606798) 13.0% alcohol
Ripe dark berry fruit and spice on the nose, there is a cornucopia of tangy flavours that wash over the palate in waves—Bing cherry, pomegranate and spiced Damson plum among them. It’s approachable, nicely balanced with a mid weight and medium texture. It finishes well balanced and zesty. Perfect with lasagna or chili. (Vic Harradine)
Beringer ‘Stone Cellars’ Chardonnay 2008
California $13.85 (606806) 13.5% alcohol
Pleasing aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla and caramel waft from this mid-weight, nicely textured easy-drinking Chard. There’s a persistent wash of green apple, citrus and ripe nectarine followed by a crisp refreshing finish that layers on hints of melon mingling with spice. It’s balanced and sure to please when sipped on its own or served alongside roast chicken, pan-seared fish or pork roast. (Vic Harradine)
Beringer ‘Stone Cellars’ Merlot 2007
California $13.85 (462473) 13.5% alcohol
Spice box, dark bramble berry and wisps of fennel form the lifted nose. The palate’s treated to a lovely wave of balanced tangy flavours with pomegranate and cranberry supporting the ripe dark cherry flavour. This dances light on its feet with a nice mouth feel and enough ripe tannin for structure and interest. Pair this up with pizza or pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)
E & J Gallo ‘Family Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
California $7.95 (223552) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark berry fruit, fennel and spice segue a mouthful of flavour—black currant, mocha and ripe succulent Bing cherry. There's a firm tannin underpinning, nice balance and texture with a lingering lip-smacking finish. Earning its final 1/2 star on value, this punches well above the sticker price. It sips comfortably on its own and pairs well with grilled red meat, burgers and pizza. (Vic Harradine)
E & J Gallo ‘Family Vineyards’ Pinot Grigio 2008
California $7.95 (82594) 13.0% alcohol
You'll look long, hard and unsuccessfully to find a better value Pinot Grigio! On the nose it's honeyed pear with a dusting of spice. Glorious flavours present on the palate with musk melon, yellow plum and ripe nectarine mingling with sprigs of mixed spice. It's medium bodied, nicely textured sporting a well-balanced and crisp refreshing finish. Pair with seafood, chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)
E & J Gallo ‘Family Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc 2007
California $7.95 (9373) 13.0% alcohol
Expressive aromas of floral and tropical fruit open this crisp and refreshing value-packed wine. Zesty flavours of white grapefruit, white peach and lemon-lime persist throughout. It’s light bodied, medium textured and delivers a mouth-watering finish. Pair with pan-seared scallops under a generous squirt of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)
France
Ogier Côtes du Ventoux 2007
AOC Côtes du Ventoux $11.95 (569095) 14.5% alcohol
Interesting and lifted aromas of forest floor and spiced black plum roll form the glass of this tangy light-on-its-feet red. Supported by bright red fruit flavours of cranberry, red currant and pie cherry, a bracing spine of minty acidity runs throughout. It’s medium weight and fairly textured, finishing with good tang and zest on the aftertaste. Give this a go with spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario
Château des Charmes Brut Methode Traditionelle Non-Vintage
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $22.95 (145409) 12.0% alcohol
This 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is made in the classic fashion of Champagne delivering a fine bead of glorious bubbles and a delightful way to begin an evening meal. Aromas of honeyed apple and freshly baked bread segue a crisp and refreshing attack on the palate with green apple and spiced yellow plum to the fore. It’s complex, well balanced and a top notch sparkler from Niagara. (Vic Harradine)
Washington State
Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Washington State $14.95 (144022) 13.5% alcohol
An opaque ruby red, this wine will draw you in with lovely aromas of forest floor, autumn leaves and mixed field berries while faint floral notes hover in the background. Medium bodied, the wine is well structured with a generous texture, tart acidity and fine-grained perceptible tannins. The flavors have depth and richness along with wonderful notes of ripe red fruit and mocha. Well balanced, it has a complex lingering finish with a hint of sweet cassis. While drinking well now, it could cellar for 5-7 years. Great value! (Susan Desjardins)
New in Ontario Wineries
Reif Estate ‘Reserve’ Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $24.95 (310914) 13.0% alcohol
(Slated for release March 1, 2010) Very expressive on the nose—savoury spice, gamey bacon bits and toasty oak—this charming number reflects the great red-wine vintage of 2007. A wash of Bordeaux-like flavours persist on the palate with minty chocolate, dark berry fruit and dustings of mocha predominant. It’s mid weight, medium textured and sports ripe approachable tannin on the long lip-smacking finish. Purchase by the case direct from Reif Estate. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers!
Susan and Vic.
Rating System
We use the following symbols when rating wines:
| Wines achieving nirvana |
| Wines of excellence |
| Wines well worth trying |
 | Wines below average, but drinkable |
 | Wines better avoided, unless desperate |
 | Represents a half star |
 | We agree —a brilliant wine! |
| Drink now and over the next 2 years |
| Drink now and over the next 5 years |
 | Place in cellar |