February 6, 2010 Vintages Release

This Vintages catalogue begins with the feature, North of 90; wines receiving ratings of over 90 points as scored on a scale of 100, followed by a collection of wines suggested for Valentine’s then the familiar country/region format found in the ‘Main Release’ with winecurrent-reviewed wines in the order of the Vintages Release catalogue. 



Other highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Tasmania sparkles with wines available in Ontario – a Tasmanian wine feature from Vic as he tastes and spits ‘down under’. Read more...
• Finding Waldo – Four wines under $15 that Susan rates 4 stars and up.
• – Two tasters, same conclusion – it’s red, it’s Spanish and it’s powerful.
• Ring the 5 star bell – A stunning Pinot Noir in Upstream—circle April 17, 2010

Feature: North of 90

d’Arenberg ‘The Twentyeight Road’ Mourvèdre 2006
McLaren Vale $29.95 (677617) 14.5% alcohol
A dark impressive wine, it has a rich nose of spicy oak and ripe berry fruit with a touch of lavender. It is structured and firm with warm flavors of earthy spice and dark berry fruit—blackberry and raspberry. Tannins are perceptible as is the fine seam of acidity balancing the intense fruit flavours. It would definitely be a good addition to the cellar, but if you like dry and intense wines, try it now with roast beef tenderloin served with a red wine reduction. (Susan Desjardins)


Small Gully Wines ‘The Formula Robert’s’ Shiraz 2005
South Australia $16.95 (142935) 16.7% alcohol
Take note of the Port-like levels of alcohol in this Shiraz. It’s coloured a deep opaque red with a tinge of mahogany at the rim. Expressive aromas of stewed fruit, raisins, prunes and intense vanilla rip from the glass. The flavours repeat on the palate of this big, warm wine—figs, plums, dark berry fruit. The tannins and acidity are soft and wrapped around lingering notes of toasty oak. Enjoy it on its own for the unique flavors or with beef short ribs. (Susan Desjardins)


Wynns Coonawarra Estate ‘Vintage Release’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Coonawarra $24.95 (606301) 14.5% alcohol
A deeply extracted purply red, this fine Cabernet Sauvignon has classis aromas of cassis, ripe dark berries and soft vanilla. Noticeable tannin and crisp acidity are paired with rich black fruits, spice and pepper. It is deeply flavored, structured and full bodied. Cellaring for 3-5 years is recommended, but you could uncork it now, decant for a couple of hours and serve with rare roast beef. (Susan Desjardins)


Ghost Pines ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Napa County/Sonoma County $19.95 (135376) 14.0% alcohol
The alluring nose of cassis, cedar, dark chocolate and spice draws your attention to this opaque violet-coloured wine. Fruity berry flavors and savoury herbal notes combine with crisp acidity and strongly textured tannins. The extended peppery finish is noticeably drying. Definitely a well-made wine for the cellar or to be served decanted with lamb or game. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2007
AOC Côtes du Rousillon-Villages $19.95 (119354) 14.5% alcohol
Ruby red, this gem has intense aromas of sweet berry, cherries, spices and vanilla. On the palate there are savoury, earthy notes that accompany the spicy berry flavors—blueberry, raspberry, along with cherry and a hint of toasted nuts. With fine tannins and medium acidity, this is a well-balanced wine that has a long warm finish. Share it with friends over a platter of grilled vegetables and hard cheeses. (Susan Desjardins)


Delas Frères ‘Saint-Esprit’ Côtes-du-Rhône 2006
AOC Rhône Valley $14.95 (729962) 14.0% alcohol
A fabulous blend of Syrah and Grenache, this is a dense opaque example of the great-value wines of the Rhône valley. Wonderful aromas of dark field berries, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper repeat on the palate. The wine is medium-full bodied, has great texture and structure with a fresh acidity complementing the ripe fruit. At this price, buy a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)


Terredora ‘Loggia della Serra’ Greco di Tufo 2008
DOCG Campania $19.95 (983197) 13.5% alcohol
For something different, try this lovely Italian white produced from one of the most ancient grape varietals in the south. A golden colour, it has a subtle nose of ripe tree fruits. This is well rounded with light flavors of pear and apple, a mild citrus character and a pleasant tingling minerality. It’s medium bodied with a full-flavored long finish. Warm orzo salad with grilled veggies and sautéed shrimps would be a good match. (Susan Desjardins)


Fontanafredda ‘Serralunga d’Alba’ Barolo 2005
DOCG Piedmonte $38.95 (943290) 14.0% alcohol
Semi-opaque, with a hint of age on the rim, this Barolo displays true Nebbiolo aromas—violet, licorice, roses and red fruits. The initial perception is of ripe soft fruit, but the tannins and crisp acidity soon manifest themselves. Medium-full bodied, this is a well-made wine with a long dry, yet fruit-filled finish. Well-priced and designed for aging, it’s a great wine for the cellar or to be decanted and served with a substantial casserole. (Susan Desjardins)


Juan Gil Tinto 2006 

DO Jumilla $21.95 (001677) 

(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) Susan loved this, as well. Very expressive on the nose and palate; look for powerful aromas and flavours of rich dark cherry, boysenberry, and hints of mocha and black licorice. Medium bodied with good texture and weight, this sports a lovely finish of dark bramble berry fruit and spiced black plum that washes over the palate in layers. Give this a go with lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)

Valentine’s Wines

Louis Roederer Premier Brut Champagne 

AOC Champagne $67.95 (268771) 12.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) Well structured and focused, the blend is 56% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier. Aromas of baking brioche, nuttiness and red field berry waft from the glass while the fine bead and frothy mousse deliver fruit-filled flavours of spice-infused fruit peel and a generous shower of lemon zest. This dances lightly through the mouth-watering crisp finish. The reserve wine was stored in well-aged oak casks for 2 - 6 years. Lovely as a welcoming wine, it pairs perfectly with sea food, as well. This is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)


Pierre Sparr ‘Brut Rosé’ Crémant d’Alsace 

AOC Alsace, France $19.95 (039016) 12.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) This value-priced sparkler carries a fruity nose of strawberries with a touch of yeast for complexity. It’s light and crisp with a mild creaminess appearing on the mid palate. It’s medium bodied and long in the finish with excellent fruit relays. It’s ever so slightly off-dry and will be equally comfortable as an aperitif or with Thai coconut shrimp. (Mark Tandan)


Nino Franco Prosecco Brut 

DOC Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene $20.95 (349662) 

(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) Apple and citrus aromas and flavours flow through this light-bodied sparkler. The flavours are tight and tangy while the finish has oodles of cleansing citrus flavours that portend a gorgeous match to all manner of fish and sea food appetizers. Good, of course, to quaff on its own. (Vic Harradine)


Angel’s Gate Riesling 2008
VQA Beamsville Bench $13.95 (160523) 11.0% alcohol
Here’s a lovely just off-dry Riesling that has a divine nose of floral, sweet citrus and ripe stone fruit aromas. Fermented in stainless steel, it has a bright, crisp stream of acidity with fresh flavors of pink grapefruit, ripe green apple and candied lemon. The finish is long and fresh with just a touch of sweetness. Suitable for sipping or serving with pan-fried scallops. What a great value! (Susan Desjardins)


Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc
Hawkes Bay $19.95 (96644) 12.0% alcohol
This almost translucent wine has the classic aromas of lime zest, asparagus and green beans. It’s medium bodied with balancing crisp acidity and a relatively soft texture. Tasty sweet citrus mingles with musky melon and juicy peach. It has a fresh dry finish with a hint of minerality. Enjoy it with white fish with a squirt of lemon. (Susan Desjardins)


Zenato ‘Bardolino’ Chiaretto 2008
DOC Bardolino $11.95 (45203) 12.0% alcohol
A pretty salmon colour, this is a charming wine with delicate aromas of spring flowers and field strawberries. The flavors are consistent and the wine is light bodied, fresh and zesty. A bright seam of acidity matches the fresh fruit flavors. It’s a bargain—sip it before dinner or try it with grilled trout fillet. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Peyros ‘Magenta’ Madiran 2006
AOC Madiran $12.95 (43653) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s an interesting and well-priced blend of Tannat (unique to this appellation) and Cabernet Franc. It’s a dense red with an array of aromas—plums, blackberries, smoke and garrigue. It has some distinct leafy notes on the attack, followed by plump ripe red fruit flavors and a smoky oakiness. It is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long dry finish. Impress with this great-value purchase as you serve it with a rack of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Fortified Wine

Justino’s ‘Fine Rich’ Madeira
DOC Madeira $14.95 (592600) 19.0% alcohol
If you’d like a rich sweet treat, this Fine Rich Madeira from one of the largest producers is a good choice. Aged for 3 years in oak casks, it has a lifted nose of dried fruits, caramel and toast. It delivers a luscious texture with rich nutty flavors of caramel and figs. According to Justino’s winemaker, the secret to good Madeira is starting with good grapes, an old wine cask and patience. No need for you to be patient—try it now with a wedge of P.E.I. Clothbound Cheddar or a plate of roasted nuts and fresh dates. (Susan Desjardins)


Muskoka Lakes Winery ‘Red Maple’
QC Ontario $18.95 (50039) 15.0% alcohol
Here’s a unique offering from a winery that’s associated with one of the oldest cranberry farms in Ontario. QC signifies the highest standard for ‘fruit’ wines, akin to a VQA designation for ‘grape’ wines. This satisfying dessert wine has great aromas of bright cranberry and underlying honeyed sweetness—the latter from maple syrup. Quite viscous and flavorful, it’s full of berries and spice with a bright seam of acidity. It’s medium bodied, fresh, with quite a long finish. With its pale mahogany color, consider it for Valentine’s Day. Delicious on its own or with, what else, a cranberry pecan tart! (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

Coyote’s Run ‘Black Paw Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2007 

VQA Four Mile Creek $21.00 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in Winecurrent) Look for expressive aromas and flavours in this classy barrel-fermented Chard. Mixed spice, pear and apple aromas give way to rich and intense flavours with Granny Smith apple, ripe lemon citrus and delicious nectarine to the fore. It wraps up clean, refreshing, well balanced and lip-smacking good. It’s paired perfectly with roast chicken or turkey with root veggies. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann ‘Reserve’ Gewürztraminer 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.20 (392357) 13.0% alcohol
A golden gem with intense aromatics of roses, lychee and ripe pears. It is medium-full bodied with a luscious mouth feel and flavours of ripe tree fruits—nectarines and peaches come to mind. It’s balanced with the fresh acidity of pink grapefruit. Richly flavoured and textured, it has a long lingering finish. Well done and well priced. (Susan Desjardins)


Strewn Vidal ‘Icewine’ 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 200mL (467746)
Flavour-filled and aromatic, this is also the perfect size and price for gifting or dinner for two. This blossoms forth with lifted aromas of honeyed mango, truffles and sweet citrus. It’s golden coloured and a goldmine of sweet flavours with fig, peel marmalade and candied pineapple to the fore and they’re deftly balanced with a fine seam of acidity. Luscious and striking, it’s lovely to sip well chilled, on its own as dessert. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

Flat Rock Cellars ‘Red Twisted’ 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (86918) 12.0% alcohol
A semi-transparent ruby blend of 3 varietals (Ed and Marlize’s secret recipe!) this vintage has cherry, berry aromas with a hint of earthy leafiness. On the palate there’s a tantalizing spicy peppery note matched with tart red cherry and cranberry flavors. The medium body, fresh acidity and soft tannin culminate in a spicy mid-length finish. Try it with roast salmon. (Susan Desjardins)


Kacaba Vineyards Merlot 2006
VQA Niagara Escarpment $18.95 (142687) 13.6% alcohol
Winner of a Bronze at the 2008 Ontario Wine Awards, this flavorful Merlot has a range of aromas including sweet oak, licorice, ripe berry fruit and an underlying savoury herbal note. There’s a pleasant smoky nuance integrated with the red fruit, plums, herbs and spices. It is dry with noticeable tannins and acidity. This is medium bodied with a lengthy satisfying finish showcasing all the components. (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2007
Sonoma County $13.95 (277715) 13.5% alcohol
A pristine pale-gold wine, it has lovely aromas of white flowers, pears, asparagus and citrus with a whiff of vanilla. It’s round, rich, silky and flavored with lime, green apple and sweet oak. A medium-full bodied wine, it’s well balanced with lingering notes of citrus and toast on the finish. Well priced and well matched with herbed roast chicken or pork. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Central Coast $17.95 (674994) 13.5% alcohol
An opaque red with a violet hue, this Cabernet Sauvignon has aromatics of dark berry fruit, sweet cinnamon and vanilla. Attractive flavours of cassis, berries and toast combine with just the right level of tannin and acidity to create a nicely balanced wine. It’s medium bodied and well integrated with a long mouth-watering finish. Take it to a party! (Susan Desjardins)


Ménage à Trois Red 2008
California $17.95 (665158) 13.5% alcohol
Composed of three varietals—Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—which were fermented separately then blended and aged in French and American oak, this is a softly textured, jammy full-bodied red. It has loads of aromas and flavours of jammy berry fruit, sweet spice and vanilla with some toasty notes. Fresh acidity and soft tannins round it out. A perennial crowd pleaser. (Susan Desjardins)


Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Sonoma County $19.95 (640573) 13.5% alcohol
Showing a bit of age in the glass, this lovely wine has a cornucopia of aromas—cedar, mint, cassis, dark berries and mocha. It’s a mouthful of silky berry fruit, cassis and vanilla with a subtle trace of dark chocolate. Complemented by well-integrated tannins and a nice balance of acidity, it has a long dry finish. Stylish and eminently enjoyable. (Susan Desjardins

Chile: White Wine

Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Rapel Valley $13.95 (396994) 13.5% alcohol
Pale straw, this is a nicely balanced Sauvignon Blanc that has both the grassy herbal aromas we expect combined with sweet citrus. It’s got verve—a fresh seam of acidity—that’s well matched with subtle tropical notes, fresh tree fruits and ripe citrus. Crisp and bright with a tangy finish, enjoy it with pan-seared white fish with a citrus emulsion. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Viu Manent ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Colchagua Valley $15.95 (59196) 14.0% alcohol
Produced by a well-established family-owned winery, this dense Cabernet Sauvignon delivers lovely aromas of rich ripe dark fruit, sweet plums, spicy cedar and a hint of mint. Dry and full bodied, it has a firm tannin structure and bright acidity harmonized with ripe black berries, cassis, spice, licorice and toasty vanilla. Well balanced and an incredible bargain; consider a case. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

Berton Vineyards ‘The White’ Viognier 2009
South Eastern Australia $15.95 (93435) 14.0% alcohol
Beautifully aromatic, this has floral and ripe stone fruit aromas—nectarines, peaches—with a hint of tangy citrus. It’s rich, round and mouth filling tasting like an apricot tart – sweet but tangy, warm and compelling. It’s well balanced and has a typical pithiness that plays well on the lingering finish. Serve it with Coquille St-Jacques or chicken in a creamy lemon sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2008
South Australia $16.95 (66738) 14.5% alcohol
Here’s a deeply colored and aromatic wine with quite intense aromas of dark berries, spice and vanilla. Jammy black berries and sweet spices matched with light tannins and acidity make this a crowd-pleasing and easy-drinking wine. It’s very enjoyable and meant to be shared with friends over a barbeque. (Susan Desjardins)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Sileni Cellars ‘Selection’ Pinot Noir 2009
Hawkes Bay $16.95 (694901) 12.5% alcohol
A regular feature in Vintages, this classic Pinot Noir is a clear bright crimson with an attractive nose of forest berries, cherries and a whiff of vanilla. Silky smooth, the palate offers a rush of red cherry and cranberry fruit matched with soft tannins and fresh acidity. It’s balanced with a medium-long finish. Pair it with glazed duck breast. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: White Wine

Lammershoek Chenin Blanc 2008
WO Swartland $18.95 (58206) 14.5% alcohol
A golden treasure, this award-winning wine has lovely aromas of ripe apples, musky melon and spice. It’s medium-full bodied and showcases ripe tree fruit with citrus and mineral undertones. The oak aging manifests in restrained spicy vanilla notes. Creamy and satisfying, the wine has fine acidity and slight pepperiness that balance the sweet fruity finish. A delight! (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Château Fontarèche ‘Vieilles Vignes Selection’ 2007
AOC Corbières $12.95 (150540) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a classic blend from the south of France—Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Produced from well-aged vines, this wine has an expressive nose of very ripe fruit and sweet herbs and spice. The aromas carry through to the palate augmented with ripe plum and mocha notes. It’s balanced and easy-drinking with a mid-length crisp finish. A great value; share a case with friends. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: White Wine

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2008
IGT delle Venezie $14.95 (37648) 12.5% alcohol
Enjoy the delightful fragrance of this finely-made Pinot Grigio—sweet tree fruit and citrus. These aromas carry through on the palate, finely balanced with fresh acidity and a touch of minerality. The wine is medium bodied with a fresh zesty finish; try it with seafood or pasta primavera. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Due Torri Amarone della Valpolicella ‘Classico’ 2006
DOC Valpolicella $36.95 (724740) 14.0% alcohol
A dense opaque red, this is made from a traditional blend made from the partially dried grapes of appellation varietals and it’s an absolute treat. It’s full bodied with lashings of aromas and flavours of sweet dried fruits, plums, spices and summer flowers. It is dry and well balanced with gentle tannins and acidity. The lingering finish features a wonderful integration of all the elements and a pleasing trace of char and spice. It’s just wonderful and at this price, a great opportunity to treat yourself or a friend. (Susan Desjardins)

Upstream in Winecurrent

Tasmania sparkles with wines available in Ontario – a Tasmanian wine feature from Vic as he tastes and spits ‘down under’. Read more...

Vintages Release: April 17, 2010

Josef Chromy Pinot Gris 2008
Tasmania, Australia $23.00 (162974) 13.6% alcohol
This drink-me-now gem offers up an expressive nose of fragrant white peach and citrus aromas. The estate-grown fruit was coddled—de-stemmed without crushing, the juice then gently pressed off directly into stainless steel—preserving the varietal character. Medium bodied and highly textured, the bracing flavours of lemon zest and nectarine coat the palate. The finish lingers, crisp and refreshing. Made for antipasto and deli-food platters, it also pours well alongside pan-seared fish. (Vic Harradine)


Josef Chromy ‘Pepik’ Pinot Noir 2009
Tasmania, Australia $21.50 (162990) 12.5% alcohol
Bistro styled and value packed, spice box and red berry fruit aromas waft from this light-on-its-feet Pinot. Racy flavours of ripe pomegranate and cranberry stream throughout carried along on a lovely spine of acidity. It’s nicely textured, well balanced and sports a crisp finish of spice and tangy flavour. Pasta in tomato-based sauce matches up well, try spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)


Josef Chromy Pinot Noir 2008
Tasmania, Australia $26.00 (160322) 14.0% alcohol
Expressive and expansive aromas lift from the glass of this beautifully sculpted red—herb and spice, dark berry fruit and oaky notes are predominant. Juicy well-balanced flavours coat the palate with succulent Bing cherry and juicy bramble berry to the fore. This is a stunning wine, offering value and complexity with deftly integrated oak—12 months in French barriques—perfect balance and a lingering luscious aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)


Josef Chromy Riesling 2008
Tasmania, Australia $23.00 (162966) 12.7% alcohol
Floral, citrus and hints of slate on the nose, this dishes up a lovely mouthful of flavour—racy lemon-lime, ripe ruby red grapefruit and spiced yellow plum. It’s mid weight with a gorgeous palate-coating texture and a well-balanced lengthy finish that adds on a layer of complexity with ripe juicy tree fruit flavours. Give it a go alongside crab cakes or your favourite blue-veined cheese. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

Australia

Tamar Ridge Estates ‘Devil’s Corner’ Riesling 2008
Tasmania, Australia $18.95 (138289) 12.0% alcohol
The ‘Devil’s Corner’ refers to a seafarers’ refuge from a treacherous bend in the Tamar River south of the vineyards. Aromas of key lime and slate segue a wash of flavour—spice, lemon sorbet, ripe grapefruit and nuances of nectarine—carried along on a bed of soft acidity. It’s medium bodied with a generous mouth feel and a lingering well-balanced finish. Sip on its own or pour with skewers of Greek lamb souvlaki. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO

Italy

Zonin Sauvignon Blanc 2008
DOC Friuli Aquileia $12.95 (146936)
The varietal is a-typical for an Italian producer and according to Export Manager, Giuseppe di Gioia, that’s precisely why Zonin developed it. The nose combines minerality, grassiness and herbal notes with aromas of green apple and lime zest. It’s fresh and crisp with a racy seam of acidity and underlying note of ripe tree fruit. It delivers a sleek texture and well-tuned balance. Good value for a tasty white. (Susan Desjardins)


Zonin Chianti 2008
DOCG Chianti $13.95 (146944) 12.5% alcohol
This is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo with the latter contributing to the depth of color. This classic Tuscan has lovely aromas of ripe dark berries with a hint of caramel and spice. Aged 6 months in barrel, the wine is well integrated and balanced, with soft tannins. The ripe fruit flavors and spiciness follow through on the medium-length finish. Enjoy it with a hearty pasta dish or veal parmigiana. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Ontario Wineries

Cattail Creek Chardonnay 2008
VQA Four Mile Creek $15.20 12.5% alcohol
Deftly oaked, this is an interesting blend of Chardonnay and Chardonnay Musqué. Delightful aromas spring from the glass—floral notes, sweet tropical and tree fruits, and a hint of toast. Ripe apple and pear flavors are matched with a refreshing seam of citrusy acidity. This is medium bodied and supple with a crisp lingering finish. It’s nicely balanced and pairs well with escalope of pork tenderloin. Order direct from Cattail Creek. (Susan Desjardins)


Reif Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Reserve’ 2007
VQA Niagara River $24.95 13.0% alcohol
An intense ruby red, this is a fine wine from Niagara’s great red-wine vintage. Fermented and aged in barrel, there’s a tantalizing nose of ripe berry fruit, cedar, savory herb and spice and a hint of licorice. It’s dry, medium to full bodied with a delicate seam of acidity and perceptible tannin. Ripe berry and cherry flavors mingle with an underlying earthiness and notes of white pepper, dark chocolate and toast. A substantial dry finish features spicy berry freshness. Enjoy it with herbed rack of lamb and consider picking up a few bottles to cellar through 2015. Purchase by the case direct from Reif Estate. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Consignment

Tasmania sparkles with wines available in Ontario – a Tasmanian wine feature from Vic as he tastes and spits ‘down under’. Read more...


Jansz ‘Premium Cuvée’ Non-Vintage
Tasmania, Australia $29.95 (566828) 12.5% alcohol
Pale yellow in the glass, the aromas are redolent of lemon grass and citrus. The blend of 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir dances lightly on the palate delivering delicate and well-defined flavours of racy lemon biscuit, toasted nuts and white grapefruit zest carried along on a lovely stream of fine-bead perlage. A perfect aperitif, it also matches up well to lighter-styled appetizers like cold prawns or mussels steamed in white wine. Order for daily home or office delivery by the case of 6 from B & W Wines. (Vic Harradine)


Jansz ‘Premium Rosé’ Non-Vintage
Tasmania, Australia $29.95 (37499) 12.5% alcohol
Pinot Noir predominant and spending 2 years on the lees, this offers up fresh and lively aromas of red berry fruit and floral notes. Red currant and ruby red grapefruit flavours coat the palate with a generous texture. It’s mid weight with good balance and structure sporting a lingering crisp and dry finish adding nuances of freshly sliced strawberry. It pairs perfectly with pan-seared salmon under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon and earned its final half star on value. Available for daily home or office delivery by the case of 6 from B & W Wines. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic and Susan

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