March 20, 2010 Vintages Release

This Vintages Release catalogue begins with various sections in the front of the catalogue with a listing of wines without reviews. These wines are repeated, with reviews, in the ‘Main Release’. The winecurrent-reviewed wines are in the order of the Main Release. 



Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Five wineries from the State of Victoria, Australia with a ‘sense of place’ and reviews of their wine—this ‘sense of place’ is refected in the wine’s character, structure and flavour. Their viticulturists and winemakers have an understanding of and respect for their unique terroir expressing that in the finished wine. Almost all family-owned, they were not mass-produced and made by people who care as much about making fine wine as making a quarterly profit. In short, they make wine that will probably appeal to you. Read more...

The Main Release

Port

Quinta do Infantado Ruby Port

Estate Bottled, Portugal $15.95 (979898)

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Here's a foot-stomping good time! This Port is made in the traditional method—the grapes are crushed by foot and fermented in open vats. This beauty tastes like a cross between a Tawny and a Late Bottled Vintage style, combining dark fruit and raisiny aromas with a nice chocolate kick. Although quite sweet, it carries some fine tannins which lend beautiful balance. Intensely flavoured, this one will work very nicely with a thick slab of chocolate cheesecake… (Mark Tandan)

Sparkling Wine

13th Street Cuvée 13 Rosé 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (147504) 12.5% alcohol
A brilliant salmon pink, this fine sparkler is a classic blend made in the méthode traditonelle of Champagne. It spent almost 3 years on the lees and displays this on the nose, which includes subtle floral, berry and toasty notes. Light-medium bodied, it has a fine creamy mousse and refreshing acidity. Soft hints of toast and nuts carry through on the impressively long finish. A great wine for appetizers or lighter fare. (Susan Desjardins)


Jackson-Triggs ‘Proprietors Grand Reserve Methode Classique’ Brut 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (587691) 12.1% alcohol
A rich golden colour, this lovely wine, made in the method of Champagne, has rich intense aromas of toast, maple and vanilla. It’s dry and crisp with a refreshing texture and attractive flavours of light toast and citrus. Medium bodied, it has an extended and persistent finish with a hint of lime zest. A winner and very well priced. (Susan Desjardins)


Santa Margherita Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage 

DOC Prosecco di Valdobbiadene $17.95 (687582) 11.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Mineral and floral on the nose this dishes out a surprisingly generous texture and more flavour and structure than the breeding and price would suggest—this is good value. The mousse is abundant and infused with good texture and flavour—tangy white grapefruit, red currant and lemon chiffon pie. Serve to guests as they arrive and pair with stand-around sea food appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

Calamus Estate Winery Riesling 2007 

VQA Vinemount Ridge $16.40 11.8% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) There are focused aromas of mineral, spice and herbaceous savoury notes that segue the crisp green apple and citrussy lemon and white grapefruit flavours. It’s medium bodied, well textured and finishes crisp and tangy with a key lime surge. This refreshing gem pairs extremely well with pan-seared tilapia under a generous squirt of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)


Le Clos Jordanne ‘Claystone Terrace’ Chardonnay 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $40.00 (56929) 14.0% alcohol
A complex and wonderful expression of the 2007 vintage, this golden-hued Chardonnay from the estate’s premier vineyard has captivating floral and tree fruit aromas—honeysuckle, golden apple, ripe pear—as well as spicy oak and nutty notes. It’s full bodied, rich and round, with a generous texture and moderate acidity. It has great balance and a long persistent finish of underlying minerality, ripe fruit and toast. It’s a candidate for cellaring or can be enjoyed with slow-roasted pork with root vegetables. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

Le Clos Jordanne ‘Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $40.00 (33902) 13.5% alcohol
With classic aromas of ripe field berry, spice and a whiff of vanilla, this ruby treasure has great complexity and a wonderfully silky texture. Ripe red berries and cherries predominate with lovely earthy, cedar, spicy nuances. It’s dry, medium bodied and nicely balanced with fine tannin and fresh acidity. It has a fabulous slightly tangy extended finish – one bottle won’t be enough, and then there’s the cellar. . . (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Rutherford $29.95 (966036) 12.0% alcohol
A racy Sauvignon Blanc produced from organically-grown fruit, it has a pale yellow-green hue, with pungent mineral, citrus, fines herbes aromas. Lively acidity, bright citrus flavours and a hint of minerality characterize this medium-bodied wine. Zesty lime flavours and a pithy note are displayed on the thirst-quenching finish. A delightful match with sole meunière. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Calera Pinot Noir 2007
Central Coast $31.95 (933044) 14.8% alcohol
This first-rate Pinot has an alluring earthy character with great fruit aromas of red cherries and berries. It’s medium bodied with soft tannin, delicate acidity and great depth of flavour—red berries, spice and a hint of herbs. Round and satisfying, it has a generous mid-length finish. Try it with a caramelized onion tart or roast turkey. (Susan Desjardins)


Cline ‘Ancient Vines’ Mourvèdre 2007
Contra Costa County $17.95 (66084) 15.0% alcohol
The dense dark colour of this presages the body and intensity. Brimming with aromas, it evokes ripe berry pie, sweet kitchen herbs, spice and leather. Structured and full bodied, it displays a firm texture and fresh acidity underlying ripe black fruit, spice and pepper. A powerful wine with a memorable finish, it calls for rare meats—peppered lamb or beef. (Susan Desjardins)


Francis Ford Coppola ‘Director’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Sonoma County $29.95 (161380) 13.5% alcohol
Opaque and intensely coloured, this Cabernet was produced from the grapes of two clones grown on different terroir. It has generous ripe aromas of cassis and berries with a hint of cedar. Ripe fruit flavours, hints of old leather and spice box are well matched with ripe tannins and fine acidity. It’s harmoniously balanced with a mouth filling texture and an extended finish. A great choice for beef tenderloin or steaks, or for short-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)


Z-52 Zinfandel 2006
Lodi $17.95 (161588) 14.5% alcohol
From a boutique winery with some of the oldest vines in the region, this garnet-hued Zin has subtle aromas of dark fruit and fruitcake. Medium bodied, it has soft tannin and delicate acidity displaying delicate enticing flavours of licorice, pepper, plums and dried fruits. It’s elegant and beautifully balanced, with an appealing extended finish. It earned its extra ½ star for value. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Familia Schroeder ‘Saurus Patagonia Select’ Malbec 2006
Patagonia $15.95 (55459) 14.0% alcohol
Inky purple and expressive, this big wine has warm aromas of ripe plum, berries, spice and cedar. It’s concentrated with focused flavours of dark ripe fruit and spicy oak. Smooth, full and ripe, the tannin and acidity are moderate and well matched to the strong fruitiness. It has a smooth texture and a substantial finish. This is great value; at this price, buy a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)


Zuccardi ‘Serie A’ Syrah 2008
Mendoza $16.95 (141317) 13.5% alcohol
Fresh bright red and black field berry aromas with undertones of herbs and leather waft from the glass. Mid weight and a fine ruby color, it has an appealing earthiness with intense flavours of red and black berries and black pepper. It’s dry and well structured with a smooth texture, moderate tannin and fresh acidity. The balance comes through on the persistent peppery finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Santa Julia ‘Organica’ Malbec Rosé 2009
Mendoza $12.95 (120279) 13.5% alcohol
A well-priced sipper, this fruity rosé has great aromas and flavours of juicy wild strawberries and sweet spice. It’s light-medium bodied with lively acidity and a refreshing fruity finish. Don’t think, just drink—on the patio, with grilled chicken, pork or salmon. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Santa Caroline ‘Reserva de Familia’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Maipo Valley $19.95 (684597) 14.5% alcohol
The dense appearance of this wine presages the complex layered aromas—rich black fruit, savoury herb, toasty oak, and a touch of earthiness. The flavours are equally rewarding—extracted black fruits, spice, char and dark chocolate. Full bodied, firmly textured and with fresh acidity, it has a long stylish finish. A great food wine—try wine-braised beef. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

Peter Lehmann Semillon 2008
Barossa Valley $14.95 (662635) 11.0% alcohol
This interesting varietal wine is pale gold with concentrated aromas of tropical fruit, stone fruit and minerality. It’s dry and medium bodied with pleasing flavours of stone fruit, light citrus and lime zest that are complemented by lively acidity. The mid-length finish is vibrant, crisp and refreshing. Expand your horizons and try it with smoked salmon paté or grilled white fish. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

d’Arenberg ‘The Stump Jump’ Shiraz 2008
McLaren Vale $14.95 (158238) 14.5% alcohol
Purple and intense, this perennially popular and approachable wine has warm aromas of ripe dark fruit, spicy oak and vanilla. It’s full bodied and palate coating with focused juicy dark berry flavours, a hint of earthiness, velvety tannin and soft acidity. Nicely balanced, it displays a lengthy peppery finish. A great value that can be enjoyed now with barbequed pork ribs or cellared for 2-3 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Langmeil ‘Three Gardens’ Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre 2006 

Barossa Valley, South Australia $21.95 (0644047) 14.5% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) In theory, a Rhône-style blend of 44% Shiraz, 35% Grenache and 21% Mourvèdre. Aged 12 months in seasoned French and American oak to give the wine a kiss of spice. Deep ruby with red fruit and meatiness on the nose. Dry and full bodied with pronounced aromas of black cherry, cassis, tobacco and plum. Well-structured tannins with 14.5% alcohol are followed by a lingering spice and black fruit finish. A great match would be a juicy filet mignon rare to medium rare with roasted and herb-scented fingerling potatoes and roasted garlic sautéed spinach. (Lindsay Groves)


Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Margaret River, Western Australia $19.95 (606624) 14.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Here’s a Cabernet Sauvignon that drinks like it should cost a fair bit more. It features nice complexity on the nose with cassis and mocha mingling alongside soft herbal and earthy characters as well hints of vanilla and black pepper. It’s well structured with firm ultra ripe tannins creating great balance. This is a rich, full-bodied wine that is expressive from the first sniff through to the expansive finish. If you can get your hands on some Kangaroo filet, it’s a quality regional match, if not, a grilled pepper steak would do quite nicely. Very impressive. (Mark Tandan)


St Hallet ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2007 

Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (980631) 14.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Here’s a flavourful Barossa Shiraz that’s not over worked or over done, but balanced and beautiful with food. Expressive aromas of black pepper, eucalyptus and dark berry fruit give way to flavours of juicy ripe Bing cherry, spice and espresso roast. Mid weight and beautifully textured, this delivers a lengthy finish featuring ripe fine-grained tannin, just enough acidity for balance and juicy lip-smacking dark fruit. It matches up well with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Kim Crawford Merlot 2007
Hawkes Bay $19.95 (680967) 13.5% alcohol
A deep ruby, this fine Merlot has complex aromas of red cherries, pomegranate, spicy oak and kitchen herbs. It’s definitely cool climate in style, medium bodied and dry with fresh acidity and moderate tannin. On the palate, it exhibits bright red fruit flavours—cherry, plum, cranberry—with some notes of herbs and dark chocolate. The extended finish is mouthwatering and flavourful. Try it with a lamb and vegetable stew. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: White Wine

The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2008
Stellenbosch $11.95 (158121) 13.5% alcohol
For fans of this varietal, here’s a great-value wine produced from the fruit of old bush vines. The colour alone, a pale peachy gold, is enticing. Follow that with ripe tropical and stone fruit aromas carried through to the rich round palate and balanced with a light spritzy acidity and lemon-lime note. You couldn’t ask for much more – savour it on its own, now or on a sunny summer day! (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: Red Wine

Lindhorst Max’s Tribute 2006
Paarl $19.95 (146456) 14.0% alcohol
A dense opaque purple, this blend, principally Shiraz, was aged 22 months in oak. Smoky, oaky, tarry leathery notes are matched with dark rich fruit. It’s full bodied with a rich smooth texture and layered aromas of blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, char and mocha. With silky tannins and clean acidity, the mid-length finish replays the balance of the wine. Enjoy it with richly flavoured meat casseroles. (Susan Desjardins)

France: White Wine

Domaine Chêne ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Mâcon-La Roche Vineuse 2008
AOC Burgundy $17.95 (159715)
The appellation of Mâcon offers some finely balanced Chardonnay wines, including this lovely example with its subtle aromas of fresh citrus and ripe apples. Ripe tree fruit flavours are balanced with refreshing acidity. Light-medium bodied, it’s nicely balanced with an extensive and palate-cleansing finish. A great match to white meats or fish with a rich sauce. (Susan Desjardins)


Henri Bourgeois ‘Petit Bourgeois’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008
AOC Val du Loire $14.95 (672345) 12.5% alcohol
Gold with some grassy green tinges, the colour intimates the Sauvignon Blanc aromas of tart gooseberries, grass and vegetation. It’s light-medium bodied with vibrant acidity and appetizing notes of citrus peel and herbs. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Good value, pair it with a Greek salad. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Bordeaux

Château Castegens 2005

AOC Côtes de Castillon $18.95 (125856) 13.5% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) This smooth red blend is Merlot predominant with Cabernet Franc and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers aromas and flavours of cassis, sweet dark brambly berry and a moderating hit of sour cherry. The 12 months in oak has been seamlessly integrated and the mouth feel is silky smooth. This is well priced and very worthy of attention if looking for well-made Bordeaux at a more-than-reasonable price. Pour with grilled lamb skewers and roasted root veggies. (Vic Harradine)


Château Grand Village 2006
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur $17.00 (565317) 13.5% alcohol
Displaying lifted notes of cherry pie, field berries and nutmeg, this lovely blend is quite structured. It has firms tannins and vibrant acidity matched with ripe forest berry and a slight herbal note. There is a tug of tannin and fresh fruity acidity on the extended finish. It’s an affordable Bordeaux from producers with a fine pedigree, and would be a candidate for short-term cellaring or matched with rare prime rib. (Susan Desjardins)


Bouchard Père et Fils Côte de Beaune-Villages 2006
AOC Burgundy $24.95 (714998) 13.0% alcohol
A pale cherry red heading to garnet, this is an elegant wine from a major producer headquartered in the ancient fortress of Beaune. It has an attractive earthiness and fine aromas of strawberries and spice. The red berry flavours are focused and the acidity is refreshing. The vibrant fruit flavours and fresh acidity carry through the mid-length finish. A great choice for roast fowl. (Susan Desjardins)

Rhône Valley

Château Triniac 2007
AOC Côtes de Rousillon-Villages $14.95 (148676) 14.5% alcohol
While the plummy spicy aromas of this award-winning wine were a touch ethereal, it displayed a mouthful of ripe cherry, plum, dark chocolate and toasted oak flavours. Full bodied, it has firm tannins and moderate acidity. The finish is juicy and persistent. Earning an extra ½ star for value, a few bottles are in order. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine Croze-Granier ‘Cuvée Réserve’ Côtes du Rhône 2007
AOC Côtes du Rhône $14.95 (736371) 14.0% alcohol
Here’s another great value – stock up. This Rhône blend displays wonderful aromas of luscious black berries, bay leaf and eucalyptus. The palate is rich and generous with expansive flavours of black and blue berries, mint, sweet herbs and vanilla. It’s dry with medium tannins and acidity. The tannins carry through on the persistent finish, matched with ripe dark fruit. Hedonic! (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine de la Colline Saint-Jean ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Vacqueyras 2007
AOC Vacqueyras $23.95 (155499) 14.5% alcohol
This opulent blend of Grenache and Syrah is produced from ancient vines and is unoaked. It’s dense and dark with warm earthy aromas of mint, dark berries and plums. Full bodied, it has a firm structure with chewy tannins and moderate acidity. Rich dark fruit flavours are underlaid with earthy, spicy, char notes. It has a rich, persistent mouth-filling finish. Serve it with pepper-crusted ribeye or cellar for 5-7 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Mas des Bressades ‘Cuvée Tradition’ Rosé 2009
AOC Costières de Nîmes $13.95 (950576) 13.5% alcohol
Spring is in the air and what better way to rejoice than to sip this regularly featured rosé. Not only does it have fresh floral and ripe red fruit aromas, it’s lovely to behold – a pretty salmon pink. It’s refreshingly dry with vivid acidity and fresh strawberry and red currant flavours. Always a reliable purchase, it has a refreshing fruity mid-length finish. After the apéro, try it with grilled trout fillet. (Susan Desjardins)

Germany: White Wine

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2008
QbA Mosel $13.95 (596601) 9.5% alcohol
Displaying lovely floral, citrus and sweet spice aromas, this delightful Riesling is off-dry with rich appetizing flavours of ripe citrus, maple and honeyed peaches. It’s medium bodied with a vibrant acidity balancing the mature fruit flavours. With a persistent and fresh finish, it’s a versatile wine that can be matched with a wide range of white meats or lightly spiced foods. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Monsanto Chianti Classico ‘Riserva’ 2006
DOCG Chianti $28.95 (719864) 14.0% alcohol
A deep ruby red, this powerful wine has aromas of ripe red fruit underlaid with notes of earth, leather and bacon. It was aged 18 months in French barrique and has firm, somewhat chalky, tannin, fresh acidity and ripe cherry berry flavours. Full bodied and dry, it has an extended finish with good fruitiness and emphatic tannins. Definitely a food wine; decant it for a couple of hours now, or cellar it for 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Terri di Verona Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 

DOC Valpolicella $17.95 (117127) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent) Easily a star in this group (as illustrated on the label), you’ll want to consider a multiple purchase; it earned its final half star on the excellent value it offers. Floral and mixed spice on the nose, this shifts into high gear on the palate with succulent ripe fruit flavour—cherry and bramble berry—along with nuances of fig and dried fruit. It’s nicely textured medium bodied and sports a well-balanced lengthy fruit-driven finish. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: May 1, 2010

Cattail Creek Estate Winery ‘Serendipity’ Rosé 2009
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.20 11.5% alcohol
This attractive rosé is composed primarily of Pinot Noir and Gamay—harvested from vines planted in the 1980s—with a touch of Merlot. Produced in the traditional saignée method, it was fermented and aged in stainless steel. It's a light cherry pink with sweet berry aromas, bright acidity and full cherry berry flavours complemented with mineral notes. Displaying the red berry flavours of its principal components on the fresh finish, it’s well priced, versatile and a great patio sipper or well matched to spicy food or sushi. (Susan Desjardins) 

New in Vintages – released August 29, 2010, a few bottles remain

McPherson ‘Basilisk’ Marsanne/Viognier 2007
Central Victoria $16.55 (678599) 12.5% alcohol
Floral, persimmon, and honeyed notes rip from the nose of this lip-smacking alluring beauty. Flavours of apricot, honeyed pear and ripe tangy citrus wash over the palate in waves and through the lingering mouth-watering finish. It’s mid weight, generously textured and chockfull of flavour. The price-quality ratio swings wildly in your favour and the wine-tasting experience memorable. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages Essentials – always available in select stores

Anselmi San Vincenzo 2008
IGT Veneto $16.95 (948158) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s a bright golden blend of Garganega, Chardonnay and Trebbiano that offers light floral and tree fruit aromas. Medium bodied with a refreshing acidity, it has appealing sweet fruit flavours—pears and peaches come to mind. It’s well integrated and balanced with a crisp and lingering finish. This is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of light meat or pasta dishes. (Susan Desjardins)


Hardys ‘Bankside’ Shiraz 2007
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (436022) 13.5% alcohol
A big wine, this Shiraz offers substantial aromas of rich berry fruit and pepper, along with a spicy floral note. It’s sweet, rich and jammy, with quite a pronounced eucalyptus undertone. Full bodied and structured with all components in harmony, it’s a tasting treat with a lasting warm peppery finish. Good value. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Pey la Tour ‘Réserve du Château’ 2007
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur $22.95 (925859) 13.0% alcohol
This Merlot-based blend is a full deep red with loads of aromas of dark fruit, toast, eucalyptus and an earthy note. Full bodied, the fruit flavours carry to the palate, complemented by a toasty char nuance. Dry, with noticeable tannins and acidity, this complex integrated wine has a persistent warm, peppery finish. (Susan Desjardins)

New in the LCBO

Australia

Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ Chardonnay 2008
Yarra Valley $14.95 (145318) 13.5% alcohol
There’s great value here as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Vanilla, mineral and tropical fruit aromas segue a balanced refreshing wash of flavour with crisp green apple, persimmon and ripe lemon-lime predominant. It’s mid weight, nicely textured with those well-developed fruit flavours shining throughout the lingering zesty finish. The perfect deck-sipping white, it pours well with chicken, veal and pork dishes. (Vic Harradine)

Chile

Caliterra ‘Bio-Sur Reserva Especial’ Carmenère 2008
Valle de Colchagua $12.90 (142711) 13.5% alcohol
Produced with organic estate-grown fruit, this carmine red wine has an attractive violet hue. An approachable wine, consistent throughout, it is laden with aromas and flavours of ripe dark fruit—blueberry, black cherry and blackberry—tobacco, spice and dark chocolate. It’s dry, full bodied and nicely balanced with a mid-length finish. (Susan Desjardins)

France

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2005
AOC Côtes du Rhône $17.15 (259721) 13.5% alcohol
This blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre was aged for 18 months in oak. The deep inky color of this ample wine foreshadows the intense aromas of dark berry fruit, plums, tobacco leaf and spice. Full bodied with good structure and integration, it has warm and complex flavours of dark fruit, pepper and menthol. The finish is persistent and satisfying, with a lingering savour of dark chocolate and dried fruit. Great value! (Susan Desjardins)

Italy

Cesari Amarone della Valpolicella 2006
DOC Valpolicella $34.85 (426718) 14.0% alcohol
Deeply and vibrantly coloured, this expressive Italian blend has complex aromas and flavours—dried fruit, plum, fig, spice and licorice. It’s plush, rich and full bodied with some alluring undertones of caramel and dark chocolate. The finish is warm, extensive and balanced. Enjoy it now with dark chocolate and nuts or hard Italian cheese or consider cellaring it for a few years. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario

East Dell Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $12.95 (613095) 12.5% alcohol
Consistent in aromas and flavours, the fresh cherry berry and spicy aromas of this bright wine lead in to a crisp wash of spicy red berries—cranberries, raspberries and strawberries—underlaid with an earthy character. Light-medium bodied, the fresh fruity finish lingers. Well priced and a good match to rainbow trout or roast pork. (Susan Desjardins)

Portugal

Flor de Crasto 2007
DOC Douro $10.95 (89870) 12.5% alcohol
A lightly-hued ruby red, this is a refreshing blend of the great red grapes used in the production of Port. Ripe berry fruit, sweet spice and vanilla replay on the palate along with fresh acidity and moderate tannin. An approachable medium-bodied wine, it has a pleasant spicy fruit finish. This is well priced to enjoy with friends at a barbeque. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa

Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
WO Paarl $10.95 (111526) 14.0% alcohol
Aged in French oak for 14 months, this wine was produced from fruit grown in a dry inland region that consistently delivers small ripe grapes. It’s a food wine with a crisp texture along with aromas and flavours of red berry fruit, bell pepper, licorice and herbs. Medium bodied, it offers a warm, fruit-filled and peppery finish. Good value, try it with pizza or burgers. (Susan Desjardins)

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