April 3, 2010 Vintages Release

This Vintages Release catalogue begins with a feature on Spanish wines followed by a feature on Bordeaux then the Main Release. The winecurrent-reviewed wines are in the order they appear in the Vintages Release catalogue. Susan handled this Vintages release—Vic is still in Australia, adding reviews from wines tasted in his travels. 



Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Spain Feature – there are some very good wines at outstanding prices
• Bordeaux Feature –from lesser-known regions, but they’re good and well under $20
• Finding Waldo – one red wine lights up the sky with 5 stars
• LCBO Easter weekend hours – All LCBO and Agency stores are closed on Friday, April 2, and Sunday, April 4. Some 280 LCBO stores will open with modified hours Monday, April 5 - check your local outlet - with all agency stores observing regular hours of business.

Spain Feature

Finca Sobreño Crianza 2006
DO Toro $17.95 (40360) 14.0% alcohol
A dense red, this Tempranillo produced from decades-old vines spent 7 months in American oak. It offers alluring woodsy herbal notes along with aromas of red and black berries. It’s dry, full bodied displaying a nice balance of supple tannins, fresh texture and dark berry fruit flavours. There’s a pleasant note of underlying toasty char on the mid-length finish. Enjoy it now with tapas or cellar for the next 2-3 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Viños de Fábula Vivir, Vivir
DO Ribera del Duero $12.95 (162693) 13.0% alcohol
Produced from the grapes of 60+-year-old vines, this semi-opaque unoaked wine displays clean, sweet ripe aromas of spice, cherry and berries. Medium bodied, it’s an easy-drinking wine with soft acidity, fine tannins and loads of spicy juicy berry fruit. The attractive spicy fruitiness carries through on the mid-length palate. The rating includes an extra ½ star for being a well-priced red. (Susan Desjardins)


Bodegas Lan Reserva 2004 

DOCa Rioja $23.95 (042929) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – July 4, 2009 @ $23.95) The quiet nose offers wisps of toasty oak, leather and dried berry fruit while the flavours are quite lively with red cherry, anise and ripe boysenberry among them. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a long luxurious finish sporting drying tannin and good berry fruit flavour. Pour with spicy tomato- and meat-based paella. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas Ateca ‘Old Vines Garnacha del Fuego’ 2008
DO Calatayud $12.95 (162685) 14.0% alcohol
With expressive tangy aromas of dark berries and spicy oak, this deeply coloured wine offers intense, but approachable flavours of sweet kitchen spice and bramble or blueberry pie. It’s medium-full bodied, balanced with silky tannins and just the right level of acidity for the ripe fruit. It finishes with a nice fruity flourish and would go well with barbequed meats. Another well-priced wine that gets an extra ½ star for value. (Susan Desjardins)


Artazuri Garnacha 2008
DO Navarra $13.95 (80812) 14.0% alcohol
This ruby gem has lovely concentrated aromas of spicy red berry fruit and warm nuances of pepper. There’s a core of tart red berry fruit—think raspberry pie—underlaid with spice and pepper. Crisp acidity and soft tannins create an appealing freshness in this medium-bodied wine. The finish is warm and fruity with a satisfying note of toasty oak. Another great value! (Susan Desjardins)


Cordoníu Pinot Noir ‘Rosé Brut Cava’ Non Vintage 

DO Cava, Spain $16.95 (665372) 12.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – July 18, 2009 @ $16.95) Raspberry and strawberry on the nose, these follow through to the palate with an additional hit of spice and red cherry flavours. It’s light on its feet, generously textured and delivers plenty of bubbles—it was made using the same wine-making techniques employed in Champagne. This is delightful served as an aperitif and has the oomph to be poured alongside lightly herbed and spiced appetizers, especially sea food. Good bang for your buck; keep a couple on hand for surprise guests as well as some for yourself. (Vic Harradine)


La Cova dels Vins Ombra 2006
DO Montsant $16.95 (132589) 14.0% alcohol
Opaque and dense, this is a very attractive blend of Garnacha, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon with wonderful perfumed aromas of well-ripened red and black fruits and a hint of warm sweet spice. On the palate, it’s ripe and juicy with supple tannins and a friendly level of fruity acidity. It’s medium-full bodied with concentrated red berry flavours and a persistent finish that replays raspberry, spice and pepper notes. Good to go with paella! (Susan Desjardins)


Casa Castillo Monastrell 2008
DO Jumilla $13.95 (165621) 14.0% alcohol
An opaque rose red, this wine seems to offer that lovely perfume of a spicy rose, along with notes of currants and herbal tea. It’s medium-full bodied with soft tannins and a fresh acidity that nicely matches the tangy berry pie flavours. The mid-length finish is fruity and pleasantly warm with notes of pepper and spice. Let me count the ways in which I can say . . . another great value! (Susan Desjardins)


Osborne Oloroso Medium Sherry 10 RF 

Jerez $16.95 (087536) 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – November 8, 2008 @ $16.95) An elegant enticing dry wine with which to greet guests, it also matches well to consommé or other broth soups containing mushrooms and/or wild rice. A gorgeous tawny colour in the glass, the aromas and flavours are all about raisins, nuts and that peculiar aroma common to all Sherry called ‘rancio’. It’s racy dry, drop-dead delicious and very good value. (Vic Harradine)


Torres ‘Floralis’ Moscatel Oro Non-Vintage
Spain $16.95 (642173) 500 mL 15.0% alcohol
Torres has been producing this wine since the 1940s – no wonder it’s so beautifully wrought! Tawny in colour, this lovely dessert wine has high-toned aromas of dried fruits—in particular dried apricots—honey and toast. The texture is rich, sumptuous and honeyed, with pretty notes of orange zest garnishing the dried fruit flavours. It’s full-bodied and opulent with tangy acidity a great foil for the sweetness. The finish is extended and very nicely balanced. It’s a treat on its own or with fruit tart. (Susan Desjardins)

Bordeaux Feature

Château Roquetaillade ‘La Grange’ Blanc 2008
AOC Graves $14.95 (240374) 12.0% alcohol
A fine pale gold, this blend of Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by a lifted nose of pear and lightly tropical aromas with underlying minerality. The minerality comes through on the fresh crisp palate with a replay of the light tropical fruit flavours and some herbal nuances. It’s appealingly refreshing, with a persistent tangy citrusy finish. A good match for seafood or halibut. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Courrière-Rongieras 2005 

AOC Lussac Saint-Émilion $18.95 (125492) 13.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – August 19, 2009 @ $18.95) Opening with a forward bouquet of toast, vanilla and dried fruit aromas, this delivers a well-structured mouthful of balanced flavour within a firm tannin structure. Look for sweet black cherry and juicy black Damson plum on the palate with nuances of bittersweet chocolate and spice on the drying grainy finish. After a two-hour decant/aeration, a T-bone grilled rare to medium rare would pair well. You could also cellar 2012 to 2018. (Vic Harradine)


Château Fongaban 2005
AOC Côtes du Castillon $17.95 (165720) 14.0% alcohol
Dense and opaque, this full-bodied muscular blend is primarily composed of Merlot with a supporting role played by Cabernet Franc. It has some interesting aromas of herbs, tea, spice and black currants. It’s dry and quite complex with lively acidity and firm tannins that are complemented by rich black berry fruit flavours and notes of spice, pepper and cocoa. The finish is quite dry and extended. A great food fine—try serving it with grilled pepper steak. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Haut-Grelot ‘Cuvée Tradition’ 2006
AOC Premières Côtes de Blaye $15.95 (165738) 13.0% alcohol
A deep crimson, this award-winning blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has delicate aromas of red fruit underlain with some bruised leaf and herbal notes. Medium bodied, it’s dry with a supple texture, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Subtle flavours of currants and raspberry jam dominate complemented by nuances of earth and cocoa. The flavours replay on the tasty mid-length finish. A great match to grilled rare meats or game. At this price, consider a few for short term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Fortified Wines

Messias 10 Anos Tawny Port 

Portugal $23.95 (087205) 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – September 27, 2008 @ $23.95) It's not too early to be thinking of fortified wines and winter reds and this one warrants consideration. It's chockfull of spice, caramel, marmalade, nutty and fig flavours. Wonderfully viscous and warm on the palate, it delivers a fully textured and well-structured river of treacle-like flavours that pair perfectly with spice cake, crème brûlée or a salty aged hard cheese like parmigiano reggiano. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

Cave Spring Cellars 'Estate' Chardonnay Musqué 2007 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (246579) 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – September 8, 2008 @ $16.05) This opens with a burst of perfumed aromatics with musk, exotic mixed spiced box and hints of orange up front. This is medium weight and fully textured, almost creamy, with robust flavours of yellow peach, ginger and zesty citrus. There's a gentle wisp of sweetness from the ripe fruit that's balanced perfectly with the moderating citrus acidity. The finish is clean and refreshing portending a lovely food pairing with spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)


Featherstone ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (80234) 10.0% alcohol
No doubt named for the sheep that ‘mow’ the cover crop between the vines on this estate, this straw-colored young Riesling has lots of character! The nose includes alluring tropical notes and aromas of honey dew, ripe tree fruit and sweet spice. It’s light-medium bodied and displays flavours of pear, green apple and citrus, with a fresh seam of racy acidity. The finish is fresh, fruity and tangy. A natural match for pan-seared fish or a fresh salad with grilled chicken. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

Lailey Vineyard Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara River $25.00 (591396) 13.5% alcohol
Crafted from hand-harvested fruit, this opaque deep ruby red wine offers a nosegay of ripe fruit, spices and sweet herbs. It’s medium-full bodied and dry with a fine texture, supple tannins and fresh acidity. It’s plush, ripe and fruity—think cherries, berries and red plums. That ripe fruitiness carries through on the extended finish underlaid with nuances of cocoa and char. A fine wine from Ontario’s great 2007 vintage, it can definitely be cellared short term or enjoyed now with grilled meat and vegetables. (Susan Desjardins)


Malivoire Gamay 2008 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (591313) 12% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – January 9, 2010 @ $17.95) 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)

B.C.: Red Wine

Township 7 Merlot 2006
VQA Okanagan Valley $26.95 (160135) 13.5% alcohol
This B.C winery used fruit from its property in Langley, as well as from vineyards in the south Okanagan. An award-winning wine, it has complex aromas of dark berries, plummy fruit and spice. It’s dry, full bodied and has supple tannins and soft acidity with lashings of dark fruit flavours—black cherries and plums—as well as dark toasty notes. The finish replays the flavours with quite a persistent note of char. Definitely a candidate for the cellar or for barbequed lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2008
California $19.95 (118927) 13.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby in color, this Pinot Noir has loads of fresh red berry aromas—strawberries, raspberries—and attractive spicy notes. It’s dry, medium bodied and approachable with a food-friendly level of fresh acidity, soft tannins and flavours of sweet red berries and vanilla. The mid-length finish displays consistency of texture and flavour. A nicely-priced wine that would be a good match for grilled salmon or a mushroom risotto. (Susan Desjardins)


Beringer ‘Third Century’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
North Coast $ 23.95 (47704) 13.8% alcohol
The Beringer brothers bought their first parcel of land in Napa valley in 1875, so are now in their third century of wine making. They even made wine through Prohibition when they were licensed to sell sacramental wines! This full-bodied wine displays a classic nose of ripe dark fruit, sweet cedar and toast. On the palate, it’s dry and structured with velvety tannins, moderate acidity and dark fruit flavours—cassis, black berries, and black cherries—with notes of cocoa and char. An extended and persistent finish replays the fruit and char notes. Try it with boeuf bourgignon. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Chakana ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Mendoza $15.95 (93807) 14.5% alcohol
Inky purple, this young Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from the fruit of decades-old vines and then aged in French oak for 12 months. It has alluring aromas of ripe extracted fruit, cedar and toast, with a whiff of caramel. Full bodied and concentrated with a core of dark fruit and spice, it has fine tannins and moderate acidity. The substantial fruity finish is loaded with spice, black pepper and toast. Nicely balanced and nicely priced--try it with grilled filet of beef garnished with mushrooms in a red wine reduction. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Chilensis ‘Reserva’ Carmenère 2008
Maule Valley $11.95 (657981) 14.0% alcohol
Intense aromas of fully ripened red and black berries along with sweet toasted oak waft from the glass of this opaque inky wine. It’s dry, full bodied and approachable, displaying firm tannins and moderate acidity. Fruit forward, it has some attractive notes of cocoa and toast. All the components come together in an attractive package on the mid-length finish, where the cocoa and toast linger. An extra ½ star for value; a few bottles may be in order. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

d’Arenberg ‘The Last Ditch’ Viogner 2008
Adelaide Hills/McLaren Vale $19.95 (25064) 13.5% alcohol
A bright gold, this wine has aromas of stone fruit, citrus and subtle toasted oak. It’s medium bodied with zippy acidity and flavours of honeyed stone fruit, tangy citrus and spice. There’s a slight and characteristic underlying bitter note that follows through on the mid-length finish. Loads of bright fresh fruit and crisp acidity with a hint of toasty oak throughout. Enjoy it with roast chicken or crab cakes. (Susan Desjardins)


Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Margaret River $21.95 (108159) 13.0% alcohol
This award-winning wine is a clear pale gold with vibrant aromas of fresh citrus, stone fruit, gooseberry and vegetal/floral notes. It’s light-medium bodied with fresh texture and energetic acidity matched with tropical fruit flavours, citrus and herbal notes. Very consistent and flavourful through to the finish. A great match for a summer salad garnished with goat cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

Katnook ‘Founder’s Block’ Shiraz 2006
Coonawarra $17.95 (108617) 13.5% alcohol
Deep red at the core with a hint of brick at the rim, this is a straightforward Shiraz with appealing aromas of dark berries, sweet spice and eucalyptus. It’s medium bodied with refreshing acidity and soft tannins. The palate offers a replay of the black berries and sweet spice, along with underlying notes of anise and mocha. The mid-length finish displays the wine’s consistent style and flavours. (Susan Desjardins)

New Zealand: White Wine

Kim Crawford ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2008
Marlborough $17.95 (991950) 13.5% acidity
A palate-pleasing and approachable wine, this fresh Chardonnay exhibits breezy aromas of ripe stone and soft tropical fruit along with a light buttery note. It’s characterized by tangy acidity and a repeat of the aromatics on the palate. With a crisp fruity mid-length finish, it’s a charmer. Great for sipping or with light appetizers, salads or pasta. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: White Wine

Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2008 

WO Coastal Region $13.95 (0948620) 13.0% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – February 14, 2009 @ $13.95) This is a quintessential South African Sauv Blanc with pepper, gooseberry, citrus, grass, herbs, white flowers and green pepper aromas. Dry and light to medium bodied, there’s even more green pepper on the palate, with 13% alcohol and good intensity of flavour on the finish. Try pairing it with a frisée salad with breaded goat cheese and topped with a little orange zest. (Lindsay Groves)

South Africa: Red Wine

Cathedral Cellar ‘Tryptych’ 2006 

WO Coastal Region $16.95 (053124) 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – October 25, 2008 @ $16.95) There are oodles of campfire and tarry notes on the nose of this rich and sweet full bodied red blend and they’re omnipresent in the flavours and finish. Ripe and sweet briary berry and jammy black raspberry flavours are nicely framed by supple tannin and red cherry tang. The finish is rich and concentrated needing a hearty partner—try boeuf bourguignon with bacon added or smoked and bar-b-cued back ribs. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Bouchard Père et Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2007
AOC Montagny 1er Cru $27.95 (653683) 13.5% alcohol
Offering a complex array of aromas, including tree and stone fruit, citrus, minerality and a slight spiciness, this is a very well-crafted Chardonnay. It’s round, medium-full bodied and nicely balanced, with fresh lively acidity, mineral notes and flavours of citrus fruit, pears and ripe apples. The extended finish is crisp and fresh. Great with poached salmon or turkey cutlets with a lemon caper butter sauce, or cellar it for 2-3 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine de la Tour ‘Monts-Mains’ Chablis 1er Cru 2006
AOC Chablis 1er Cru $32.95 (159731)
Aged in vats and French oak barrels prior to blending, this wine displays great coherence from start to finish with aromas and flavours of fresh citrus and sweet tree fruit—pears and apples—and an underlying mineral note. Medium bodied, it displays racy acidity and a fresh texture with a prolonged crisp finish. A fine candidate for the seafood of your choice or for the cellar. (Susan Desjardins)


Maison François Martenot ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Bourgogne Chardonnay 2007
AOC Bourgogne $16.95 (159095) 12.5% alcohol
A pale gold, this appealing Chardonnay was aged 30% in new oak barrels with the balance in stainless. It offers a bouquet of aromas—ripe golden pears and apples along with some subtle sweet spice and floral notes. The texture is round and smooth, the acidity delicate and the weight medium. It’s dry and accessible with attractive flavours of ripe tree fruit and a light note of butterscotch. The mid-length finish exhibits a nice balance of fruit and acidity. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Château Beaumont 2005 

AOC Haut-Médoc $25.00 (500108) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent – June 20, 2009 @ $25.00) This opens with subtle aromas of rosewood, spice and hints of leather. The ripe black berry and dark juicy cherry flavours bathe the palate within a well-balanced frame of moderating acidity and generous texture. It’s medium to full bodied and sports a generous whack of firm tannin, especially on the lengthy finish. This will repay patient cellaring handsomely, drink 2011 to 2018. (Vic Harradine)


Laurent Mabileau Bourgueil 2008
AOC Bourgueil $13.95 (69666) 12.0% alcohol
Composed of 100% Cabernet Franc, this semi-opaque wine has an interesting nose of floral, herbal and fresh red fruit aromas. Its supple tannins and lively acidity are a good match to the red berry fruit, spice and dark chocolate flavours. It’s medium bodied and has a persistent fresh juicy finish. Try it with a grilled veggie pizza. (Susan Desjardins)


Cave de Roquebrun ‘La Grange des Combes’ Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2007
AOC Saint-Chinian $16.95 (155804) 13.5% alcohol
An award-winner, this blend tantalizes with aromas of tart red fruit, herbs and mineral notes. It’s medium bodied and tastes of ripe red and black berries, sweet kitchen spice with a note of caramel. With soft tannins and fresh acidity, the mid-length finish is crisp and fresh. Very appetizing - serve it with herbed lamb chops. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine de la Croisette Côtes du Rhône 2007
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône $13.95 (155465) 14.0% alcohol
A dense red, this blend of Grenache and Syrah displays enticing aromas of spicy ripe red and black berries along with a light floral note. On the palate, it’s medium-full bodied and delivers a stream of luscious sweet juicy berry fruit garnished with herbes de provence. The wine is dry and has some tangy acidity that flows through on the finish, with more of those lush fruit flavours. Full-flavoured meats or grilled vegetables with herbs would be a good match. A good value! (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: White Wine

Brunellesco Pinot Grigio 2008
IGT Veneto $12.95 (165704) 12.5% alcohol
Here’s a nice easygoing wine for the patio. It has an appealing pale apricot colour and aromas of ripe stone fruit and tangerine with some subtle spice and mineral notes. It’s light-medium bodied with underlying minerality and soft stone fruit flavours—nectarine, damson plum. Tangy and crisp, it has a light fresh fruity finish. A great wine for appetizers or light spring fare. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Michele Reverdito ‘Simane’ Nebbiolo 2007
DOC Langhe $16.95 (161703) 14.0% alcohol
A lovely semi-transparent garnet, this fine wine offers lovely delicate aromas—floral, sweet strawberry pie, leather, earth. It’s medium bodied with firm tannins and just the right level of acidity to match the red berry flavours, sweet spice and earthy undertones. Those lovely flavours replay on the finish, calling for another sip. A very appealing and attractive wine, with an enticing price point. (Susan Desjardins)


Villa Valentino ‘Don Carlo’ Negroamaro 2008
IGT Salento $12.95 (161638) 13.0% alcohol
The deep color portends the intensely expressive aromatics of this wine—dark fruit, plums and spicy oak. On the palate, it’s intense, fruity, spicy; just full of flavour with mouth-filling texture. The tannins are ripe and the acidity lively, all offering a full-bodied tasting experience. The ripe fruit and a hint of char linger of the persistent finish. A great food wine for full-flavoured meats or game. (Susan Desjardins)


Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Riserva’ 2003
DOCG Montepulciano $27.95 (368910) 13.0% alcohol
A deep ruby red, this elegant wine is produced from vineyards planted with a minimum of 70% Sangiovese and 30% other authorized varietals such as Canaiolo and Merlot. It was aged 2 years, mainly in large Slavonian oak barrels with a small quantity in French barrique. Layers of subtle aromas—currant, herbs, earth, dark chocolate, caramel, leather notes—are followed by complex flavours of dark berries, plum, spice and cedar that linger on the palate. It’s dry, medium-full bodied with fine acidity and moderate tannins. The finish is dry and extended. Beef or lamb garnished with herbs would be a good match, or sip it with fine Italian cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

Upstream in Winecurrent

Vintages Release: June 26, 2010

St Hallett Sémillon 2005
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (658005) 12.0% alcohol
Just beginning to show treasured aromatics of toast and honeysuckle, plus kaffir lime leaf, this will handsomely repay a further four or five years careful cellaring. It’s bone dry, medium bodied and nicely textured with ripe pear, nuances of persimmon and a spine of bracing lemon-lime acidity. The crisp refreshing finish showers a spray of white grapefruit and green apple. It’s drinking well now poured with freshly shucked oysters or pan-seared scallops; don’t forget to tuck away a couple, as well. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release – In Store Discovery: September 4, 2010

St Hallett ‘Old Block’ Shiraz 2006 14.5% alcohol
Barossa Valley, South Australia 59.95 (728477) 14.5% alcohol
This flagship wine was sourced from selected parcels of 60-to-100-year-old vines from warmer Barossa Valley sites and cooler Eden Valley fruit. Alluring and seductive on the nose, ripe dark berry, black pepper and dark chocolate aromas billow from this medium-bodied, generously textured gem. It’s well structured, deftly balanced and brimming with flavour and promise. Ripe succulent mulberry, juicy Bing cherry and toasty notes persist on the palate and lingering finish. Every sip is a savoured delight. It will still be drinking beautifully in 2020. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO

Hillebrand ‘Trius’ Dry Riesling 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.25 (303792) 11.0% alcohol
Pale straw, this Riesling is a great cool-climate wine. It has a subtle nose of mineral, floral and stone fruit which replays on the palate. Light bodied and fresh, it’s characterized by tangy citrus and apricot flavours, and racy acidity that lingers on the finish. A great wine to serve with fish, white meats or cheese. (Susan Desjardins)


Hillebrand ‘Trius’ Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.25 (587964) 13.2% alcohol
A semi-opaque purple, this Cab Franc was aged 60% in barrel and 40% in tank. It has an attractive nose of dark berry fruit, mint and herbes de provence. Medium bodied, it displays a degree of complexity on the palate. Soft tannin and fresh acidity are well balanced with full fresh red and black berry fruit flavours, underlaid with hints of spice, pepper and toast. Pair it with barbequed meats or grilled veggies. (Susan Desjardins)



Nobilo ‘Regional Collection’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009 

Marlborough, New Zealand $15.95 (554444) 12.5% alcohol
Intriguing aromas of tropical fruit, floral notes and lemon meringue pie roll easily from this mid-weight generously textured gem. Punching well above the price, it dishes out a world of value. On the palate there are luscious ripe fruit characteristics with key lime, succulent white peach and lemongrass to the fore. It’s deftly balanced with a lingering refreshing finish. Sipping well on its own, it’s the perfect partner with pan-seared fish and seafood. (Vic Harradine)


Peller Estates ‘Family Series’ Cabernet/Merlot 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.45 (58628) 12.8% alcohol
Predominantly Cabernet Franc, this semi-opaque rose-red wine was vinified to retain its fresh fruit flavours. It displays bright aromas of red and black berries with an appealing hint of eucalyptus. Medium bodied with supple tannin and friendly acidity, the wine has attractive nuances of herbs and pepper underlying the juicy flavours—cherry, berry and red plum. A dry easy-going food-friendly wine that would pair well with barbequed ribs. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Ontario Wineries

Peller Estates ‘Signature Series’ Cabernet Franc Ice Wine 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $90.10 (375 ml) 11.5% alcohol
Go ahead, treat yourself, as it’s a rare occasion when Cabernet Franc grapes can be left to hang to produce ice wine. This is a fine wine for lovers of that incredible balance of rich luscious sweet fruit and moderating tangy freshness. A pale salmon color, the wine displays intense aromas of sweet red fruits, mint and spice and tangy flavours of dried cranberry and strawberry-rhubarb pie. It’s full bodied and opulent with a satin-like texture. Beautifully balanced, it exhibits a persistent and hedonic finish. Definitely intended to be savoured on its own! Available for daily home or office delivery from Peller Estates. (Susan Desjardins)


Peller Estates ‘Private Reserve’ Rosé 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.15 13.0% alcohol
Composed primarily of Merlot supported by the two Cabs, this rosé was produced by the traditional saignée method. The grapes spent 48-72 hours on the skins, creating a rosy pink shade just now displaying a slight salmon note. With spicy red fruit aromatics, it’s juicy with sweet cherry, berry fruit and notes of spice and pepper. Dry and light-medium bodied, it displays refreshing acidity on the mid-length finish. A great summer sipper to pair with light appetizers or salads. Available for daily home or office delivery from Peller Estates. (Susan Desjardins)


Thirty Bench Red 2007
VQA Beamsville Bench $24.00 13.4% alcohol
With an opaque purple robe, this is an award-winning blend of Cabernet Franc (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) and Merlot—all aged 12 months in French and American oak. The nose has layered aromas of rich fruit, earthiness, toast and cedar, with a spicy floral nuance. Medium-full bodied, the wine is structured with silky tannin and fine acidity. The flavours are complex—a core of dark fruits and berries over notes of spice, pepper and mint, which linger on the persistent finish. Serve it now with beef or lamb with a mushroom sauce, or cellar for 2-3 more years. Available for daily home or office delivery from Thirty Bench. (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