August 21, 2010 Vintages Release

This Vintages Release catalogue begins with a feature on New World Wonders – wines that display varietal and regional typicity – followed by a German Wine feature, then followed by the Main Release. The winecurrent-reviewed wines are in the order of the above format.


Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

Good wine and a worthy cause – You can easily contribute, no cost to you, just by sipping wine! The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery has embarked on a 12-month campaign in support of the military families of our troops. Caroline Granger and winecurrent.com ask you to click here and Read more…

• Challenge your palate – Find fine examples of single varietals you may not have tried –Pinotage, Silvaner, Torrontés, Garnacha (Grenache) and Monastrell (Mourvèdre). Read the reviews, pick one that matches your palate and take a punt.
• Finding Waldo – only one wine with — Susan & Vic both loved it.

New World Wonders Feature

7 Deadly Zins 2007 

Lodi, California $24.95 (059311) 14.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent October 24, 2009 @ $24.95) No holds barred; this is full-bore juicy succulent California Zinfandel. There are dark chocolate and dark berry fruit aromas mingling with sprigs of spice. On the palate it’s all about flavourful fruit—black berry jam and ripe mulberry, that’s interwoven with good balancing acidity and ripe plush tannin for structure and shape. It’s full bodied and fully textured. Zin-lovers shouldn’t pass on this. (Vic Harradine)


Hess Estate Chardonnay 2008
Napa Valley, California $19.95 (181578) 14.0% alcohol
Balanced and structured with a full-flavoured palate, this dishes out good value in a well-paced and well-priced Chardonnay. Lovely toast, wisps of oak and spice aromas segue an endless wash of satin-smooth flavours gliding over the palate—ripe apple, yellow peach and nutty nuances among them. It’s mid weight with a long refreshing finish. Satisfying on its own, it pairs well with roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Calamus Estate Winery Riesling 2007

VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario $15.95 (180877) 11.8% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent March 20, 2010 @ $16.40) 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)


Finca El Origen Reserva Malbec 2008
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (065664) 14.5% alcohol
Black currant and mixed spice on the nose, they’re harmoniously replayed on the nicely textured palate framed by a racy spine of acidity giving balance and a lovely tang. It’s medium bodied with a wisp of tannin on the nicely balanced aftertaste. A bistro-styled red that’s priced right and pairs with foods like pasta in tomato sauce and pizza. (Vic Harradine)


Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Gran Reserva’ Carmenère 2007
Colchagua Valley, Chile $16.95 (169854) 14.0% alcohol
This is rich, structured and flavour packed. There are alluring aromas and delicious flavours galore with spice-infused dark berry fruit, black plum compote and a dash of sweet vanilla among them. It’s mid weight, generously textured and sports a balanced finish that layers on a hint of ripe cherry bolstered by supple tannin. The price-quality balance tips in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)


Lammershoek Pinotage 2007
WO Swartland, South Africa $18.95 (954594) 14.5% alcohol
The dry warm climate continues to shine through this wine with warm, spicy, rich and concentrated fruit flavours. Aromas and flavours of mixed spice, dried currant, juicy succulent bramble berry and coffee abound in this medium-full bodied gem. It’s generously textured with a lengthy vibrant aftertaste of dark berry fruit and wisps of sweet oak. Good to go now with rack of lamb, rare-grilled steak or smoked and grilled back ribs. (Vic Harradine)


Small Gully Wines ‘The Formula Robert’s’ Shiraz 2005 

South Australia $17.95 (142935) 16.7% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent February 6, 2010 @ $16.95) 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)



Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Marlborough, New Zealand $14.95 (981670) 13.0% alcohol

A pale yellow-green, this reputed wine offers an enticing blend of aromas—citrus, tropical fruits and ripe gooseberries. It's juicy and crisp, with the fruit aromas replaying on the palate. The finish is persistent and refreshing, displaying a tangy pithy note. It's a bargain! (Susan Desjardins)

German Wine Feature

Balthasar Ress Riesling Spätlese 1997
Pradikätswein, Hattenheim Nussbrunnen, Rheingau $21.95 (160762) 9.5% alcohol
It’s not often you get an opoortunity to taste aged Rheingau Riesling from a top vintage in the twenty dollar range—they have an incredible website, not all translated, but excellent commentary and Google maps for each vineyard. This opens with a fragrant bouquet of diesel, floral and mineral mingling with honeyed tree fruit. There’s a wash of honeyed sweet fruit on the palate—Spätlese translates to ‘late harvest’—with pear, apple and peach predominant. Interesting on its own, it pairs well with spicy Asian food. Drink over the next few months as the acidity is on the wane. (Vic Harradine)


Louis Guntrum Riesling Kabinett 2008
Pradikätswein, Niersteiner Bergkirche, Rheinhessen $15.95 (160671) 9.5% alcohol
My off-dry pick of this line-up as it shows balance, a nice mouth feel, great varietal character with a glorious gusher of sweet and tang that sips well on its own and pairs so well with many spicy Asian foods. The lifted nose delivers aromas of exotic spice and mineral tones. A lovely fusion of flavours bathe the palate with ripe pear and apple, racy citrus and nuances of tropical fruit. Sip on its own or pair with tandoori chicken and garlic naan or Thai chicken curry. (Vic Harradine)


Graf V. Schönborn Silvaner Kabinett Trocken 2008
Pradikätswein, Hallburger Schlossberg, Franken $18.95 (070953) 11.5% alcohol
The only dry white in the feature it’s fairly compact—the structure of the wine and shape of the bottle—and mouth-watering delicious. Crisp and zesty lemon-lime flavours surge throughout infused with minerality and hints of white grapefruit. It finishes crisp and refreshing with a shower of lip-smacking zing. Perfectly paired with calamari rings under a squirt of fresh lemon or prawns pan-seared in lemon butter. (Vic Harradine)

The Main Release

Champagne

Charles Heidsieck ‘Brut Réserve’ Champagne
AOC Champagne $54.95 (036962) 12.0% alcohol
From the house made famous by ‘Champagne Charlie’, this blossoms forth with a bouquet of baking brioche, tree fruit and an endless stream of fine-bead bubbles adorned with crisp, lip-smacking flavour. Golden yellow-hued, there’s a lovely array of lively refreshing flavours with zesty citrus, mineral notes and white peach to the fore. One can never go far wrong with a bottle of this and freshly shucked oysters. As Champagne prices go, this offers great value. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Ivoire’ Blanc de Blancs Brut N/V 

AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $18.95 (0048801) 12.0% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent October 25, 2008 @ $19.95) Pale straw in colour, this sparkling is dry and light bodied with a great creamy mousse, zesty acidity and 12% alcohol. Aromas of grapefruit, green apple, brioche and blanched nuts give way to a fresh finish. (Lindsay Groves)

Ontario: White Wine

Wildass White 2006 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (085100) 12.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent August 15, 2009 @ $19.95) Gorgeous, complex and well structured, it opens with a lifted nose of white flowers, tree fruit and minerality. The palate’s treated to a persistent wash of pristine flavour—ripe yellow peach, racy citrus and spiced apple and pear. It’s medium bodied with a satiny-smooth texture and finishes clean and refreshing with added nuances of spice. Pair with pan-seared scallops over a bed of arugula under a drizzle of lemon butter. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2009 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (89011) 12.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent May 1, 2010 @ $16.95) Lifted aromas of gooseberry, citrus and grassy notes introduce this mid-weight creamy-textured mouth-watering white. It’s full of nerve and verve delivering a focused and delightful splash of tangy flavour right through the lip-smacking finish—lime sorbet and ripe juicy grapefruit mingling with lovely herbaceous notes. It has just the right measure of acidity to sip well on its own and to pair with all manner of seafood—grilled prawns, pan-seared fish, calamari rings. From a limited production of 250 cases, pick up a few while you can. (Vic Harradine)


Fielding Estate Winery ‘Red Conception’ 2008 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (189183) 13.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent June 26, 2010 @ $18.95) This Merlot-predominant blend has a lifted nose of toasty oak and dark briary berry fruit mingling with hints of sweet savoury herb. Mid weight and nicely textured, you’ll find a wash of balanced flavour on the palate with fennel-infused pie cherry and ripe black currant along with an underpinning of supple tannin. It finishes lengthy and dry with an affinity for food pairing—try beef and mushroom kebabs or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)


No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates ‘Estate Series’ Cabernet Merlot 2007 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (128652) 12.7% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent June 12, 2010 @ $19.95) A well-structured red blend—60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc—it bolts from the glass with lifted complex aromas of black cherry, dark berry fruit, leather and toast. Rich fruit-forward flavours abound on the palate and lingering finish with mint-infused cherry, black currant and nuances of kirsch liqueur among them. It’s medium-full bodied, nicely textured and sports a perceptible tannin underpinning; decant for three hours and pour with rare-grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

Ménage à Trois White 2008 

California $17.95 (665166) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent January 23, 2010 @ $17.95) An unusual blend of Chardonnay, Moscato and Chenin Blanc, this is an expressively fruity wine with great aromas of ripe tree fruits with some tropical and vanilla notes. These follow through on the palate, where toasty notes are balanced with racy citrus notes. The wine is medium to full bodied, well balanced and integrated with a long fruity finish. Pour and pair with lighter appetizers—veal, chicken or vegetable. (Susan Desjardins)


McManis Family Pinot Grigio 2009
California $17.95 (181453) 12.0% alcohol
Floral, citrus and mineral aromas dance off this light-on-its-feet nicely textured summer sipper. Look for a splash of lemon-lime and slightly honeyed pear and apple on the palate bolstered by a good spine of zingy acidity throughout the mouth-watering aftertaste. This is a natural pairing with all manner of grilled or pan-seared fish under a generous spray of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)


Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 2007
Napa Valley $28.95 (258186) 14.0% alcohol
Built for now and short-term cellaring, this is a dandy—well structured, deftly balanced and downright delectable. Buttered toast and citrus on the nose, it bathes the palate with a wash of flavour—spice-infused green apple, ripe pear and nectarine. It’s medium-full bodied, smooth as silk with a refreshing aftertaste. Give it a go with lobster dipped in drawn-butter or butter-dotted, pan-seared tuna. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

Ménage à Trois Red 2008 

California $17.95 (665158) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent February 6, 2010 @ $17.95) 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. This is a perennial crowd pleaser. (Susan Desjardins)


Madrigal Merlot 2005
Napa Valley $18.95 (184838) 14.6% alcohol
Spice box and high notes of cherry/berry fruit aromas open this well-balanced nicely paced Merlot. There’s a score of dark fruit flavours—ripe black plum, black currant and spice-infused black cherry among them. It’s mid weight with a nice mouth feel and a warm lengthy finale that’s bolstered by ripe supple tannin. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: White Wine

Accuro Torrontés 2009
Mendoza $14.95 (179416) 13.0% alcohol
Haven’t tried Torrontés? You certainly should. The über-fragrant and alluring aromas jump from the glass with rosewater, Turkish delight and exotic incense to the fore. Showering nicely textured and deftly balanced flavours over the palate—key lime pie, musk melon and white peach—the off-dry finish provides a delightful sweet and tang experience. Gorgeous sipped on its own or before a meal, it pairs perfectly with light appetizers or spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Mendoza $13.95 (467944) 13.5% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent January 23, 2010 @ $13.95) Toasty oak and dried berry fruit aromas form the nose of this good-value nicely fashioned bistro-styled red. It’s medium in weight and mouth feel and brimming with fruit-forward flavours of kirsch liqueur and black raspberry. It finishes nicely balanced and fruity with a moderating hit of ripe cranberry flavour. (Vic Harradine)

Chile: Red Wine



Emiliana Adobe Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Central Valley $13.95 (169946) 13.5% alcohol
Dark and opaque, this organic wine displays intense aromas—menthol, black currant, cedar and tobacco. A full-bodied mouthful, drying tannins and appropriate acidity balance the ripe berry fruit flavours. Toasty notes and a hint of char linger on the finish. At this price, you won't go wrong ! A good match for grilled sirloin, it gets an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

Skuttlebutt Shiraz/Cabernet 2007
Margaret River, Western Australia $15.95 (058131) 14.0% alcohol
This is a gorgeous wine, luscious and full of lively flavour. It’s rock solid 4 stars and value-packed—don’t be afraid to put a couple in the cart. Aromas and flavours of savoury herb and spice, succulent mulberry and wisps of oak are evident throughout. Mid weight and smoothly textured, it’s framed by good acidity and supported by polished, fine-grained tannin. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Babich Pinot Noir 2008
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (000216) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a producer that gets it right, time after time—it’s deftly balanced, beautifully structured and simply delicious. Aromas and flavours of bright red and black berry fruit mingling with sweet black spice-infused cherry abound. It’s smooth as silk on the palate and the lingering lip-smacking finish. Well paced and well priced Pinot. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine



Sparr Tradition Pinot Gris 2008

AOC Alsace $17.95 (176925) 12.4% alcohol

Pale gold, and a gold medal winner, this is a fine wine with intense aromatics—ripe tree and stone fruit, with a light floral fragrance. Off-dry, medium bodied and lushly textured, the wine displays racy acidity and fresh orchard fruit flavours with a hint of spice. It has lovely balance and along mouth filling finish. Try it with charcuterie or grilled pork with an apricot garnish. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Château Garderose 2006
AOC Lalande de Pomerol $24.95 (176941) 13.0% alcohol
This is a lovely example of ‘right bank’ Bordeaux—a blend that’s predominantly Merlot—with soft supple tannin and a fruity spice-adorned plummy flavour. Well balanced with good structure, it opens with dark fruit and spice aromas on the nose followed by a significant wave of plush, palate-coating flavour—black plum, cassis with hints of cherry and graphite. Mid weight and generously textured, it finishes fruit driven, framed by moderating acidity, underpinned by ripe supple tannin. (Vic Harradine)



Château Roquetaillade la Grange Vieilles Vignes 2006

AOC Graves $21.95 (125666) 13.5% alcohol

A Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend from +45-year-old vines. Intensely coloured and highly perfumed, it displays aromas of cherries, berries, forest floor and toast. It's dry and medium bodied, with compelling tannin and a fresh texture supporting bright berry flavours. Fine spice, toast and herbal notes mingle with fruit on the dry extended finish. A wine for the cellar, decant an hour before serving with lamb or beef. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Auzias ‘Petits Messieurs’ Cabardès 2008
AOC Cabardès $14.95 (177592) 13.0% alcohol
Cabardés is a tiny AOC in the far south of France where red blends are mandatory. This is an even split—Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and Cabernet. It’s an easy drinking crowd-pleaser with oodles of sweet ripe flavours like black currant, Bing cherry and a dollop of black raspberry jam. It’s provides fair balance, a nicely textured mouth feel and a pleasing finish of freshly picked strawberry followed by a slight dusting of tannin. (Vic Harradine)


Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $89.95 (711317) 13.5% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent November 21, 2009 @ $89.95) Providing one of those rare near-religious tasting experiences, the complex and lifted nose jumps from the glass with tar, black licorice, dark berry fruit and gamey aromas. Polished flavours of black currant, cherry and black plum are entwined with espresso roast and nuances of garrigue. Finishing lengthy and luxurious, it’s full bodied, fully flavoured and brimming with promise—drink 2012–2025. (Vic Harradine)


Le Ferme du Mont ‘Le Ponnant’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2007
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $17.95 (171371) 14.5% alcohol
Another wonderful Wine of the Month selection, this Grenache/Syrah blend opens with an alluring nose of exotic spice and black licorice. Showing great purity of fruit and balance, there’s a nicely textured stream of flavour—strawberry, black currant and pie cherry—persisting through the lingering finish. The delectable aftertaste is tinged with supple tannin adding interest and structure. Pair with grilled steak, ribs or lamb. (Vic Harradine)


Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône-Villages ‘L’Andéol’ Rasteau 2007 

AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau $19.95 (976845) 14.0% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent November 21, 2009 @ $19.95) Quite expressive on the nose, there are heady aromas of exotic spice, tobacco and dark field berry fruit. Medium bodied, nicely textured and flavourful, gorgeous black currant, cassis and mocha coats the palate lingering through the lengthy balanced finish. The tannins add structure and there’s excellent moderating acidity. The price-quality balance tips in your favour. (Vic Harradine)


Queen of Syrah ‘Cool Climate’ Syrah 2007
Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes $11.95 (155283) 12.5% alcohol
Earning its final half star on value, it’s incredibly well-priced, versatile with food and each sip betters the last. Cherry/berry and spice on the nose, fruit flavour abounds with a steady wash of currant, black plum and spiced red cherry riding on a wave of moderating acidity. It’s medium bodied, nicely textured with a tangy aftertaste. What’s not to like? Pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: White Wine

Riff ‘Terra Alpina’ Pinot Grigio 2009
IGT delle Venezie $13.95 (066415) 12.0% alcohol
A good deal of Pinot Grigio tasted doesn’t deserve or receive a review—nothing wrong with the varietal, there’s just a lot of watery, over-priced stuff out there. This provides a welcomed change with a clean, crisp and refreshing attack of flavour—melon, lemon and white grapefruit. These follow through on the lip-smacking finish aided by a nice touch of racy lime. Give it a go on its own as a refreshing aperitif or pair with steamed mussels in white wine—this wine—sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Cantina Valpantena ‘A’ Amarone 2007
DOC Amarone della Valpolicella $31.95 (179366) 15.0% alcohol
This is nicely balanced and well structured delivering waves of fruit flavour and a lengthy luxurious aftertaste. Spice, currant and floral notes on the nose, delicious flavours wash over the palate in endless waves—nicely spiced dark berry fruit and raspberry jam. Mid weight with a plush, rounded mouth feel, it finishes with good balance between ripe fruit and racy acidity. There are not many better Amarone at this price. Pasta puttanesca pairs well. (Vic Harradine)


Antiche Terre Ripasso Valpolicella 2008
DOC Ripasso della Valpolicella $14.95 (178459) 13.5% alcohol
Tidy and compact, this punches above the price and earned its final ½ star on value. Sprigs of sweet and savoury spice and herb mingle with mocha and red berry fruit on the lifted nose. The palate’s treated to a sweet and tang experience with racy flavours of cranberry and pie cherry giving way to sweet, succulent mulberry. Hidden away in there are hints of chocolate and camphor. It has balance and a mouth-watering aftertaste making it a natural with traditional Italian fare—pasta in tomato sauce or pizza. (Vic Harradine)

Portugal: Red Wine

José Maria de Fonseca ‘José de Sousa’ 2006
Vinho Regional Alentejano $14.95 (396689) 13.5% alcohol
This delicious red blend is balanced, age worthy and chockfull of flavour and great value; it earned its final half star because of it. It’s an irresistible wine that jumps from the glass with a fruity spiced bouquet. Ripe flavours splash over the palate in gentle waves—succulent bramble berry, spice-infused dark ripe cherry with subtle hints of cedar. The aftertaste is balanced, lengthy and laced with dark berry fruit underpinned by polished tannin. Pour alongside rare-grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

Burgo Viejo Crianza 2005
DOCa Rioja $13.95 (168815) 13.5% alcohol
Another flavour- and value-packed gem, this is a solid four stars, worth a multiple buy. Aromas and flavours abound with rich and luscious boysenberry, spice-infused black plum and kirsch liqueur adorned by good moderating acidity and a supple tannin underpinning. It’s mid weight with a generous mouth feel and a lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)



Ètim Selección 2007

DO Montsant $15.00 (681346) 14.0% alcohol

A blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah, this wine was aged 6 months in oak. Deep ruby, it proffers vibrant red fruit aromas with a whiff of spicy floral notes. Bright red fruit flavours—raspberry and cranberry—ride on gentle tannin and bright acidity. It's dry and medium-full bodied with tantalizing hints of sweet herbs and toast on the finish. It’s also full of flavour and good value. (Susan Desjardins) 


Honoro Vera Monastrell 2008
DO Jumilla $11.95 (167684) 13.5% alcohol
Value priced, this Mourvèdre dishes up a well-paced, spicy, fruity wine, for some a relief from hi-octane alcohol, jammy reds. Aromas of spice box, dark berry fruit and aromatic bitters provide segue to a lovely wash of balanced flavour with red cherry, spiced strawberry and black raspberry among them. It’s medium-bodied, nicely textured with just the right amount of ripe tannin for structure and interest. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: September 18, 2010

Robert Oatley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Pemberton, Western Australia $17.95 (186106) 12.2% alcohol
A fairly new wine region, Pemberton’s searching for its site and varietal strengths. This provides a lovely fusion of ripe tropical fruit along with good racy crispness on both the nose and the palate. Pear, spice and melon aromas provide segue to a mid-weight nicely textured stream of fruit flavour with lemon-lime and pineapple to the fore. It cleans up refreshing and tangy, pairing well with pan-seared or grilled fish. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

Good Wine and a Worthy Cause – wines that make you feel good before uncorking!
Caroline Granger and winecurrent.com ask you to click here and Read more…


Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Chardonnay 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $15.95 (111955) 13.0% alcohol
Crisp and refreshing, this delivers a nice stream of ripe tree fruit along with a welcomed gentle line of moderating acidity without a splinter of oak. Golden Delicious apple, red licorice-infused melon and hints of mineral meld perfectly with hints of spiced citrus fruit on the palate. Sip on its own or pair with steamed mussels Provençal. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Malbec 2009
Valle de Tulum - San Juan, Argentina $11.00 (160978) 13.8% alcohol
Bright, fresh and lively, this showers the palate with a gusher of flavour—cranberry, savoury spice and black plum galore. It delivers a smooth, mellow texture and a mid-length nicely balanced aftertaste showing good acidity and juicy black currant with a hint of sweet vanilla. Give it a go, ever-so-slightly chilled, on its own or with burgers or pizza. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula’ Monastrell 2008
DO Yecla $13.95 (718999) 14.0% alcohol
A Vintages Essentials red wine, it’s always available in select stores. This particular Monastrell, a.k.a. Mourvèdre, is a winecurrent perennial favourite. Alluring aromas of spice box, forest floor and minty cherry introduce lip-smacking flavours of cassis, savoury herb and spice and a moderating stream of acidity. It’s well balanced sporting a long-lasting fruity finish. Good value and versatile with grilled red meat, or roast chicken or turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)


Castillo de Moncéran Garnacha 2009
DO Cariñena, Spain $8.95 (73395) 12.5% alcohol
This is rich with good balance and loads of flavour—mostly dark juicy berry mingling with spice and mocha. It has a lovely mouth feel, round and full of texture, while the finish layers on even more fruit with cherry and spiced black currant predominant. This delivers a cartload of value, earning its final ½ star because of it. Put a couple in your cart for grilled steak, burgers or gourmet sausage. Did I mention pizza? (Vic Harradine)


Montes ‘Classic Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Curico Valley, Chile $13.00 (15994) 13.5% alcohol
It’s a juicy crisp wine, from a top notch producer, at a great price—do you need more? Loads of grassy, savoury and citrus aromas waft from this well-balanced gem while the palate’s treated to wash of refreshing flavour—tangy limeade, gooseberry and racy lemon. It’s refreshing with a lengthy mouth-watering finish. This is perfectly paired with fish and shellfish. (Vic Harradine)


Zenato ‘Ripasso’ 2007
DOC Superiore Ripasso, Italy $24.95 (479766) 14.0% alcohol
Leftover grape skins and seeds (pomace) from Amarone and recioto wine are added to the crushed and fermenting grapes of this wine, with the potential of adding colour, tannin, alcohol, texture, flavour and complexity. This is medium-full bodied, overflowing with rich flavour—sweet dried currant, spiced pie cherry, fig and mocha—sporting a well-balanced long succulent aftertaste. This has the oomph and structure to pair well with grilled steak or the heartiest of stews, like osso bucco. It’s a step up in price and quality. (Vic Harradine)

Good Wine and a Worthy Cause – wines that make you feel good before uncorking!
Caroline Granger and winecurrent.com ask you to click here and Read more…


Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Gamay Noir 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $15.10 (615062) 12.5% alcohol
Intriguing aromas of mixed spice and red cherry mix it up with hints of spice and cocoa on this lively tang-laden red. Red currant, sour cherry and cranberry flavours dominate the medium-bodied palate and racy lip-smacking finish, This is a great patio-sipping wine—chill 20 minutes before serving—quite versatile with food. Pizza, pasta in tomato sauce and barbecued spicy ribs all pair well. (Vic Harradine)


Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Gris 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $15.05 (69336) 11.5% alcohol
Coloured a light-bronze hue, the lifted aromas jump from the glass with baked apple and honeyed pear predominant. Sweet flavours of poached pear and ripe apple mingle with hints of spiced lemon tart. It’s mid weight with a good mouth feel and medium-length finish. This is a summer quaffer that also matches well with light appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Rosehall Run Pinot Noir ‘Cuvée County’ 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $21.95 12.2% alcohol
Vic and I were thrilled to taste this elegant Pinot produced from the fruit of select vineyards. Perfumed aromas of red fruit are underlaid with earthy, toasty notes and hints of minerality. Aged 11 months in French oak this mid-weight wine is silky and supple with fine acidity and well-integrated soft tannins. Fresh red fruit flavours mingle with warm sweet spice and a dash of white pepper. Ripe fruit and toasty notes linger on the finish. Consider a case, and cellar a few bottles for 3-5 years. Produced in limited quantities, the wine is available directly from Rosehall Run. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan