August 20, 2011 Vintages Release

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include: 


• 5 stars – Niagara’s Fielding Estate Winery and winemaker Richie Roberts are on a roll; they ring the 5-star bell with not one, but two red blends. Saving the best for last, they’re the final two wines in the newsletter, along with some other noteworthy selections under New in Ontario Wineries.
• Susan’s Selection – Susan loved the Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2009 @ $13.95 and 4½ stars. It’s under France: White Wine.
• Finding Waldo – There’s a crowd-pleasing fruit-driven Shiraz with 4 stars @ $13.95 that’s not from Australia and Susan thinks you should pick up a few bottles
• Vic’s Pick – Cantine Cipressi ‘Rumen Molise’ Rosso 2007 @ 14.95 and 4½ stars is a gem of a red blend under Italy: Red Wine
• Cellar-dwellers – Starting or stocking a cellar? You wouldn’t go far wrong with Hegarty ‘Chamans’ ‘No. 1’ Syrah/Carignan 2005 @ $24.95 in the Southern France Feature or the Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2007 @ $19.95 under Portugal: Red Wine.


This winecurrent newsletter reviews +90 wines and begins with a feature from the Vintages Release catalogue on wines from Southern France followed by a mini-feature on California wines after which wines are reviewed in the order of the catalogue.

Southern France Feature

Domaine Sabarda Côtes du Rousillon 2009
AOC Côtes du Rousillon $16.95 (237321) 14.5% alcohol
The purple hue of this award-winning blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan portends the depth and intensity of aromas and flavours. Sweet ripe dark fruit to the fore, there are also alluring notes of spice and cedar. The palate’s awash with tangy spicy berry fruit—raspberry and blackberry—balanced with fresh texture and a firm structure. Medium bodied, the wine offers a lengthy, dry tasty finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine de Bila-Haut ‘Occultum Lapidem’ 2008
AOC Côtes-du-Roussillon-Villages $21.95 (643239) 14.0% alcohol
Dry, medium-full bodied and silky on entry, this is a lively wine with attractive aromas of dark berry, spice and licorice. Refreshing flavours of ripe raspberry and blackberry weave throughout with notes of spice and cocoa finely balanced with perceptible tannin and clean acidity, creating a lasting fruit-focused finish. Enjoy now with a selection of cheese, olives and crusty French bread or cellar a further 2-3 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2009
Vin de Pays d’Oc $14.95 (147975) 13.0% alcohol
Displaying a lovely classic character, appealing floral and fruit aromas, this medium-bodied Viognier is dry, yet creamy on the palate. Lively acidity frames stone fruit, honeyed pear, mango and notes of spice box. The focused finish is long and fruity with a tangy peppery bite. A great match with grilled salmon. (Susan Desjardins)


L’Argentier ‘Vieilles Vignes’ de Carignan 2007
Vin de Pays du Gard $19.95 (250712) 14.0% alcohol
Carignan has been used in blends in southern France for years, the72-year-old vines for this varietal wine are a testament to its longevity. Aged 18 months in cement tank, this is a fruit-lover’s wine, deep in colour and flavour. There’s a powerful core of black berry and plum skin, some earthy meaty notes and soft structure underlying big, smooth plush fruit. Dry, medium-full bodied, smoky notes and spice garnish the full fruity finish. A nice value that’s a good match to full-flavoured meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Sainte-Croix ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Coteaux du Languedoc 2009
AOC Coteaux du Languedoc $13.95 (219386) 13.5% alcohol
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan, this youthful wine offers a nose of sweet berry and plum fruit, spice and vanilla. Dry, medium-bodied, it’s all about fresh texture and bright red cherry/berry fruit, the spice and vanilla replaying. Perceptible tannins back up the fruit and a slightly peppery nuance lifts the dry, mid-length finish. There’s an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)


Château de Fontenelles ‘Tenue de Soirée’ Rosé de Syrah Corbières 2010
AP Corbières $13.95 (225011) 13.0% alcohol
A little darker-hued than most Rosé, this delivers a lovely bouquet of aromas—mixed spice, floral notes and berry fruit. It’s light-medium bodied and bone dry with a laser-like surge of racy red currant, strawberry and tangy, ruby red grapefruit persisting through the mouth-watering aftertaste. Lovely sipped on its own, it shines with white pizza or chèvre. (Vic Harradine)


Château de l’Ille ‘Cuvée Angélique’ Corbières 2008
AOC Corbières $15.95 (237578) 13.5% alcohol
Dark toast, black plum and tarry aromas rip from this red blend. There’s a riveting river of acidity throughout riding on red currant and sour cherry flavour. It’s mid weight with a tangy lip-smacking finish infused with perceptible drying tannin. Decant/aerate two hours and serve alongside pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Hegarty ‘Chamans - No. 1’ Syrah/Carignan 2005
AOC Minervois $24.95 (250605) 13.5% alcohol
Deep ruby, this is a fragrant wine produced using organic and biodynamic principles, aged 16 months in new French oak then 18 months on the lees in tank. Savour enticing aromas of dark berry, cherry, earth and herbs. Dry, medium bodied, it’s plummy, mouth filling and smooth, with persistent earthy undertones, concentrated dark berry flavours and elusive notes of dark toast and licorice. Subtly structured and finely balanced, this is a wine designed to age at least a further 5-7 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Moncigale ‘Minéral’ Rosé Bandol 2010
AOC Bandol $18.95 (226670) 13.0% alcohol
This is light on its feet with good balance, pairing well with pan-seared salmon, a mixed deli board or creamy cheese. Aromas of red berry fruit and spice-infused cherry provide segue for subtle flavours of rhubarb and pomegranate on the palate and a mid-length, crisp, refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)


Les Hauts de Seignol Bandol 2009
AOC Bandol $19.95 (250597) 14.0% alcohol
Rich and concentrated flavours throughout, the solid underpinning of supple tannin suggests a couple of years in the cellar or a three-hour aeration/decant then served with a hearty red meat dish; it’s good value and worth the effort. Kitchen spice, fennel and toast on the nose, there’s a lovely complex gusher of succulent mulberry and kirsch liqueur adorned with earthy notes. The lengthy dry finish replays the delicious flavours. (Vic Harradine)


Château Calissanne 2008
AOC Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence $16.95 (061283) 13.0% alcohol
Smoke, floral notes and toasty oak on the nose, it shifts into flavourful-fruit mode on the palate with a tangy wash of cherry pie filling and black currant mingling with spice-driven racy red currant. It’s medium-full bodied and nicely textured with a lengthy dry aftertaste underpinned with firm tannin. Decant/aerate a couple of hours before serving alongside spicy smoked grilled back ribs. (Vic Harradine)

California Feature

Bonterra Zinfandel 2009
Mendocino/Amador/Lake Counties $19.95 (530139) 14.5% alcohol
Bonterra, created by Fetzer Vineyards, has been using sustainable organic and biodynamic grape growing and winemaking methods for over 20 years. This award-winning organic wine is ripe and fruity on the nose, redolent with spice, vanilla and a slight floral note. Dry, medium-full bodied and focused, the core of dark juicy fruit is framed by fresh acidity and somewhat chalky tannins. Notes of char, pepper and spice garnish a lasting dry finish. Enjoy it with robust barbequed meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Chalone ‘Monterey County’ Chardonnay 2009
Monterey County $16.95 (80226) 13.5% alcohol
Benefiting from the cooling effects of the Pacific air flow, this dry, medium-full bodied wine is lively on the palate while offering quite delicious aromas and flavours of roasted spiced pear, rich apple crostata and tropical fruit nuances. Buttery, creamy in texture, it’s mouth filling and luxuriously long on the finish. Enjoy it with a creamy chicken Caesar salad or cellar up to 4 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Eberle Estate Chardonnay 2009
Paso Robles $22.95 (115964) 14.5% alcohol
If you’re after structure, balance and flavour in a delicious California Chard, you’ve found it. The subtle smoky-oaky nuances on the nose are deftly integrated on the palate leaving a well-balanced creamy-smooth mouthful of ripe tropical fruit, lemon chiffon pie and citrus-infused sherbet—simply delicious. It’s mid weight, nicely textured, worth every penny, and more. (Vic Harradine)


Lafond ‘SRH’ Chardonnay 2007
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara $19.95 (998641) 13.8% alcohol
This is well paced with a solid core of refreshing flavour throughout. Orchard fruit, vanilla and toasty notes on the nose, there’s a solid spine of acidity riding on crisp green apple, lemon tart and spice-infused pear flavour. It’s medium bodied with the mouth-watering aftertaste layering on white peach. Pour with grilled fish or seafood under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)


Lafond ‘SRH’ Pinot Noir 2009
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara $26.95 (998666) 14.8% alcohol
Asian spice, aromatic bitters and cedar aromas introduce this mid-weight nicely structured Pinot. Juicy tangy red currant, ripe strawberry and hints of ripe cherry flow over the palate mingling with dry tannin on the lip-smacking finish. Decant/aerate two hours and pour alongside Swiss steak. (Vic Harradine)


Ampelos ‘Gamma’ Syrah 2006
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara $27.95 (239459) 14.8% alcohol
Aromatic bitters, toasty oak and black pepper aromas presage a gusher of brambleberry, racy currant and ripe, juicy black Bing cherry washing in waves, coating the palate. It’s well constructed with depth of flavour and great balance throughout. It finishes in a blaze with good moderating acidity and a solid tannin underpinning. Decant/aerate two to three hours and pair with osso bucco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)


Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara $37.95 (101774) 15.1% alcohol
Subtle on the nose—dark berry fruit and spice—it’s a well-paced Cab with good depth of flavour—sweet mulberry, black cherry and racy pomegranate. Light-medium bodied with loads of spice and savoury herbs, it finishes lengthy, fruity and balanced with a supple tannin base. Lovely sipped on its own, it pours well with hearty stew. (Vic Harradine)


Star Lane ‘Astral’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara $49.95 (239509) 15.1% alcohol
Hedonistic, layered and structured; consider it for your ‘desert island’ red and… it’s great value. Lifted aromas of dark berry fruit, dark chocolate and sweet vanilla rip from this fully flavoured, creamy-textured behemoth. Palate-coating waves of energetic flavour wash endlessly over the palate and lengthy aftertaste—cassis, brambleberry, sweet oak and savoury-infused black cherry. Decant/aerate three hours or tuck away until 2014 pouring with thick grilled steaks. (Vic Harradine)

Main Release

Champagne

Brochet-Hervieux ‘Brut’ Champagne 2002
AOC Champagne $49.95 (226290) 12.0% alcohol
The gorgeous bouquet of leesy, nutty, toasty notes presage a lively refreshing mouthful of bubbles that carry a mélange of flavour with crisp green apple, ripe pear and peach fruit flan to the fore. It’s pretty exciting at this price and worth picking up a few to consume over the next five years; you seldom find premium Vintage Champagne for $50. (Vic Harradine)


Louis Roederer Premier Brut Champagne Non-Vintage

AOC Champagne $67.95 (268771) 12.0% alcohol

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)


Taittinger ‘Brut’ Champagne 2004
AOC Champagne $74.95 (989905) 12.5% alcohol
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this is full flavoured and fully textured delivering a persistent stream of fine-bead bubbles. Yeasty, mineral and citrus on the nose, the lively palate’s infused with apricot, spiced yellow plum and blood orange. It finishes with a touch of class and mouth-watering tang. Divine on its own, it has the body and oomph to pair with seafood, chicken or veal. (Vic Harradine)


Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut Champagne 2002 

AOC Champagne $88.95 (508614) 12.0% alcohol 

A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 7% Pinot Meunier, it showcases an already well-knit and generously textured mouthful of flavour and raciness with spice-infused tropical fruit and a persistent stream of lemony zest. The aromas of mineral, floral nuances and marmalade replay on the crisp refreshing finish. It’s drinking well now and will continue to do so well into 2020. This is a Vintages Essentials product available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

Dopff au Moulin Crémant d’Alsace ‘Cuvée Julien’ Brut Non-Vintage 

AOC Alsace $18.95 (641365) 12.0% alcohol 

This lively sparkling wine from France is a blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois produced by méthode traditionelle, as are the classic wines of Champagne. In this case, the producer has been making Crémants since the late 1500s. This pale-gold gem has a subtle toasty, leesy nose with a fine fresh mousse and attractive juicy flavours of pears and soft citrus. It’s very refreshing with a mid-length crisp finish. Good value... (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

Cattail Creek Riesling 2009
VQA Four Mile Creek $15.95 (241547) 12.5% alcohol
Here’s an attractive golden Riesling displaying a fine fresh texture and fragrance with ripe peach, apricot, citrus and tropical fruit aromas. There’s a keen balance of lively acidity, underlying minerality and delicious fruit—pear, lemon-lime, pink grapefruit and apricot to the fore. A faint note of slate complements the tangy fruity finish. Adroitly crafted, it gets an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)



Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road’ Gewürztraminer 2010

VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (111989) 12.5% alcohol 

Rosewater, exotic spice and musky notes waft from the heavily perfumed nose of this off-dry gem. It’s certified organic and bio-dynamic with a creamy smooth and deftly balanced tang and sweet wash of palate-bathing flavours of lime sherbet and tangy grapefruit. It finishes with a drying, penetrating aftertaste of grapefruit pith, earthiness, wet stone and minerality. It sips well after a ten- or fifteen-minute aeration/decant and is a ‘natural’ with spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)


Vintage Ink ‘Rite of Passage’ Chardonnay 2010 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (245712) 13.5% alcohol 

Expressive, perfumed aromas—sweet floral, baking spice, apple and lemon-pie filling—herald a medium-bodied, fully textured Chardonnay. Flavours abound on the palate with ripe pear, crisp apple and sweet ripe pit fruit to the fore. It cleans up crisp and refreshing with a mid-length finish showcasing tangy white grapefruit. Pour with clay-baked chicken or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

Frogpond Farm Gamay Noir 2009
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $15.00 (245613) 12.4% alcohol
For the health of their land and their children, Jens Gemmrich and Heike Koch decided from the first that their wines would be organic, and would reflect the true nature of their terroir. So was created Ontario’s first organic winery. The mid-weight 2009 Gamay Noir is dry, lively and fresh, with appealing aromas and flavours of field berries, spice, pepper and earthy herbal notes. Zippy acidity and fine tannins are a great match to bright red fruit—plum, cherry and cranberry, the tangy flavours providing a lasting aftertaste. A great choice for relaxed late-season barbeques. (Susan Desjardins)


Henry of Pelham ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (268391) 13.5% alcohol
A superb Pinot punching well above the price—amongst the best tasted from Niagara’s stellar ’07 vintage; it’s rich, succulent and perfectly balanced. Opening with a perfumed nose of spice box, graphite and mocha, it bathes the palate with persistent cranberry tart, ripe Bing cherry and spice-laden sour cherry with hints of deftly integrated oak. It’s mid weight with very good mouth feel and a balanced, lip-smacking tangy finish; it doesn’t get much better than this. (Vic Harradine)


Southbrook ‘Triomphe’ Cabernet/Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $22.95 (172080) 12.5% alcohol
From that great 2007 vintage comes a deeply hued wine with lovely complex aromas of field berry, cedar, spice and earth that replay on the palate. Lively red fruit—raspberry, red cherry and cranberry—is finely balanced with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins, the earthy spicy notes adding complexity. Dry, medium-full bodied, this is a wine with a lively lasting finish that will pair with grilled meats or may be cellared 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Stratus Petit Verdot 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $38.20 (142638) 13.5% alcohol
Showcasing a varietal that is usually subsumed in Bordeaux blends, this full-bodied wine displays the character and structure of Petit Verdot. Deep and opaque, the aromas are of field berries, exotic spice and smoke. Dry, robust and intense, there’s firm structure, fresh acidity and depth of brambly berries—blackberry and raspberry, along with blueberry—through the long, dry balanced finish. Enjoy it now with a rare steak. (Susan Desjardins)


Sumac Ridge ‘Black Sage Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Okanagan Valley $18.95 (230102) 14.0% alcohol
Produced from well-ripened fruit from the south Okanagan and aged in French and American oak, this is a very appealing dry medium-bodied wine with attractive complexity on the nose and palate. Floral notes, red berry, hints of roasted peppers and herbs beguile. Soft and creamy in texture, the palate is awash with ripe red berry fruit, spice and pepper, balanced by fine acidity and well-integrated tannins. Subtle notes of toast drift through the lasting fruit-filled finish. Cellar 3-5 years or try it now with the winemaker’s favorite – mushroom risotto. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley $29.95 (232371) 14.6% alcohol
Opaque, complex and intense, the aromas of rich, ripe, dark fruit, earth, smoky cedar and a hint of mint captivate. Dry and full bodied this is a suave, supple yet structured wine displaying a gorgeous balance of ripe tannins, fine acidity and concentrated rich dark berry and plum fruit. Powerful, warm and persistent on the finish, it’s designed for long-term cellaring, you can also enjoy the wine now with rare roast beef. (Susan Desjardins)


Anne Amie ‘Cuvée A’ Pinot Noir 2008
Willamette Valley $26.95 (242479) 13.3% alcohol
Elegant, balanced and value-laden, this opens with a flourish of spice-driven aromas—red berry fruit and pomegranate mingling with earthy tones and spice. The nicely balanced river of red berry fruit, sour cherry and spiced black plum washes over the palate and crisp, refreshing, mid-length aftertaste. This is medium bodied with deftly integrated oak and certainly doesn’t lack charm. (Vic Harradine)

Washington State: Red Wine

Milbrandt ‘Traditions’ Cabernet Sauvginon 2008
Columbia Valley $18.95 (237784) 13.5% alcohol
Fruit forward and appealing, this smooth, full-flavoured wine displays aromas and flavours of dark fruit, spice, vanilla and espresso roast. Focused fruit flavours, toasty notes and a hint of pepper characterize the mid-length finish. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: White Wine

Mil Piedras Viognier 2010
Mendoza $11.95 (240168) 13.0% alcohol
Dry, medium bodied, vivid and fresh, this is a nicely priced Viognier that offers pretty floral, fresh citrus, stone and orchard fruit aromas that replay on the palate with a dash of white pepper. Clean, refreshing and fruity, it’s a good choice for grilled pork or firm pan-fried white fish, meriting an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Alamos Malbec 2009

Mendoza $13.95 (467951) 14.0% alcohol

Here’s a youthful deep purple Malbec with attractive aromas and flavours of spicy, dark berry fruit, vanilla and toast. It’s dry, medium bodied and smooth on the palate where ripe tannins and fresh acidity balance the robust fruit flavours. Harmonious and lengthy on the finish, it’s a good match to your choice of grilled red meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Cristobal ‘1492 Oak Reserve’ Shiraz 2008
Mendoza $13.95 (236133) 14.0% alcohol
Aged 12 months in French oak, this opaque purple full-bodied wine is loaded with aromas and flavours of tasty dark berries, smoky toast and exotic spice. Dry, well balanced and eminently quaffable, it finishes full and fruity with appealing notes of spice and black pepper. At this price, pick up a few bottles and match to smoky grilled steak and veggies. (Susan Desjardins)


Pascual Roso ‘Barrancas Vineyards Reserve’ Malbec 2009
Mendoza $18.95 (183897) 14.0% alcohol
This is beautifully textured, well balanced with good depth of flavour and offers great value. How good is that? Spice box, aromatic bitters and black cherry on the nose, it delivers a medium-bodied, fleshy and gorgeous wash of juicy black cherry, racy red currant and sweet ripe mulberry. It finishes balanced, lengthy and luxurious. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

Chile: White Wine

Montes ‘Limited Selection Leyda Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Leyda Valley $14.95 (32060) 13.5% alcohol
Fresh aromas of citrus and gooseberry leap from the glass, replaying on the palate, enhanced with a hint of nettle. The backbone of zesty acidity carries the fresh flavours through the finish, punctuated by pithy grapefruit notes. Enjoy well chilled with goat cheese crostini. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Concha Y Toro ‘Marques de Casa Concha’ Carmenère 2009
Peumo Vineyard, Rappel Valley $19.95 (169862) 14.5% alcohol
Here’s a classy red drop that oozes charm and rich, concentrated flavour. The involved aromas replay on the palate with rich dark berry fruit, spice-infused cherry, fennel and racy red currant predominant. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with attenuated tannin underpinning the well-balanced aftertaste. Decant/aerate a couple of hours pouring alongside grilled steak, burgers or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)


Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère 2008 

Colchagua Valley $14.95 (056853) 13.5% alcohol 

After a couple of swirls the aromas really open up offering notes of leather, cinnamon and smoke alongside red cherry and raspberry fruit. This is soft in acidity with substantial, chewy and ripe tannin that adds to the depth and body of the wine. Although meant as an early-drinking style this wine will appreciate further after a couple of years in your cellar. At this price it’s worth buying a few to drink in 2011. (Mark Tandan)

Australia: White Wine

Giant Steps ‘Sexton Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2008
Yarra Valley, Victoria $32.95 (243154) 13.0% alcohol
This is wild and wooly on the nose with wood smoke, Asian spice and gunflint to the fore. It settles down on the palate with an interesting involved fruit-salad bowl of energetic flavour—orange peel, apricot and musk melon mingling with spice and tropical fruit. It’s mid weight, nicely textured with a crisp lip-smacking finish. This takes the road less traveled with very good results. Pour with lemon chicken or spicy slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

Grant Burge ‘Barossa Vines’ Shiraz 2009 

Barossa Valley $17.95 (738567) 14.5% alcohol 

This is a tasty, generous Shiraz with dark fruit to the fore on the nose and palate,. Dark berry and black plum aromas are layered with notes of smoke, spice and pepper. Balance reigns—it’s medium-bodied, the texture silky, the flavour fruit-forward, the tannins supple and the alcohol’s in check. The intense, focused, dark fruit flavour and tantalizing notes of dark chocolate linger on the warm, dry finish. Great for pouring with grilled, red meat, hot off the barbie. (Susan Desjardins)


Grant Burge ‘The Holy Trinity’ Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2007
Barossa Valley $33.95 (236257) 14.5% alcohol
Produced from old vines ranging in age from 50-120 years, this fabulous blend is dry, medium-full bodied and enticing. The aromas are of spiced vanilla, sweet, ripe cherry/berry fruit, licorice and earth. Rich and smooth in texture, there’s a lovely balance of round tannins, lively acidity and concentrated ripe fruit with attractive notes of spice and pepper carrying through the ample lasting finish. Enjoy it now with your favorite barbequed rib recipe or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Glaymond ‘El Abuelo’ Grenache 2008
Marananga, Barossa Valley, South Australia $29.95 (236364) 15.5% alcohol
Rich and dense throughout, this Port-like Grenache offers aromas of fig, stewed berry fruit and Christmas cake spice. Palate-coating flavours abound with rich plum compote, cherry clafoutie and bramble berry pie predominant. It’s medium-full bodied with generous mouth feel and a lengthy black currant tart aftertaste. Pour and chow down with slabs of grilled back ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Penfolds ‘Bin 128’ Shiraz 2008
Coonawarra, South Australia $34.95 (509919) 14.5% alcohol
Hard to go wrong with Penfolds, they’re über premium with several wines listed on Langton’s Classification and never a misstep from iconic Chief Winemaker Peter Gago. Terroir-driven aromas showcase this cool-climate Shiraz even in a heat-spiked vintage—savoury-infused dark berry fruit with hints of tapenade mingle with fennel and smoky notes. There’s a solid core of red and black berry fruit and spice on the palate and lip-smacking finish. (Vic Harradine)


Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
McLaren Vale, South Australia $24.95 (730374) 14.5% alcohol
Brash, bold and beautiful, this excellent ‘Wine of the Month’ selection leaps forward with lifted aromas of smoke, aromatic bitters and espresso roast. There are dense and concentrated flavours galore with sweet ripe mulberry, cassis and espresso roast galore. The lengthy delectable aftertaste is laced with dollops of dark juicy fruit interwoven with exotic spice and coffee. There’s a perceptible tannin underpinning adding shape and structure. Tuck away until 2014 or decant/aerate three hours, pouring now with grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)


Ross Shiraz 2006
Barossa Valley, South Australia $30.95 (233825) 14.0% alcohol
Red berry fruit and red licorice aromas mingle with hints of roasted herbs on the perfumed nose. It washes over the palate with fruit-filled flavours—red cherry, black plum and hints of pomegranate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a lengthy, beautifully balanced finish of ripe sweet mulberry framed by good acidity and underpinned by supple tannin. (Vic Harradine)


Stonier Pinot Noir 2009
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria $24.95 (025338) 13.0% alcohol
Stonier is a top-notch, down-under producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Light toast, berry fruit and spice aromas provide segue for a gorgeous mouthful of strawberry, beetroot and black plum flavours mingling with great moderating acidity. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a lingering mouth-watering finish. This is from a challenging vintage; damn fine job. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

Fairhall Downs ‘Single Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Marlborough, South Island $17.95 (990580) 13.5% alcohol
Lively aromas of gooseberry, grass and herbs introduce a laser-like spine of tangy racy flavour—zippy lemon zest, racy white grapefruit and lime sherbet. It’s quite fleshy with good mouth feel and a lengthy lip-smacking finish. Poured perfectly with mussels steamed in white wine or salt and pepper, skillet-seared calamari. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Coopers Creek Merlot 2009
Hawkes Bay $17.95 (672451) 13.5% alcohol
Uncomplicated and tasty, this is an approachable, dry, nicely structured, mid-weight wine with attractive aromas and flavours of red fruits like cherry and raspberry, plum and spice. The fruity finish offers a whiff of toast and vanilla. Match it to pizza or grilled sausages. (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa: Red Wine

Kumkani ‘Cradle Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
WO Stellenbosch $19.95 (107391) 14.5% alcohol
Smoky, tarry notes and dark berry fruit aromas on the nose, it delivers a stunning river of balanced juicy delicious flavour with red currant, blueberry, cassis among them. It’s mid-full weight with substantial mouth feel while the lengthy mouth-watering aftertaste layers on mint and espresso roast. The price-quality ratio skews in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

Austria: White Wine

Leth Brunnthal ‘Lagenreserve’ Grüner Veltliner 2009
Qualitätswein, Wagram $17.95 (012278) 13.0% alcohol
Can’t get enough of this Grüner; it’s crisp, refreshing and sports good body and deft balance. Floral, spice and mineral on the nose, there are waves of crisp, green apple, ripe pear and zesty citrus. It’s fleshy textured with a lip-smacking finish. Patio and deck ready on its own, it has the oomph to pour well with pan-seared fish, grilled seafood or chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Cave de Hoen ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Pinot Gris 2009
AOC Alsace $17.95 (224261) 12.5% alcohol
Peach-skin gold, this wine entices with attractive floral aromas and fruity intensity—tropical fruit, pear and cantaloupe come to mind. Off dry, medium bodied, it displays a lovely satiny weight on the palate and a refined balance of acidity, sweet fruit and spice. Notes of pear and golden apple linger on the extended finish. With an extra half star for value, this is a wine you can sip chilled on its own, or paired with spicy Thai grilled shrimp. (Susan Desjardins)


Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2009
AOC Alsace $13.95 (224642) 12.0% alcohol
A great value, this award-winning wine delivers subtle alluring floral and orchard fruit aromas. Just off-dry and light-medium bodied it’s supple and silky, balancing lively acidity and complex flavours of sweet orchard fruit, lemon/lime, pink grapefruit and elusive nuances of spice and pepper. The finish is long, flavourful and slightly peppery. Load up and serve it with light appetizers or salads. (Susan Desjardins)


René Muré ‘Signature’ Gewürztraminer 2009
AOC Alsace $17.95 (061218) 14.0% alcohol
Rosewater, spice and musky aromas waft from this nicely paced Gewürz. It’s light-medium weight with good mouth feel and flavours of spice-infused citrus—lemon and grapefruit—entwined with ginger-laden yellow plum. It finishes with a crisp and refreshing sweet and tang snap—pair with a spicy plate of Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

Château de Panigon 2005
AOC Medoc $16.95 (230367) 12.5% alcohol
What a great value from a storied vintage! Enjoy the appealing aromas—cassis, cedar, herbal, floral notes and stone dust—that entice you to take that first sip. And then, you’re hooked. Concentrated, lively in texture and dry, this is a well-balanced, medium-bodied wine that offers layers of flavour—berry, plum, cedar, spice, toasted herbs and an earthy nuance—that last and last. Try it with applewood smoked cheddar or your favorite roast meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Fongaban 2006 

AOC Côtes de Castillon $16.95 (138735) 12.5% alcohol 

Opening with an alluring nose of mixed spice and dark berry fruit, the palate’s treated to a wash of black berry, spice and cassis that’s peeking out from under a solid tannin structure. It’s light-medium bodied, nicely textured with a dry, fruity finish. A three-hour decant will make it more accessible, as will a couple of years in the cellar. Either way, you can’t argue with the price. (Vic Harradine)


Château Rolland-Maillet 2006
AOC St-Émilion $36.95 (035881) 13.5% alcohol
There are lots of savoury, dark berry notes on the nose while the palate delivers a serious spine of racy flavour with red and black currant and sour cherry galore. It’s mid weight with generous texture and a lengthy juicy aftertaste. Overall, it’s balanced, well structured and truly showcased alongside pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Château Teyssier 2005
AOC Montagne-Saint-Émilion $26.95 (226035) 13.5% alcohol
This is a well-built cellar dweller with oodles of kitchen spice, dried roasted herbs and toasted oak aromas. Rich, layered flavours of mixed field berry fruit and black plum are carried along on a river of tang—red currant and pie cherry predominant. The drying tannin provides structure and ageability. Tuck away until 2014, drinking until 2020. (Vic Harradine)


Collin-Bourisset ‘Les Terres Bleues’ Côte de Brouilly 2009 

AOC Côte de Brouilly $15.95 (590521) 13.0% alcohol 

Côte de Brouilly is considered superior to Brouilly as vineyards are on the slopes of hills rather than on the flat, producing riper, concentrated fruit and a more robust wine. It’s my pick of this litter and the price is right. Aromas of spice and dark berry fruit segue a palate-coating wash of rich succulent mulberry and dark bramble berry flavour mingling with ripe supple tannin. Well balanced with good texture and body, the mid-length finish is racy and mouth-watering with juicy pie cherry and blood plum predominant. (Vic Harradine)


Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon 2009
AOC Chinon $19.95 (940783) 13.0% alcohol
Produced from hand-harvested fruit, free of herbicides and pesticides, this is a very attractive deep-ruby-hued Cabernet Franc that offers an abundance of enticing aromas—herbs, tobacco, ripe berry fruit, spice and graphite. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s firmly structured with a mouthwatering slightly bitter note underlying the lively texture. On the palate, raspberry and blackberry predominate, laced with contrasting floral and mineral notes, a nuance of espresso emerging on the dry, mid-length finish. Intricate and interesting, this wine will age at least 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Dauvergne Ranvier ‘Vin Rare’ Gigondas 2007
AOC Gigondas $31.95 (226928) 15.5% alcohol
Great vintage and a great wine, this is full bodied and concentrated with great depth of flavour. The savoury, gamey notes on the nose quickly give way to a glorious mouthful of dark berry fruit, black pepper and dark juicy plum. It’s fully flavoured, full bodied and generously textured sporting a long fruity finish entwined with perceptible tannin. Cellar three more years or decant/aerate three hours before pulling the cork. (Vic Harradine)


Les Celettes 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône $13.95 (235010) 13.5% alcohol
This award-winning blend of Grenache and Syrah offers attractive complexity and great value. Dry, medium bodied and supple, there are aromas and flavours of sweet ripe berries, with notes of spice, smoke and vanilla adding complexity. Clean, bright and well balanced, it offers a lasting, crisp, fruity finish. Enjoy it with charcuterie or grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)


Santa Duc ‘Les Blovac’ Rasteau 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $16.95 (234641) 15.0% alcohol
There’s a boatload or rich ripe aromas and flavour with a sexy upfront bouquet—exotic spice, fig, black plum and mocha. Mid weight and nicely textured, flavours wash in waves over the palate and lengthy, drying finish—cassis, kirsch liqueur and juicy Bing cherry predominant. The tannins on the finish will recede with three more years in bottle or pour now with a three-hour decant/aeration and aged hard cheese. (Vic Harradine)

France: Rosé

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2010
AOC Côtes du Rhône $15.95 (225003) 14.0% alcohol
From a producer known for well-crafted wines, comes a high-quality very reasonably priced Rosé. A pretty peachy pink, it’s subtle on the nose—a blend of summer fruits such as peaches and strawberries waft from the glass—fresh, clean, lively and dry on the palate. Mid weight and refreshing on the finish, it’s perfect chilled on a warm summer day matched with grilled chicken and mushroom salad. (Susan Desjardins)

Germany : White Wine

Schloss ‘Reinhartshausen’ Riesling Kabinett 2009
Prädikatswein, Mattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, Rheingau $17.95 (114801) 10.5% alcohol
Green apple, honeyed pear and ginger aromas blossom from this mid-weight, nicely textured Rheingau. A mélange of lovely flavours splash over the palate with lemon pie filling, lemon drop candy and spice-laden yellow plum among them. It finishes in a blaze of sweet and tang, the yin and yang that pairs so well with spicy Asian cuisine. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

Marchesi di Barolo ‘Michet’ Nebbiolo d’Alba 2008
DOC Barolo $19.95 (226308) 14.0% alcohol
A semi-transparent garnet, this wine is beautifully heady—floral, sweet cherry, berry, earth and leather aromas lift from the glass. Dry, medium bodied, it’s characterized by lively acidity, a firm structure, bright tangy red fruit and appealing notes of spicy old rose petals that persist on the long, dry, fresh finish. Pair it with rare meats or aged hard cheese or cellar a further 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Tenuta Rocca Barolo 2005
DOCG Barolo $39.95 (211771) 14.0% alcohol
A quiet nose of lilac and leafy herbs opens this 6-year-old Nebbiolo. Red cherry with hints of red raspberry mingle with spice-infused, tangy red currant on the palate and dry, tangy finish. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a nicely balanced mid-length aftertaste. The solid tannin underpinning on the finish dictates a further two years in bottle or a three-hour decant then poured alongside Swiss steak or pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Pietra Pura ‘Mandus’ Primitivo Di Manduria 2008
DOP Primitivo Di Manduria $15.95 (216457) 14.0% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews in your favour with this gem from Puglia, it’s full of rich, fruit-filled flavour and a boatload of charm. The dark berry fruit, tobacco and gamey notes on the nose give way to flavours of black plum and black currant adorned with hints of black licorice and mocha. It’s medium-full weight with good mouth feel and a lengthy juicy aftertaste. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)


Cantine Cipressi ‘Rumen Molise’ Rosso 2007
DOC Rosso $14.95 (222646) 14.0% alcohol
This is a standout, value-packed buy punching well above its weight—pick up a case and tell your friends; in that order. A rich, dense, well-structured red blend, there’s a nicely balanced wash of dark berry fruit and savoury juicy acidity throughout. Supple fine-grained tannin underpin the entire effort and it works to perfection. Great with the grilled red meats you pull from your barbecue. (Vic Harradine)


Frascole Chianti Rufina 2007
DOCG Chianti Rufina $15.95 (085167) 14.5% alcohol
Toast and roasted herbs dominate the nose while persistent waves of pie cherry, dark berry fruit and mocha ripple over the palate and lengthy dry aftertaste. It’s medium-full bodied, nicely textured with a charming delivery of balanced ripe fruit framed by good moderating acidity. Give it a go with osso bucco, lasagna or steak tartare. (Vic Harradine)


Campedel Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008
DOP Valpolicella $16.95 (160242) 14.5% alcohol
Aged 12 months in 50-litre barrels, this is a very approachable and appealing wine that beckons with aromas of sweet ripe berries, spice, vanilla, cedar and pecan pie. Dry, medium bodied, it offers freshness, balance, a satiny texture and intense flavours of red fruit, spice and toasty cedar on the long finish. Simple grilled meats with a tomato-based BBQ sauce are in order or sip it at the end of the meal with fine cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Rosé Wine

Argiolas ‘Serra Lori’ Rosé 2010
IGT Isole dei Nuraghi $13.95 (224931) 13.5% alcohol
Looking for a ‘house Rosé’ to finish off summer and move into fall? Stock up on this; it’s value-packed, flavour-laden and simply delicious. Mixed spice and quince aromas provide segue to a delightful persistent wash of strawberry, red raspberry and red plum on the palate and dry tangy finish. Sip on its own or pair with a mixed deli platter or white pizza. Did I mention it’s delicious? (Vic Harradine)

Portugal: Red Wine

Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2007 

DOC Douro $19.95 (657452) 14.0% alcohol 

This winery spent a fortune modernizing their plant and equipment. Coupled with old-vine, premium ‘Port’ grapes planted on prime sites, you’ve got a name worth following. Raisin, roasted herbs and dark berry fruit on the nose, there’s a tsunami of rich, concentrated flavour—bramble berry pie, black currant and spice-infused plum compote. It’s full bodied and generously textured, turning racy and gamy on the rustic, tannic finish. Drink 2014 to 2019. Great value for those with patience. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

Martin Berdugo Crianza 2006
DO Ribera del Duero $17.95 (246926) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe and fruity, this wine also has some complexity—notes of spice, toast and vanilla aromas tantalize. Dry and medium bodied, there’s a core of sweet and spicy ripe fruit, fresh texture and soft well-integrated tannins, creating a lovely balance on the palate, followed by a dry yet fruity finish. Easy to enjoy! (Susan Desjardins)


Parés Balta Mas Elena 2007
DOC Penedès $17.95 (687236) 13.5% alcohol
This organic blend of Merlot and the Cabernets offers intriguing complexity of aromas—mineral, cherry/berry fruit, vanilla, rose-like floral notes and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s juicy dark fruit to the fore, supported by supple well-integrated tannins and finely balanced acidity. Spice and vanilla notes garnish the fresh fruity finish. Enjoy with a mixed grill. (Susan Desjardins)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: November 26, 2011

Calamus ‘Cosmic Red’ 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (258129) 12.4% alcohol
Well made, well paced and well… delicious. Showcasing sweet ripe fruit and substantial texture on the palate, this delivers a showy mélange of dark berry fruit and red cherry adorned by kitchen spice and toasty notes. It’s light-medium bodied and nicely balanced finishing with a lengthy well-balanced surge of red and black currant, mulberry and spice-laden cranberry tart. Sips well on its own and poured well with grilled T-bone, burgers and gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)


Stratus Gewürztraminer 2009
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $32.00 (251447) 13.5% alcohol
A gusher of aromas soar from the glass—honey, stone fruit, rosewater, spice and elusive tropical notes. Green gold, the wine is dry, medium-full bodied displaying a satiny texture complemented with fresh acidity. Intensely flavourful, its floral character married with rich ripe fruit and exotic spice, the wine finishes long and smooth. Enjoy it with liver terrine or prosciutto with melon. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: January 12, 2012

Calamus ‘Cosmic White’ 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (255893) 12.4% alcohol
This delivers an astounding sweet and tang experience—in a word, yummy. Subtle aromas of apple, mixed spice and floral presage a delightful shower of racy lime sherbet, ripe peach and pear adorned by spice-laden yellow plum. It’s medium weight and nicely textured sporting a lengthy sweet and tang, yin and yang aftertaste setting it up as a gorgeous sipping wine or the perfect partner with spicy Asian dishes. It earned its final ½ star on value. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (250217) 12.5% alcohol
Look for a spiffy new label on this aperitif-styled white from the Speck boys. It blossoms from the glass with highly perfumed tropical fruit, fruit flan and floral notes. There’s loads of sweet, ripe fruit flavour on the palate with yellow peach, honeydew melon, and sweet lemon tart. It’s fully flavoured with good mouth feel and a lingering finish replaying the sweet fruit flavours. Serve well chilled. (Vic Harradine)


SKN Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley $16.95 (218834) 13.5% alcohol
A new value-packed California Cab from tony Napa Valley that’s nicely balanced with a solid core of dark fruit flavour. The palate’s bathed with brambleberry and black plum adorned with hints of mocha and bittersweet chocolate. The finish is layered and lip-smacking good. Good to go with grilled smoked ribs, steaks or burgers. (Vic Harradine)


Sandbanks Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Ontario $14.95 (177485) 12.0% alcohol
Asian spice, cedar and berry fruit aromas segue a persistent balanced wave of flavour on the palate—ripe blackberry, cranberry and succulent cherry. It’s medium bodied with good texture and long finish layering on an herbaceous leafy tone. It’s well priced and bistro-styled; give it a go with pasta in tomato-based sauce or spicy wings. (Vic Harradine)


Sandbanks Riesling 2009
VQA Ontario $14.95 (139022) 11.5% alcohol
Racy, dry and expressive, this is a beauty. Crisp green apple, bracing lemony citrus and juicy Greengage plum flavours wash over the palate in zesty waves. It’s bone dry, loaded with tangy freshness persisting through the lengthy aftertaste. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with an attractive price-quality ratio. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)


Sandbanks ‘Shoreline – Red’ 2008
VQA Ontario $14.95 (139022) 11.5% alcohol
Spice, fig and prune aromas waft freely from this mid weight generously textured Merlot-Cabernet blend. Ripe juicy fruit coats the palate and persists through the sweet, fruit-laden finish—black juicy cherry, dark plum compote and blueberry tart. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel delivering a crowd-pleasing, value-packed red. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Calamus ‘Cosmic Red’ 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (258129) 12.4% alcohol
Well made, well paced and well… delicious. Showcasing sweet ripe fruit and substantial texture on the palate, this delivers a showy mélange of dark berry fruit and red cherry adorned by kitchen spice and toasty notes. It’s light-medium bodied and nicely balanced finishing with a lengthy well-balanced surge of red and black currant, mulberry and spice-laden cranberry tart. Sips well on its own and poured well with grilled T-bone, burgers and gourmet sausage. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery from Calamus Estate Winery. (Vic Harradine)


Calamus ‘Cosmic White’ 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (255893) 12.4% alcohol
This delivers an astounding sweet and tang experience—in a word, yummy. Subtle aromas of apple, mixed spice and floral presage a delightful shower of racy lime sherbet, ripe peach and pear adorned by spice-laden yellow plum. It’s medium weight and nicely textured sporting a lengthy sweet and tang, yin and yang aftertaste setting it up as a gorgeous sipping wine or the perfect partner with spicy Asian dishes. It earned its final ½ star on value. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery from Calamus Estate Winery. (Vic Harradine)


Cattail Creek ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Four Mile Creek $19.45 (257303) 12.5% alcohol
From the heartbreak grape, a heartthrob wine—you’ll fall in love with this. It’s highly perfumed with red cherry, Asian spice, toast and beetroot aromas, perfectly balanced and simply delicious. Lively spice-infused flavours bathe the palate with Montmorency cherry, ripe succulent black plum and racy red currant to the fore. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a generous aftertaste that’s lip-smacking good. Lovely sipped on its own and poured perfectly with grilled smoked duck breasts. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery from Cattail Creek. (Vic Harradine)

Tasted the following Fielding ‘Meritage’ last year at this time and gave it 5 stars. I think it shows more depth, a bit more complexity and as much promise as before. My most recent tasting notes follow. Should I have given it 5½ stars?

My first crack at the ‘Chosen Few Red’ and it’s a whopper of a wine. Needing time in the bottle, connoisseurs, collectors and just plain red-wine lovers with a bit of extra cash will certainly want a piece of this.


Fielding Estate Winery ‘Meritage’ 2007

VQA Niagara Peninsula $60.15 13.5% alcohol

Dark, rich and bursting with complexity, this red blend—62% Merlot, 34% Cab Sauv and 4% Cab Franc—is an unfined, unfiltered stunner. Deep rich berry fruit aromas interweave with toasty notes, espresso roast and sweet vanilla wafting from this medium-full bodied, generously textured beauty. Succulent cassis, racy cranberry and sweet ripe mulberry wash in endless waves over the palate. Black pepper and spice-infused chocolate-covered cherries adorn the endless, well-balanced aftertaste. The firm tannin underpinning adds structure and charm Drink 2013 to 2018. Order for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)


Fielding Estate Winery ‘Chosen Few Red’ 2007

VQA Niagara Peninsula $75.15 13.8% alcohol

One of Niagara’s most exciting young winemakers, a spectacular red-wine vintage and meticulous grape and barrel selection coalesced into this b-cubed hedonistic red blend—brash, bold and beautiful. Needing at least 4 more years in bottle, it’s tight now, tasting as juicy, dense and thick as a barrel sample, with added charm. Dark toast, roasted herbs and spice-laden dark berry fruit on the nose, it coats the palate with teeth-staining waves of espresso roast, dark juicy succulent fruit—black currant, Bing cherry and black plum—adorned with fennel and kitchen spice. It’s full bodied, fully flavoured and sports a lingering fruit-filled finish framed by moderating acidity underpinned by firm unresolved tannin. Winemaker, Richie Roberts, suggest cellaring potential to 2020. Order for daily home or office delivery from Fielding . (V. Harradine)

Cheers, Vic and Susan