February 18, 2012 Vintages Release

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

South Africa Feature - Vic is in South Africa and for the next few weeks, presently tasting and spitting his way through wineries near Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Even though it’s harvest, winery principals, managers, marketers and winemakers gave most generously of their time providing winecurrent subscribers with a rare glimpse into the history of the Cape winelands along with an interesting take on what the future holds.

There’s a brief introduction to each winery and a number of wines reviewed that you access via the link below. Many are, or will be, available through agents and in LCBO, SAQ and other Canadian retail stores. You’ll most likely learn a great deal and, if you have any thoughts of a visit, you’ll get a feel for the treat in store. Read more…

California Wine Fair Tour - The 32nd annual Canadian celebration of California's wine community touches down in seven cities coast to coast beginning Friday, March 30 in Ottawa then stopping in Toronto, Montreal, Québec City, Vancouver, Calgary and finishing in Halifax Thursday, May 10.

Over 110 wineries offer more than 450 different wines for tasting. These tastings provide a wonderful opportunity to sample a wide range of styles and varietals from all of the major wine-growing regions of the Golden State. This is the largest tasting tour of California wines in Canada.

For information on the tour or to book tickets, contact California Wines at 1-800-558-2675 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click here…

All LCBO stores will be closed on Monday, February 20 for Family Day.

Some LCBO agency stores will observe their normal hours of business on February 20. LCBO offices, including LCBO Customer Service and helloLCBO, will be closed on Family Day.

For more information, customers should contact the toll-free, bilingual helloLCBO at 1-800-668-5226 or online at www.helloLCBO.com. In Toronto, call 416 365-5900. The TTY number for the deaf or hard of hearing is 416 864-6898 or 1-800-361-3291.

• Finding Waldo – six wines sport the new icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’ and not one is in the Main release
• Susan’s Top Pick – the 4½ star Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 @ $37.95 found in the Feature: Customer Favourites
• Vic’s Top Pick – the Vintages Essentials 4½ star $14.95 Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2009

This winecurrent newsletter begins with a feature from the Vintages Release catalogue on ‘Customer Favourites’ then a mini-feature on ‘Kosher Wine’ followed by the Main Release.

Feature: Customer Favourites

Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Sonoma County $22.95 (331603) 13.5% alcohol
Inky purple, this dry, medium bodied wine is fruit forward and deftly balanced. Aromas of dark fruit, vanilla and sweet spice rush from the glass, presaging lavish dark cherries and berries, spice and well-integrated toasty oak underpinned by ripe tannin and just the right degree of acidity. The attractive toasty notes and a hint of sweet vanilla extend through the flavourful finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Rocca delle Macìe ‘Tenuta Sant’Alfonso’ Chianti Classico 2007
DOCG Chianti Classico $21.95 (942094) 14.0% alcohol
Intensity is the watchword for this wine. From the inky purple hue to the dark fruit aromas and flavours, it delivers great impact. Look for complexity on the nose and palate, nuances of spice, toast and cedar creating an intricate dance with the ripe, dark fruit. Ripe tannin, well-tuned acidity and finely-integrated oak create a beautifully balanced and deeply flavourful wine with a lasting spice-infused finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2008
IGT Veronese $24.95 (672931) 13.5% alcohol
This single-vineyard offering went through a second fermentation when a portion of the grapes, ‘raisined’ ‘till January, were added to the fresh wine from September. Deep ruby, lifted aromas of blackberry jam and raspberry, spice and vanilla launch from the glass. Dry, full bodied, the subtle framing accentuates the sweet, dark, spice-infused fruit. Tasty, neatly balanced, it finishes full and fruity with a dash of pepper and a hint of chocolate. Enjoy now or cellar 5-7 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Masi Brolo di Campofiorin 2007
IGT Rosso del Veronese Appassimento $24.95 (976092) 14.0% alcohol
Dense, robust, inky and concentrated, this is another beautifully crafted winner, commanding attention with intense aromas of dark fruit, smoke, earth and dried fruits. Offering great substance, structure and weight, it’s dry, velvety and intensely flavourful with a punch of spice and pepper lifting the concentrated dark fruit. Enjoy the slightly warm, spicy, well-balanced finish. Serve with a strongly flavoured meat dish, or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough $15.95 (981670) 13.0% alcohol
Almost transparent, this wine offers a harmonious profile and the attractive pungency of lime, grapefruit, gooseberry and fresh herbs—oregano comes to mind. Dry, medium bodied, it’s juicy and crisp with a tangy, refreshing, slightly pithy finish. Try it with a crust-less goat cheese and vegetable quiche. (Susan Desjardins)


Pirramimma Shiraz 2009
McLaren Vale $26.95 (987784) 15.5% alcohol
Inky and intense from start to finish, this is a big, robust, red with great depth of flavour and well-defined structure. Intense aromas of sweet, dark fruit, dried fruit, licorice allsorts, spice and vanilla captivate. The fruit jumps to the fore on the palate and carries right through the extended finish, subtle acidity and ripe tannin bring balance along with spice and pepper. This calls for a big juicy steak with balsamic herb dressing. Cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2009
AOC Côtes du Roussilon-Villages $18.95 (119354) 14.5% alcohol
This blend of Grenache and Syrah with a dash of Carignan delivers on all counts. The aromas are enticing and complex—sweet fruit underlies herbal/lavender notes, a mineral character and hints of spiced chocolate. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s depth and breadth to the fruit—blackberry, plum and tangy raspberry—a refreshing texture, ripe tannin and a nuance of spiced vanilla. The finish is warm, lasting and loaded with ripe fruit. Great value, enjoy it now with herbed lamb chops or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Ivoire’ Brut Blanc de Blancs Non-vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $18.95 (48801) 12.0% alcohol
Dry, light in body, offering a fine creamy mousse, this lovely Crémant balances refreshing vibrant acidity, clean minerality and subtle notes of citrus, green apple and brioche. Long and bright on the finish, it’s excellent value and can be enjoyed on its own or with light appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)


7 Deadly Zins ‘Old vine Zinfandel’ 2009
Lodi $24.95 (59311) 15.0% alcohol
Deep purple, this is a hugely perfumed wine—aromas of sweet spice, pepper, blackberry jam and blueberry pie leap from the glass. Dry, fruit forward, it’s dense, sweet and toasty on the palate. Big, fleshy, appealingly delicious, while spice-infused, black fruit lingers on the tasty finish. Enjoy it with ribs slathered with BBQ sauce. (Susan Desjardins)


Jean-Ernest Descombes Morgon 2010
AOC Morgon $18.95 (946186) 13.0% alcohol
Semi-opaque violet, this classic red produced from the Beaujolais varietal, Gamay, delivers fresh aromas of cherry cola, sweet raspberry and spiced cherries. The fruits replay on the palate balanced by crisp acidity and perceptible tannin, the finish is refreshing and rich in flavour. Serve now with glazed roast duck breast with a raspberry sauce or enjoy over the next couple of years. (Susan Desjardins)


Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007
DOCa Rioja $15.95 (166538) 13.5% alcohol
This classic ruby-toned Tempranillo entices with layered aromas of red fruit, spice, vanilla and hints of flowers and leather. Dry, medium-full bodied, well-framed red fruit is matched with lively acidity, spicy notes tingling on the palate with a peppery note adding tang to the full, fruity finish. Enjoy with a cheesy tourtière. (Susan Desjardins)


Duckhorn Merlot 2009
Napa Valley $56.95 (992529) 14.5% alcohol
Blended with a touch of Cabs, this is an intense, succulent red that layers elusive aromas of vanilla, herbs, earth and spice on red cherry, berry and plum. Dry, medium-full bodied, plush and velvety, the structure’s subtle while the spice-infused fruit is rich and ripe. Warm toasty notes grace the extended finish. Sip, savour and serve with grilled beef tenderloin or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $37.95 (719120) 15.0% alcohol
Deep ruby, this is remarkable value delivering a wealth of aromas—luscious fruit, earth, spice, sandalwood and sweet vanilla. Dry and full bodied, it’s deliciously fruity yet offers the tantalizing complexity of herbes de Provence, exotic spice, and toasty vanilla. The balance is exquisite, the structure finely and subtly wrought, creating a round, mouth-filling texture. Warm toasty peppery notes add a tang to the lingering finish. Savour now or cellar long term. (Susan Desjardins)

Feature: Kosher Wine

Tabor ‘Galil Series’ Merlot 2009 

Lower Galilee $14.95 (183517) 13.9% 

This is Kosher for Passover. Fragrant with juicy, ripe, spiced plum and cherry/berry fruit aromas, this dry, medium-bodied red has a nice, soft texture. Fresh acidity and soft tannin support the vivid black cherry and raspberry fruit adorned with gentle notes of spiced toast and chocolate. There’s balance here and a fresh, fruity, peppery, mid-length aftertaste. (Susan Desjardins)


Recanati Shiraz KP 2010
Galilee $18.95 (218685) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of raspberry, plum and spiced rose dominate this attractive violet-hued wine. Dry, medium bodied, there’s an earthy, mineral character underlying red and black berries, toast and spice. Deftly crafted, the soft tannin and lively acidity ensure good balance with a bright peppery note lifting the fruity finish. Enjoy now or cellar 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Castell d’Olerdola Cava ‘Brut’ Non-vintage
DO Penedès $18.95 (267369) 11.5% alcohol
Attractive leesy, citrusy aromas mingle with a notion of ripe pear. Semi-dry, this classically made blend of the famous Cava varietals is light-medium bodied, creamy on the palate, offering flavours of stone fruit, mandarin orange and lime. Well crafted and balanced, it’s quite fresh and lively through the finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Vignobles David ‘le Mourre de l’Isle Côtes du Rhône KP’ 2010
AOC Côtes du Rhône $16.95 (128124) 14.0% alcohol
This Kosher red was available at this time last year—the previous vintage poured well and so does this. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, this deep purple wine begs your attention with lifted, almost pungent, red berry aromas wrapped in notes of cedar, licorice, herbs and spice. Dry, medium bodied, the lively acidity and perceptible tannin complement red and black cherry/berry flavours, spice and pepper adding an attractive tang. Fresh, dry and crisp, this is very good value. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Sparkling Wine



Peller Estates ‘Ice Cuvée’ Rosé 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $35.20 (113035) 12.0% alcohol 

A lovely salmon pink, this versatile sparkler combines Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as the base wine with a dash of Cabernet Franc. It displays sweet, almost honeyed, red berry fruit on the nose. Just off-dry due to dosage with ice wine, it has a fine light mousse and replays the lively berry flavours on the palate—think of sun-kissed, field-ripe strawberries and juicy, ripe currant. It’s refreshing with a hint of sweetness that lingers on the finish. This is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

13th Street ‘June’s Vineyard’ Riesling 2010
VQA Creek Shores $17.95 (147512) 11.5% alcohol
Pale straw, this appealing wine is rich with mango and stone fruit overlaid with a whiff of tangerine and lime. Just off-dry, fresh acidity underlines flavours of fresh juicy sun-kissed peach and pear. Sweet and tangy citrus notes persist on the lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Sip and enjoy. (Susan Desjardins)


13th Street ‘Old Vines’ Riesling 2010
VQA Creek Shores $23.95 (272617) 125% alcohol
Pale gold, this lovely wine is a touch off dry, offering intricate and alluring aromas—floral, mango, stone fruit, lime and a whiff of mineral and petrol. Rich, ripe and round, the ample fruit is balanced by lively acidity and subtle underlying minerality. It’s appealing, approachable and refreshingly fruity on the finish. Enjoy with scallops. (Susan Desjardins)


Bachelder ‘Niagara’ Chardonnay 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $31.95 (271841) 13.0% alcohol
Thomas Bachelder, former winemaker at Le Clos Jordanne, now describes himself as a ‘wine gypsy’, producing Chardonnay designed to reflect the terroir in three cool-climate regions—Niagara, Oregon and Burgundy. This Niagara version offers elegant subtle aromas of orchard fruit, citrus and mineral. Dry and medium bodied, elusive nutty notes mingle with ripe pear and Honey Crisp apple. A fine seam of acidity, minerality and well-integrated oak assure harmony. Fine and freshly textured throughout, it delivers a long, tangy finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Creekside Estate ‘Laura’s White’ 2009 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (121764)12.7% alcohol 

Aromas of exotic spice, honeysuckle and tropical fruit waft freely from this tangy, artfully blended gem—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Muscat and Viognier. It dishes up a crisp, refreshing river of tropical fruit, apple and juicy citrus on the palate and mouth-watering aftertaste. Sips beautifully on its own or poured with skillet-seared fish or seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)


Mike Weir Riesling 2008 

VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (229286) 12.0% alcohol 

This is an absolutely lovely pale-gold Riesling, aromatic with floral, citrus, orchard fruit and petrol notes. Off-dry with a fine backbone of acidity shining through, it offers perfect balance to the fine fruit flavours. The finish is lengthy and citrus-laden, refreshing on the palate. Well crafted and great value—buy a half case. You’ll be supporting the Mike Weir Charitable Foundation, the principal beneficiary of profits from the sale of this wine. (Susan Desjardins)



Tawse Winery ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Chardonnay 2009

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (089037) 13.0% alcohol

This is mid weight, nicely textured and brimming with charm and flavour. Sweet vanilla, spiced tropical fruit and nutty wisps on the nose, it delivers a well-balanced, crisp and refreshing mouthful of green apple, ripe pear and lemon and lime mouth-watering citrus. It finishes in a lengthy blaze of lip-smacking flavour with nutty, oaky nuances. It’s poured well with roast chicken or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine



Creekside Estate ‘Laura’s Red’ 2007 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (117960) 12.7% alcohol 

This is another award-winner, a Bordeaux blend aged 21 months in French and American oak. This is the first vintage it includes five varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to the fore, along with Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. From that wonderful 2007 vintage, this is medium-full bodied, deep and inky with loads of aromas and flavours of dark berries and plums with some attractive cedar, sweet spice and herbal notes. Ripe tannin and fine acidity create the framework for lovely balance. The finish is dry and persistent. A good choice for hearty winter meals. (Susan Desjardins)

Okanagan Valley, B.C.: Red Wine

Township 7 Syrah 2007
VQA Okanagan Valley $24.95 (263665) 12.6% alcohol
Unfiltered, aged in French oak, this award-winning, garnet-hued wine boasts aromas of cherry, berry and spice. Dry, medium bodied, it displays a velvety texture, concentrated cherry and plum flavours, a dash of black pepper and an earthy, autumnal quality that persists on the lasting finish. Pair it with beef tenderloin stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. (Susan Desjardins)

Oregon: White Wine

Bachelder ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay 2009
Willamette Valley $36.95 (273334) 13.0% alcohol
Fine restrained aromas waft from the glass—floral, sweet orchard fruit, nutty notes and a hint of vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied, round and polished, this wine displays a fine balance of well-tuned acidity, seamlessly integrated oak and luscious ripe fruit. There’s great consistency and elegance through the lingering finish. Enjoy it with creamy pasta and lightly grilled chicken. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Xumek ‘Reserva’ Malbec/Syrah 2009
Zonda Valley $24.95 (265207) 14.0% alcohol
Produced from hand-harvested fruit, aged 12 months in French oak, this inky wine is dry, medium-full bodied and quite savoury. Aromas and flavours of dark spiced fruit, licorice, vanilla and herbs mingle to create an intriguing taste experience. Fresh acidity and perceptible tannin provide balance to the depth of ripe fruit. Enjoy with robust grilled meats or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Hacienda Araucano ‘Reserva’ Syrah 2009
Lolol Valley $14.95 (269209) 14.0% alcohol
Dry, full bodied, this wine is appealingly fruit forward—aromas and flavours of blueberry pie, sun-warmed ripe blackberries, vanilla and spice are embraced by subtle structure. Sweet spicy fruit flows through the fruity finish. Enjoy with juicy burgers or barbequed ribs. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

de Bortoli ‘Gulf Station’ Pinot Noir 2010
Yarra Valley $19.95 (15511) 13.0% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby, this dry, silky, medium-bodied Pinot offers aromas of clean red fruit with notes of earth and spicy toast adding interest. The cherry/berry fruit replays on the palate, vanilla and spice reflecting well-integrated oak. There’s good structure and bright acidity to match that pure spiced fruitalong with a refreshing, lingering finish. Pick up a few bottles to enjoy over the next couple of years. (Susan Desjardins)

France: White Wine

Perrin & Fils ‘Réserve’ Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010
AOC Côtes du Rhône $14.95 (499509) 13.0% alcohol
Yellow green, this blend of classic Rhône white varietals offers subtle aromas of stone fruit, mineral and white flowers. Dry, medium bodied, fresh in texture, citrus, orchard and stone fruit mingle on the palate with hints of pithy grapefruit zest extending through the finish, Nicely balanced, this works with pasta alle vongole or pan-fried white fish. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Christian Moueix Pomerol 2007 

AOC Pomerol $24.95 (903013) 13.0% alcohol 

The nose is complex with aromas of red cherry, plum, earth, toasted nuts and vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied, with great balance and finesse, the wine has firm, ripe tannins, refreshing acidity and a core of cherry fruit with an underlying earthy quality. Notes of charry toast linger on the delectable, persistent finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Champy ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2009
AOC Bourgogne $20.95 (1149) 13.5% alcohol
From the oldest producer in Burgundy, the winery founded in 1720, this semi-transparent ruby wine layers aromas of roasted beetroot, fresh red berries, earth, herbs and floral notes. Silky yet dry, it’s medium bodied, vividly fresh and gently structured. Mouth-filling flavours of bright red berries, dried herbs and a hint of vanilla bathe the palate and extend through the finish. Great value. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2006 

DOC Gioia del Colle $13.95 (724674) 13.5% alcohol 

Well priced, the aromas and flavours—espresso roast, mocha, spice and mixed dark berry fruit—are underpinned by moderating acidity and almost imperceptible, ripe tannin. It’s medium bodied and silky smooth with a balanced spicy finish. It ratchets up a notch with food, try pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine



Beronia ‘Reserva’ 2006 

DOCa Rioja $19.95 (050203) 13.6% alcohol 

Dark and brooding in the glass, the aromas of espresso roast, fennel, mixed spice and field berry fruit abound. The sweet juicy flavours wash over the palate and aftertaste—black juicy Bing cherry and sweet succulent mulberry underpinned by sweet tannin and framed by moderating acidity. Mid weight and nicely textured, the finish layers on hints of truffles and sprigs of savoury herbs. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: March 18, 2012

Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2010
WO Western Cape $14.95 (328559) 14% alcohol
Firm and focused, this delivers a spirited wash of racy, lip-smacking Chardonnay to be enjoyed as an aperitif or poured alongside lemon veal, pan-seared fish or grilled/steamed crustaceans. Aromas of baking spice, Meyer lime and fragrant floral notes herald a mouth-watering river of green apple and ripe yellow plum interwoven with toasty, nutty notes. This is mid-weight and generously textured with a lingering, clean, refreshing aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)


Spice Route Shiraz 2009
WO Swartland $24.95 15.0% alcohol
Reflecting dry-grown bush vines, seasoned French and American oak, and the sparse, warm terroir of Swartland, this hustles from the glass with a profusion of energetic aromas with aromatic bitters, black licorice and dark, ripe berry fruit among them. A tsunami wave of sweet, ripe mulberry, raisined berries and spice-laden black plum compote washes over the palate persisting through the lengthy, fruit-laden aftertaste. This is full-bodied, value-packed and generously textured with good acidity for balance and an underpinning of sweet, ripe tannin. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages – this is a Vintages Essentials wine - always available in select stores.

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2009
WO Coastal Region, South Africa $14.95 (595280) 14.0% alcohol
Balanced and brimming with beautiful fruit, this has structure, a lingering aftertaste and oodles of charm—a $15 red tasting $20 and more. Red berry fruit, floral notes and mineral on the nose, this bursts on the palate with a balanced, persistent wash of briary berry and juicy black Bing cherry adorned by mixed spice. It’s medium-full weight with lovely mouth feel and a mouth-watering lively finish—each sip’s better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Boschendal ‘The Pavillion’ Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
WO Western Cape $11.95 (222299) 13.7% alcohol
Aromas of spice, cherry/berry fruit and nuances of dark coffee aromas open this easy-going, red blend—60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. A gusher of juicy, ripe, sweet, berry fruit—black juicy cherry and briary berry—coats the palate, persisting through the nicely balanced, mid-length finish. A crowd pleaser sipped on its own, it pours well alongside burgers, meat-laden pizza and pasta arrabiata. (Vic Harradine)


Goats do Roam ‘White’ 2011
WO Coastal Region $11.95 (237313)
Tropical fruit and floral notes dominate the nose of this crisp and mouth-watering delectable, Rhône-style blend. Unique and refreshing, it’s well balanced and fruit-laden with lemon-lime citrus and ripe pineapple interlaced with ripe honeydew melon and succulent white peach. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and a dry, crisp, lip-smacking finish—what’s not to like? Extremely versatile at the table, it’s an excellent sipper and pours well with lighter-styled appetizers and mains, especially chicken, veal and sea food. (Vic Harradine)


Goats do Roam ‘Red’ 2011
WO Western Cape $12.95 (718940)
This punches well above the price making it hard to walk by without picking up a few. Rhône varietals Shiraz, Mourvède and others are blended with a splash of South African Pinotage making this unique and absolutely delicious. Perfumed aromas of dark berry fruit and spiced black plum herald a gorgeous, nicely balanced wash of clean, refreshing flavours with sweet, ripe mulberry and juicy, black cherry predominant. It’s mid-full weight and well textured with a juicy, succulent, fruity finish. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $11.95 (200501) 11.5% alcohol
Yellow-green hued, this slightly off-dry fruity Riesling offers attractive aromas of citrus, mineral and orchard fruit. Fresh and tangy, lemon-lime and green apple layered on mineral and lively acidity create a tasty, nicely balanced zesty mouthful on the palate and zesty finish. This pours well with grilled chicken or veal, seafood or fish. (Susan Desjardins)


Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
WO Paarl $10.95 (111526) 14.8% alcohol
Racy and robust flavours of smoke, dark, ripe berry fruit, tar and black licorice abound. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and a mid-length, balanced finish that’s underpinned by perceptible tannin and framed by good, mouth-watering acidity. Decant a couple of hour pouring alongside grilled or roasted beef or hearty stew. (Vic Harradine)


Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc 2011
WO Coastal Region $10.95 (187229) 13.6% alcohol
Here’s a crowd-pleasing, nicely fashioned Sauvignon Blanc with oodles of ripe, sweet fruit flavour, refreshing acidity and a fair share of charm. Wisps of grassy and herbaceous aromas segue a light-medium-bodied wash of lemon pie filling, ripe pineapple and succulent white peach that’s persistent on the palate and through the lip-smacking, lingering aftertaste. Lovely sipped as an aperitif, it also pairs well with pan-seared fish and sea food. (Vic Harradine)


Nederburg Shiraz 2009
WO Coastal Region $10.95 (527457) 14.4% alcohol
Aromas and flavours of charry toast, black licorice and peppery, spiced black plum compote abound. It’s mid weight with a solid tannin underpinning and finishes in a blaze of racy red fruit—sour cherry, red currant and red plum mingling with toasty oak; it spent 12 months in new and seasoned oak barrels. A two-hour decant and poured with rare-grilled steak will add to your pleasure. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Konzelmann Rosé 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 13.0% alcohol
Deep-salmon toned, this Merlot-based Rosé offers charming aromas of red fruit—wild strawberries, ripe red cherries, plum and cranberry sauce—along with an elusive whiff of sweet flowers. Dry and light-medium bodied, fresh acidity balances savoury and sweet red fruit with a dash of white pepper lifting the mid-length finish. Tasty on its own, it also matches well with duck with a red currant glaze. Order by the case for delivery to your home or office from Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)


Konzelmann Heritage 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.20 14.0% alcohol
If you prefer your reds powerful and intensely flavourful, this red blend—Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—is for you. Crimson purple, the aromas are complex, subtle and alluring—cedar, smoke, red and black berry, spice and elusive vanilla. Dry, robust, vibrant and firmly structured, the tantalizing flavours—cherries, blackberry and plum—are favourably married to well-tuned acidity. Intriguing herbal, earthy notes and nuances of toast and pepper linger on the extended finish of this young red. It’s well crafted, loaded with flavour, cellarable medium term and available to order by the case for delivery to your home or office from Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan