March 3, 2012 Vintages Release
Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:
South Africa Feature II - Vic is still 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…
- Finding Waldo – six wines sport the new
icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’, one in the Main Release, one in New in the LCBO Portfolio and four in the South Africa Feature reached by link above - Susan’s Value Picks under $15 – Casa Silva ‘Reserva’ Carmenère 2009, Cattail Creek ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Château de Parenchère 2009, Umani Ronchi ‘San Lorenzo’ Rosso Conero 2008, Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2010
- Vic’s Top Pick – Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 Napa Valley $21.95
Feature: French Signature
Kuehn ‘Grand Cru Florimont’ Riesling 2009
AOC Alsace Grand Cru, France $21.55 (260257) 12.5% alcohol
Perfumed aromas of exotic spice introduce a persistent off-dry stream of ripe fruit flavour moderated by a wonderful sweet and tang aftertaste. This is medium bodied with a generous mouth feel. Sweet pear, apple and spice mingle with lemony citrus on the palate while the mid-length finish layers on yellow plum and a refreshing dollop of key lime showcasing that magical yin and yang that pairs so well with spicy Asian dishes like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)
Joseph Cattin ‘Hatschbourg’ Pinot Gris 2009
AOC Alsace Grand Cru $19.95 (260240) 13.0% alcohol
Delicious and reliably well-crafted, this Alsatian gem is weighty, rich and layered. Honeyed stone fruit, honeydew melon and sweet citrus are dressed with soft floral and autumnal notes. Fine acidity underlines the sweet ripe fruit, spicy nutty notes lasting through the flavourful finish. A match for spicy sausage, this off-dry wine can be enjoyed for several more years. (Susan Desjardins)
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2010
AOC Sancerre $24.95 (264945) 12.5% alcohol
Dry, medium bodied, zesty and vibrant, this classic Sauvignon Blanc brings aromas and flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry and lime to the fore with racy acidity delivering a clean, crisp, lasting finish. Enjoy with pan-fried fish or seafood. (Susan Desjardins)
La Chablisienne ‘Montmains’ Chablis 1er Cru 2009
AOC Chablis $24.95 (265090)
Brilliant yellow-green, this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay invites with aromas of yellow plum, green apple, fresh citrus and a whiff of spice. Vibrant and refreshing, crisp yet creamy in texture, the minerality shines through, the tangy citrus fruit gracing a fresh, dry finish. Enjoy with roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)
Domaine des Ailes Moulin-à-Vent 2010
AOC Beaujolais $16.95 (183442) 13.0% alcohol
A lovely, raspberry-cordial hue, this classy award-winning Gamay is bursting with bright red fruit aromas and fresh floral notes. Dry, medium bodied, the red fruit flavours are intense—raspberry, strawberry and red currant—a vibrant spine of acidity and drying tannin add texture and length to a nicely balanced dry, spiced, fruity finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Delas Frères ‘Les Launes’ Crozes-Hermitage 2009
AOC Crozes-Hermitage $20.95 (701359) 13.0% alcohol
This dry, medium-full bodied Syrah is a fine value, featuring a tantalizing nose of raspberry jam, blackberry, sweet spice and autumnal notes. Well balanced and fresh textured, subtle notes of toast, pepper and spice layer on tangy fruit and persist through the lengthy finish. Serve with roast lamb or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Perrin & Fils ‘Les Christins’ Vacqueyras 2009
AOC Vacqueyras $23.95 (973453) 14.5% alcohol
This attractive, well-crafted blend of predominantly Grenache, and Syrah, displays great integration and balance while delivering a complex array of aromas—sweet fruit, spiced vanilla, floral notes and sweet, dried herbs. Dry, medium-full bodied, the sweetness of licorice mingles with the rich fruit flavours across the palate, subtle nuances of spice and toast persisting on the smooth, supple finish. Enjoy it now or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Domaine Thunevin-Calvet ‘Cuvée Constance’ 2008
AOC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages $18.95 (168890) 15.0% alcohol
The sweet aromas of vanilla and ripe fruit mingle with a whiff of spiced chocolate and an elusive earthiness. Dry, medium-full bodied, this blend of Grenache and Carignan was aged in concrete tank. It’s a well balanced red where fresh acidity and supple tannin create a frame for vivid flavours of red and black berries garnished with herbs and peppery notes. The warm lengthy finish is tangy, displaying a hint of dried herbs. Enjoy with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)
Château Cordet 2008
AOC Margaux $34.95 (243949) 13.0% alcohol
This classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with equal amounts of Cab Franc and Merlot displays an appealing earthiness layered with aromas of toasted cedar, spice, dried herbs and cassis. Dry, medium bodied, the lively acidity and firm tannins underpin spice-infused red fruit, the earthy herbal notes mingling with a whiff of smoke on a clean dry finish. Enjoy with herbed roast lamb. (Susan Desjardins)
Feature: Carmenère
Casa Silva ‘Reserva’ Carmenère 2009
Colchagua Valley $15.00 (24679) 14.0% alcohol
Inky purple, this is a very approachable wine that draws you in with intense aromas of dark fruit, smoke, mocha and herbs. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s big, round, smooth and tasty. Loads of dark fruit, sweet spice, pepper and charry toast is balanced by fresh acidity and framed by ripe tannin. Well priced, it will pair with your favorite grilled meat. (Susan Desjardins)
Montes Purple Angel 2009
Colchagua Valley $56.95 (62364) 14.5% alcohol
This iconic Carmenère, blended with 8% Petit Verdot and aged 18 months in French and American oak, displays power, elegance and complexity. Deep purple, it’s rich with fruit, spice and vanilla, layered on traces of earth and smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and plush, the core of potent dark fruit is livened by a tang of pepper. Ripe perceptible tannins and fresh acidity bring beautiful balance to an extended finish. Drinking well now, it will cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Concha y Toro ‘Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Block 27’ Carmenère 2008
Peumo Vineyard, Cachapoal Valley $29.95 (562892)
A tooth-staining deep carmine, this complex powerful red has fascinating aromas—rich, ripe fruit blends subtly with chocolate, caffé latté and spiced cedar. Weighty, with firm tannin, the texture is vibrant and fresh, the cherry/berry fruit and notes of dark chocolate offering depth and breadth of flavour through the dry, long-lasting, toasty finish. A finely crafted wine that will evolve and cellar long term. (Susan Desjardins)
Misiones de Rengo ‘Gran Reserva Cuvée’ Carmenère 2010
Rapel Valley $19.95 (264937) 14.0% alcohol
Intriguing notes of dried herbs, flowers, red berries, cherries and exotic spice drift from the glass of this dry, medium-full bodied wine. The framing is subtle, the texture fresh, well-integrated oak exists in fine balance with delicious red fruit and attractive notes of spiced, dark chocolate. Quite refined, offering persistent fruit as well as notes of spice and toast on the lasting finish, this is very good value that will cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
The Main Release
Ontario: White Wine
Cattail Creek ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
VQA Four Mile Creek $14.95 (271411) 13.0% alcohol
Clean yellow green, the aromas of pea pod, lemongrass and subtle tropical fruit entice. Dry, light-medium bodied, the palate is fresh and lively, the acidity clean and crisp, the flavours of tangy citrus and green apple adding verve through the finish. Enjoy with lemon-herbed roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: Red Wine
Featherstone ‘Red Tail’ Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 13.0% alcohol
Like the high-flying raptor that is an integral part of Featherstone’s sustainable agriculture, this wine delivers high-toned aromas of cherry/berry, spice and vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, it’s round, fruity and fresh, well framed with ripe tannin and fresh acidity. Attractive, spicy, peppery notes enhance the tangy, fruity finish. Finely crafted and quite delicious. (Susan Desjardins)
Ridgepoint ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 (89003) 12.5% alcohol
Succumb to the enticing aromas of earth, smoke, vanilla and red fruit that waft from the glass of this finely crafted Pinot. Dry, medium bodied, satiny yet lively in texture, subtly structured, the smokiness and vanilla persist on the palate, garnishing the ripe fruit and lingering on the finish. A wine that displays deftly-crafted balance of earth and fruit that will cellar short term. (Susan Desjardins)
Okanagan Valley, B.C.: White Wine
Gray Monk Riesling 2009
VQA Okanagan Valley $18.95 (273466) 12.5% alcohol
Pale gold and enticing, this clean, crisp wine features floral notes, stone fruit, citrus and mineral. Dry, medium bodied, it’s juicy and bright, the ripe fruit and fresh citrus riding a backbone of racy acidity and clean minerality. There’s great balance of sweet and tang through the fresh and fruity finish. A great match for trout, sole or scallops. (Susan Desjardins)
Okanagan Valley, B.C.: Red Wine
Jackson-Triggs ‘Gold Series Sunrock Vineyard’ Shiraz 2008
VQA Okanagan Valley $26.95 (271031) 14.0% alcohol
Big, powerful and robust, this award-winning Shiraz is produced from grapes grown in a unique South Okanagan vineyard that enjoys extra heat from a sheer rock face. Aged 18 months in French and American oak, it’s dry and full bodied offering a core of rich, peppery, dark fruit and the enticing complexity brought by nuances of toast, spiced vanilla and earth. Loaded with flavour, underpinned by still-drying tannins and fresh acidity, it wants a rare cut of meat—some may prefer to decant—and will cellar medium term. Stash a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)
California: White Wine
Marimar Estate ‘La Masía Don Miguel Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2007
Russian River Valley $19.95 (270090) 14.2% alcohol
Produced from organic grapes grown in a vineyard named after Miguel Torres, this Chardonnay has loads of personality. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s fragrant with ripe apple, pear and pineapple mingling with nutty, spicy aromas. Round, silky yet juicy and fresh, it delivers the zing of citrus, hints of caramel apple and roasted pear and a long mouth-watering finish. Enjoy now with chicken casserole or cellar 3-5 years. (Susan Desjardins)
Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay 2007
Napa Valley $21.95 (330233) 14.2% alcohol
Here’s a top-drawer Chardonnay with a fabulous price-quality ratio that’s worth much more than a look; toss a couple in the cart. Vanilla, floral and mixed fruit salad on the nose, it revs up on the palate with a gusher of rich, luscious, silky-smooth flavour—ripe pear, white peach and tropical fruit predominant. The lingering balanced aftertaste layers on lemon sherbet, decorating a delicious mouth-watering experience. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
Bonterra Merlot 2008
Mendocino County $19.95 (984724) 13.5% alcohol
Approachable and appealing, this dry medium-bodied red displays well-crafted balance of ripe tannin, fresh acidity and ripe red fruit—plum and cherry to the fore. Sweet spice and vanilla add interest and make for a very tasty, engaging Merlot. (Susan Desjardins)
Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2008
Sonoma County $29.95 (687970) 14.2% alcohol
Complexity is the hallmark of this semi-transparent, ruby wine. On the nose, there’s smoke, autumnal notes, vanilla and red fruit. Silky satiny on the palate, the flavours are red and black berry with an elusive toasty, almost chocolate, underlying nuance. Subtly structured and displaying fresh acidity and some warmth on the lengthy finish, it’s alluring and flavourful. It will cellar a few more years and will pair well with herbed veal chops. (Susan Desjardins)
Ravenswood ‘Vintners Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
California $18.95 (606632) 13.5% alcohol
High-toned aromas of cassis, cedar and spice unfurl on pouring this big potent wine. Dry, full bodied and succulent, it’s attractively structured, displaying freshness on the palate—there’s a hint of mint garnishing the cassis—and a lasting spice-infused fruity finish. Enjoy with hearty grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)
Argentina: Red Wine
Don Cristobal ‘1492’ Bonarda 2010
Ugarteche $12.95 (261941) 14.0% alcohol
Deep ruby-violet, this vigorous young red is loaded with berry fruit, spice and an intriguing note of grilled meat. Dry, medium-full bodied, tangy pepper and spice greet the palate as waves of fruit—blueberry and raspberry—mingle with notes of dark chocolate. The texture is lively, the tannin supple, the dry finish tangy and tasty. An excellent value that would work with hearty meat dishes. (Susan Desjardins)
Australia: White Wine
Yalumba ‘The Y Series’ Viognier 2011
South Australia $15.95 (624502) 13.5% alcohol
Featuring perfumed, high-toned floral and fruit aromas, this dry, mid-full weight wine is reliably good. It delivers nicely matched acidity and depth of fruit flavours—stone fruit and sweet citrus to the fore—finishing with an appealing slightly bitter zestiness that adds zip to the fruit. (Susan Desjardins)
Australia: Red Wine
Fetish Wine ‘The Watcher’ 2008
Barossa Valley $19.95 (219196) 14.5% alcohol
This is an inky wine that’s dry and fruity and loaded with spice and dark berry fruit– blueberry and blackberry. Mid-weight, soft in texture and generous on the palate, the flavours are reminiscent of luscious jams—blackberry and raspberry—yet it displays good balance. There’s a dollop of cassis, pepper and toast layered on the rich fruity finish. This is an appealing, flavourful wine that will cellar a few years. (Susan Desjardins)
New Zealand: White Wine
Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough $17.95 (734095) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a well-priced classic with lifted aromas of gooseberry, lime zest and fresh tropical fruit. Dry, crisp and clean, it’s medium bodied with a racy, refreshing texture, a citrus fruit core and an elusive mineral character. The long lasting finish is vibrant and mouth-wateringly delicious. (Susan Desjardins)
New Zealand: Red Wine
Sileni ‘Cellar Selection’ Pinot Noir 2011
Hawkes Bay $17.95 (694901) 12.0% alcohol
A transparent, cranberry hue, the aromas of bright, tangy, red fruit penetrate along with an underlying earthiness. Dry, light-medium bodied, it’s juicy, fruity and spicy, an easy-drinking, approachable food-friendly PInot with a tangy, earthy finish. Enjoy with braised chicken thighs or grilled salmon. (Susan Desjardins)
South Africa: Red Wine
The Grinder Pinotage 2010
WO Swartland $14.95 (269076) 14.0% alcohol
The aromas of this classic, award-winning red leap from the glass—smoky, charry, toasty notes wafting over red fruit and exotic spice. Dry, medium bodied, it glides across the palate with a lovely smooth texture, persistent smoky, toasty notes, lively red and black berries and a whiff of sweet vanilla. Well crafted and nicely framed, the lively fruit carries through the finish while the underlying notes of char and vanilla persist. (Susan Desjardins)
France: Red Wine
Château de Parenchère 2009
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur $14.95 (268698) 14.0% alcohol
There are some good values to be had from lesser-known regions and producers in Bordeaux and this blend (principally Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) is a fine example. Ruby hued with attractive aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, spice and cedar, it’s dry, round and medium bodied. Tannin makes its presence known across the palate, lively acidity ensures juicy texture and spice-infused dark fruit mingles with toasty notes through the finish. Pick up a few bottles of this wine to enjoy now and through the summer with hearty meat dishes. (Susan Desjardins)
Italy: White Wine
Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2010
DOC San Benedetto $13.95 (707158) 13.0% alcohol
Straw hued, dry and mid weight, this offers lovely aromas and flavours—citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes. Quite silky in texture, it has a spine of lively acidity that delivers a nice, tangy, full-flavoured finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Italy: Red Wine
Umani Ronchi ‘San Lorenzo’ Rosso Conero 2008
DOC Rosso Conero $14.95 (981191) 13.5% alcohol
Deep ruby-violet, this is good value produced from the Montepulciano grape with part of the wine aged in barrique and large cask. Aromas of sweet, ripe fruit, black licorice, herbs and earth lift from the glass. Dry, medium bodied, the dark berry fruit is framed by sleek tannin and lively acidity, earthy notes and hints of char adding layers of flavour that persist through the mouth-watering dry finish. Enjoy now or cellar short term. (Susan Desjardins)
Girolamo Aglianico 2008
IGP Puglia $16.95 (268367) 13.0% alcohol
Featuring one of Italy’s lesser known ‘noble’ varietals, this deep ruby Aglianico is fragrant with aromas of dark fruit, exotic spice and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, still-grippy tannin and lively acidity frame the textured core of dense dark fruit and the tangy notes of espresso. Serve it with hearty meat dishes or cellar a few more years. (Susan Desjardins)
Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2006
DOCG Montalcino $59.95 (378257) 14.0% alcohol
Elegant and refined, this semi-transparent Brunello is alluringly aromatic—autumnal notes, earth, violet, red berries, and vanilla. Medium bodied, pliant tannin creates a satiny texture, fresh acidity complements vibrant red fruit, delicate notes of spice and pepper mingle with the underlying earthiness that leaves a subtle mark on the dry finish. It shows lovely complexity and balance. Savour the wine now or cellar long term to enjoy further evolution. (Susan Desjardins)
Angelini ‘San Leonino’ Chianti Classico Riserva 2007
DOCG Chianti Classico $25.95 (232413) 13.5% alcohol
Enjoy the subtle aromas of red fruit, dried cherries, spice and an elusive earthiness in this dry, medium-bodied Sangiovese that’s blended with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Subtly yet firmly structured with ripe tannin and fine acidity, it’s round and glossy, the earthiness replaying on the palate, spice and pepper warming the supple, savoury finish. Serve with herbed pork loin or cellar 2-4 more years. (Susan Desjardins)
Spain: Red Wine
Palacios Remondo ‘La Vendimia’ 2010
DOCa Rioja $14.95 (674564) 14.5% alcohol
This nicely balanced, dry, medium-full bodied blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo displays fresh floral and spiced, cherry/berry aromas. There’s a fresh character here, a satiny supple texture and peppery warmth garnishing bright, spiced, red fruit. It finishes with an intriguing combination of freshness and warmth. Pick up a few bottles to enjoy with your favorite barbequed meats. (Susan Desjardins)
New in the LCBO Portfolio
Palatine Hills 1812 Chardonnay 2008
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $12.20 (260430) 12.5% alcohol
This recently introduced Chardonnay spent an extended period aging on the lees and offers fresh floral and fruit aromas. Dry, medium bodied, it’s quite round with lively acidity and appealing flavours of orchard fruit citrus and a slightly nutty nuance. The fresh finish is lively and lasting. It’s a versatile wine that will brighten up any casual party. (Susan Desjardins)
Palatine Hills ‘1812’ Merlot-Cabernet 2010
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $13.20 (260448) 12.5% alcohol
Inky purple, this dry, mid-weight red blend is fruit forward and easy drinking with attractive aromas of plum, black berries, pepper and earth. Soft and fruity on the palate, lively notes of spice and pepper garnish the flavourful finish. Enjoy with burgers or pizza. (Susan Desjardins)
Trumpour’s Mill Riesling 2009
VQA Prince Edward County $14.95 (028258) 9.5% alcohol
Just off-dry, this light-medium bodied Riesling is refreshing and crisp with attractive aromas and flavours of stone fruit, citrus and mineral. Vibrant acidity matches lovely lime and nectarine notes through a clean tangy finish. (Susan Desjardins)
New in Ontario Wineries
2027 ‘19th Street’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $30.00 13.0% alcohol
Barrel fermented and aged 14 months in French oak, this wild-ferment Chardonnay offers an enticing nose of caramel apple, ripe pear and toasted nuts. Creamy and round, dry and medium-full bodied, the flavours are true, the texture luscious and the finish full and delicious. Great balance and weight, it’s a candidate for medium-term cellaring. Order by the case for home or office delivery from 2027 Cellars. (Susan Desjardins)
2027 ‘Queenston Road’ Pinot Noir 2010
VQA St. David’s Bench $35.00 13.2% alcohol
Deep ruby, this unfiltered Pinot also went through wild ferment then aged 14 months in French oak. There’s an intriguing array of well-developed aromas—vanilla, spice, rich cherry and red berry fruit and an earthy quality. Dry, with firm tannin and well-tuned acidity, the wine has a rich earthy character, plenty of depth of fruit and attractive notes of sweet spice and toast that unfurl through the lengthy finish. Enjoy now or cellar mid-term. Order by the case for home or office delivery from 2027 Cellars. (Susan Desjardins)
2027 ‘Falls Vineyard’ Riesling 2008
VQA Vinemount Ridge $18.95 10.0% alcohol
This Mosel-style, single-vineyard Riesling offers a clean, crisp profile where citrus, mineral and a whiff of petrol dominate. Dry, juicy and mouth-watering, the fresh flavours of lemon-lime, stone fruit and green apple are married to racy acidity and keen minerality. There’s great balance, a lasting finish and it’s a good choice for freshwater fish or pork tenderloin. Enjoy it now or cellar a further 3-4 years to further develop petrol notes. Order by the case for home or office delivery from 2027 Cellars. (Susan Desjardins)
Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.00 13.0% alcohol
A blend of estate and grower fruit, this ruby Pinot was aged 9 months in French oak and offers upfront cherry/berry aromas blended with attractive notes of spice, cedar and vanilla. It’s dry, medium bodied and elegantly balanced with ripe tannin and lively acidity frame fresh red fruit flavours, notes of white pepper and spice persisting through a lasting savoury finish. Enjoy now with medium-rare, beef tenderloin or cellar medium term. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Lailey Vineyard. (Susan Desjardins)
Reif Pinot-Shiraz ‘The Magician’ 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $30.15 14.0% alcohol
Thirty percent of the grapes for this purple-hued blend were kiln dried in the passimento style, delivering the rich depth of dried fruit to the aromas of exotic spice and pepper, herbs and berry. Dry, medium-full bodied, the velvety texture of this deftly balanced wine is gorgeous, the mouth feel rich and the structure subtle. Intensely flavourful rich black fruit abounds on the palate, the fine notes of spice and herbs carrying through the tasty finish. Enjoy with braised beef short ribs or cellar 3-5 years. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Reif Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)
Reif ‘First Growth’ Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Niagara River $50.20 13.5% alcohol
Produced only in the best vintages in limited quantities from the fruit of 18-year-old vines, this elegant single-vineyard Pinot Noir entices with subtle earthy, spicy notes and the scent of wild field berries. Dry, medium bodied, it offers a warm, silky texture and the sweet spice of well-integrated oak. Rich, ripe fruit caresses the palate underpinned by ripe tannin and fine acidity. Earthy and spiced through the lasting finish, this is an intense wine that would be a match for roast beef with mushrooms. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Reif Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)
Cheers, Vic and Susan