June 9, 2012 Vintages Release

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Exceptional value wines – ten wines earned the icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’; seven in the feature and main release, and three in categories following the main release.
• Five stars – can’t remember so many in one newsletter, four in total —and they are all found in categories after the main release with three earning the icon.

You can access the LCBO store nearest you who has stock of any wine in the main release by clicking on the LCBO number shown in brackets. It also lists the number of bottles available in each store. The stock should be showing by the Friday before the Saturday release date with some stores posting even before then.

This winecurrent newsletter opens with the South of France feature in the Vintages Release catalogue followed by the Main Release. There are 22 interesting wines in categories that follow the Main Release—some will certainly interest you.

South of France Feature

Carte Noire Rosé 2011
AOC Côtes de Provence $14.95 (319384) 13.0% alcohol
Easily recognizable in its clear-glass, distinctively shaped bottle, this dishes up a bright, lively, light-on-its-feet wash of tangy Rosé. Aromas of citrus, red berry fruit and spice become focused on the palate with red currant, strawberry and pink grapefruit interlaced with savoury spice and herbs. It finishes dry, crisp and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)


Domaine Piquemal ‘Tradition’ 2009
AOC Côtes du Roussillon $15.95 (272419) 14.5% alcohol
This delightful red blend—Grenache, Syrah, Carignan—with expressive aromas of gamy, meaty notes and dark berry fruit, delivers on all counts. Rich and robust flavours of ripe, succulent mulberry and tangy black currant mingle with spice and dark coffee bean on the palate and through the extended lip-smacking finish. It’s mid-full weight and nicely balanced with good mouth feel; what’s not to like? Pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)


Gérard Bertrand ‘Grand Terroir’ Grenache/Syrah 2009
AP Coteaux du Languedoc, Montpeyroux $18.95 (147983) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of savoury herbs and dark toast dominate the nose while the palate’s treated to a racy, bracing river of tangy fruit—red currant, sour cherry and cranberry. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured sporting a dry, crisp, refreshing finish layering on nuances of kirsch liqueur. Pour with pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)


La Cadierenne ‘Cuvée Grande Tradition’ Bandol Rosé 2011
AOC Bandol $17.95 (119453) 14.5% alcohol
This is hi-octane to be sure, but has the fruit, structure and complexity to carry it well. It opens with rose petals and currants on the nose providing segue to complex, fruit-laden waves of watermelon, black raspberry and spice-infused black plum. It’s mid-full weight with oodles of mouth feel and a dry, lip-smacking, lengthy aftertaste of red berry fruit and wisps of fine-grained tannin. Pour alongside a deli platter, roast pork or chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Mont Tauch ‘Le Tauch’ Fitou 2009
AOC Fitou $19.95 (272484) 14.0% alcohol
Fitou is within the larger Corbières appellation; wine must contain a minimum 40% Carignan. This is from a large cooperative; it’s big and balanced with good purity of fruit. Look for ripe, dark, briary berry and black currant interwoven with baking spice, black liquorice and cedar. It’s mid-full bodied and nicely textured with mouth-watering, moderating acidity and a firm tannin underpinning. Aerate/decant two hours then pour with grilled strip loin. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)

The Main Release

Ontario: White Wine

Coyote’s Run ‘Black Paw Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (049775) 12.5% alcohol
Toasty notes, apple pie spice and sweet vanilla aromas herald a smooth and mellow swell of rich, luscious orchard fruit, spice and citrus mingling with toffee apple. It’s medium weight with generous mouth feel and a long finish garnished with mouth-watering tang and toasty oak. Good now, better in 2014, pour with slow-roasted pork or pan-seared tuna. (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham Pinot Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (618827) 12.0% alcohol
This opens with expressive aromas of nectarine, yellow plum and hints of rosewater. Waves of complex flavours wash endlessly over the palate—ripe pear and apple interlaced with tangy citrus—lemon and grapefruit. It’s medium bodied with a generous mouth feel—almost creamy—and a lengthy, perfectly balanced, refreshing aftertaste. An outstanding wine to have on hand for sipping or pouring with roast chicken, grilled sea food or deli platters; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)


Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (686972) 12.5% alcohol
Savoury herbs, passion fruit and nettles on the nose, it showers the palate with sweet, ripe fruit—pear and apple—mingling with tangy lemon-lime and racy white grapefruit with hints of pineapple. Mid weight and nicely textured the finish is crisp and refreshing ending in a blaze of mouth-watering tang. This pours well alongside grilled prawns or calamite rings showered in freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Okanagan Valley: White Wine

Sandhill ‘Small Lots’ Viognier 2010
VQA Okanagan Valley $26.95 (126862) 14.0% alcohol
Exotic and alluring on the nose, aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan and pit fruit abound. It’s tangy, rich and nicely balanced with tropical fruit, yellow plum and nectarine juxtaposed with lip-smacking citrus washing over the palate and persisting through the balanced and beautiful aftertaste. It’s mid-full bodied, richly textured and versatile at the table. Try pairing with pan-seared scallops drizzled with lemon butter or steamed lobster tail dipped in drawn butter. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

Clos du Bois ‘Sonoma Reserve’ Chardonnay 2010
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County $23.95 (479527) 13.8% alcohol
Mixed orchard fruit, vanilla, mineral notes and spice aromas provide segue for a delightful, smooth and silky river of lemon chiffon pie, green apple and succulent white nectarine. Beautifully textured and set within a fruit-driven frame, there’s enough acidity for balance and a crisp, refreshing, mouth-watering aftertaste adorned with wisps of oak. Pour with supermarket, rotisserie chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Grgich Hills ‘Fumé Blanc – ‘Dry’ Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Napa Valley $29.95 (346296) 14.3% alcohol
Savoury herbs, yellow plum and spearmint aromas on the nose, this dishes up a focused and lip-smacking stream of racy, zesty flavour with lemon peel, white grapefruit and pineapple to the fore. It’s light on its feet with plenty of zing on the palate and lip-smacking finish. Pour with skillet-seared fish or sea food under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)


McManis Chardonnay 2010
River Junction $19.95 (265983) 13.5% alcohol
This is rich, fruit forward and brimming with flavour. Aromas of green apple, pear and citrus are precursor to waves of luscious flavour—ripe Bosc pear, tropical fruit and succulent white peach. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a lingering finish accented by toasty notes, nutmeg and oodles of charm. A crowd-pleaser at large or small gatherings; serve as a welcoming wine or with chicken or sea food appetizers. (Vic Harradine)


Simi ‘Russian River Valley Reserve’ Chardonnay 2009
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County $31.95 (200881) 14.5% alcohol
Apple pie spice and toasty oak aromas herald a medium bodied, nicely structured and textured river of apple, pear and tropical fruit mingling with citrus and spice. It offers complexity and balance. The lengthy finish layers on toffee apple and toasty oak while replaying flavours from the palate. This will be even better in a couple of years when well integrated. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

Shafer Merlot 2009
Napa Valley $59.95 (346262) 15.1% alcohol
Smooth, mellow and very generously textured this rolls from the glass with alluring aromas of spice-infused black plum, fennel and sweet vanilla galore. Fully flavoured on the palate, look for juicy, dark berry fruit and dark plum adorned with spice and floral notes. It’s medium-full bodied with a mid-length finish that’s fruit driven and underpinned by supple tannin. (Vic Harradine)


Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Napa Valley $59.95 (111880) 14.9% alcohol
This Napa Cab with bits and pieces of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc bustles out of the glass with dark berry fruit, charry toast and rose petal aromas. It’s rich and robust, fully flavoured and full textured with lashings of tannin. Teeth-staining waves of black currant, black plum compote and dark, juicy cherry coat the palate lingering with mint and espresso roast. It’s mid-full bodied with a creamy mouth feel and long fruit-driven aftertaste underpinned by a solid lick of still-resolving tannin. Drink 2015 – 2022, possibly beyond. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: White Wine

Alamos Chardonnay 2011
Mendoza $13.95 (801571) 13.5% alcohol
Tropical fruit and toast on the nose, this bistro-styled gem bursts on the palate brimming with ripe apple and pear, spice notes and oodles of tangy, citrus acidity for balance. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with a fruit-driven, lengthy aftertaste bolstered by wisps of oak and mouth-watering pineapple. Great for outdoor parties or solo-sipping al fresco. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Maipu, Mendoza $17.95 (128629) 14.0% alcohol
Cherry, dark berry fruit and charred toast aromas prelude a tangy, juicy river of flavour with red cherry, briary berry and espresso roast leading the way. It’s mid weight and well textured sporting a lengthy, balanced finish of juicy cherry, blueberry and nutmeg. Pair with smoked, grilled back ribs slathered in BBQ sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Rosé Wine

Kaiken Malbec Rosé 2011
Mendoza $14.95 (169375) 13.5% alcohol
Opening with a lovely hit of fruit-filled aromas—field berry and cherry garnished with spice—it’s fueled on the palate with a boatload of flavour—strawberry, red cherry and watermelon. Medium bodied with good texture and excellent moderating acidity, this is well paced, well priced and well… delicious. It finishes tangy and lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)

Chile: White Wine

Concha Y Toro ‘Trio Reserva’ Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Casablanca/Rapel/Limari Valleys $13.95 (678656) 13.0% alcohol
Gooseberry, citrus and herbaceous notes dominate the aromas of this light-medium bodied, focused and laser-like Sauvignon Blanc. Racy, tangy flavours of white grapefruit and lemon zest mingle with passion fruit on the palate while the finish dishes up a lip-smacking, mouth-watering wash of tang and zing. Best poured with fish or sea food sprinkled liberally with drizzles of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)


Con Sur ‘Limited Edition 20 Barrels’ Chardonnay 2008
Casablanca Valley, El Centinela Estate $24.95 (127498) 13.5% alcohol
Crisp, clean and refreshing acidity married to up-front orchard fruit make this attractive, well balanced and charming. Ripe apple, nutmeg and pineapple aromas herald a lovely wash of tangy citrus and pineapple interwoven with ripe pear, apple and yellow peach. It’s medium weight with good texture and a finish that’s garnished with toasty oak and kitchen spice and that cleans up racy and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

Chile: Red Wine

Concha Y Toro ‘Marques de Casa Concha’ Merlot 2009
Peumo Vineyards, Rappel Valley $19.95 (939827) 14.5% alcohol
Smooth, mellow, rich and unctuous, it dishes up a full-bodied, fleshy mouthful of fruit-forward red that coats the palate liberally. Aromas of mocha, charred toast and dark berry fruit morph into a fleshy wave of black plum compote and black raspberry interwoven with spice and herbs. In spite of the über sweet and fruity nature, it has the acidity and structure to be somewhat in balance. (Vic Harradine)


Concha Y Toro ‘Terrunyo Vineyard Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Block Las Terrazas, Old Pirque Vineyard, Pirque, Maipo Valley $29.95 (562918) 14.5% alcohol
Espresso roast, dried herbs and aromatic bitters on the nose it shifts into high gear on the palate with a spirited rush of black currant, sweet kirsch liqueur and spice-laden, juicy, Bing cherry flavour. It’s complex and nicely structured with supple tannin framed by good moderating acidity supporting the ripe fruit flavours. This is medium-full weight with good mouth feel and a lingering balanced finish. (Vic Harradine)


Potro De Piedra ‘Family Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2008
Curicó Valley $24.95 (273995) 14.0% alcohol
Fresh, lively aromas of piquant spice, savoury herbs and red cherry jump from the glass of this dry, mid-weight, nicely textured red blend. It delivers a focused stream of tangy flavour with red cherry, ripe cranberry and red currant predominant. It broadens out slightly on the aftertaste with ripe berry fruit and black plum interwoven with herbs and spice. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: White Wine

d’Arenberg ‘The Hermit Crab’ Viognier/Marsanne 2010
McLaren Vale, South Australia $17.95 (662775) 13.0% alcohol
The best tasted since the ‘04 vintage, it really struts its stuff. Lively spice, anise and ripe, apricot aromas fill the air before the delectable nectar spills over the palate with luscious, rich flavours of racy lemon citrus, succulent white peach and honeyed, poached pear. It’s medium bodied with a very generous mouth feel. The long, balanced and mouth-watering aftertaste layers on ripe, sweet apricot and a lip-smacking bite of wondrous acidity. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

Mitchell ‘McNicol’ Shiraz 2003
Clare Valley, South Australia $45.95 (278572) 14.5% alcohol
Approaching a decade since vintage, this has retained the fruit-driven posture of a much younger wine—it’s full bodied, full flavoured and flat out delicious. Dark berry fruit, baking spice and eucalyptus on the nose, it sports a gusher of black berry jam, black currant and dark coffee on the palate interwoven with cracked black pepper and minty notes. It’s nicely textured with a lengthy, balanced aftertaste garnished with notes of cedar and dried herbs. (Vic Harradine)


Kilikanoon Wines ‘The Lackey’ Shiraz 2009
South Australia $17.95 (005199) 14.5% alcohol
Rich, robust and flavour-laden, it’s a hedonistic red that’ll spur high fives at your next neighbourhood gathering. Dark, juicy briary berry, sweet, ripe mulberry and dark bittersweet chocolate swirl over the palate interlaced with good moderating acidity and a lick of spiced, black plum. It’s mid-full weight with generous mouth feel. Pour alongside the grilled red meat you and your friends pull off the barbie. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island $18.95 (957407) 13.5% alcohol
Nettles, savoury herbs and gooseberry aromas introduce this lively Kiwi gem. It wakes up the palate with a spirited river of tangy, lemon-lime sorbet, passion fruit and succulent white peach. It’s medium bodied, focused and finishes crisp, clean and refreshing in a blaze of zesty tang. Pour with pan-seared fish, prawns or scallops under a squish of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)

South Africa: White Wine

Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010
WO Elgin $21.95 (277939) 13.5% alcohol
From a family-owned, family-operated winery in cooler-climate Elgin, this hustles from the glass with alluring aromas of nutmeg, toast and ripe apple. Broad brushstrokes of nectarine and ripe pear mingle with a zesty spine of good acidity—crisp green apple and mouth-watering pineapple on the palate. Mid weight with good texture and a lengthy aftertaste, there are wisps of oak and kitchen spice on the clean, refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

Château Le Conseiller 2008
AOC Bordeaux Supériore $25.00 (135731) 13.5% alcohol
Wood smoke and toasty oak on the nose, it rolls over the palate with a generous texture and high-spirited flavour—red cherry, black currant and kirsch liqueur. Medium weight with a long, balanced finish—spice-laden black plum and espresso roast—there’s value here and it’ll pair well with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

France: Rosé Wine

Famille Perrin Tavel Rosé 2011
AOC Tavel $19.95 (680801) 14.3% alcohol
This is seriously good wine from an appellation that makes only Rosé and a premium producer who never misses the mark. Darker hued than many, this full-flavoured beauty offers a nose of strawberry and spice. It’s substantially textured with good weight and structure sporting a lovely wash of red currant and ripe black berry laced with spiced black plum. It finishes dry, refreshing and lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

Villa Matilde Rocca Dei Leoni Aglianico 2008
IGT Campania $19.95 (165035) 12.5% alcohol
The complex and lifted nose offers exotic spice, smoke, floral notes and dark fruit aromas providing segue to a persistent river of pure, fruit flavour with tangy red currant and red cherry mingling with sweeter, riper black currant and mulberry. Mid weight, nicely textured and balanced, the dry, lingering aftertaste delivers more of the same adorned by mixed spice. (Vic Harradine)


Ramosceto ‘Lacrima Di Morro’ d’Alba 2010
DOC Alba $14.95 (277889) 13.0% alcohol
And now for something completely different; it opens with a lifted nose of musky spice, rosewater and dark fruit. Idiosyncratic and interesting, but not everyone’s cup of tea, this delivers a boatload of flavour with stewed plum, spice, sour cherry and mixed dark field berry among them. It finishes dry, with good moderating acidity and a solid tannin underpinning. This would stump the best of them in a blind tasting. (Vic Harradine)


Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba 2010
DOC Alba $19.95 (938886) 13.0% alcohol
Lilac, Asian spice and cherry/berry fruit aromas herald a lighter-styled red with loads of juicy tang—red currant and sour cherry—interwoven with cedar, earthy notes and dark berry fruit. The dry finish layers on additional berry fruit, with nuances of espresso roast and tobacco. (Vic Harradine)


Rocca Della Macìe Chianti Riserva 2007
DOCG Chianti Riserva $15.95 (111641) 13.5% alcohol
An alluring nose of cedar, pipe tobacco, gamy notes, dark berry fruit and floral notes open this dry, mid weight, deftly balanced, classy Riserva. It delivers very good value along with a persistent wash of spice-laden black currant and juicy, ripe, black Bing cherry mingling with earthy notes and mocha. It’s nicely textured and pours well with meat-laden pizza or spaghetti Bolognaise. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

Finca Antigua Crianza 2008
DO La Mancha $15.95 (981613) 14.0% alcohol
A blend of autochthonous—Tempranillo—and international varieties—Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, this has a perfumed bouquet of floral notes, berry fruit and kitchen spice. Waves of flavour wash endlessly—briary berry, black currant and chocolate-covered Bing cherry to the fore. It’s balanced and beautiful with good weight and generous mouth feel. The balanced, tangy aftertaste lingers; you shouldn’t, hurry and pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: June 23, 2012

Oyster Bay Sparkling Rosé Non-vintage
New Zealand $21.95 (280172) 12.0% alcohol
This attractive pink-hued sparkler, fashioned from 20% hand-harvested Pinot Noir and 80% low-yielding Chardonnay, was fermented in the Charmat a.k.a. Cuve Close method. It hustles from the bottle with an energetic mousse and aromas of red berry fruit and spice with hints of brioche. It delivers spirited and lively flavours of citrus and red currant interwoven with sweeter and riper cherry on the lip-smacking aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July 7, 2012

Bastianich Friulano 2010
DOC Colli Orientali Del Friuli $18.95 (277467) 13.0% alcohol
Winery owners Joe and Lidia Bastianich are Michelin-starred restaurateurs while Joe is also an acclaimed wine author and Lidia a famous cookbook author, TV personality and chef. Honeysuckle, marmalade and citrus aromas announce a voluminous gusher of flavour with spiced apple, minerality and nutty notes interlaced with ripe Bosc pear and pineapple. These replay on the aftertaste of this medium-full-bodied, silky-smooth gem. It’s complex, balanced and beautiful. Sensational sipped on its own and no less so when paired with roast guinea fowl or ris de veaux. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 8, 2012

Lailey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.20 12.5% alcohol
Spearmint, fennel and citrus on the nose, this barrel-fermented, oak-aged gem sports generous mouth feel and a balanced, refreshing aftertaste. Lemon-lime sherbet melds with yellow plum and pear on the palate while the focused and refreshing aftertaste brims with pit-fruit flavour and mouth-watering tang. This is well balanced and versatile at the table; pour with grilled calamari rings or freshly shucked oysters. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: December 8, 2012

Tawse Vineyard ‘Quarry Road’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Vinemount Ridge $34.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of spice-laden plum, lilac and mineral notes dominate the nose. Gentle and silky smooth, the mid-weight wash of red cherry, ripe red currant, truffles and savory herbs caress in well-balanced waves over the palate. It’s nicely textured with good tang and acidity finishing dry and crisp with a solid core of red fruit and minerality. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

Tawse Vineyard ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Vinemount Ridge $34.95 (111989) 13.5% alcohol
Certified organic/biodynamic, the alluring nose of toasty notes, tangerine and assorted baking spice herald a stunning explosion of flavour. A wash of sweet, spiced, ripe apple and pear meld with nectarine and tropical fruit along with wisps of oak. The incredible mid palate of fruit-laden flavour extends through the lip-smacking aftertaste of citrus, minerality and succulent white peach. It’s balanced, complex and structured. (Vic Harradine)


Tawse ‘Sketches’ Chardonnay 2010 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89037) 13.0% alcohol 

Subtle, attractive aromas of light toast, orchard fruit, and sweet spice expand in the glass. Dry, medium-full bodied, displaying nicely balanced acidity and fruit, the well-integrated oak offers flavours of toasted nut and spice. Round and smooth, lively and bright, the finish is tasty and pleasantly warm. Offering good value, this is a versatile wine to pair with white meats or fine cheese. This a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select stores. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse Vineyard ‘Quarry Road’ Riesling 2011
VQA Vinemount Ridge (198853) $23.95 10.0% alcohol
Slate/mineral, lemon citrus and exotic spice dominate the aromas on the nose of this gorgeous, off-dry Riesling. A tidal wave of pineapple, grapefruit and lemon-lime tang coat the palate extending into the persistent sweet and tang of the lip-smacking aftertaste. This yin and yang is the perfect foil for spicy Asian cuisine like tandoori chicken; it also pours well on its own as a pre-dinner sipper. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Cabernet Franc 2009
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $13.95 (162602) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of black plum, herbs, spice and earthy notes spill from the glass of this medium-bodied, nicely textured red. Sour cherry, red currant and spice-laden black currant wash over the palate in waves while the dry, mouth-watering aftertaste provides a crisp and refreshing experience. Pour with spicy wings or spaghetti Bolognaise. (Vic Harradine)


Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Gamay Noir 2008
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $12.55 (57349) 13.0% alcohol
Spice box, earthy notes and savoury herbs aromas herald a light-medium-bodied wash of tangy red cherry, currant and spice. There’s good balance and texture and a mid-length finish that provides another layer of good fruit flavour. Chill 20 minutes before pouring and serve with chèvre and charcouterie. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Lailey Vineyard Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.20 11.5% alcohol
This is rich, luscious, balanced and beautiful with a lifted nose of tropical fruit and a large bouquet of floral notes. It’s mid weight with creamy, smooth texture and a persistent stream of tangy lemon-lime citrus interlaced with glorious, ripe, tropical fruit flavours of pineapple and melon. It finishes long, luxurious and lip-smacking good. This is magic as a pre-meal sipper or poured with spicy Asian cuisine. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.20 12.5% alcohol
Spearmint, fennel and citrus on the nose, this barrel-fermented, oak-aged gem sports generous mouth feel and a balanced, refreshing aftertaste. Lemon-lime sherbet melds with yellow plum and pear on the palate while the focused and refreshing aftertaste brims with pit-fruit flavour and mouth-watering tang. This is well balanced and versatile at the table; pour with grilled calamari rings or freshly shucked oysters. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Chardonnay 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 13.5% alcohol
Kitchen spice, nutmeg and floral aromas provide segue to a fabulous mouthful of layered, luscious flavours with Granny Smith apple, succulent white peach and oodles of refreshing lemon sherbet. It’s medium-full bodied with satin-smooth mouth feel, barely a wisp of oak and deft balance throughout. It finishes in a blaze of mouth-watering raciness and loads of charm. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.20 12.5% alcohol
Red berry fruit, mixed spice and nuances of strawberry/rhubarb on the nose, it coats the palate with a seriously delicious river of tangy red currant and racy pomegranate interwoven with mixed, ripe field berry fruit. It’s mid weight, nicely textured and brimming with flavour right through the dry, lip-smacking aftertaste. Delicious enough to sip on its own, it has the structure and oomph to pair with a wide variety of cuisine from a deli board to roast chicken to rack of lamb or game. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard ‘unfiltered’ Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara River $30.20 13.0% alcohol
This sets the bar for Ontario Merlot—it’s hi-toned, complex and beautifully structured while brimming with delicious, fruit-driven flavour. Only 170 cases made, don’t dally. A tidal wave of palate-coating black plum, kitchen spice and dark berry fruit persist through the lengthy, lip-smacking finish. It’s medium-full weight with textured mouth feel and a solid underpinning of ripe, fine-grained tannin. Good now after a three-hour decant, better 2015-2018. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard ‘unfiltered’ Impromptu’ 2010
VQA Niagara River $45.20 13.5% alcohol
This gargantuan red blend—75% Syrah, 13% Malbec and 12% Petit Verdot—bustles from the glass with alluring aromas of dark red fruit, spice box and notes of espresso roast. Endless waves of racy red cherry and dark, ripe berry fruit wash over the palate mingling with spiced black plum. It’s full-bodied, fully textured and fruit-driven throughout with a solid tannin underpinning framed by dazzling, mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2015 to 2019 with grilled steak and good friends. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Tawse Vineyard ‘Quarry Road’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Vinemount Ridge $34.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of spice-laden plum, lilac and mineral notes dominate the nose. Gentle and silky smooth, the mid-weight wash of red cherry, ripe red currant, truffles and savory herbs caress in well-balanced waves over the palate. It’s nicely textured with good tang and acidity finishing dry and crisp with a solid core of red fruit and minerality. Order by the case for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Vic Harradine)

New in Consignment

Domaine de Coussergues Pinot Noir 2010
IGP Pays d'Oc, France $14.50 13.5% alcohol
Involved aromas of dark plum, spice box and earthy notes provide segue for a lighter-styled wash of stewed plum, mocha and red berry fruit on the palate adorned by cherry and blueberry on the mid-length aftertaste. It’s light-mid weight with a dry, aftertaste. Ratchets up a notch or two with comfort food, try pizza, wings or supermarket rotisserie chicken. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)

New in Private Order

Bodegas San Esteban ‘Tierras de Murillo’ Crianza 2008
DOCa Rioja $16.50 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of espresso roast and dark plum waft easily from this well-paced, well-priced red. Ripe black currant and tangy red berry fruit flavours mingle, balanced and smooth. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a lengthy, complex array of fruit, moderating acidity and a supple tannin underpinning on the lively aftertaste. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas San Esteban ‘Tierras de Murillo’ Tempranillo 2011
DOCa Rioja $12.35 13.5% alcohol
Young, fresh and lively, this bistro-styled red offers good value and pours well alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza. Dark cherry, earthy tones and savoury herb aromas herald a tangy river of red cherry and red raspberry interlaced with savoury herb-infused black berry. It’s light on its feet with a lip-smacking aftertaste. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas del Medievo ‘Medievo Reserva’ 2007
DOCa Rioja $21.95 13.5% alcohol
The involved nose of cedar, blueberry, toast and mixed, dark, field berry provides segue for a lovely river of rich, dark berry fruit interwoven with black, juicy cherry on the palate. It’s mid-full weight and beautifully textured with a balanced, fruit-laden finish including ripe sweet mulberry. Lovely sipped on its own, it has the oomph and structure to pour well with grilled strip loin or rack of lamb. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)


Julian Reynolds ‘Reserva’ 2005
Alentejanos, Portugal $27.50 13.5% alcohol
This red blend of 40% Alicante Bouschet, 40% Trincadeira, 20% Syrah was hand-picked, barrel fermented and aged 24 months in French oak. Dark and brooding in appearance, aromas of kitchen spice, dark berry fruit and mocha abound. This is full-bodied and fully textured with a solid core of black currant and briary berry framed with good moderating acidity and underpinned by chalky tannin. The fruity finish is lengthy and lip-smacking good. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas Saenz de Santamaria ‘Rondan’ Crianza 2008
DOCa Rioja $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Exotic spice, cedar and toasty notes on the nose, it dishes up a lively wash of dark berry fruit, cassis and spiced red cherry mingling with good moderating acidity. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with lots of fruit—blueberry, cherry and currant—on the mid-length finish. Pair with spicy, grilled back ribs. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic