January 4, 2013 Newsletter

The 33rd annual California Wine Fair visits cities in Canada on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 2nd: Quebec City, Espace Dalhousie
• Wednesday, April 3rd: Montreal, Quebec, Le Centre Sheraton
• Friday, April 5th: Ottawa, Ontario, Westin Ottawa
• Monday, April 8th: Toronto, Ontario, The Fairmont Royal York
• Wednesday, April 10th: Calgary, Alberta, Hotel Arts
• Thursday, May 2nd: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Pier 21

You can purchase tickets online at www.calwine.ca starting February 1, 2013 and have questions answered via the California Wine Fair Hotline (905) 336-8932 or 1-800-558-CORK (2675).

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Susan Desjardins – she’s back! Susan contributed to this newsletter and will be handling winecurrent while Vic’s away in Spain for a few months.
• Finding Waldo – a Bonarda sporting the  icon and a $9.95 price tag!
• Exceptional value wines – only seven of the 50-plus wines earned the icon indicating ‘exceptional value’ wines; they’re sprinkled throughout the newsletter.
• New in Consignment and Private Order – Never dipped your toe in these waters? For information on Consignment wines… click here. Private Order wines are similar, but take a little longer for delivery.

This newsletter begins with reviews from the January 5, 2013 Vintages Release. There are many very good and some good-value wines offered. Those are followed by wines in various categories including newly released wines in Vintages, the LCBO general section and from wine agents who’ll ship wines to your door—over 50 wines reviewed. 


You can access the LCBO store nearest you that has stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews. You can also see the number of bottles available in each store. For Vintages Release wines the stock should be showing on the site by the Friday before the Saturday release date with some stores posting even before then. For LCBO Portfolio wines, it should always closely reflect stock in stores, still, best to phone first.  

Smart Buys Feature

Trius Pinot Grigio 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (316414) 12.7% alcohol
This is a very appealing wine, from the delicate peach-skin hue to the lifted floral, pear and stone fruit aromas. Fruity yet fresh, it delivers a lovely balance of lemon-lime acidity, ripe peach and apricot flavours. Quality and value wrapped in a fine package, this wine is delightful on its own or savour with fish, seafood or simply prepared chicken dishes. (Susan Desjardins)


Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Gran Reserva’ Roussanne 2010
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $16.95 (309740) 14.0% alcohol
Golden in the glass, this ripe wine is redolent of honeyed orchard fruit, sweet citrus, vanilla and honeysuckle. Fermented partly in steel, partly in oak, it’s smooth, rounded and dry. Brief oak aging has added polish to the texture and complexity to the focused, ripe, fruit flavours. The clean backbone of acidity and elusive mineral element assure balance through the fruit-filled finish. Serve with roast pork or veal or cellar short term. (Susan Desjardins)


Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Napa Valley, California $19.95 (191700) 13.5% alcohol
Ruby in the glass, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot and Zinfandel, this wine reels you in with tempting, complex aromas—dried herbs, red and black berries, vanilla and elusive smoky notes. Dry, full bodied, it’s well structured with refined tannins, clean acidity and luscious, spiced, dark fruit. Displaying fine balance and depth of flavour, it`s a wine for your favorite cut of beef. (Susan Desjardins)


Sivas-Sonoma ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2009
Sonoma County, California $18.95 (291096) 14.9% alcohol
A solid line of red berry fruit and spice interplay with excellent, lip-smacking acidity in this well-balanced, charming, Sonoma Zin. Aromas of dried fruit and roasted herbs mingle with dark toast and field berry on the nose heralding a wash of briary berry, ripe, racy, red cherry, tangy red currant and hints of aromatic bitters on the palate. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel and a drying aftertaste. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Charles & Charles Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington State $15.95 (258178) 13.5% alcohol
There are oodles of red cherry and red berry aromas interweaving with charry, toasty notes on the nose. Strawberry, red currant and sour cherry dominate the palate with support from kitchen spice and bits of underbrush. It’s medium bodied, gently textured and sporting a solid line of acidity throughout. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce or shrimp and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)


Dieter Meier ‘Puro’ Corte 2010
Agrelo Alto, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (305094) 14.5% alcohol
Produced from a blend of organically grown Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the aromas of this deftly crafted wine leap from the glass—rich dark fruit, floral notes, smoke, toast and spiced vanilla. Dry, mid-full weight, smooth and freshly textured, plush fruit mingles with the sweet spice of well-integrated oak. Finishing dry and lengthy, the wine is, substantial, structured and well balanced. Serve with grilled meats or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Tscharke ‘Barossa Gold Marananga’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia $15.95 (289884) 14.5% alcohol
Gamy notes, roasted herbs and cedar aromas set the stage for a delightful, delicious Barossa Valley Cab. There’s beautiful balance, good structure and complexity along with delectable flavour—racy sour cherry interweaves with sweet ripe blackcurrant and black plum on the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with generous texture and a supple, ripe tannin underpinning on the aftertaste. With each sip as good or better than the last, don’t be shy in picking up a couple or more. (Vic Harradine)


Small Gully ‘Mr. Black’s Little Book’ Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia $17.95 (287979) 15.2% alcohol
This ‘Wine of the Month’ selection sports a quiet nose of sandalwood and berry fruit before bursting on the palate with rich, vibrant flavours—sweet, ripe mulberry, black cherry, red and black currant interwoven with savory herbs. It’s mid-full bodied with silky smooth mouth feel and finely balanced finish of ripe fruit, moderating acidity and charm. (Vic Harradine)


Le Pieve Barolo 2008
DOCG Barolo, Italy $28.95 (213132) 14.5% alcohol
Floral, tar, graphite and berry fruit aromas herald a rich, complex and beautifully constructed Nebbiolo with luscious flavour, balance and elegance. There are bramble berry and dark cherry flavours mingling with mocha and toasty notes on the palate. It’s medium bodied with nice texture and a solid underpinning of tannin. It finishes dry and flavourful. Very good now, better with a two-hour aeration/decant or pop the cork(s) 2014 – 2019. (Vic Harradine)


Gattavecchi ‘Vino Nobile di Montepulciano’ 2009
DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Italy $19.95 (672642) 13.5% alcohol
Roasted herbs, tarry notes and floral nuances on the nose, this dishes up herbaceous-infused flavours of cherry and briary berry. Medium bodied and well textured, the aftertaste is dry, savory and lengthy with a solid lick of tannin. Open 2015 to 2020 for optimum drinking. Pour with grilled rack of lamb and root veggies. (Vic Harradine)


Coto de Hayas ‘Centenaria’ Garnacha 2011

DO Campo de Borja, Spain $17.00 (094805) 14.5% alcohol 

100-year-old Grenache vines, low yields and 4 months in American oak coalesce in this aromatic—black berry, plum and dark cherry garnished with cola and spice box—lively, juicy gem. Red cherry, currant and mineral tones wash over the palate with a spine of acidity providing great balance. The finish is infused with sour cherry and ripe dark berry fruit ending in a lengthy, dry, mouth-watering finish. Well paced, well priced and well… delicious. (Vic Harradine)


Finca Villacreces ‘Pruno’ 2010
DO Ribera del Duero, Spain $19.95 (312140) 13.5% alcohol
This ‘Wine of the Month’ sports vibrant acidity and a lip-smacking aftertaste. Lifted aromas of spice box, espresso roast and dark berry fruit abound. The solid core of red berry acidity—currant and cherry—ensures racy, tangy flavours throughout. It’s mid-full weight with satiny-smooth mouth feel and a mouth-watering aftertaste. This goes well with spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

Dinner Wines Feature

Jackson-Triggs ‘Proprietors’ Grand Reserve’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (593996) 13.0% alcohol
Aged 5 months in French oak, this golden gem offers lovely buttery aromas with notes of roast pear, banana and vanilla. Dry, mid-full weight, the focused flavours of spiced orchard fruit are balanced by lively acidity. There`s a nice heft to this wine, fine balance and structure, making it a match for crab cakes or creamy pasta dishes or a choice for mid-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)


Carabella Pinot Noir 2008
Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon $37.95 (180125) 14.5% alcohol
This is a dynamite Pinot Noir, displaying alluring aromas of red and black fruit, spice, earth and smoke. Dry, medium bodied, it`s quite silky on a frame of ripe, supple tannins and clean acidity. The earthy character replays with lush fruit and fine notes of warm spice gathering momentum through the long-lasting finish. Great weight and depth of flavour! Enjoy now or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Fattoria di Monsanto ‘Chianti Classico Riserva’ 2008
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $29.95 (719864) 14.0% alcohol
Opening with an aromatic nose of bramble berry, dark toast and underbrush, this is just coming into its own with a surge of tangy red cherry and racy red berry flavours interwoven with savory herbs and exotic spice. It sports a solid line of acidity, perceptible tannin and some riper, darker fruit on the aftertaste. Aerate/decant for two or three hours or tuck away until 2014 – 2019. (Vic Harradine)


13th Street Cabernet/Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (56598) 13.0% alcohol
From one of Niagara`s great vintages, this classic blend offers aromas of ripe, blackberry fruit, dried herbs, earth and a touch of smoky oak. Dry, medium-full bodied, the clean, bright red and black berry flavours mingle with roasted red pepper and grilled herbs. Firmly structured, the wine finishes long and tangy. Enjoy with beef and braised root vegetables or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)


Guerrieri Rizzardi ‘Villa Rizzardi’ Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007
DOP Veneto, Italy $46.95 (302836) 15.0% alcohol
If you cast bait in these heady waters, you won’t be disappointed; it’s a beauty. Leather, dried fruits and roasted nuts on the nose, it bathes the palate with luscious fruit-filled flavour—black currant, dark luscious cherry and sweet, ripe berry fruit. It’s medium-full bodied, nicely textured, complex and nicely structured. It finishes with a beautifully balanced wash of dark, luscious fruit and savory bits along with the tell-tale Amarone bite on the aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

The Main Release

Fortified Wine:

Tawny Port

Quinta de Ventozelo ‘Reserva’ Tawny Port
DOC Douro, Portugal $16.95 (297796) 19.0% alcohol
Gorgeous aromas of dried fruits, marmalade and caramel drift easily from this value-driven Tawny. It’s rich and silky smooth on the palate with oodles of dried citrus peel, spice and nougat. This is a perfect opportunity to try this style of Port either on its own, with crème brulée or spice cake. It’s from a top producer and will delight most palates. (Vic Harradine)

White Port

Taylor Fladgate Fine White Port Non-vintage

DOC Douro, Portugal $15.95 (069856) 20% alcohol

That's correct, 'white' Port. It's somewhat sweet, but that's okay because you add ice, and mix it with a splash of tonic and a sprig of fresh mint or citrus slice to make a refreshing aperitif. It has hints of apple and fig flavours with a focused spine of citrus acidity that keeps it crisp and refreshing. It's high octane (20% alcohol), moderation required. (Vic Harradine)

Dessert

Sivipa ‘Vinho Generoso’ Moscatel de Setùbal 2010
DOC Setùbal, Portugal $14.95 (246652) 17.0% alcohol
Candied orange and lemon peel, sultana raisins and dark currant aromas provide segue to this lip-smacking, value-packed dessert wine. Waves of honeyed tropical fruit—pineapple and melon—coat the palate infusing the lengthy aftertaste. It’s nicely balanced with a lovely core of fruit and moderating acidity. Pour with all manner of fruit flan and white puddings. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

Tawse ‘Laundry Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2009 

VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $31.95 (130997) 13.0% alcohol 

Look for subdued whiffs of sweet vanilla, floral, spice and red berry fruit on the nose. It sports silky-smooth texture, firm tannin and lively acidity. The palate’s treated to well-integrated flavours of toasty oak, spice box, ripe black cherry, dark plum and mixed berry fruit. There’s a peppery flair on the warm, flavour-filled, tangy finish. Beautifully balanced, this is a well-structured, well-made red. Serve now with robust meat dishes or pull the cork 2014. (Susan Desjardins)

California: Red Wine

Rabbit Ridge ‘Estate Grown’ Zinfandel 2010
Paso Robles $23.95 (695072) 15.7% alcohol
This is a hedonistic, rich, luscious offering with oodles of jammy flavours and good structure in a balanced, fruit-driven style. Deep, rich aromas abound with black currant and spice-infused black plum to the fore. Palate-coating flavours wash in waves—cassis, sweet, ripe mulberry and black juicy cherry— persisting through the long finish adorned by good moderating acidity and a supple tannin underpinning. Mid weight and generously textured, it’s a crowd pleaser offering good value. (Vic Harradine)


Ravenswood ‘Vintners Blend’ Petite Syrah 2009
California $18.95 (161554) 13.5% alcohol
A dense inky purple, this rendition of Petite Syrah offers layered aromas of lush black berry fruit, toasty oak, cocoa and vanilla. Dry, full bodied, and plush, the ripe dark cherry/berry fruit flows across the palate with suggestions of exotic spice, white pepper and chocolate rousing the palate. It finishes long, sweetly fruity and balanced. A value-laden wine built for a relaxing sip. Pick up a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Vicentin Blend de Malbecs 2010
Mendoza $17.95 (299735) 14.9% alcohol
Produced from the fruit of 5, specifically selected vineyards, this inky black wine is luscious and approachable. Hints of menthol, floral notes, heaps of black fruit and sweet oak aromas drift from the glass. Dry, full bodied, it’s loaded with spiced black fruit, sweet vanilla and toasty oak. Round and softly structured, it’s warm and toasty on the finish. Enjoy it now with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

De Martino ‘Legado Reserva’ Carmenére 2010
DO Maipo Valley $16.95 (236059) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of toasty oak and dark coffee spill from the nose of this rich and concentrated red. Black raspberry, cassis and ripe mulberry spill over the palate streaked with sprigs of fresh, savory herbs. It’s medium bodied with good texture and complexity plus a lengthy finish. The drying aftertaste is laced with dark berry fruit and roasted herbs. This pours well with pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)


Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
DO Colchagua Valley $16.95 (169847) 14.0% alcohol
Susan and I both loved this. It’s a top-drop Cab with much to offer—rich fruit, deft balance, good structure and complexity; what’s not to like? An involved nose of dark berry fruit, black licorice and toasty oak introduces a balanced wash of juicy, black cherry, briary berry and spice-infused black plum on the palate with flavours replaying on the lengthy, lip-smacking aftertaste. It’s mid weight with a fleshy mouth feel, supple tannin structure and good moderating acidity. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

Peter Lehmann ‘Futures’ Shiraz/Muscadelle 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (301309) 14.5% alcohol
From one of the most revered figures in the Barossa Valley, Peter Lehmann seldom disappoints. Here’s one of his quotes, ‘When God created Shiraz, he did so with the Barossa in mind.’ Cherry and dark berry fruit infused with savory bits on the nose, this washes across the palate with red currant and sour cherry balanced with rich, ripe mulberry and black currant. It’s medium in weight and texture dishing up racy and red-fruit-dominated flavours throughout. The aftertaste layers on hints of cherry clafoutie and savory herbs. (Vic Harradine)


Silvern ‘Greenock’ Shiraz 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia $16.95 (289959) 14.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of red berry fruit, floral notes and herbs and spice herald a medium-full bodied, generously textured Shiraz sporting rich, hi-toned aromas and flavours. Concentrated flavours of dark cherry and black plum wash over the palate adorned with fennel, mocha and toasty bits. The finish is lengthy with good acidity for balance and a lick of tannin that’s easily handled by a two-hour aeration/decant or grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)


Thorn-Clarke ‘Shotfire’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2010
Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (296582) 14.0% alcohol
A perennial winecurrent favourite and always worth a punt—tarry, cedar, rich berry fruit aromas abound. There’s a solid line of ripe, concentrated fruit with black plum, dark cherry and dark berry fruit to the fore. It coats the palate with gusto, a medium-full bodied frame and a sweet, ripe tannin underpinning dishing up complexity and charm. The finish lingers and the aftertaste adds some spicy, peppery notes. Aerate/decant a couple of hours and pour alongside osso bucco or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)


Tintara Shiraz 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia $19.95 (289942) 14.0% alcohol
This starts with a quiet nose of herbs, cedar and mixed berry fruit before exploding on the palate with racy, rich flow of red currant, sour cherry and luscious, ripe black currant. It’s full-bodied with a silky-smooth mouth feel and a lengthy aftertaste—fruit-filled, good moderating acidity and ripe, supple tannin adorned with dark chocolate, minty notes and roasted herbs. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Jean Geiler ‘Réserve Particulière’ Chasselas 2010
AOC Alsace $13.95 (141150) 12.0% alcohol
Chasselas is usually associated with Switzerland, often served with raclette; here’s a recipe. Rosewater and exotic spice aromas herald a light-medium wash of tropical fruit, ripe apple and juicy white peach caressing the palate in gentle waves. This is value-packed and delightfully delicate with a crisp, refreshing finish—orchard fruit mingling with citrus adorned by pineapple, spice and nutty notes. (Vic Harradine)


Pierre Sparr ‘Réserve’ Pinot Gris 2011
AOC Alsace $14.95 (983395) 13.0% alcohol
Predictably delicious, this is a wonderfully drinkable Pinot Gris, offering lifted aromas of stone fruit, floral and citrus. Just off dry, silky and luscious in texture, the soft citrus notes layer on sun-ripened, honeyed stone fruit. Lively acidity and a mineral component assure fine balance and a tangy, crisp, fruity finish. A fine choice to sip with smoked salmon or pair with moderately spiced dishes. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine de Fussiacus ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Pouilly-Fuissé 2010
AOC Pouilly-Fuissé $23.95 (276444) 13.5% alcohol
Binned apple, toasty notes and spiced yellow plum aromas provide segue to a tangy surge of rich, ripe, orchard fruit—juicy pear, crisp apple and yellow plum. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with a balanced, medium-length finish that’s refreshing, mellow and smooth. A wonderful Chardonnay sipped on its own with the oomph to pair with roast chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)


La Chablisienne Saint-Bris Sauvignon 2011
AOC Saint-Bris $14.95 (641753) 12.0% alcohol
Sharp, racy aromas of mineral citrus and grassy notes introduce a value-driven, showy, lip-smacking Sauvignon Blanc. Light-mid weight with good mouth feel, it brims with racy acidity and flavour—gooseberry and lemon-lime underscored with streaks of slate and minerality. It ends in a blaze of crisp, refreshing flavour. Poured well alongside pan-seared scallops or mussels steamed in white wine. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

Joseph Cattin Pinot Noir 2011
AOC Alsace $14.95 (224618) 13.0% alcohol
Well paced and well priced, this is bistro-styled, oozing charm and delicacy throughout. Quiet aromas of cedar and red berry fruit entwine with nuances of mixed spice and cherry on the nose. A gentle wash of sweet cherry and red raspberry bathes the palate infusing the mid-length, tangy aftertaste. It’s light on its feet and the perfect foil to seared duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)


Château Maison Neuve 2009
AOC Côtes de Bordeaux, Blaye $15.95 (307298) 13.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby, this mid-weight award-winning red intrigues with aromas of herbs, mineral and berries. Dry, with defined tannins and fresh acidity, it offers flavours of red berry and bramble berry, roasted herbs and toasty oak. With a crisp, dry finish, it’s a good match for winter stew. (Susan Desjardins)


M. Gassier ‘Nostre Pais’ Costières de Nîmes 2010
AOC Costières de Nîmes $18.95 (295410) 14.5% alcohol
Deep ruby, this southern-Rhône blend—Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Syrah—offers lovely complexity of aromas and flavours. Dried and fresh berry fruit, tangy, spicy floral notes and regional herbs abound. Layered flavours of round, succulent fruit, sweet spice and earthy graphite notes are deftly harnessed to a subtle structure. Approachable and flavourful, the fruit gushes through the finish. Savour with another regional classic, cassoulet. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Tommasi ‘Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore’ 2010
DOC Veneto $11.45 (069443) 375 mL 13.0% alcohol
Rich, luscious and hedonistic, aromas of dried fruit, roasted nuts and dark berry fruit swirl from the glass. A tidal wave of bramble berry, dark cherry and roasted herbs interweave with dark chocolate and tarry notes on the palate, replaying on the lengthy, luxurious finish. This is polished and nicely structured with a classic, dry bite on the aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

El Molet Tinto 2009
DO Valencia $14.95 (305904) 14.5% alcohol
Principally Tempranillo with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this dark, inky red is bursting with fresh, ripe, dark fruit, floral notes, spice and a whiff of tobacco. Dry, mid-full weight, spiced cherry/berry flavours mingle with coffee bean and a touch of earth. The fine tannins and fresh texture secure fine balance, the finish offering lasting dry notes of toasty oak. Savour with tapas. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Vintages

Limited Time Offer: $5.00 off listed price below until January 6, 2013


Louis Roederer Premier Brut Champagne Non-Vintage

AOC Champagne $68.95 (268771) 12.0% alcohol

A Vintages Essentials product, it’s always available in select stores—from one of the top Champagne houses, it’s simply elegant. Brisk aromatics of leesy notes and baking bread interweave with almonds and red berry fruit. Tiny bubbles form a frothy mousse dishing up delightful flavours—racy lemon and peel marmalade with nuances of spiced green apple. It finishes crisp, refreshing and delectable—great value. (Vic Harradine)


Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico 2009
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $22.95 (994608) 14.0% alcohol
Leather, exotic spice and earthy notes provide segue for this medium-bodied, fruit-forward red. Mid weight with good mouth feel, it sprays over the palate with tannin-infused flavours of ripe, dark cherry and black currant adorned with wisps of oak of sprigs of roasted herbs. The aftertaste is dry and lengthy with a solid tannin underpinning. Drink 2014-2018 or aerate/decant three hours pouring with osso bucco or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)


Château Rousseau de Sipian Médoc 2006
AOC Médoc, Bordeaux, France $22.95 (246637) 12.5% alcohol
This is a medal-winning, Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend that dishes up an earthy, toasty nose with hints of black plum and rich, dark berry fruit. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a tangy river of red cherry and currant underpinned by still-resolving tannin. There’s a solid core of fruit through the lengthy aftertaste along with good acidity. Better after a two-hour decant poured with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Argento Bonarda 2011 

Mendoza, Argentina $9.95 (292458) 13.5% alcohol 

Although widely grown in Argentina—just behind Malbec—Bonarda is often consumed locally allowing this to fly under the radar. Be the first on your block to raise some eyebrows with this gorgeous red that tips the quality-price scale well in your favour. Intense aromas of dark, spiced berry fruit and toasty notes, it coats the palate with a rush of beautifully balanced, fruit-filled flavour—black currant, ripe mulberry and juicy, dark cherry. There’s good depth and the finish lingers, lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)


Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou 2011
AOC Anjou, France $13.95 (293514) 13.0% alcohol
Hailing from its French ancestral home in the Loire Valley, this Cabernet Franc delivers on all counts—it’s balanced, flavourful, and brimming with charm. Delicate aromas of lilac, black pepper and red berry fruit herald a light-medium bodied, nicely textured wash of red cherry, juicy, ripe mulberry and exotic spice on the palate and throughout the lingering, balanced and beautiful finish. There’s good structure and great value here. (Vic Harradine)


Concilio Merlot 2010
DOC Trentino, Italy $12.95 (293506) 12.5% alcohol
Rich and alluring on the nose with red licorice, dark, field-berry fruit and herbaceous notes, it delivers a mid-weight river of racy, red cherry, roasted herbs and tomato leaf. It’s dry and tangy on the mid-length finish garnished with a supple tannin underpinning and sprigs of savory herbs. Pours well with pizza or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz Non-vintage
South Eastern Australia $16.90 (212472) 13.0% alcohol
This crowd pleaser drinks well as a party or conversation starter. Flavour-packed and bubbly-icious, it jumps from the glass with lively aromas of ripe, dark cherry/berry fruit, kitchen spice and minty notes. There are loads of bubbles jam-packed with sweet mulberry and black currant flavours adorned with enough acidity for pinpoint balance and a mouth-watering finish. (Vic Harradine)

New in Private Order

Order the following 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..

Sparkling Rosé

Principe Ibleo ‘Extra Dry Sparkling Rosé’ Nero d’Avola 2011
IGP Nero d’Avola Rosé, Sicily, Italy $26.50 11.5% alcohol
This dishes up a delectable, versatile, fluteful of bubbles with structure and flavour galore. It brims with red currant and rhubarb mingling with red cherry and spice on the palate and dry, lip-smacking aftertaste. There’s good body and mouth feel throughout—pair with appetizers or mains of pan-seared salmon or trout, and it has the oomph for roast chicken and pork. (Vic Harradine)

White Wine

Principe Ibleo ‘Incanta’ Grillo-Zibibbo 2010
IGP Sicily, Italy $21.95 12.0% alcohol
From two grapes with a long history in Sicily, the resulting blend is considerably more than the sum of the parts. Exotic spice, nutty and grapey aromas herald a serious wash of heavily textured flavours—almonds, citrus and green apple mingling with oaky nuances. It’s medium-full bodied with a drying finish layering on tangy blood orange and minerality. Give it a go with prawn ceviche. (Vic Harradine)

Red Wine

Principe Ibleo ‘Memo Re’ Cabernet-Merlot 2009
IGP Sicily, Italy $28.75 14.0% alcohol
A 50-50 split of two international varieties, this wraps itself around a solid core of juicy, balanced, tangy flavour with black currant, red cherry and earthy tones to the fore. It’s balanced, mid bodied with good texture and a lingering, lip-smacking finish that’s spicy, fruit-filled, nicely structured and underpinned by supple tannin framed by excellent acidity. Good to go now and on to 2018. It’s good value. (Vic Harradine)


Principe Ibleo ‘Sovrano’ Nero d’Avola-Merlot 2010
IGP Sicily, Italy $21.95 13.5% alcohol
This red blend—80% Nero d’Avola, 20% Merlot—offers earthy, gamey notes mingling with cooked black plums. It washes over the palate with a burst of sour cherry and red currant underpinned by perceptible tannin and good acidity. It’s mid-weight with a lengthy, dry, rustic aftertaste of herbal notes and mixed berry fruit. Aerate/decant a couple of hours pouring with pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)


Le Moire ‘Annibale’ 2011
IGT Calabria, Italy $19.25 14.0% alcohol
This is a blend of 80% Magliocco Dolce and 20% Sangiovese sporting an intriguing nose of sandalwood, pipe tobacco and espresso roast. Flavours of red berry fruit and sour cherry interweave with sprigs of savoury herbs underpinned by a solid tannin presence. It’s mid-full bodied with a drying aftertaste. Drink 2014 to 2018. (Vic Harradine) 



Le Moire ‘Mute’ 2011
DOC Savuto, Italy $20.95 13.5% alcohol
From the toe of southern Italy this 45% Magliocco, 45% Arvino, 10% Greco Nero red blend rips from the glass with aromas of mocha, iodine and woodsy notes. Sour cherry, red currant and dark chocolate flavours coat the palate infusing the lingering, mouth-watering, dry finish. It’s mid weight with moderate texture and drying tannin on the aftertaste. Aerate/decant a couple of hours pouring with spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic and Susan