March 26, 2013 Newsletter
Véronique Rivest – Top-12 Finalist 2007/2010 ‘Best Sommelier of the World’
Wine Tasting / Small-Plates Dinner and Wine-Pairing Experience
April 10, 2013 - 7:00 pm
Restaurant International – Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON
Attend a unique, tutored wine tasting and small-plates dinner experience led by celebrity-sommelier, Véronique Rivest, double winner of ‘Canada’s Best Sommelier’, winner of ‘The Best Sommelier of the Americas’ 2012, and top-12 finalist ‘The Best Sommelier of the World’ competition 2007 and 2010.
Watch how it’s done and practice how to do it while experiencing the rush of tasting six wines with skill and confidence then pairing those wines with a small-plates dinner. Novice and seasoned wine-lovers welcomed to a unique evening promising a highly enjoyable experience.
This fund-raising event supports and showcases Algonquin College Sommelier Graduate, National Capital Sommelier Guild Governor and former Algonquin Sommelier Program Instructor, Véronique Rivest, in her quest to win ‘The Best Sommelier of the World’ competition in Japan, March 29, 2013. It will help defray lost income and expenses incurred during her six-year quest—all proceeds of the evening go to Véronique.
$100. + HST per person - Purchase tickets here – No tickets sold at door
Free Parking - immediately in front of Restaurant International ‘H’ Building, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean, ON
California Wine Fair
The California Wine Fair visits 6 cities across Canada, venues are often sold out. Purchase tickets now; the admission price includes a tasting of all wines – slated for more than 100 wineries represented and over 430 wines to taste - plus light snacks. No tickets sold at the door.
- 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 now or have questions answered via the California Wine Fair Hotline (905) 336-8932 or 1-800-558-CORK (2675).
Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:
- Exceptional value wines – 6 wines meet the strict price/quality criteria; $12.95 to $16.95 – red and white spread throughout the newsletter, earning the .
– Susan and Vic both loved these two 4½ star wines: Irony ‘Small Lot Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $19.95 under California: Red Wine and Luigi Righetti ‘Campolieti’ Ripasso 2010, $16.95 under Italy: Red Wine - Outside the box – Vic uncovers two: The Foreign Affair Riesling 2009, a Ripasso-like white, 4½ stars, $24.95 under Ontario: White wine and La Puerta ‘Reserva’ Bonarda 2009, 4½ stars, $18.95 under Argentina: Red Wine.
LCBO Easter Weekend – ALL stores closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday!
Some 280 LCBO stores will open on Easter Monday, April 1, with modified hours of operation. LCBO agency outlets will observe their regular Monday hours of business.
This newsletter highlights reviews from the March 30, 2013 Vintages Release with a total of 52 wines tasted, spat and reviewed.
You can access the LCBO store nearest you with 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 Friday before a Saturday release with some stores posting before then. For LCBO Portfolio wines, it should closely reflect stock in stores, still, best to phone first.
Vintages Release: March 30, 2013
Southern France Feature
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2011
IGP Pays d’Oc $15.95 (147975) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring perfumed aromas of honeyed stone fruit, spice and tropical flowers waft from the glass of this lovely mid-weight wine. Dry, round yet lively, notes of honeyed peach and pear replay, clean acidity providing good balance through a lasting, fruity, slightly spicy finish. Enjoy with steamed lobster. (Susan Desjardins)
Mont Tauch ‘Les Garrigues Grande Réserve’ Marselan 2011
IGP Vallée du Torgan $14.95 (309426) 13.5% alcohol
Developed in France as a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, this inky iteration of Marselan offers interesting complexity on the nose—floral notes, mineral, red and black berry. Medium-full bodied, it’s dry yet velvety in texture, fruit forward and subtly structured. There’s a wash of ripe raspberry and cherry across the palate, with nuances of spice and pepper persisting on the finish. A very appealing, approachable wine. (Susan Desjardins)
Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet 2011
AP Côteaux du Languedoc $12.95 (525287) 12.5% alcohol
Load up the wagon with this great value white wine! Straw-hued, it’s fragrant with white flowers, citrus zest and a touch of crisp green apple. Dry, clean and tangy, with a fine silky texture, the flavours of lemon/lime and green apple replay right through the tasty, palate-cleansing finish. A lively sipper or a great wine to pair with fish or seafood. (Susan Desjardins)
Château Pech-Redon l-Épervier 2010
AOC Côteaux du Languedoc $19.95 (129965) 14.5% alcohol
Highly aromatic incense, dark cherry/berry and piquant spice roll easily from the nose of this rich and flavourful 50/50, Syrah/Grenache blend. Rich, tangy flavours of red and black currant broaden out on the mid palate to sweet, ripe mulberry and briary berry garnished with notes of baking spice. It’s deftly balanced, medium bodied and generously textured with a long, delectable aftertaste. Very good value in this Wine of the Month selection. (Vic Harradine)
Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2010
AOC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages $18.95 (119354) 14.5% alcohol
This is a big, flavourful blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, a bold wine offering intriguing aromas of blueberry, smoked meat, dried herbs, tar and earth. Dry, full bodied, the intense flavours of berries replay, mingling with elusive notes of sweet spice and dark chocolate. Displaying well-integrated tannins and oak, it’s loaded with flavour and finishes with a peppery flourish. Serve with herbed rack of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)
Château de Corneilla Héritage 2010
AP Côtes du Roussillon $15.95 (627752) 13.0% alcohol
Spice, rose petals and mixed field berry on the nose, it spills over the palate with racy red cherry and succulent black currant mingling with notions of mocha. It’s loaded with fruit flavour throughout, well balanced and well textured wrapped around a mid-full-bodied frame. The finish is lip-smacking good and overall, it’s quite well priced. (Vic Harradine)
Château de Treviac Corbières 2010
AP Corbières $15.95 (670505) 15.0% alcohol
From a lesser-known French appellation on the Spanish border, this inky purple southwestern blend—Syrah and Grenache—has high-toned aromas of rich, ripe dark fruit, earth, spice and pepper rushing from the glass. Dry, full bodied, it balances a concentrated core of ripe berry and plum fruit with ripe tannins and fine acidity. Savoury notes of pepper, sweet spice and toasty oak persist on the clean, intensely fruity finish. Enjoy with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)
Hecht & Bannier Saint-Chinian 2010
AOC Saint-Chinian $23.95 (184184) 14.0% alcohol
It’s lifted and lively with aromas of red fruit—raspberry, cherry and currant—that morph into an amalgam of kirsch liqueur, black plum compote and kitchen spice on the palate. Medium weight with good mouth feel and plenty of oomph, the aftertaste lingers with racy notes of sour cherry and currant garnished with graphite, fennel and espresso roast. Good to go now with spicy, barbecued back ribs or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)
Cave de Roquebrun ‘La Grange des Combes’ Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2010
AOC Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun $17.95 (155804) 14.0% alcohol
Well structured, medium-full bodied, this blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah displays intriguing aromas of red fruits mingling with smoke, earth and leather. Dry yet quite fresh, the firm tannins frame red and black field berry flavours while elusive notes of spice, vanilla and earth whisper in the background. Finishing long and dry, this is a captivating wine. (Susan Desjardins)
Château Tour Boisée ‘à Marie-Claude’ Minervois 2007
AOC Minervois $21.95 (309179) 14.0% alcohol
A delightful blend of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, it jumps for the glass with bold, beautiful aromas of incense, rich dark berry fruit and sprigs of savory herbs with wisps of tobacco. It’s mid-weight with gorgeous mouth feel as a luscious, earthy river of flavour bathes the palate—black and red currant, blueberry and delicious black plum. Balanced and fruit-laden on the finish, there’s spice and dark cherry galore. Good to go now on its own or poured with grilled strip loin and Portobello mushrooms. (Vic Harradine)
Sparkling Wine
13th Street Premier Cuvée 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.95 (142679) 12.5% alcohol
Produced in the same method as champagne, with the second fermentation in bottle, this recently released vintage sparkling wine is fine and fresh. Attractive yeasty notes, aromas of toasted croissant and lemon lift from the glass. It’s crisp, clean texture and subtle citrus flavours are enhanced by the refined mousse that persists through the lengthy, dry finish. A lovely choice for Easter—before, during, or after dinner. (Susan Desjardins)
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Tenuta S. Anna ‘Extra Dry’ Prosecco
DOC Prosecco $16.95 (169128) 11.5% alcohol
Offering a fine frothy persistent mousse, this is a lovely crisp Prosecco that delivers an outstanding balance of crisp, fresh, fruit flavours—apple, pear and lemon-lime to the fore—and a bright invigorating texture. The finish is clean, long lasting and refreshing. Match this classic to another—prosciutto and melon. Pick up a few bottles to enjoy with friends. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: White Wine
Château des Charmes ‘Estate-bottled Old Vines’ Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $16.95 (277228) 12.5% alcohol
Harvested from 20-30 year-old vines from the Paul Bosc estate vineyard, the fruit for this wine shines through with notes of citrus, apricot and pear, a decided note of mineral tantalizing the nose. Brilliant straw, dry and mid weight, this is an elegantly balanced wine. Crisp acidity braces a lively, tangy rush of citrusy fruit, the lovely fresh finish offering a mineral flourish. Good wine, good value and a fine match to broiled steelhead trout. (Susan Desjardins)
Rosewood Estates ‘Natalie’s Süssreserve’ Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 11.0% alcohol
Süssreserve - a small portion of unfermented juice is kept aside then added in slowly just before bottling, increasing sweetness, texture and natural acidity. Grapey, lime, and orchard fruit aromas herald an expressive, concentrated wash of ripe, apricot, honeyed pear and candied lychee melding with racy citrus flavours on the palate. It’s mid weight and fully textured with a long, sweet and tang finish that’s on the hunt for Pad Thai or tandoori chicken. Good value and worth a punt. (Vic Harradine)
The Foreign Affair Riesling 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (127290) 13.4% alcohol
And now for something completely different—think white Ripasso—as 20% was produced from dried, Riesling grapes then aged briefly in seasoned oak. A bronze-gold hue in the glass, it dishes up lifted aromas of lemon-lime, almonds and minerality. It’s über rich and fully textured on the palate with peach preserve, peel marmalade and poached pear throughout with nutty notes and steely mineral tones on the tangy, lip-smacking finish. Worth the price of admission for its uniqueness and the great, balanced flavour. (Vic Harradine)
The Good Earth Dry Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (324244) 11.3%% alcohol
Owner Nicolette Novak isn’t kidding when she includes the word ‘good’ in the name of her winery – there’s nothing but good food and wine at Good Earth. This Riesling is a fine example! Deftly crafted by young winemaker Dré Glass it’s a finely balanced dry, mid-weight gem where clean, tangy acidity is married with lovely aromas and flavours of pithy citrus and crisp apple. A fine mineral edge enhances the keen, lively texture and carries through the lengthy refreshing finish. Serve it with lobster and lemon butter or with ham. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: Red Wine
Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (64618) 12.5% alcohol
If you enjoy a classic, ripe Cabernet Franc, this wine’s for you. Enticing aromas of red berries, blueberry pie, smoky roasted red pepper and herbs mingle. On the palate, it’s dry and tangy, medium-full bodied, displaying a crisp texture, grippy tannins and tasty, savoury red berry fruit. Expansive notes of toasty oak linger on the long, dry finish. Match this wine to ham or prime rib with gravy. (Susan Desjardins)
Peninsula Ridge ‘McNally Vineyards Proprietor’s Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Beamsville Bench $24.95 (257543) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of ripe red berry, vanilla, spiced roses and earth drift from the glass of this fine, dry, medium-bodied wine. The cherry/berry fruit is ample and generous, the structure subtle, the acidity fine, the notions of spice, vanilla, earth and toast adding attractive nuance through the silky finish. Finely wrought, appealing and flavourful, this will pair well with roast turkey or duck. (Susan Desjardins)
California: Red Wine
Irony ‘Small Lot Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Napa Valley $19.95 (25106) 14.5% alcohol
The quality of this wine makes Vic and I glad the Indelicato brothers came back to their roots after ‘escaping’ the family farm. Dense and dark, this outstanding, finely balanced, dry red offers lovely aromas of ripe, dark fruit, cedar, spiced vanilla and fragrant, dried herbs. Dry, full bodied, it’s a warm, approachable, intensely flavourful gem displaying well-integrated oak, fresh acidity and velvety tannins married to a core of sweet, spiced cassis, blackberry and plum. Great fruit-filled finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Lander-Jenkins ‘Spirit Hawk’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
California $18.95 (161398) 13.5% alcohol
All savoury herbs and mixed spice on the nose, it spills over the palate with excellent balance, plenty of fruit, supple tannin and loads of charm. Look for dark cherry and briary berry mingling with sprigs of herbs surging through the lingering, balanced aftertaste bolstered by fine-grained tannin and moderating acidity. Good to go now and on to 2018 poured alongside grilled strip loin and grilled portobellos. (Vic Harradine)
Langtry ‘Guenoc’ Petite Syrah 2011
Lake County $17.95 (19935) 13.0% alcohol
Originating in France, Petite Syrah is a cross of Syrah with Peloursin and, in this case, demonstrates perfumed flavours and aromas of dark plummy fruit, pepper, herbs and cedar. Dry, full bodied and balanced, the flavours are black plum, chocolate-coated blueberry and sweet herbs—bay and mint. Peppery notes linger on the fruit-filled finish. Enjoy with a braised chicken dish with sausage and olives. (Susan Desjardins)
The Seventy Five Wine Company ‘The Sum’ 2010
California $27.95 (293324) 14.5% alcohol
Sprightly aromas abound—sandalwood, kitchen spice and dark cherry—heralding a tangy, racy, river of sour cherry and red currant balanced nicely with sweet mulberry and ripe, dark briary berry. Mid weight with a firm structure and good mouth feel, the aftertaste lingers with sweet vanilla, dark cherry/berry fruit and oodles of spice and charm underpinned by supple tannin. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring alongside a thick, grilled t-bone. (Vic Harradine)
Argentina: Red Wine
Angulo Innocenti Malbec 2010
La Consulta, Mendoza $18.95 (305813) 14.5% alcohol
Vanilla, toasty notes and dark cherry aromas presage well-balanced, well-textured waves of red berry fruit, black cherry and blueberry wreathed in fennel and spice. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and lots of oomph derived from concentrated fruit flavour and a supple tannin underpinning. Aerate/decant an hour or so pouring with grilled hangar steak. (Vic Harradine)
La Puerta ‘Reserva’ Bonarda 2009
Famatina Valley $18.95 (067801) 14.0% alcohol
Full disclosure; I’m a big fan of Bonarda. Toasty oak, pipe tobacco and mixed field berry aromas herald a rich, luscious wash of palate-coating dark, juicy cherry, black plum and briary berry bolstered by spice and savoury herbs. Mid weight and structured, nicely balanced with good texture, the lengthy finish layers on earthy notes and a supple, tannin underpinning. Good to go now poured alongside the grilled red meat you pull off your barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
Trivento ‘Amado Sur’ Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2010
Mendoza $16.95 (37036) 14.0% alcohol
Opaque and inky, the aromas wafting from the glass include earth, herbs, cherry/berry fruit and a whiff of smoky toast. Aged in French oak, the wine is dry, medium-full bodied and well balanced, the velvety tannins and fresh acidity framing black berry and cherry fruit. Spice, herbs and pepper mingle and linger on the warm, lasting, fruity finish. (Susan Desjardins)
Versado Malbec 2010
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza $24.95 (307008) 13.5% alcohol
Balanced and beautiful, the nose beguiles with mocha, sweet vanilla and dark berry fruit. It bathes the palate with rich, dark, black currant and plenty of lively herbs and spice with a shot of espresso roast. It’s medium weight, nicely textured with a long, balanced fruit-laden finish. This is a crowd-pleaser in good company with barbecued red meats. (Vic Harradine)
Chile: Red Wine
Erasmo 2006
Maule Valley $21.95 (311837) 14.5% alcohol
A fine blend of the Cabernets and Merlot, this is complex and structured, exhibiting lovely aromas of fresh berry fruit, roasted red pepper, herbs and vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied, grippy tannins, nicely-integrated oak and fresh acidity balance lively ripe fruit lifted by notes of spice and pepper. It finishes clean and tasty. Enjoy with grilled red meats. (Susan Desjardins)
Australia: Red Wine
Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
South Australia $16.95 (159632) 14.5% alcohol
Well balanced and nicely structured, this value-laden blend has an earthy autumnal character and attractive aromas of cassis and spice. Dry, full bodied, it’s loaded with spicy berry flavours and black pepper supported by perceptible tannin and fresh fruity acidity. Enjoy the tasty, fruit-filled finish now or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Jim Barry ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz 2010
Clare Valley, South Australia $24.95 (998476) 14.5% alcohol
Spice-driven aromas of cherry, dark plum with mocha and toasty notes open this structured, balanced iconic Shiraz from one of 12 family-owned ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’ producing wine with sense of place. Tangy, racy flavours streak across the palate with red currant and sour cherry to the fore, mingling with savoury herbs and ripe mulberry fruit. It finishes with supple tannin, moderating acidity and perceptible oaky notes. Pull corks 2016 to 2021. (Vic Harradine)
Kilikanoon ‘The Medley’ GSM 2008
Clare Valley/Barossa Valley, South Australia $27.95 (675256) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas jump from the glass—mixed spice, rich berry fruit, dark plum and mocha. Palate-coating, concentrated flavours of briary berry, sweet vanilla and bittersweet chocolate roll in endless waves—not for the faint of heart. It’s full bodied with creamy-smooth mouth feel and a long, juicy, lip-smacking aftertaste layering on earthy tones and spice. There’s concentrated fruit, good structure, moderating acidity and plenty of promise; good to go now to 2020; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
Mitolo ‘Jester’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
McLaren Vale $21.95 (43224) 14.9% alcohol
Twenty percent of the hand-picked fruit was air-dried for 8 weeks, adding depth and texture to this ripe well-crafted Cab. A subtle earthiness and scent of spiced rose underlies the ripe berry fruit and vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied and generous, the well-integrated tannin and refreshing acidity provide balance to the ripe, spice-infused fruit. Long, fresh spicy on the finish, it’s looking for a nice juicy steak. (Susan Desjardins)
Wits End ‘The Procrastinator’ 2011
McLaren Vale, South Australia $19.95 (684100) 14.0% alcohol
Spice, vanilla, black pepper and plum on the nose, it dishes up a delicious spray of sweet, ripe mulberry and blueberry interwoven with sour cherry and red currant providing good balance and charm. Mid weight and nicely textured with a structured, balanced, lengthy finish, the aftertaste provides a lip-smacking experience with spice-infused mulberry and blueberry to the fore. (Vic Harradine)
New Zealand: White Wine
Framingham Chardonnay 2009
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (309534) 14.0% alcohol
Sharp, lifted, oaky tones and piquant spice wreathed in nutty notes provide segue for a lovely rush of balanced, palate-bathing flavour—succulent, sweet pit fruit, ripe Bosc pear and tangy citrus. It’s mid weight with very good mouth feel and a luscious, charming aftertaste brimming with flavour—orchard fruit and ripe pineapple. Pour on its own or pair with roast chicken, turkey or steamed lobster. (Vic Harradine)
New Zealand: Red Wine
Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2008
Central Otago, South Island $39.95 (301283) 13.5% alcohol
From a tony. South Island, wine region for Pinot Noir, this jumps from the glass with lifted, involved aromas of savoury herbs, sour cherry and mixed berry fruit crowned in toasty notes. The palate flavours brim with sprigs of fennel-laced black plum, red licorice, sour cherry and oodles of charm. There’s good weight and texture with a crisp, dry, refreshing finish layering on warm, spice notes. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
Château Deyrem Valentin 2009
AOC Margaux $39.95 (307223) 14.5% alcohol
Charry toast and savoury herbs on the nose, it broadens out on the palate with dark berry fruit—mulberry and black currant—interlaced with excellent moderating acidity and a supple tannin underpinning. Medium bodied with generous texture, the dry, mid-length aftertaste is structured, balanced and fruit-laden—dark cherry and red currant. Good now, better 2015-2019. (Vic Harradine)
Château Gadet Terrefort 2010
AOC Médoc $20.95 (307231) 13.0% alcohol
This award-winning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot offers lifted aromas of sweet spice, dried herbs, pipe tobacco and ripe black fruit. Dry, medium-full bodied, the fresh acidity and firm tannin combine with red and black berries, plum, tangy spice and a touch of mineral to create a lengthy, dry finish. Enjoy a bottle now with roast prime rib and pick up a couple for the cellar. (Susan Desjardins)
Château Grand Mayne 2009
AOC Saint-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé $67.85 (197848) 14.5% alcohol
Top-drawer Saint-Émilion that’s very good value and full of promise. Toasty oak, mixed spice and black pepper aromas provide segue for a beautifully structured, complex river of cassis, black raspberry and dark, juicy cherry interwoven with graphite and oaky notes. It’s medium-full bodied with a creamy, smooth texture and a lingering finish laden with ripe fruit, fine-grained tannin and oak. Give it a couple of years—allowing the oak to fully integrate—drink 2016 to 2025. (Vic Harradine)
Château Sénéjac 2009
AOC Haut-Médoc $28.85 (193037) 13.5% alcohol
Lovely, heady aromas of earthiness, cassis and sandalwood spill from the glass of this balanced and beautiful, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, red blend. Smooth and mellow, mouth-filling flavours of black currant and kirsch liqueur caress the palate with highlights of blueberry tart and spice. It’s mid weight with a deftly structured, tangy finish that’s lip-smacking good. Terrific value and good to go now, enhanced with a two-hour decant. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: White Wine
Bollino Pinot Grigio 2011
DOC Trentino $16.95 (951319) 13.5% alcohol
Exotic aromas of floral notes, minerality, incense and citrus herald a gorgeous mouthful of honeyed pit fruit, ripe grapefruit and grilled pineapple. It’s light-medium bodied with good mouth feel and a luscious, balanced aftertaste—refreshing, citrus acidity interwoven with ripe pear and yellow plum. Balanced and versatile at the table—pan-seared sea food, Easter ham or roast pork or chicken—it’s a wonderful expression of Pinot Grigio. (Vic Harradine)
I Campi ‘Campo Vulcano’ Soave Classico 2010
DOC Soave Classico $18.95 (269969) 12.5% alcohol
Light-gold hued, it delivers a quiet nose of mineral and floral notes before unleashing a river of tangy key lime, ripe pineapple and notions of minerality and slate on the palate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a crisp, refreshing finish that leaves you wanting more. This is lovely as an aperitif or poured with linguini pasta with clams in cream sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: Red Wine
Rocca Dei Bottari Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $17.95 (311605) 13.0% alcohol
Gamy notes, exotic spice and dark berry fruit provide segue for a rich, flavourful gusher of spice-laden sour cherry, tangy red currant and dark plum mingling with savoury bits. Medium bodied and nicely textured, it’s tangy and racy on a drying finish that’s underpinned by still-resolving tannin. (Vic Harradine)
Colosi Rosso 2010
IGT Sicilia $14.95 (316075) 13.0% alcohol
This is a straightforward, palate-pleasing Nero d’Avola fermented in steel and offering intriguing aromas of cherry/berry, sweet spice and pipe tobacco. Dry, mid-weight and appealingly approachable, the fresh, ripe spiced fruit washes across the palate and through the finish, nicely balanced with fine acidity. Enjoy with spaghetti Bolognese, pizza or burgers. (Susan Desjardins)
Solaria Rosso Di Montalcino 2009
DOC Montalcino $19.95 (318865) 13.5% alcohol
A deceptive light-red hue in the glass—you can’t always tell a wine by its colour—it blossoms on the palate with full-flavour, texture and complexity. Toasty notes, rosewood and leather on the nose, this dishes up a balanced mouthful of racy red berry fruit mingling with briary berry and juicy black plum garnished with espresso roast. It’s mid weight with good texture and a nicely balanced finish showcasing red and dark fruit, supple tannin and delectable tang. (Vic Harradine)
Luigi Righetti ‘Campolieti’ Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010
DOC Valpolicella $16.95 (695890) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s another fine wine ringing the 2-glass bell—Vic and I loved it. Ruby, semi-opaque and compelling, aromas of sweet, ripe, dark fruit, vanilla, incense and chocolate-coated cherries are totally alluring. Dry, medium-full bodied, you couldn’t ask for more balance. Well-integrated oak, ripe tannins and fine acidity create a velvety texture wrapping around full-flavoured, concentrated black berry and plum fruit gliding through a yielding finish. Recent tasting of a fine 2005 indicates this will cellar at least 5 more years. Since you’ll want to taste it right now, pick up at least 2 bottles. (Susan Desjardins)
Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2003
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $97.95 (986117) 15.0% alcohol
Usually reserved for deep-pocketed collectors, the price exceeds quality in this offering from a searing-hot vintage. A rich, hi-toned bouquet of fig, vanilla, fennel, floral notes and dried currant heralds a full-flavoured river of spice-laden black cherry and tangy, racy, red currant. It’s creamy smooth and lengthy on the finish highlighting ripe dark fruit, good moderating acidity and raisiny bits. (Vic Harradine)
Portugal: Red Wine
Cedro Do Noval 2008
Vinho Regional Suriense $23.95 (064709) 14.0% alcohol
Underbrush, smoked bacon, mocha and berry fruit aromas swirl from this balanced, hi-toned, red blend of indigenous grapes and Syrah. It’s rich and luscious with good structure and oodles of charm. Intense, briary berry, kitchen spice and black plum compote roll over the palate in waves garnished with good acidity and fine-grained tannin. The VR Suriense appellation takes in the entire Douro with a lower classification than DO Douro. Produced by fabled Port producer, Quinta do Noval, it’s good value and good drinking. (Vic Harradine)
Herdade Penedo Gordo Vinho Tinto 2010
DOC Alentejo $13.95 (218339) 13.5% alcohol
Subdued aromas of spice and pipe tobacco introduce a tangy, racy offering with highlights of red currant and cranberry interwoven with riper dark berry fruit and loads of spice. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and a lingering finish of plum, fennel and earthy notes. Pair with sliced and flame-cooked chouriço. (Vic Harradine)
Quinta Do Penedo 2009
DOC Dão $18.95 (313676) 13.0% alcohol
Tarry, gamy with spice-driven berry fruit aromas, this opens with a palate-bathing rush of racy red fruit—currant, cherry and pomegranate—garnished with ripe blueberry. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a lively, lip-smacking aftertaste. Good to go now poured alongside prawn and chouriço paella. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: Red Wine
Beronia Gran Reserva 2005
DOCa Rioja $32.95 (940965) 14.0% alcohol
The lifted bouquet of black plum, cherry/berry fruit and leather presages a tangy, layered river of black currant, cherry clafoutie and spice-driven sweet, ripe mulberry. Medium weight and absolutely velvet smooth, it’s a delightful, value-laden expression of a near-decade-old Spanish red. It finishes balanced and beautiful, looking for slow jazz and that perfect evening. (Vic Harradine)
Gómez Cruzado Reserva 2007
DOCa Rioja $26.95 (315507) 14.0% alcohol
Rich, involved, hi-toned aromas of cherry cola, mace and sandalwood introduce a tangy, racy river of red berry fruit and ripe mulberry. Medium weight, round and fleshy, it lingers on the structured finish with briary berry, savoury herbs, spice and wisps of toast. Deft balance provides versatility with food—slow-roast pork, roast chicken or veal medallions. (Vic Harradine)
Hermanos Peciña Señorio de P. Peciña Crianza 2007
DOCa Rioja $19.95 (313726) 13.5% alcohol
Sleek and racy throughout, aromas of dark plum and berry fruit mingle with mocha and spice on the nose. Spice-laden cranberry and red cherry broaden out on the mid-palate with red plum and savoury herbs. It’s medium weight with a tangy, lip-smacking aftertaste wreathed with wisps of tannin. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Otazu Premium Cuvée 2007
DO Navarra $16.95 (313809) 14.5% alcohol
While this award-winning blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is last in the release catalogue, it certainly shouldn’t be last on your list of purchases. Dry, mid-full weight, it offers intense aromas and flavours of red and black berry, cedar, sweet spice and subtle mineral notes. The freshness on the palate and the perceptible tannins are a fine match for the concentrated fruit flavours; the texture’s round and smooth, the finish long lasting. Enjoy now and cellar a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)
Cheers, Vic and Susan