May 23, 2013 Newsletter

The LCBO did not have a tasting for the May 25/June 8 Vintages Releases in Ottawa. The tasting will be held next week, albeit after this Saturday’s May 25 Vintages Release. The next winecurrent publication will cover those releases. However, we do have 42 wines for you, including a handful tasted previously from the May 25th release. Enjoy!

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

• Exceptional value wines – 8 wines meet the strict price/quality criteria – a bonanza; one in the Main Release, the balance following, priced $10.75 – $17.95
• Ontario Wineries – Château des Charmes, Featherstone and Rosewood have a fabulous array of wines available at the LCBO or via the winery, link provided, delivering to your door. Nineteen of their wines are reviewed.
• Consignment and Private Order – Nokhrin has a number of wines reviewed, including Champagne, many earned the coveted They deliver to your door.
• Summer Rosés – it’s that time of year and there are 4 reviewed here for your consideration.

This newsletter has 5 reviews from the May 25, 2013 Vintages Release with a total 42 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, updated every 24 hours, best to phone first.

Vintages Release: May 25, 2013

Argentina: Red Wine

Chakana ‘Estate Selection’ Malbec 2011
Mendoza $19.95 (219261) 14.5% alcohol
There’s very good value here. Rich, dark aromas of spice-infused black currant, charred toast—12 months in French oak—and black licorice blast from the glass. From hand-harvested fruit, a river of dark, bittersweet chocolate and espresso roast interweave with cassis and juicy, black cherry on the palate and lingering, balanced finish. It showcases complexity on the aftertaste with notions of tobacco and excellent moderating acidity underpinned by supple tannin. (Vic Harradine)


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)

Australia: White Wine

Robert Oatley ‘Signature Series’ Pinot Grigio 2010
Adelaide Hills, South Australia $16.95 (159806) 12.5% alcohol
Granny Smith apple and ripe pear on the nose, it streaks over the palate with a crisp, refreshing stream of green apple, white peach and oodles of racy, tangy lemon. Medium bodied and full of nerve and verve, it finished in a blaze of citrus—pineapple, white grapefruit and spiced, lemony tang. Pour with pan-seared white fish under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Clare Valley, South Australia $17.95 (744235) 14.0% alcohol
Brimming with heady aromas of dark berry fruit, black licorice and mint, this rolls over the palate with endless waves of juicy, mint-laced Bing cherry and succulent black currant preserve. Wakefield’s—under the family name Taylors—is one of 12 iconic, family-owned ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’ producing wine with sense of place; in this instance, it’s Clare Valley. It’s medium-full bodied with generous mouth feel and a lingering, well-structured aftertaste that’s underpinned by ripe supple tannin, moderating acidity and more than its fair share of charm. Pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

Château Rozier Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012
AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France $28.95 (25439) 14.0% alcohol
Toasty oak, sweet vanilla and cassis aromas roll freely from this gorgeous, Merlot-predominant, red blend. Hand-picked fruit, 15 months in French oak barrels, +50-year-old vines, a terrific vintage and nine generations—since 1775—of family-owned winemaking coalesce in this dazzling red. It’s structured, balanced and brimming with charm and a river of ripe, mulberry, black currant and juicy black cherry garnished with still-resolving tannin bathing the palate, infusing the balanced aftertaste. Drink now, after a two-hour aeration/decant, and on to 2022. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

Ruffino Ducale ‘Oro’ Chianti Classico Riserva 2007
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $44.95 (353201) 13.5% alcohol
Tobacco, tar and sandalwood aromas provide intro to a gorgeous wash of blueberry and cassis with dark, juicy cherry—it’s nicely balanced with good structure throughout. This is 80% Sangiovese with the balance a blend of Cab Sauv and Merlot. Medium bodied with a fleshy, smooth mouth feel, the aftertaste is a blaze of good acidity with black, juicy Bing cherry, herbs and spice underpinned by supple tannin. Aerate/decant two hours pouring with the ultimate Italian stew - osso bucco. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: June 8, 2013

Château des Charmes Rosé ‘Cuvée d’Andrée’ 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (333260) 12.5% alcohol
Vic and I were both impressed with the depth and character of this Pinot Noir Rosé—suggested to reflect the personality of matriarch Madame Andrée Bosc. An electric, deep-rose hue, it’s wonderfully fragrant with notes of apple blossom, red berry and cherry. Dry, vibrant and mid weight, notes of dried herbs and white pepper add complexity to the luscious red fruit—strawberry, red currant and raspberry. Tangy acidity offers a nice balance to a well-crafted wine that finishes crisp and fruity. A versatile choice that has the heft to pair with a range of foods from strawberry balsamic spinach salad to grilled meats—stock up and enjoy. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Online Release: June 15, 2013

Rosewood Estates ‘Mead Noir’ Rosé 2012
Ontario $25.20 14.0% alcohol
Far outside the square, this dishes up a delectable mouthful of interesting Rosé. It’s fashioned using a medieval technique called ‘pyment’—fermenting grapes, in this case, Pinot Noir, and honey to make wine. Cranberry and honeyed strawberry aromas presage a balanced, beautiful wash of ripe pomegranate with sugared, grilled red grapefruit. It’s medium bodied and beautifully textured with a lengthy balanced finish. Pair with dark chocolate, fresh red fruit or sip on its own—distinctive and delicious. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: June 22, 2013

Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2012
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (354763) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring on the nose; aromas of lemon curd, passion fruit and key lime abound. A wave of juicy, delectable grilled pineapple and herb-infused gooseberry bathe the palate. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a lingering, lip-smacking finish. Balance and complexity showcase a well-paced and well-priced gem. Pour alongside fresh, ripe, fig halves topped with grilled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)


Rosewood Estates Semillon 2011
VQA Beamsville Bench $18.20 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of pit fruit, nuances of honey and steely minerality open up a line of racy lemon tang that broadens out on the mid-palate with notions of nectarine and pear. These riper flavours reflect the warm block from which the fruit was sourced. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a zesty, refreshing, mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared scallops over arugula. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July 6, 2013

Château des Charmes ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet-Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $19.95 (222372) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of cedar, dark berry fruit and notions of roasted herbs open this mid-weight, nicely textured red blend—split almost evenly between Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and Merlot. Dark berry fruit, tangy red cherry and charred toasty notes compete for attention. The fruity, lengthy finish has a dusting of tannin. Allow this to knit together, it’ll reward patience—pop corks 2015 to 2018 pouring alongside grilled strip loin or tenderloin of roast beef. If impatient, aerate/decant three hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)


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)


Featherstone Rosé 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (117861) 12.0% alcohol
Produced from Gamay and Merlot, the deep rosy salmon color of this tasty Rosé portends the intensity of the aromas and flavours. Bursting with ripe, red field berries and cherries, apple skin and mineral notes, it also exhibits hints of spice and pepper. Dry, mid weight, all that juicy flavour is balanced with lively acidity right through the lasting, flavourful finish. A versatile, value-driven wine that will delight on its own or paired on a warm spring day with a balsamic beef and strawberry salad. (Susan Desjardins)


Mocine Toscana 2011
IGT Toscana, Italy $19.95 (332940) 14.0% alcohol
This organic red blend is primarily from hand-picked, wild-yeast fermented, Sangiovese that saw no oak. Herbs, rich, dark, berry fruit and dark cherry aromas provide segue to a lively, juicy wash of herbs and spice, sweet ripe mulberry and red cherry interwoven with good moderating acidity and a lick of still-resolving tannin. It’s mid weight and lingers on the dry aftertaste with racy pomegranate, black olive and dried currant. Give it a go after a two-hour aeration/decant poured with pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 2013

Featherstone ‘Four Feathers’ 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (354763) 11.1% alcohol
A blend of four grapes—56% Riesling, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Gewürztraminer, 9% Chardonnay—this offers aromas of minerality, tropical fruit and citrus. It bathes the palate with balanced and beautiful lemon-lime, white peach and notions of tangy passion fruit. This is mid weight with lots of charm and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish. This is a wonderful, warm-weather sipper at very good value. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 2013

Featherstone ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2012
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $16.95 (80234) 10.0% alcohol
Mid weight with an incredibly long aftertaste, this is charming, complex and made for Riesling aficionados and ordinary wine lovers like you and me. Aromas of floral notes, citrus, notions of minerality and hints of honey are precursor to a dazzling river of pungent, juicy lemon curd, blood orange and key lime pie streaking over the palate. It’s dripping with riveting tang and lip-smacking acidity that’s balanced beautifully with ripe pear, green apple and yellow plum. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: November 2013

Featherstone ‘Red Tail’ Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 13.0% alcohol
Like the high-flying raptor that is an integral part of Featherstone’s sustainable agriculture, this wine delivers high-toned aromas of cherry/berry, spice and vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, it’s round, fruity and fresh, well framed with ripe tannin and fresh acidity. Attractive, spicy, peppery notes enhance the tangy, fruity finish. Finely crafted and quite delicious. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Vintages

Featherstone Gewurztraminer 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (64592) 7.5% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, floral notes and piquant ginger spice provide segue for a wash of well-balanced kitchen spice, lemon zest and tangy, white grapefruit. This is light-medium bodied Gewürzt, clean and crisp on the mid-length aftertaste and pouring well with lighter appetizers like chicken kebabs or pan-seared prawns. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Red Rock Malbec 2011
California $16.95 (284315) 13.5% alcohol ($2 off until May 25 = $14.95)
Roasted herb, dried currant and prune aromas presage a ripe, sweet wash of cherry cordial and black plum compote wreathed in leafy tones and a lick of tannin. It’s medium weight with a creamy smooth mouth feel and a lengthy finish. Pour with grilled gourmet sausage or pasta in spicy tomato sauce after a two-hour aeration decant. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Featherstone Estate Winery – Louise Engel and David Johnson co-own and manage this Twenty Mile Bench, 23-acre, eco-friendly winery. This hard-working couple manage a Harris hawk—Louise’s pet project—used as a deterrent to grape-feasting birds, primarily flocks of starlings, who can eat up a week’s profits in one fell swoop; a small flock of sheep to remove tender young leaves from the fruiting zone allowing the grapes to receive more sunlight; and pretty much everything else that leads to their much sought-after wines. They also produce a ‘verjus’—a grape product used as a vinaigrette that allows salad to be paired with wine - fabulous. The main focus is wine and there are 7 wines above that are available at the winery now, soon to be available at the LCBO, and one immediately following that’s designated as available as winery only. Order a mixed case for Monday - Friday home or office delivery from Featherstone.


Featherstone ‘Onyx’ 2010
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $29.95 13.0% alcohol
This elegant 67% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc blend showcases the terrific vintage, hand- and barrel-chosen, impeccable fruit and brilliant winemaking decisions—Bravo. Exotic incense, pipe tobacco, cassis and black plum aromas introduce a balanced and brimming-with-fruit wash of tangy red cherry, sweet, ripe briary berry and juicy black currant that’s structured, complex and simply delicious. The finish lingers, smooth, mellow and delectable. It’s fabulous now continuing to evolve over the next five years—a fabulous wine that will not disappoint. (Vic Harradine)

Rosewood Estates Winery – is a family-owned and family-operated boutique winery and meadery garnering medals and high recognition for both their hand-crafted grape and their honey wines in the five short years they’ve been in existence. Their honey wines, aka mead, are produced from honey from their own apiary. With a focus on ‘Bench’ wines—Beamsville Bench and Twenty Mile Bench—they’ve now 40 acres of grapes under vine and more than 250 hives for their award-winning, barrel-aged Mead wine. The following wines, and the two above, were tasted recently with family member Krystina Roman. It’s easy to order a mixed case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood Estates.

White Wine

Rosewood Estates Riesling 2011
VQA Beamsville Bench $16.20 12.0% alcohol
This hand-picked, single-vineyard, dry Riesling jumps from the glass with heady aromas of key lime and orchard fruit burnished with slate/mineral tones. A huge gusher of Meyer lemon and tangy lime interweave with nectarine and yellow plum on the palate, infusing the lengthy, balanced, lip-smacking aftertaste. Medium bodied with good texture, it dishes up what one hopes for in well made, delectable, cool-climate Riesling—bravo to winemaker, Luke Orwinski. (Vic Harradine)


Rosewood Estates ‘Mima’s Block’ Riesling 2011
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $18.20 12.0% alcohol
Pale yellow-green, this first offering from Mima’s Block displays intriguing complexity of aromas—mineral, a whiff of sweet citrus, beeswax (you might have guessed!), floral notes and white peach. Just off dry, light-medium bodied, there’s elegant balance of delicious, ripe fruit and lively backbone of acidity. Notes of mineral, citrus, ginger and lemon marmalade mingle on the extended finish. Enjoy it now with corn and blueberry salad. (Susan Desjardins)


Rosewood Estates ‘Natalie’s Süssreserve’ Riesling 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.20 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)


Rosewood Estates ‘Long Rows’ White 2011
VQA Niagara Escarpment $13.20 12.0% alcohol
A blend of Riesling, Semillon and Chardonnay, this is a vibrantly aromatic wine offering a bouquet of honeysuckle, fresh grape, peach, mineral and a whiff of spice. Dry and medium bodied, it has guts and gusto galore. Fresh acidity balances nicely with ripe tangy orchard and citrus fruit. It’s mouth-wateringly crisp, fresh and lasting through the finish. Enjoy it on its own or with a grilled chicken salad. (Susan Desjardins)

Red Wine

Rosewood Estates Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Niagara Escarpment $20.20 13.0% alcohol
Ripened, pristine fruit, the great 2010 vintage and a judicious French oak regimen coalesce in this complex, fully flavoured gem. Aromas of beetroot, Asian spice and earthy notes herald an intense, spice-driven river of black plum and currants that’s balanced and brimming with charm. This is mid weight with very good structure and wisps of tannin interlaced with black currant on the dry finish. (Vic Harradine)


Rosewood Estates ‘Lock, Stock and Barrel’ 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.20 13.3% alcohol
This cellar-dweller, Bordeaux blend—both Cabs, Merlot and Petit Verdot—sports aromas of toast, tobacco, black plum and kitchen spice mingling with dark berry fruit. It’s a bit taut and tight at the moment with cassis and black berry firmly wreathed in a solid tannin presence. Well balanced and structured, the drying aftertaste lingers with red cherry and racy red currant. Aerate/decant three hours before pouring or wait until 2017-2020 to pop corks. (Vic Harradine)


Rosewood ‘Long Rows’ Red 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.20 13.0% alcohol
This unique, semi-transparent garnet blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc entices with subtle aromas of sweet red berry fruit, beetroot, soft spice and vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, it’s lively, juicy and flavourful, pairing tangy acidity with ripe red fruit—cherry, currant and raspberry—underpinned by fine tannins. Well structured and nicely balanced, it finishes dry, fruity and warm. (Susan Desjardins)

Consignment Wine

Order the following wine by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario 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. 


Quinta das Camélias ‘Reserva’ 2010
DOC Dáo, Portugal $14.95 13.5% alcohol
Cedar, chocolate, incense and spice aromas provide segue for a balanced, fruity river of sweet, ripe mulberry, black Bing cherry and cassis that rolls over the palate interlaced with spice and espresso roast. It’s medium-full weight with good mouth feel and a lingering, tangy chocolaty aftertaste. This is a crowd-pleaser that’s good to go now, paired well with spicy, grilled ribs or a juicy steak. (Vic Harradine)

Private Order Wine

Order the following wine by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario 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.

Champagne

Mont d’Hor Brut 2004
AOC Champagne, France $64.95 12.0% alcohol
An alluring bouquet of floral, mineral and toasted, nutty notes herald a frothy mousse, fine-bead bubbles and a refreshing mouthful of green apple, notions of minerality and tangy lemon-lime bathing the palate garnished with subtle leesy notes. This is drinking particularly well now with many years of life ahead developing delightful autolytic characteristics. It’s terrific as a welcoming wine or pair with gougéres. (Vic Harradine)


Mont d’Hor Brut Réserve Non-vintage
AOC Champagne, France $46.95 12.0% alcohol
Brut Réserve is the best possible blend made by every Champagne house in their unique signature style, replicated year after year using reserve wines from many previous vintages, up to 9-years-old here. This Chardonnay-predominant gem has minerality, brioche and racy green apple with hints of citrus on the nose. A frothy mousse heralds a broad wash of peach, apple, yellow plum and nutty notes on the palate finishing in a blaze of racy citrus. It’s a lovely aperitif or welcoming wine at a very good price that’ll also pair well with lighter-styled appetizers, especially sea food and fish. (Vic Harradine)


Mont d’Hor Extra Brut Reserve Non-vintage
AOC Champagne, France $46.95 12.0% alcohol
Clean and crisp, this approximately 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay has good structure and a fine seam of dazzling acidity. Minerality and leesy notes interweave with Granny Smith apple and ripe pear on the nose while racy lemon-lime and hints of salinity streak across the palate infusing the lip-smacking finish. Fine-bead bubbles and bracing acidity mark this as a natural pairing with freshly-shucked oysters or tuna sashimi. (Vic Harradine)

Sparkling Wine

Cantina Bazzano ‘Ti Voglio’ Brut Non-vintage
DOC Colli Bolognesi, Italy $13.50 12.0% alcohol
Floral notes, sweet tropical fruit and lemongrass on the nose, this delights the palate with a persistent wash of honeydew melon, white nectarine and tangy lemon citrus. It’s nicely balanced and refreshing with mid weight, good mouth feel, and a crisp mouth-watering finish. This is a perfect sipper for deck sitting or wiling away a lazy afternoon. (Vic Harradine)


Cantina Bazzano ‘Tesi’ Pignoletto Non-vintage
DOC Colli Bolognesi, Italy $17.95 12.0% alcohol
Produced from the local grape variety, Pignoletto, and fermented in bottle, this frizzante is absolutely delightful. Aromatic with notions of pear, flowers and lees, it replays pear on the palate along with flavours of nectarine and citrus. Well structured, balanced and showcasing a refined mousse, the sweet fruit is matched to fine, tangy acidity. Enjoy chilled on a warm spring day. (Susan Desjardins)

White Wine

La Canosa ‘Peko’ 2012
DOCG Offida, Marche, Italy $15.95 14.0% alcohol
The delicate nose offers aromas of peach, pear and white flowers heralding a line of refreshing, tangy flavour with crisp, green apple, minerality, lemon tang and grapefruit pith carried along on mid weight frame underpinned by subtle wisps of tannin. There’s good texture and plenty of oomph on the warm, dry aftertaste. Good to go now and poured well with roast veal or chicken. (Vic Harradine)


La Canosa ‘Servator’ Passerina 2012
DOCG Passerina, Italy $14.95 12.5% alcohol
Passerina is a grape native to the Marche region producing a silky textured, straw-yellow wine. Aromas include a blend of floral, beeswax, stone fruit and tangerine, while the tangy juicy flavours of citrus and peach are matched by soft, yet well-defined acidity. Smooth and slightly pithy on a fresh finish, it makes a delightful, patio sipper. (Susan Desjardins)


Clos de la Fontaine Muscadet Sévre et Maine ‘Veilles Vignes’ Sur Lie 2012
AOC Sévre et Maine, France $14.95 12.0% alcohol
Produced from Melon de Bourgogne vines of 50-80 years of age, this crisp wine entices with aromas of lime, passion fruit, white peach and white flowers. Dry, mid-weight, mineral notes and zesty citrus characterize the palate, creating a juicy wine with a long-lasting, tangy finish. This is a great choice for freshwater fish or goat cheese with a beet salad. There’s excellent value here. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine Mollet-Maudry ‘L’Antique’ Pouilly Fumé 2012
AOC Pouilly Fumé, France $24.90 12.5% alcohol
This is classic Pouilly Fumé sporting hi-toned aromas of grassy nettles and piquant citrus with sprigs of herbs on the nose. A mouth-watering line of acidity sprays over the palate with passion fruit and vibrant gooseberry mingling with lemon citrus and minerality. This is medium weight and nicely textured with a lip-smacking aftertaste of lemon-lime and steely minerality. Pour with mesclun and kiwi fruit salad under crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)


Domaine de la Poulette Côte de Nuits-Villages Blanc 2011
AOC Côte de Nuits-Villages, France $23.75 13.0% alcohol
The aromas of orchard fruit, mineral, hazelnut and an elusive woodsy note drift from the glass of this subtle, complex wine. Dry, medium bodied, displaying tangy acidity and light tannins, mineral notes and flavours of citrus and green apple; it’s slightly austere with a persistent, drying finish. Very good now, even better held for a year or so, then savour with simply prepared pork roast. (Susan Desjardins)

Rosé Wine

Domaine de Montgilet Rosé d’Anjou 2012
AOC Rosé d’Anjou, France $13.95 12.0% alcohol
Wild flowers, strawberry and spice aromas blossom on the nose of this gorgeous Rosé. A complex gusher of balanced and well-textured strawberry/rhubarb pie and spice mingle with currant and red cherry on the palate, infusing the lengthy, lip-smacking finish. It’s mid weight and nicely structured with oodles of charm. Great for sipping or can be paired with white pizza or lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

Red Wine

La Canosa ‘Nummaria’, Italy $17.95 14.5% alcohol
There’s impressive depth and power in this well-crafted and remarkably complex blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. Lifted aromas of cedar, tar, spice, dark fruits and prune mingle harmoniously. Dry, mid-full weight, the structured character is manifest in grainy tannins and fresh acidity framing spiced dark fruit layered on a replay of tar and dried fruits. Notes of vanilla, toast and dark chocolate resonate on a drying finish. Hold for two or more years, or decant one hour and serve with grilled steak. (Susan Desjardins)


Alexander Fontein Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
WO Coastal Region, South Africa $11.50 14.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of dark coffee, tarry notes and cassis herald a luscious, rich river of juicy, black currant and sweet, ripe mulberry garnished with excellent tang from racy red cherry. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with a balanced mouth-watering aftertaste with notions of wood smoke underpinned with good structure and charm. Good to go now with grilled burgers, steaks or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)


Bodegas La Purísima ‘Estio’ 2012
DOC Yecla, Spain $10.75 13.5% alcohol
This delightful red blend—Monastrell and Syrah—bustles from the glass with hi-toned aromas of kitchen spice and ripe dark fruit. It’s a vibrant, ruby-red hue, medium bodied and dishes up a lively, nicely balanced spray of fresh, juicy flavour with chocolate-covered cherries mingling with sweet mulberry and juicy, tangy black currant. There’s good texture and oodles of charm on the mid-length, refreshing finish. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic and Susan