September 24, 2014 Newsletter

Highlights include:

• Exceptional value wines  – six of 53 wines meet the strict quality-price guidelines – two @ $17.95, one at $15.95 another at $13.95 one at $13.90 and another at $9.90. All are identified by the   icon. What strict guidelines?  Click here.
• Finding Waldo – Waldo is a Ripasso-styled Negroamaro/Primitivo blend from Apulia.
• Susan Selects – Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2012 4½ stars @ $44.95 under Feature: New World Groundbreakers; Jim Barry ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz 2012 4½ stars @ $26.95 under Australia: Red Wine.
• Vic Picks – Clos Le Vigneau Vouvray 2012 4½ stars @ $19.95 under France: White Wine; Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 4½ stars @ $19.95 under New in Vintages Essentials
• 5-star Wine – no wine rang the 5-star bell.

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 then clicking on select stores and entering your postal code. The number of bottles available in each store near you is displayed. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, some stores post earlier. For LCBO wines, it should closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. Always best to phone first.

Using the winery name link in the New in Ontario Wineries section, allows you to order for home, office or restaurant delivery subject to each winery’s shipping procedure.

Using the link or contact details for agents under Private Order or Consignment Wine, allows you to order for home, office, restaurant delivery subject to agent’s shipping procedure.

Vintages Release: September 27, 2014

Feature: New World Groundbreakers

Catena Alta Malbec 2011
Mendoza $49.95 (982355) 14.0% alcohol
These benchmark ‘Alta’ wines are produced from fruit carefully selected from Catena’s high-altitude vineyards and offer great complexity and depth. Deep purple, this Malbec proffers a complex nose anchored by ripe black fruits showing hints of mint, chocolate, dried herbs and sweet spice. Dry and full bodied, the very concentrated and intense blackberry and plum fruit is matched by a subtle yet firm structure and accented with notes of exotic spice, pepper and coffee bean. The finish is warm, long and dry, offering tantalizing chocolate notes. Serve with grilled beef tenderloin stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. (Susan Desjardins)

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2012
WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley $44.95 (999516) 14.0% alcohol
A visit to South Africa’s Western Cape earlier this year made it very clear that we rarely see the fine wines available from this country’s historic wine regions. So, if you’re a Pinot Noir-o-phile, dip into your wine budget and seize the opportunity to taste this finely crafted red. Semi-transparent garnet, it combines earthy aromas and dried herbs with cherry/berry and smoky toasty notes. Dry, medium bodied, with fresh and juicy texture, the earthy notes replay entwined with vibrant red fruits—cherry, strawberry and currant—exotic spice and white pepper. An elegant wine, the extended finish is warm yet tangy. Savour with roast duck with cherry glaze. (Susan Desjardins)

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2012
Marlborough, South Island $31.95 (359513) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of toasty oak, smoke and butterscotch announce an über-tangy streak of acidity with lemon-lime interweaving with saline/mineral notes. Medium weight with good mouth-feel, the flavours replay on the fry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled or pan-seared freshwater fish under a squish of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)

  
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2012
VQA Okanagan Valley $36.95 (208694) 14.5% alcohol
This is a golden, viscous wine displaying attractive aromas of toasted nut, vanilla, citrus, stone and orchard fruit. Dry, full bodied, with a generous creamy texture, the winemaker has astutely balanced, refined acidity and luscious ripe fruit. Attractive notes of spice and buttery toast linger on the rich, tangy finish. Serve with creamy pasta dishes or roast white meats. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2012
VQA Okanagan Valley $44.95 (349019) 14.5% alcohol
Inky and opaque, this powerful, concentrated wine offers a bevy of tantalizing aromas—smoke, earth, berry, cherry, plum, tobacco and spice. Dry, full bodied, the firm tannins and fresh acidity are a perfect framework for the great depth of ripe fruit. The warmth of pepper, sweet spicy notes and hints of vanilla and mocha mingle and add richness to the ripe fruit. The finish is lengthy and dry. A great wine for cellaring, this is also a match for herbed roast leg of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

Two Hands ‘Angels’ Share’ Shiraz 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia $29.95 (9480) 16.1% alcohol
Aromas of tarry notes, tobacco and wood smoke swirl from this hi-octane fruit bomb. A tsunami wave of bramble berry pie and black plum compote interweave with baking spice and dark bittersweet chocolate, dense and concentrated. It’s full weight and fully textured with a fruit-forward long finish. Pour with smoked, grilled ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Two Hands ‘Lily’s Garden’ Shiraz 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia $59.95 (683086) 16.5% alcohol
This is a rich stylish red with structure and complexity. In spite of the seriously high alcohol it avoids any excesses on the palate or finish. Aromas of dark cherry, spice and black currant replay on the palate and lingering finish. It’s mid-full weight with wonderful texture and great purity of fruit throughout. Pour with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

  
Rockway Estate ‘Small Lot’ Meritage 2011
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (388262) 13.0% alcohol
Evocative and complex aromas of sweet black fruits, vanilla, earth, smoky toast, spiced rose and herbs tantalize the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied, this blend of the Cabernets and Merlot flows across the palate like velvet, offering power and harmony, a fresh texture and supple tannins to balance the savoury ripe fruit, and lovely notes of dark chocolate and dried herbs through the long, flavourful finish. An excellent value, this finely crafted candidate for the cellar will pair well with full-flavoured meat dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

Feature: Portugal

Animus 2010
DOC Douro $13.95 (385302) 13.5% alcohol
Black plum, savoury herbs and wisps of fig and earthy aromas on the nose, this dishes up a line of sweet and tang. Blackberry and sour cherry intertwine on the palate and finish. It’s medium weight with a firm mouth feel framed by good acidity and a perceptible tannin structure—aerate/decant for three hours before pouring. Pour with burgers or meat-lovers pizza. (Vic Harradine)

Quinta de Pancas Seleccão do Enólogo 2010
DOC Lisboa $18.95 (380931) 13.5% alcohol
This award-winning blend is dense and inky, offering tantalizing aromas of vanilla, smoke, fresh black berry and dried fruits. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s smooth and velvety in texture, substantial and rich on the palate. The ripe fruit flavours are framed by supple tannins and fine acidity, and enhanced by well-integrated oak. Notes of exotic spice extend through the full-flavoured finish. Serve with hearty meat dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Sparkling Wine

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs
Carneros $28.95 (925735) 12.5% alcohol
Lovely and intricate aromas of apricot pit, almond, yeast, red berry and citrus tantalize the nose. Peach hued, dry, medium bodied, with a fine persistent mousse and silky texture, this is a fine fresh wine that replays red fruit on the palate, with notes of citrus and toasted nut. A real delight, it would pair well with turkey dinner! (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

  
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling 2012
VQA Short Hills Bench $17.95 (557165) 11.5% alcohol
Pale straw, this wine offers lovely mineral notes mingling with orchard fruit and citrus. Dry, medium bodied, dashing clean acidity underlines the flavours of lime zest, ripe apple and pear. The fine silky texture and crisp refreshing finish make it a must-have wine, and a great choice for Thanksgiving ham or turkey. Pick up a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Napa Valley $24.95 (339663) 13.5% alcohol
Quite grassy with aromas of nettles on the nose, this dishes up a solid line of sweet and tang. Green apple and pear meld with lemon yoghurt and Key lime pie on the medium-bodied lovely textures palate. It’s nicely balanced with a mid-length finish and a dry crisp aftertaste of white grapefruit zest. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

Versado Malbec 2013
Luján de Cuyo $25.95 (317008) 14.8% alcohol
Canada’s Ann Sperling and husband Peter Gamble are the magicians behind this big, bold Malbec. Inky, opaque, the basket of aromas includes a bevy of black fruits, sweet spice and notions of cedar. Dry, full bodied, the palate is awash with plush, velvety black fruit, while fine-grained underlying tannins and fine acidity create balance. There’s warmth on the finish and appealing notes of vanilla, toast, dried fruits and white pepper adding to the intensity of the wine. Savour and serve with rare grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Ventisquero ‘Grey Single Block’ Carmenère 2011
Maipo Valley $19.95 (325415) 14.0% alcohol
Dense dark fruit aromas mingle with minty notes, spiced rose, earth, smoke, and exotic spice to create a compelling cascade of aromas. Dry, full bodied, this inky wine is intensely fruity, yet well structured with ripe tannins and clean acidity. The finish is dry, fruit filled and lasting. A wine that offers depth and value, it’s a great match for barbequed meats. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

Willow Bridge ‘Bookends’ Fumé Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2012
Geographe, Western Australia $24.95 (380162) 12.2% alcohol
Flint and mineral aromas join grassy notes and wisps of honey. A lively wash of citrus acidity—lemon, lime and grapefruit—dominate flavours. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a refreshing mouth-watering finish. Pour with scallop ceviche or freshly shucked Malpec oysters (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

Holm Oak Pinot Noir 2012
Tasmania $28.95 (376863) 13.5% alcohol
This is very rich and luscious; it’s off the map for flavour, structure and pizzazz. Aromas of ripe red fruit and beetroot herald a dense rich wash of lively flavours—briary berry, strawberry and spice-laden sour cherry. It’s complex and balanced with deftly integrated oak and a long fruity finish with notions of savory herbs. (Vic Harradine)

Jim Barry ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz 2012

Clare Valley $26.95 (998476) 14.5% alcohol

Jim Barry Wines are one of 12 family-owned ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’; producing wine with sense of place. A reliably well-made and deftly balanced wine, this vintage delivers a dense, intense wine that features optimally ripened black fruits mingling with notions of pepper and herbs. Dry, full bodied, pepper and exotic spice shine on the palate, the full fruit flavours mingling with earthy, toasty notes to create appealing complexity. There’s a subtle yet defined structure framing the fruit, clean acidity matched to a touch of warmth that lingers on the extended finish. A good buy and a fine match for roast lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

Kilikanoon ‘The Lackey’ Shiraz 2012
South Australia $17.95 (5199) 14.5% alcohol
This is a lovely wine; pick up a few. Grilled herbs, wood smoke and red berry fruit aromas jump from this medium-plus bodied, creamy-smooth Shiraz. The fruit-filled river of bramble berry, cassis and kirsch liqueur builds on the palate persisting through the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Give it a go with grilled back ribs mopped in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Yalumba ‘Patchwork’ Shiraz 2011
Barossa Valley, South Australia $23.95 (98392) 13.5% alcohol
A well-bred red from one of the globe’s top producers; the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Spice, espresso roast and notions savoury herb aromas dominate the nose. Involved waves of ripe mulberry, kirsch liqueur and cherry clafoutis interlace with tang-laden sour cherry washing over the palate infusing the long finish and aftertaste. It’s mid-plus weight, smooth and mellow, balanced and beautiful. Good to go now with grilled rib eye. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

Babich ‘Black Label’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island $17.95 (9142) 13.0% alcohol
Piquant spice and savory herb aromas introduce a palate-bathing flow of racy lemon tang and lime zest nicely balanced with grilled pineapple and white peach. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a mid-length aftertaste of grapefruit and passion fruit. Pour alongside crumbled chèvre and olive oil over a bed of mesclun greens. (Vic Harradine)

Whitehaven ‘Greg Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island $24.95 (325944) 13.0% alcohol
This is a crowd pleaser, typical of the most popular style of Marlborough SBs—grassy aromas, tang-laden fruit and crisp lip-smacking finish. Mouth-watering acidity with flavours of passion fruit and gooseberry to the fore, this persists throughout the tasting experience. There’s great purity of fruit, deft balance, good structure and a dandy finish. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Bestheim ‘Réserve’ Pinot Gris 2012
AOC Alsace $15.95 (315143) 13.0% alcohol
This off-dry award winner is loaded with rich stone fruit and melon aromas and flavours. The ripe fruit is nicely balanced by a backbone of lively acidity, while a hint of sweet grapefruit and a touch of pithiness add a lift on the finish. Enjoy chilled with gently spiced Asian dishes or ginger-maple marinated salmon. (Susan Desjardins)

Jean-Marc Brocard “Vau de Vay’ Chablis 1er Cru 2012
AOC Chablis $29.95 (159012) 12.5% alcohol
Flint, slate and smoke aromas announce a complex and structured river of lemon zest and grapefruit pith interlaced with minerality. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and lingering crisp mouth-watering aftertaste. Ceviche, freshly shucked oysters or grilled calamari rings under a squeeze of fresh lemon would all work with this gem. (Vic Harradine)

Clos Le Vigneau Vouvray 2012
AOC Vouvray $19.95 (318840) 12.5% alcohol
There are aromas of spice and buckwheat honey on this sweet and tang, extremely well-priced Chenin Blanc. Sweet tropical fruit mingles with lemon tang and minerality on the palate infusing the lengthy finish. It’s mid weight with generous mouth feel and a lingering aftertaste garnished with blood orange and notions of savory herbs. Pours and pairs well with spicy Asian dishes. (Vic Harradine)

Perrin & Fils ‘Réserve’ Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc 2013
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône $14.95 (499509) 13.0% alcohol
Floral notes, citrus, stone fruit and spice aromas intertwine on the nose of this dry yet smooth-textured, medium-bodied blend. On the palate, citrus and juicy green apple dominate, paired with a lively acidity that is accented through the long-lasting tangy finish. Serve this wine with smoked salmon appetizers or creamy seafood dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Château des Moines 2008

AOC Lalande de Pomerol $24.95 (206789) 12.5% alcohol

A semi-opaque, ruby hue in the glass, this Merlot-based Bordeaux delivers aromas of smoky toast, spicy roses, cedar and field berries. There’s a firm, underlying structure caressing the palate with a mid-weight, velvety texture offering an attractive balance of fresh acidity and concentrated flavours of plum, dark berries, spice and roasted peppers. Persistent and dry on the finish, it’s a good candidate for mid-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Château Hyot 2010

AOC Côtes de Bordeaux, Castillon, Bordeaux $17.95 (063537) 13.5% alcohol

Aromas of toasty oak and earthy tones introduce a tangy, juicy line of red currant, cranberry and sour cherry broadening out on the mid palate with briary berry and black Bing cherry. It’s medium bodied and well textured with a mid-length, lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with meat-laden pizza or lasagne. (Vic Harradine)

Domaine Jean Deydier & Fils ‘Les Clefs d’Or’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $44.95 (384370) 14.5% alcohol
Campfire smoke, mocha and dark berry fruit aromas fill the room. A luscious mouthful of palate-bathing black cherry and black raspberry mingle with cassis and piquant spice. It’s mid-plus weight with good texture and a very long finish and aftertaste showcasing rich briary berry and dark chocolate. This is balanced on a pin and worth every penny—aerate/decant two hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

 
Viticccio Chianti Classico 2011
DOCG Chianti Classico $23.95 (283580) 13.5% alcohol
Floral and earthy notes accent the red fruit aromas of this dry, medium bodied Sangiovese married to a touch of Merlot. Refined and elegant, underpinned by a subtle yet firm structure and fine acidity, the wine showcases red berries and dried cherry with gentle spice notes. Restrained notes of mocha garnish the extended, dry finish. Savour with tagliatelle alla carbonara. (Susan Desjardins)

Giordano ‘Ricarico’ 2011
IGT Salento $19.95 (230581) 14.5% alcohol
This +50-year-old-vine Negroamaro/Primitivo blend, is a Ripasso-styled red from Apulia, as the ‘Ricarico’ signifies. Tobacco, roasted herbs, spice and dark berry fruit provide segue for a supple rich wash of dark berry fruit, black licorice, spice and mocha. It’s medium-full bodied with very generous texture and lengthy, luscious, fruit-laden finish. How good is that? (Vic Harradine)

Hacienda Lopez de Haro ‘Reserva’ 2005

DOCa Rioja $18.95 (357335) 13.5% alcohol

Tobacco, leather and cedar aromas herald a tangy and juicy, nicely textured, medium-weight river of black plum, red cherry and toasty/oaky bits. This has good sense of purpose with plenty of fruit, good moderating acidity and firm tannin on the lengthy aftertaste. With lots of life left, drink now after a two-hour aeration/decant and over the next decade alongside cassoulet or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

Chakana ‘Maipe’ ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2012
Argentina $14.95 (247320) 14.0% alcohol
This dishes up a lovely nose of red and black cherry mingling with earthy spicy bits. Palate-washing flavours of black bramble berry and dark juicy cherry ride a medium-bodied, nicely textured wave right through the balanced finish and aftertaste. There’s good concentration and plenty of fruit that’s nicely framed with good tang and lots of charm. The fruit’s hand harvested and the wine aged 12 months in French oak barrels—there’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)

Chakana Malbec 2013
Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (3509) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe, dark, juicy fruit aromas jump from the glass with wisps of spice and smoky notes. Palate-bathing flavours of black plum, bramble berry and red cherry wash in waves. This is mid-plus weight with good texture and a tang-laden, mouth-watering finish. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages Essentials: White Wine – always available in select stores

Astrolabe ‘Province’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22.95 (10421) 13.5% alcohol
This is a robust and rarin’ to go Sauvignon Blanc that jumps from the glass with heady aromas of grass, nettles and piquant spice. A gusher of gooseberry and passion fruit interweave with lemon grass and Key lime pie streaking across the palate, infusing the crisp lip-smacking finish. A mouth-watering aperitif, it has the balance and oomph to front up beautifully to mesclun greens under olive oil and crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Chardonnay 2013

California $19.95 (369686) 13.5% alcohol
An involved nose of toasty, nutty notes and ripe orchard fruit aromas herald a spice-infused river of apple, pear and tangy citrus. This is nicely structured and balanced with purity of fruit throughout. It’s mid-full weight and nicely textured with a refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour with lemon chicken or pan-seared white fish. (Vic Harradine)

Kim Crawford ‘East Coast’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2013

Marlborough/Hawkes Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (991950) 13.0% alcohol 

Delicate aromas of honeyed pit fruit mingle with wisps of toffee apple and nutty notes. Mid-full weight and nicely textured, it runs over the palate with flavours of pineapple yoghurt, lemon chiffon pie and lime cordial. It’s balanced and straightforward with a finish and aftertaste showcasing ripe peach and melon. Pour with chicken kebabs. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages Essentials: Red Wine – always available in select stores

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011

AOC Bourgogne, France $20.95 (162073) 12.5% alcohol
An attractive light-ruby hue in the glass, the quiet nose offers spice, floral and red berry fruit aromas. This is über-tangy throughout with a racy line of red currant and sour cherry mingling with beetroot and spice. It’s light on its feet with good texture. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)

Belle Glos ‘Meiomi’ Pinot Noir 2013

Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma Counties, California $26.95 (130138) 13.8% alcohol
From three premium counties—37% Monterey, 34% Sonoma, 29% Santa Barbara, this dishes up an array of aromas—exotic spice, floral notes, cherry cordial and ripe dark berry fruit. A palate-coating wash of sweet ripe fruit—mulberry, black cherry and dark plum—interweaves with rosewater and ruby red grapefruit. Medium-full bodied with good mouth feel, the finish is lengthy and fruity. (Vic Harradine)

The Grinder Pinotage 2013

WO Western Cape, South Africa $13.95 (269076) 14.0% alcohol
Campfire smoke, espresso roast and dark chocolate aromas provide segue for a tangy stream of sour cherry and cranberry melding with baking spice and black currant. It’s mid-plus weight with creamy smooth texture and a lingering finish dominated by dark coffee and dark bittersweet chocolate. Give it a go with smoked, grilled back ribs slathered with a sweet and tang barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State $19.95 (210047) 14.0% alcohol
This is a lovely red with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. A subdued nose of mixed spice and dark cherry/berry fruit unleashes a delectable wash of balanced and beautiful flavours with red and black currant and juicy black Bing cherry to the fore. It’s medium bodied with generous texture and long, balanced finish showcasing delicious ripe fruit. Each sip is as good or better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)

New in LCBO

 
Château des Charmes ‘Rotary 1951’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $13.95 (393959) 12.0% alcohol
For every bottle purchased, the winery donates $1 to their local Rotary Club who create positive and lasting change to our communities and those around the world. Spiced ripe apple and nutty notes on the nose precede a delightful wash of tangy lemon citrus and lime cordial streaking across the palate and replaying on the crisp, refreshing finish. It’s mid weight and nicely textured—a lovely wine from an outstanding vintage. (Vic Harradine)

  
Château des Charmes ‘Rotary 1951’ Cabernet-Merlot 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (393967) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a taste-good, feel-good blend of the Cabernets and Merlot that was bottled by the Bosc family in support of their local Rotary Club foundation—$1 of the purchase price goes to the Rotary foundation. It showcases attractive notes of red plum and berry, spice and vanilla, a nice fresh texture, ripe tannin and a tasty spiced finish. Enjoy this approachable wine with burgers, meat lasagna or pizza. (Susan Desjardins)

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Grigio 2013
Chile $9.90 (366344) 14.0% alcohol
This is a step above the ordinary at an extraordinary price Alluring aromas of floral, spice and notions of lychee and honey waft readily from this easy-drinking, tangy gem. It rolls over the palate with oodles of flavour—yellow plum, lemony tang and peach interwoven with white grapefruit and minerality. It’s light-medium weight with lovely texture and a lengthy finish that’s crisp and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

Cono Sur Sparkling Rosé Non-vintage
Bio-Bio Valley, Chile $13.90 (365205) 12.0% alcohol
100% Pinot Noir and fashioned in the Charmat/Cuvée Close method, this offers delicate aromas of red fruit—strawberries and watermelon—interlaced with floral notes and exotic spice. A great profusion of bubbles carries oodles of flavour, nicely balanced, crisp and refreshing—red cherry, strawberry and tangy blood orange. There’s a hint of red grapefruit on the finish and oodles of reasons to pick up a couple to be poured as an aperitif or with smoked salmon on a cream cheese-smeared bagel. (Vic Harradine)

New in Private Order

• 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.

Bottwartaler Winzer ‘Arum’ Kerner ‘Kabinett Trocken’ 2012
Prädikatswein, Germany $18.85 13.0% alcohol
Minerality, piquant spice and green apple aromas herald a fruit- and tang-laden gusher of Key lime pie, Meyer lemon and pineapple coating the palate with creamy smooth mouth feel. It’s medium bodied with pin-point balance, great purity of fruit and a dry lengthy finish and aftertaste. This pairs and pours well with pan-seared or grilled fish or seafood and it offers terrific value. (Vic Harradine)

Bulas ‘Reserva’ Tinto 2011
DOC Douro, Portugal $32.95 14.0% alcohol
This showcases purity of fruit, deft balance and great sense of purpose. Old-vine, single-vineyard, foot-trodden Touriga Nacional was aged 9 months in French oak barrels before bottling. Heady aromas of cocoa, dark berry fruit and spice herald an incredibly smooth and mellow wash of bramble berry and cassis garnished with dark bittersweet chocolate and hints of dried currant. It’s medium bodied and generously textured with a lingering balanced and stylish aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Bulas ‘Grande Reserva’ Tinto 2010
DOC Douro, Portugal $53.95 14.0% alcohol
Exotic spice, sandalwod and dark berry fruit pour from this full-bodied, fully textured beauty. Under a robe of tannin, the solid flow of dark berry fruit and spice-infused dark cherry wends its way, coating the palate, riding a solid line of lip-smacking acidity. It finishes with more of the same. Patient cellaring should reap rewards as will popping corks now after a three-hour aeartion/decant. (Vic Harradine)

Bulas ‘Seyra’ 2012
DOC Douro, Portugal $14.95 13.5% alcohol
Inky purple, fresh and lively, aromas of piquant spice and red berry fruit mingle with tobacco leaf. It bathes the palate with racy river of dense, concentrated black currant and black plum garnished with aromatic bitters and espresso roast. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a dry, lingering aftertaste that’s framed by good acidity and great structure and purity of fruit. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

Château Favray Pouilly-Fumé 2013
AOC Pouilly-Fumé, France $22.60 12.5% alcohol
This strikes a lovely balance of acidity and ripe fruit throughout. Alluring aromas of floral, mineral/slate and grassy notes waft easily from this deftly balanced, easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc. It glides across the palate with lemon acidity, yummy lime yoghurt and notions of gooseberry. It’s medium bodied with creamy-smooth mouth feel and a crisp, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste showcasing notions of white peach. Pour with white pizza or crumbled chèvre and olive oil over arugula. (Vic Harradine)

Domaine de Vénus ‘L’Effrontée’ 2011 

AOP Côtes du Roussillon, France $29.95 14.0% alcohol 

A brilliant, pale gold in the glass, quiet aromas of citrus and flowers provide intro to a well-balanced wash of racy lemon tang, mandarin orange and notions of salinity. It’s creamy smooth and mid weight with a mid-length finish that’s crisp and refreshing. Pour alongside chicken, pork or veal. (Vic Harradine) 

Domaine de Vénus Côtes Catalanes 2011
IGP Côtes Catalanes, France $19.95 14.0% alcohol
Charred toast, cocoa and tobacco open a full-bodied, fully textured and fully flavoured hedonistic red blend of Carignan and Syrah. Palate-coating waves of bramble berry and sweet ripe mulberry robed in great balance and truckloads of crowd-pleasing allure roll persistently through the very long, fruit-laden finish. Just in case the review’s not clear, it’s absolutely delicious. There’s terrific value here. (Vic Harradine)

Ruppertsberger ‘feinfruchtig’ Riesling 2013
Qualitätswein ba, Germany $19.15 9.5% alcohol
Floral notes and orchard fruit aromas announce a fresh and lively sweet and tang wash of grilled pineapple and sweet ripe yellow plum juxtaposed with racy lemon-lime—lip-smacking good. It’s light on its feet with oodles of flavour and charm throughout. A delightful aperitif, it also pours well alongside mildly spiced Asian cuisine like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic and Susan