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


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


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


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


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