Vintages Release: July 11, 2015

  
Ruffino ‘Ducale Oro – Gran Selezione’ Riserva Chianti Classico 2010
DOCG Chianti Classsico $46.95 (353201) 14.5% Alcohol
This is made only in the best vintages and ranks in the top 10% of all 2014 Chianti Classico wine, hence the, ‘Gran Selezione’. Dark berry fruit, floral notes, mocha and baking spice announce a fruity, balanced river of spiced, dark Bing cherry, mulberry and hints of dark chocolate mingling with wisps of roasted herbs on the palate. It’s mid-plus weight with creamy-smooth mouth feel and more than its share of depth, complexity and charm. Pour with grilled steak, osso bucco or classic pasta dishes. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 2015

    
Featherstone ‘Four Feathers’ 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (341586) 12.0% alcohol
Featherstone produces carefully crafted, well-made wine with purity of fruit and the quality-price balance always tipped in your favour. This off-dry white blend—Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc—coats the palate with a fully flavoured wash of tropical fruit, lemon pie filling and notions of grilled pineapple. This is medium-full bodied with a long, fleshy, balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. It’s value-laden and you won’t go wrong picking up a few to sip or to pour with lighter appetizers or spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 17, 2015

   
Featherstone ‘Red Tail Merlot’ 2013
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (131540) 12.5% alcohol
Sourced from estate,12-year-old vines, it was fermented with indigenous yeast in small vats over 15 days. A lighter-styled, consumer-friendly red with charm and elegance, it dishes up aromas of baking spice, red berry fruit and notions of red cherry. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and savoury-laced flavours of ripe red berry fruit and sweet-ish red cherry followed by a balanced finish. It pours well with mains of grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: December 2015

   
Featherstone ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (149302) 12.5% alcohol
Hand-harvested, hand sorted, whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented, it aged 12 months in Canadian oak barrels—Canadian oak is tighter and finer-grained than French and often said to impart a spicy note. Sandalwood, caramel and baked apple on the nose, it bathes the palate with a delectable tapestry of creamy-smooth, spiced apple pie, lemon yoghurt, sweet vanilla and buttered toast. It’s balanced, with good structure and wisps of oak on the lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)