Vintages Release: November 28, 2015
Bodega Secreto Patagónico ‘Limited Edition’ Chardonnay 2012
Patagonia, Argentina $18.95 (380055) 14.0% alcohol
A gorgeous golden hue and aromas of tropical fruit, honey and binned apple herald a creamy-smooth, nicely textured stream of baking spice-infused flavours of ripe, red apple and pear interwoven with grilled pineapple and lemon pie filling. It’s medium bodied with a finish and aftertaste that’s loaded with ripe orchard fruit and wisps of peach skin. Pour alongside chicken à la king. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: January 9, 2016
Creekside ‘Serluca Family Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2013
VQA Four Mile Creek $22.95 13.5% alcohol
Opaque and inky purple, this well-ripened Cabernet Franc offers complexity and richness. Enjoy the lifted floral aromas, cassis and black berry fruit, sweet spice, graphite and a notion of bay leaf. Medium-full bodied, the fresh, mouthwatering texture is paired with focused red cherry and cassis flavours, a savoury quality and notes of oak aging including dark chocolate and spice. Well balanced with good intensity of flavours and an extended, dry finish, this is drinking well now but has the bones for aging. (Susan Desjardins)
Vintages Release: February 6, 2016
Creekside Estate Merlot 2013
VQA Four Mile Creek $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Sourced from the Serluca Family Vineyard in Four Mile Creek, this single-vineyard Merlot underwent a three-day cold soak in stainless steel then aged 19 months in 43% seasoned French oak and 57% American oak barrels. Aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and raspberry jam with hints of spice, tobacco and chocolate dominate the nose. The juicy fruit replays on the palate with spice and sweet smoke. This medium-bodied, silky, crowd pleaser pairs beautifully with sticky barbecued ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
Vintages Release: June 25, 2016
Château Sainte-Marie ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Entre-deux-Mers 2014
AOC Entre-deux-Mers, France $13.75 (447565) 12.5% alcohol
Bright and clean on the nose, this award-winning, value-packed blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle offers light floral and herbal aromas, notes of citrus, apricot and a notion of wet stone. Light-medium bodied on the palate, the texture is mouth-watering and crisp, the citrus expressed as grapefruit and lime with hints of smoke and flint, the herbaceous quality adds character. Finishing long and dry, this is your go-to wine for fresh seafood. (Susan Desjardins)
Vintages Release: 2016
Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 2014
AOC Chablis, France $TBA 12.5% alcohol
This traditionally crafted gem was hand-harvested from 25-year-old vines, wild-yeast fermented, rested on heavy and fine lees six-months each developing texture, aromas and structure. It leaps from the glass with lifted aromas of exotic incense, honeysuckle and gun-flint before bathing the palate with a creamy smooth, heavenly textured flow of mineral-laden lemon curd, crisp Granny Smith apple and Key lime. It showcases good weight and structure, steely acidity and lip-smacking tang. Pour with pan-seared or grilled seafood. (Vic Harradine)
Provolo ‘Campotorbian’Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $18.80 (517912) 14.0% alcohol
A blend of indigenous grapes from the Veneto—60% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 15% Corvinone—it spent 24 months in oak and another six in bottle before release. It opens with lively aromas of campfire smoke, cedar and dark berry fruit. A silky-smooth wash of ripe, dark fruit—currant, mulberry and cherry—mingle with grilled herbs, piquant spice and bittersweet chocolate. It finishes fruit-driven, lengthy and sporting espresso roast and notions of black licorice on the aftertaste. This is terrific Ripasso at a very, very good price. (Vic Harradine)