Vintages Release: September 14th 2019

90  
Gérard Bertrand Saint Chinian 2016
AOP Saint Chinian, France $17.95 (370247) 14.0% alcohol
This is a blend of syrah and mourvèdre with a third aged nine months in barriques. The rest remains in tanks to preserve the fruit character easily noticeable on the nose—ripe blue plum, blackberry, cassis—along with brined black olive, cinnamon and violet in the backdrop. Full of life on the palate, it flows nicely offering black fruit flavours and a toasty note, paired with high acidity and medium tannin getting grippy towards the dry lengthy finish. This is medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration and a definite crowd pleaser. Pour alongside, mixed grilled meats. (Louise Boutin)

89 
Buena Vista ‘the Legendary Badge’ Petite Sirah 2017
California $17.95 (545772) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry cola and mocha swirl from this petite verdot. A huge mouthful of black currant and black raspberry envelop the palate adorned with oak vanillin and notions of Ribena on the back palate and finish. It’s medium-plus bodied and generously textured, nicely balanced and lengthy and luxurious on the delicious dry finish. Pour with grilled strip loin steak. (Vic Harradine)

88 
Palliser Estate ‘Pencarrow’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017 
Martinborough, New Zealand $20.95 (708602) 12.0% alcohol 
This rested a short while on its lees, increasing texture/mouthfeel. Piquant herbal and gooseberry aromas abound. It’s quite fleshy on the palate with flavours of gooseberry jelly and hints of mint to the fore. There’s good acidity and plenty of flavour persisting through the finish. Pour well-chilled on its own or alongside Greek salad, olive-oiled arugula topped with chèvre or grilled calamari. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 12, 2019

91 

Luigi Bosca ‘Single Vineyard’ Malbec 2016

DOC Luján de Cuyo (74922) $29.95 14.0% alcohol

This single-vineyard gem, from vines averaging 70 years of age, was matured 14 months in French oak. Ripe, dark. fruit aromas, touched by notes of cedar, exotic spice, mint and balsamic reduction, waft easily from the glass before a torrent of cherry, plum, spice and mocha flavours coat the rich-tasting palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with well-integrated tannins and clean acidity, it finishes medium-long, warm and smooth. Pair with grilled rib-eye steaks. (Lisa Isabelle)