Vintages Release: November 9, 2019
92
Best’s ‘Bin No. 1’ Shiraz 2016
Great Western, Victoria, Australia $21.95 (222323) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of über-ripe dark berry fruit, sprigs of grilled herbs and dark plum compote provide segue for a rich and concentrated river of black Bing cherry, black currant, mixed spice and balancing tang and acidity. It’s medium-full bodied, balanced and beautiful from twist top to last drop. The finish lingers replaying delicious palate flavours. There’s very good value here and it’s drinking well now; pour alongside barbecued striploin or medium-rare grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 9, 2019
• The following 2017 Gérard Bertrand Grenache / Carignan is hand-picked and sorted before being vinified separately with the carignan undergoing carbonic maceration for approx. two weeks and the grenache seeing traditional maceration and complete destemming. A portion of the wine is matured in barrel for 12 months.
88
Gérard Bertrand Grenache / Carignan 2017
AOP Fitou, France $17.95 (403683) 13.0% alcohol
A shy nose of red and dark berry fruit, spice and herb aromas set the table for a medium-bodied, creamy smooth flow of tangy red currant and pie cherry nicely interlaced with sweet black plum and a hint of mixed herbs. This is value-packed, light on its feet with sense of purpose, good balance and food-friendly characteristics. Give this a go with burritos, wings, doner kebabs, pizza or burgers. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 23, 2019
90
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2018
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $14.95 (147975) 13.0% alcohol
This tips wildly in your favour on the value-price scale. Aromas of nectarine, and honey-drizzled Bosc pair provide an alluring nose. It’s smooth as silk with a generous mouthfeel and delectable flow of flavour that washes over the palate riding a wave of delectable flavours—white nectarine, soft lemon citrus and yellow plum. It finishes lengthy with flavour replays, clean and refreshing, balanced on a pin. Delectable sipped on its own, sublime when poured alongside pan-seared scallops. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 5, 2019
92 
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Cabernet-Merlot 2015
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (395855) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted, lively aromas of cedar, piquant spice and juicy black plum introduce a spirited wash of pie cherry and passionfruit juxtaposed nicely with cassis and dark berry fruit adorned with sharp spice, dark bittersweet chocolate and wisps of ripe, fine-grained tannin. This is structured and balanced with purity of fruit and lots of pizzazz. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a long finish showcasing palate replays. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours pouring with a thick cut of prime beef grilled rare to medium rare. (Vic Harradine)