• The following 2019 Flat Rock Cellars (Twisted – Red’) was sourced from 62% gamay/24% merlot/9% cabernet franc/5% pinot noir grapes then aged separately in oak barrel with the final selection made by numerous and rigorous trial selections.
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Flat Rock Cellars (Twisted – Red’) 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (86918) 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of dark berry fruit, mixed spice and wisps of cassis introduce a medium-plus bodied, well-balanced stream of palate flavours with black currant and gamy notes joined by tang-laden, excellent pie cherry to the fore. This is underpinned by soft, fine-grain tannin throughout. Pour on its own or with grilled steak or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Flat Rock Cellars (Twisted-White) is a popular Vintages Essentials wine that was sourced from 80% riesling/10% gewürztraminer/10% chardonnay with each variety contributing to this crisp, refreshing gem.
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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted-White’ 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, rosewater and citrus abound. An off-dry surge of pure ambrosia rolls over the palate with deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and pizzazz to and through the crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste that adds mouth-watering lemon curd and lip-smacking Key lime to the palate flavours of honeydew melon, white peach and ripe apricot. What’s not to like?
Pour with medium-spiced Asian cuisine or your favourite sushi platter with pickled ginger and wasabi. (Vic Harradine)
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Finca Fella ‘Cala Rey’ Tempranillo-Syrah 2020
Product of Spain $10.75 (22877) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of tobacco leaf, red and black cherry/berry fruit and grilled savoury herbs abound on the nose of this well-paced, well-priced Spanish red. It’s warm on the palate with oodles of tang and pizzazz along with an underpinning of still-evolving tannin. Palate flavours of dark black cherry and black currant persist to and through the finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant an hour or two and pour with beef and mushroom pot pie or backyard burgers over spring, summer and fall. (Vic Harradine)