Vintages Release : TBD 2022

Portugal: Red Wine

89 
Carmim ‘Terra Lenta-Premium’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $13.95 (646083) 14.5% alcohol
This friendly priced blend of almost equal parts of trincadeira, aragonez and alicante bouschet grapes shows aromas of dark fruit, sweet cherry and dusty gravel. A juicy wash of ripe blackberry, cassis and plum treats the palate along with a balancing slight bitter note and peppery character. This medium-full bodied interesting red offers good tannin structure and a persistent dry warm finish. Pop the cork with gourmet burgers or beef shawarma and all the toppings. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Carmim ‘Monsaraz-Reserva’ Tinto 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $15.95 (20711) 15.0% alcohol
Alicante Bouschet is a red flesh grape contributing 50% to this deep ruby, almost opaque blend, along with premium Port grapes—touriga nacional and trincadeira. It shows a lovely nose of ripe black fruit, kirsch liqueur, cinnamon and a hint of lilac. On the palate, it’s juicy with loads of blackberry and blueberry flavours coupled with orange zest and peppery notes trailing in the dry, savoury, enjoyable finish. Pair this medium-full bodied excellent red with duck confit or stuffed Portobello mushroom cooked on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

89 
Agri-Roncão Vinicola ‘DR’ Colheita Tinto 2020
DOC Douro, Portugal $14.95 (14663) 13.0% alcohol
This is a classic Portuguese red grape blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca—both indigenous to Portugal and tinta roriz—more commonly known tempranillo—which is indigenous to Spain—with no oak contact. It’s slightly smoky on the nose with black fruit aromas and a graphite note in the background. It fills the palate with purple plum, blackberry and cola flavours, a good dose of tanginess and savoury dry herbs, all wrapped in slightly grippy tannins. Pour alongside hearty meat loaf or pork ribs on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

Australia: Red Wine

91 
Sidewood Estate ‘Stablemate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
GI Adelaide Hills, Australia $16.95 (26926) 14.6% alcohol
This single-vineyard red is matured 18 months in French oak. It displays attractive aromas—ripe black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder and a hint of eucalyptus. It’s silky soft on the palate carrying delicious flavours of mixed berries, including bright tangy raspberry, plus cassis, cinnamon and finishing on a pleasant minty cooling effect. Medium-full-bodied with well- integrated alcohol, polished tannins and plenty of freshness, it's the perfect partner to lamb burgers or marinated flank steak on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

Vintages Release: TBD 2022

90 
Patrick Galant Côtes du Rhône Villages 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages $16.95 (20640) 14.0% alcohol
This hand-harvested blend of primarily grenache and syrah with a splash of carignan and mourvèdre sees no oak in the ageing process. The nose is fresh with aromas of blackberry and strawberry, a hint of licorice and a lovely floral note reminiscent of peonies. Generous in flavours—blackberry, dark plum, black cherry, raspberry—with spiciness and dry bay leaf flair, all wrapped in smooth, yet noticeable tannins, this medium-full-bodied red will be a hit at your next gathering. Serve slightly chilled and enjoy alongside a gourmet charcuterie board with fresh artisan bread. (Louise Boutin)

89 
Patrick Galant Cairanne 2021
AOP Cairanne $18.95 (15521) 14.0% alcohol
Purple shaded in the glass, this blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre shows aromas of mixed berry, purple plum, crushed gravel and a hint of cinnamon. A silky textured flow of spicy blackberry and dark cherry flavours is quickly caught up with a hot wave of earthy and peppery character defining the persistent finish. This is medium-full bodied with fine-grained tannins and may need more time to come together. If opened now, aerate/decant two hours and enjoy with a juicy marinated flank steak on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Patrick Galant Cairanne ‘Vielles Vignes’ 2020
AOP Cairanne $19.95 (20641) 14.5% alcohol
This old-vines blend of 85% grenache, the rest syrah and mourvèdre is hand-harvested, vinified in concrete vats and aged in small oak casks for 12 months. It offers a pleasant nose of sweet dark cherry, almost like kirsch liqueur, clove, gamey notes and forest floor quality. A warm and bold stream of flavours mirroring the aroma profile travels the palate grabbing along the way garrigue character and cola notes before closing on a long-lasting savoury note. This full-bodied red has potential to further evolve but can be enjoyed now after two hours of aeration. Pair with a grilled rack of lamb or mixed gourmet sausages. (Louise Boutin)

93 
Patrick Galant Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Nonciature’ 2020
AOP Châteauneuf du Pape $49.95 (21324) 14.5% alcohol
This classic Rhône appellation of hand-harvested 60% grenache, 30% syrah and 10% mourvèdre, shows finesse from the get go with its delicate floral aromas of lilac, followed with ripe cherry, plum and a whisper of vanilla. A velvety river of flavours aligned with the aroma profile and wrapped in polished tannins is a real treat for the palate. This medium-full-bodied harmonious red is the perfect balance of finesse and character from first sip to the long fruity, peppery, dry elegant finish. This will further evolve with a few more years of cellaring but it is perfectly enjoyable now alongside duck confit or hearty cassoulet. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Paringa Shiraz 2019
South Australia $16.95 (632083) 14.9% alcohol
Freshly crushed blackberry and purple plum aromas seep from the glass along with a hint of tar and cracked black peppercorn. Very smooth on the palate and surprisingly light on its feet, this medium-full bodied red matured one year in half-and-half new and used French oak barrels. It offers juicy flavours of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, adding persistent peppery character mid-palate and a bright note of raspberry in the dry finish. Perfect for a barbecue treat with diverse meats of vegetarian alternatives. (Louise Boutin)