Vintages Release: January 17, 2009

Vinecol Tempranillo 2007
Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (83261)
Clove, cinnamon and berry fruit aromas billow from this incredibly well-balanced and beautifully structured red. The full fruit flavours that originate from the organically grown grapes —black raspberry, black Bing cherry and gobs of it—are beautifully framed by a firm tannin structure, moderating acidity and a lip-smacking lengthy finish. Pair this with a thick grilled steak or a hearty vegetarian dish that includes kasha and Portobello mushrooms, now to 2012. (VH)

Vintages Release: January 31, 2009

Bodega Otto Bestué ‘Finca Rableros’ Tempranillo – Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
DO Somontano, Spain $17.95 (78045)
Earthy, dusty, spice box and black plum compote on the nose, the juicy ripe flavours—sweet ripe cherry, kirsch liqueur and black licorice—are unleashed along on a medium- to full-bodied frame and satiny smooth texture. Well structured and deftly balanced, it delivers a long fruity finish with a dollop of anise and tarry notes. Pair this with a steaming bowl of Cajun Jambalaya. It offers very good value. (VH)


Zumaya Crianza Tempranillo 2005
DO Ribera del Duero $21.95 (93013)
Expressive and warm aromas of ripe dark cherry, sweet mulberry and cedar waft from this medium-bodied fully textured red. Look for layered flavours of black briary berry, spiced dark Damson plum and well-integrated oak. The lingering finish is well balanced and adds a delightful taste of bittersweet chocolate. It’s smooth mellow and drinking well now. Pair this with Portobello mushrooms grilled and filled with melted Asiago cheese. (VH)

Vintages Release: February 4, 2009

Graffigna ‘Centenario Reserva’ Malbec 2006
San Juan, Argentina $15.95
A step up from their entry level Malbec, 50% of this aged 12 months in an even split of French and American oak after 21 days maceration on the skins and full malolactic fermentation. There are hints of smoke and aromatic bitters on the nose while the mellow and expressive flavours bathe the palate—mulberry, ripe Bing cherry, and red pie cherry for great balance. The finish lingers and is full of ripe fruit flavour. This offers good value. (VH)


Graffigna ‘Centenario Reserva’ Pinot Grigio 2007
San Juan, Argentina $14.95
This is a stunning wine that deserves your attention; pick up at least a half-dozen. Almost off-dry, it has the spine of acidity and complexity of fruit to carry it off with flying colours. Floral, red licorice and fruity on the nose this wows the palate with a gusher of sweet tropical fruit and ripe delicious citrus that glides along on a medium-bodied frame and satiny-smooth texture. The finish is considerably lengthy and very well balanced with a dollop of ripe citrus flavours. Pair this with a spicy Asian dish like butter chicken. (VH)

Vintages Release: May 2, 2009

Trapiche ‘Broquel’ Malbec 2006
Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (17210)
With the price-quality balance heavily in your favour, keep a few on hand for barbeques. Fruit from vines 25 years old (on average) was hand picked and hand sorted spending 15 months in oak after fermentation and before bottling. Expressive aromas of spice box and field berry fruit segue rich and succulent flavours of black briary berry, spiced dark cherry and nuances of dark chocolate. There is perceptible tannin and a moderating spine of acidity that provides excellent balance. The finish is fruit forward and lengthy. (VH)