Vintages Release: June 12, 2010

Viña Arboleda Syrah 2007
Aconcagua $18.95 14.5% alcohol
Arboleda was the first winery in Chile to produce Syrah, beginning in 1986. This is an expressive inky wine with intense aromas of brambly fruit, toasty oak and notes of leather. Aged 12 months in French oak, it’s full bodied, with dark berry and plum fruit complemented with cracked black pepper. The fruit is balanced with fresh acidity and supple tannins. A fine note of char lingers on the finish. Consider a few bottles for the cellar. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: September, 2010

Viña Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Aconcagua, Chile $18.95 14.0% alcohol
Aged 50/50 in French and American oak, this barrel sample displayed layers of fine aromas—cassis, cedar, sweet spice, vanilla and tobacco. On the palate, it has a concentrated core of dark fruit flavours, supple tannins and soft acidity. Finely textured and elegant, it’s well balanced and has a persistent finish of ripe dark fruit and notes of dark chocolate. A great wine for grilled-rare barbequed meats. (Susan Desjardins)

LCBO Product Release: May/June 2010

Bodegas Esmeralda ‘Tilia’ Torrontés 2009
Salta, Argentina $12.95 13.5% alcohol
Produced from the fruit of two distinct regions; combined, they deliver concentrated wines with ripe fruit flavours, structured tannins and bright acidity. This Torrontés is a good example where fresh floral and soft citrus aromas are matched with a spicy tang. It smells like flowers on a sea breeze. It’s medium bodied with a combination of ripe stone fruit and slightly tropical notes giving way to the crisp freshness of green apple and pink grapefruit. Sweet fruit notes are framed by fresh acidity, delivering a zippy mouthwatering finish. (Susan Desjardins)