Vintages Release: August 7, 2010
Les Vignerons du Castelas Côtes du Rhône 2008
AOC Côtes du Rhône $13.95 (142125) 13.5% alcohol
The deep purple robe of this Syrah, Grenache blend portends the rich aromas of dark berry fruit, toasty oak and sweet spice. Ripe fruit flavours wash across the palate complemented with fine-grained tannins and soft acidity. This is well structured and medium-full bodied, displaying very interesting notes of dark chocolate on the lingering finish. It’s excellent value and a great match for grilled meats or vegetables. Or, as they do in the Rhône, after dinner with hard French cheese. (Susan Desjardins)
Vintages Release: August 21, 2010
No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates ‘Estate Series’ Cabernet Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 12.7% alcohol
A well-structured red blend—60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc—it bolts from the glass with lifted complex aromas of black cherry, dark berry fruit, leather and toast. Rich fruit-forward flavours abound on the palate and lingering finish with mint-infused cherry, black currant and nuances of kirsch liqueur among them. It’s medium-full bodied, nicely textured and sports a perceptible tannin underpinning; decant for three hours and pour with rare-grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: September 18, 2010
Coyote’s Run Estate Winery ‘Red Paw Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2007
VQA Four Mile Creek $25.00 (79228) 12.0% alcohol
This is value-packed and bursting with ripe juicy flavour—prime fruit, a fabulous red wine vintage and a top notch winemaker coalesce in this beautifully balanced gem. Aromas of exotic spice and cherry segue fruit-forward flavours with ripe succulent mulberry, red cherry and wisps of toast predominant. It’s mid weight, deftly balanced dishing out a lengthy fruity aftertaste mingling with a ripe tannin underpinning. Pair with smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)
Pietro Rinaldi ‘Madonna di Como’ Dolcetto d’Alba 2008
DOC Dolcetto d’Alba $17.95 (182261) 13.0% alcohol
This family-owned estate has been producing wines in Piemonte since 1920. Ruby with a purple tint, it saw no oak. It displays quite complex aromas of forest floor, spicy flowers, sweet herbs and fresh red fruits. Mid weight and dry, it has a fresh spine of acidity and ripe tannins overlaid with lashings of red fruit—cherry, red currant and raspberry. The finish is long and tangy with an elusive earthy note. A great food wine, serve it with tomato-based dishes or meats with a tomato-based BBQ sauce. (Susan Desjardins)
Vintages Release: October 16, 2010
Jean-Max Roger Sancerre ‘Cuvée G.C.’ 2008
AOC Sancerre $26.95 (189126) 12.5% alcohol
A brilliant pale yellow-green, this has lifted aromas of white peach, citrus and tantalizing herbaceous notes. It’s dry, medium bodied and silky textured with a lovely stream of tangy acidity. Look for bright fruit flavours with freshly squeezed citrus to the fore. Elegant, crisp and clean, it has a refreshing and long-lasting finish. It’s a great match for seafood. (Susan Desjardins)