Vintages Release: June 22, 2013
Martin Codax ‘Burgáns’ Albariño 2011
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $17.95 (945063) 12.5% alcohol
‘Burgans’ is the name of the hill where the winery, Martin Códax, is situated. This opens with alluring aromas of floral notes tropical fruit and notions of ripe yellow peach. Off-dry, balanced and full of ripe fruit, it dishes up a textured river of peach and tropical fruit on the palate that finishes with a lovely yin and yang, sweet and tang aftertaste. Good to go now as an aperitif or pour with spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: July 6, 2013
Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench Vineyard’ Gamay Noir ‘Droit’ 2010
VQA St. David’s Bench $14.95 (582353) 13.0% alcohol
This is complex, structured, simply delicious and was propagated from a clone discovered in their vineyard, it’s Canada’s first vinifera vine. Aromas of blueberry, cherry and spice mingle with wisps of pipe tobacco on the alluring nose. Medium-full bodied and generously textured, waves of sour cherry and ripe black currant interlace with roasted herbs and black pepper. The finish lingers with a solid core of ripe fruit, fine-grained tannin, good moderating acidity and oodles of charm. (Vic Harradine)
Martin Códax Albariño 2011
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $17.95 (984906) 12.5% alcohol
Tucked away in NE Spain, off the tourist track; once you taste this you’ll want to visit. Light yellow with hints of green, this streaks across the palate with nerve, verve and sense of purpose. Aromas and flavours are sleek and focused. The nose offers citrus, green apple and minerality and these follow through on the palate and crisp, clean, refreshing aftertaste. A mouth-watering treat that stands well on its own or poured with freshly shucked oysters or tuna sashimi. (Vic Harradine)
Rutherglen Estates ‘Estate Grown’ Petit Sirah 2008
Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia $21.95 (179127) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of mocha, roasted herbs and dark berry fruit provide segue to a mid-full weight, beautifully textured river of bramble berry and sweet, ripe mulberry interlaced with notions of black pepper and spice-infused dark plum. It’s well balanced with good moderating acidity and a mouth-watering finish that’s garnished with a supple tannin underpinning and plenty of charm. Good to go now with your favourite grilled meat. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: July 20, 2013
Château des Charmes Chardonnay Musqué 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $16.95 (322016) 13.5% alcohol
Most of the estate vines used in this award-winner are 15-20 years old, yielding an attractive golden hue and aromas reminiscent of Viognier—pineapple, apricot, spice and white flowers. Dry, smooth and satiny in texture, it has great body and depth of flavour. The spice replays, the acidity creates a lively frame and ripe, rich tropical and stone fruit flavours coat the palate. The spice and a charming note of pithiness linger on the finish. Beautifully crafted, tasty and refreshing, you’ll enjoy this wine with seafood or salad with grilled chicken. (Susan Desjardins)
Robert Oatley ‘Signature Series’ Shiraz 2010
McLaren Vale, Australia $18.95 (327387) 14.0% alcohol
This is silky smooth, well balanced and fruit forward—it offers good value. Black pepper, dark plum and ripe, dark berry fruit blossom from this mid-weight, harmonious red. Sweet, ripe mulberry and bright red cherry interlace with spice on the palate seamlessly forming a lengthy, balanced and beautiful aftertaste that’s charming, mouth-watering and delicious. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 2013
Featherstone ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $21.95 (149302) 13.0% alcohol
Kitchen spice, sweet vanilla and wisps of nuttiness pave the way for a beautifully textured, almost creamy, river of nutmeg, ginger, ripe, sweet pear and racy citrus. It’s medium bodied and balanced on a pin with a lengthy, delightful aftertaste of vanilla and wisps of spiced oak barrels hewn from nearby trees. Excellent now, even better when knit together 12 months down the road. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December, 2013
Featherstone ‘Joy – Premium Cuvée’ Sparkling Wine 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $34.95 (310334) 12.5% alcohol
You’ll love the bottle and closure and it only gets better when you taste it. Toasty notes, sweet, ripe pit fruit and citrus aromas presage frothy bubbles and a robust wash of key lime pie, minerality and ripe Meyer lemon. It’s racy, clean and crisp on entry then mingles with riper notes of sweet, grilled pineapple and white peach. This pleasurable transition leads to a balanced and beautiful, refreshing finish. There’s excellent value in this traditional-method, vintage-dated, delectable, sparkling wine. (Vic Harradine)