Vintages Release: Summer or early fall, 2020

• The following 2017 Sidewood Estate Shiraz was sourced from premium, cool-climate estate fruit at approximately 380 meters a.s.l., yielding approximately 3.2 tonnes per acre and almost immediately chilled in the winery cool room with partial whole bunch and whole berry extended maceration of two to three weeks. It was wild yeast and barrel fermented in 100% French oak, 25% new, then matured 18 months before meticulous barrel tastings and selection before bottling.

93 
Sidewood Estate Shiraz 2017
Adelaide Hills, Australia $18.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit, mocha, vanilla and wisps of gamy notes waft easily from this medium-plus bodied, divinely flavoured gem. It coats the palate with full-Monty flavours of black cherry and bramble berry interwoven with white pepper, sweet vanilla and nuances of dark, bittersweet chocolate. It’s medium-full bodied with deft balance of sweet, ripe fruit and excellent tang and acidity, especially apparent mid palate, along with another surge of ripe dark cherry/berry fruit persisting through the lingering, luscious, balanced and creamy-smooth finish. In a word… delicious. Sip now to 2027 or pour with grilled rack of lamb or medium-rare grilled New York striploin. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release Dates TBD

90 
Domaine Courtois ‘La Source’ Côtes-du-Rhône 2019
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône $14.95 (526640) 14.5% alcohol
This is another very good vintage for this youthful bright purple-shaded blend of 85% grenache and 15% syrah fresh out of the stainless steel tank. It’s an explosion of mixed berry character both on the nose and palate with a zesty tang, lots of young fine-grained tannin and graphite minerality. Medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration, it’s good to go now with braised beef and carrot roast or rare-grilled steak and will get better with a few more months of careful cellaring. Aerate/decant one hour before meal time. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Domaine Jaume Côtes-du-Rhône 2019
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône $14.95 14.0% alcohol
There was no oak contact in this 70% grenache/20% syrah/10% mourvèdre blend. It fills the air with aromas of black plum, raspberry, rose water and a hint of cinnamon. Nice and soft on the palate, this medium-full bodied red is aligned on flavours and aromas and offers a good backbone of chalky tannin leading to a dry, fruit-forward and piquant finish. Aerate/decant an hour or two then enjoy with tourtière or ratatouille. (Louise Boutin)

92 
Courtois ‘La Grange’ Vinsobres 2016
AOC Vinsobres $16.95 (526632) 14.5% alcohol
This is a blend of 55% grenache and 45% syrah was hand-harvested from 30-year-old vines and partially matured four months in used oak barrels. Black plum and blueberry fraternize with potpourri and cedar aromas on the nose. A fresh wash of ripe black fruit flavour floods the palate along with notes of kirsch liqueur before morphing into a full savoury delight with dry sage and peppery notes. Polished tannin and excellent alcohol integration ensure an elegant finish, mouthfeel and aftertaste. Pair with eggplant parmigiana. Aerate/decant one hour before service. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Vaucher Père et Fils Fleurie 2018
AOC Fleurie, Beaujolais $17.95 (534339) 13.0% alcohol
Don’t expect bubble gum or banana aromas from this medium-bodied Beaujolais cru, but rather red cherry compote, raspberry, fresh rose petal and a peppery note. It is fresh and vivid on the palate with tangy flavours of cherry, cranberry and pomegranate toned down with an earthy note and mellow, medium tannin. This is a perfect match with baked ham or red tuna sashimi. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Valpanera Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2018
DOC Friuli $15.95 (10080) 12.5% alcohol
This is medium bodied and it’s crafted with the red-stem Refosco grape that thrives in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy. Black fruit, tobacco leaf and a subtle floral note peek through the alluring nose. The mouthfeel is pleasantly fresh and soft with sappy ripe blackberry and black plum flavours followed with a suggestion of dry sage and oregano, painting a delicious savoury finish. This food-friendly red will shine next to a traditional lasagna or spaghetti Bolognese. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Agriverde ‘Eikos’ 2017
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $15.95 13.5% alcohol
There’s plenty to say about this organic- and vegan-certified, deep-ruby coloured gem from southern Italy; it’s vegan because no animal product—such as albumin or casein—was used to fine the wine before bottling; it’s made from 100% montepulciano grape growing almost exclusively in the Abruzzo region, nothing to do with the picturesque commune of Montepulciano in Tuscany; but most importantly, it’s delicious. A nose of ripe blackberry, sweet date, baking spice and tobacco leaf introduces a silky soft flow of mixed berry and black plum flavours joined with fine chalky tannin, savoury herb and an earthy character in the finish. Enjoy with tomato-based pasta or gourmet pizza. (Louise Boutin)