• The following 2016 Cusumano Nero d’Avola was hand-harvested from 100% Nero d’Avola vines that average 15-years of age; this grape variety is indigenous to Sicily.


85  
Cusumano Nero d’Avola 2016
IGT Terre Siciliane, Italy $12.95 (143164) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of red cherry/berry fruit, grilled herbs and pencil shaving aromas introduce a river of crunchy red fruit with red currant and racy pomegranate decorated with sharp spice and wisps of still-evolving tannin on the palate. It’s medium-weight with lingering, dry and mouth-watering finish. Pour alongside spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)

88    
Red House Wine Co. Baco-Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
VQA Ontario $13.95 (279521) 13.0% alcohol
Campfire smoke, grilled savory herbs and peppery note aromas leap from the glass of this nicely balanced, tang-laden red. It pushes the right buttons on the palate where ripe, juicy cherry/berry fruit teams up with excellent tangy acidity infusing the balanced and bountiful finish. As the winery name suggests, there are many pairing possibilities—burgers, wings, pizza, beef fajitas, mac and cheese, grilled gourmet sausage and more. (Vic Harradine)