Cono Sur ‘Reserva’ Syrah 2011
DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile $13.95 (221820) 14.0% alcohol
Cracked black pepper, mint and toasty notes provide segue for a rich and robust river of flavour with succulent, ripe mulberry, kitchen spice and ripe cherry to the fore. It’s balanced with structure, mid weight and good mouth feel. The lengthy, fruit-forward aftertaste layers on moderating acidity and a gentle hint of fine-grained tannin. If you cast bait in $14 waters, here’s the LCBO catch of the day, reel in a few. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Gewürztraminer 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (146753) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of rosewater, exotic spice and floral notes waft freely from this full-blown, flavourful gem. Off-dry, mid-full weight and generously textured, there’s a balanced wash of succulent white peach, blood orange and spice mingling with lemon curd on the palate persisting through the mouth-watering finish. There’s sweet and tang on the aftertaste; pair with spicy Asian cuisine like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)
Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port
DOC Porto, Portugal $36.95 (620641) 500 mL 20% alcohol
Sweet, amber-coloured ambrosia spills into the glass offering aromas of raisins, figs and dates, nuts and caramel toffee. Not well understood, it need be tasted. Warm and palate-coating flavours caress the palate—peel marmalade, spun sugar and honeyed pit fruits infuse the lengthy spice-cake finish. Surprise guests, possibly yourself, with infinite food pairings—consommé, blue cheese or aged cheddar, foie gras, meat patés, crème caramel, crème brûlée, Christmas cake, biscotti, pecan pie, roasted almonds or walnuts. Divine sipped on its own, as well; try chilling slightly—20 minutes in the fridge. (Vic Harradine)
Los Nevados Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Mendoza, Argentina $10.95 (224436) 14.0% alcohol
Deep rich aromas of dark berries, charry wood smoke and spice roll from this crowd-pleasing Cab. Full-bore flavours of black currant and dark chocolate interlace with good moderating acidity and a gently brush of sweet tannin. It’s nicely balanced with good texture and a sprig of savory herbs on the aftertaste. Good bang for your buck and a sure winner with grilled red meat, hot off the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
Osoyoos Larose ‘Pétales d’Osoyoos’ 2009
VQA Okanagan Valley $24.95 (276741) 13.5% alcohol
This Bordeaux blend offers aromas of savory herbs, pepper and mixed field berry fruit, It’s mid weight with good texture and a persistent stream of red fruit flavour on the palate—racy currant, ripe cherry and tangy cranberry. Winemaker Pascal Madevon is a master working with fruit from this hallowed terroir delivering wine that fills the palate and senses. The lingering, balanced, lip-smacking finish adds nuances of black briary berry, toasty notes and fine-grained tannin. (Vic Harradine)
Wonambi Shiraz 2010
Limestone Coast, Australia $13.95 (599100) 14.5% alcohol
Quite aromatic—fennel-infused cherry and spice—there’s a focused river of sweet, mixed field berry and kitchen spice flavour on the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with good weight and a mid-length finish. The aftertaste is fruit forward framed by moderating acidity underpinned by supple tannin. Good to pour now with burgers, pizza or spicy wings. (Vic Harradine)