Vintages Release: December 6, 2014

  
Lavau Rasteau 2012
AOC Rasteau $19.95 (394650) 14.5% alcohol
Dense and viscous, this Grenache-Syrah blend reflects the alcohol. A portion was barrel aged for 12 months. The nose showcases fresh ripe berries, notes of pepper, spice and garrigue. Ripe fruit rushes the palate with tasty notes of exotic spice and pepper carried on the bright clean texture. It’s dry, mid-plus bodied, generous and balanced, with supple tannin and acidity accenting the bright, lively berry fruit on the fresh, lengthy finish. Serve with cassoulet or chicken tagine. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Moris Morellino di Scansano 2012
DOCG Morellino di Scansano $ 19.95 (992560) 13.5% alcohol
Principally Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot and Syrah, this is unoaked and quite intense offering appealing cherry/berry and red licorice aromas with a touch of earth. Dry, medium bodied, the flavours replay aromas—ripe, sweet and full flavoured—supple tannin creates a slightly chalky texture. An approachable red with a pleasing, dry, spicy/savory finish, it’s a good match for antipasto or meat-based pasta with rich tomato sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Southbrook ‘organic - triomphe’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (172338) 13.1 % alcohol
Orchard fruit aromas interweave with hazelnut and leesy notes on the nose of this mid-plus bodied beautifully textured Chardonnay. A persistent flow of ripe apple and pear mingle with lemony citrus, minerality and grapefruit pith on the palate and lingering tangy aftertaste. Good to go now with roast pork and root veggies. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: March 7, 2015

   
Zuccardi ‘Serie A’ Bonarda 2012
Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (355560) 13.5% alcohol
Spice, dried currant and cassis on the nose, this is rich, smooth and mellow throughout. A blanket of dark, ripe black berry, mulberry and dark, juicy cherry envelope the palate framed in excellent tangy acidity and über delicious flavour. It’s creamy smooth, mid-plus weight with a stunningly lengthy finish—balanced and beautiful, structured and lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)