Union is a virtual winery that sells exclusively through the LCBO in Ontario and has been quite a hit with its entry-level wines. This is Union’s top cuvée, a multi-variety blend that will only be made in top vintages. It has a smoky-meaty nose of blackberry, raspberry, earth, pepper and savoury spices. It’s juicy in the mouth with ripe fruit, cedar smoke, a pepper bite, and good structure and length through the finish.
Although originally intended for Nota Bene, this single-varietal release continues to delight and amaze. Smoky tobacco, chipotle and mint aromas waft from the glass. The well-structured palate embraces plush tannins and flavours of peppery raspberry, chocolate-covered cherry, toasty coconut and lingering nutmeg. While tastes and preferences differ ... I loved sipping this with chocolate.
Authentic South Africa from the characterful oracle of the movement himself, Adi Badenhorst. Shiraz, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca, Grenache and Mourvèdre from the Badenhorst home farm Kalmoesfontein were foot-trodden, wild yeast-fermented and left in closed concrete on their skins for 6 months before pressing off to rest quietly in huge old casks for an additional 16 months. Savoury cherry, wild strawberry, brambles and fine stony dust lure and lead onto a fresh palate, one worn around the edges by time. Cherry continues to lead the show, joined with aged leather, scrubby medicinal-tinged herbs, wildflowers, broken stone and an undercurrent of cured meat and cracked black pepper. Tannins are fine, slightly grippy and confidently subtle, handily propping up the textured, gently ripe fruit. Medicinal herbs linger on the lengthy finish. All this complexity in a welcome 13% alcohol. Stock up and spread the word about this fantastic value.
Made by Napa Valley vintner Randy Dunn (Dunn Vineyards). Intoxicatingly fragrant blackcurrant nose. Black plum and black cherry flavours upfront give way to concentrated cassis. Polished tannins ensure silky-smooth sips. Impeccable balance. Long, savoury finish. A classic for steak.
This fruit-flavoured wheat beer is refermented in the bottle; its yellowish/light brown colour has the characteristic hazyness. Aromas of yeasts, apricot, pear show up first followed by an intriguing ripe banana note as it warms up in the glass. Easy to drink, it has just enough acidity to keep it refreshing. Overall a light and fruity beer.
Winner of Garrison Brewery’s 2011 Ultimate Brew-Off Competition for home brewers. Garrison brews a batch of the prize-winning brew each year, which is then labelled and sold at the brewery. This interpretation of a traditional German regional style is almost black in the glass, with smoky roasted chocolate-malt character and a hint of fruitiness on the nose. Lightly sweet citrus and contrasting dark malt flavours meld very smoothly on the palate, making it deceptively easy to drink.
Embrace the dehydrating, concentrating “noble rot” influence of the Botrytis cinerea mould. It results in riveting aromas that blast the nose with pineapple, sultana raisin and honeycomb. The rich, sweet palate commands apricot compote, orange oil and lingering ginger. Delightful post-dinner palate-cleanser.