A well crafted Cab that offers great varietal character. Deep ruby in colour with a nose of cedar and blackcurrants laced with sweet spices. It’s medium to full bodied; the sweetness of the blackcurrant fruit is carried on a fine spine of acidity that gives the wine good persistence in the mouth.
Very light and fresh in style (no malolactic fermentation), this fermented-in-bottle sparkler exhibits a frothy, small-bubbled mousse that makes the wine disappear before it’s swallowed. Lemon, apple and honeydew melon unfurl to a very dry, crisp, mineral finish. Snap off crown cap; pour; celebrate.
The small, hillside Ca’ Bertoldi vineyard has chalk and volcanic soil, lending the wine some intense minerality. Generous aromas of ripe berries and oaky spice. Very rich and full-bodied on the palate, with powerful tannins and lingering tar and mineral. Will develop for another 10 years.
New World wine? Fairview Cellars was established in 1693. That’s right. This is a blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petit Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault from Paarl, aged in tanks and barrels. Ripe, juicy and smooth, this medium-bodied, easy-drinking red carries smoked meats, cherries and stewed cassis to a short, clipped finish. There’s a driving level of VA and some reduction brewing underneath the surface of this screw-capped wine that detract. That said, a partnership with smokey beef ribs will mitigate.
Colorado’s iconic New Belgium has arranged the production of their Fat Tire at Steam Whistle in Ontario. At just over 5.2% alcohol, the main interest here is the bready, dark fruit malt and a slight strawberry/red licorice character from the Willamette hops. Light and smooth enough for a late summer barbeque.
Dark ruby. Red and black berries, black ink and a hint of eucalyptus announce a sturdy wine. Indeed, its full-bodied, compact and tight palate has chewy tannins fully wrapped in fruity extract. Generous, it keeps all the components integrated with one another and in perfect balance. 10-year potential.
The Accardo is made from 100% Sangiovese. The nose is rife with forest berries, plums and cherries and a nice note of spice. It’s bold on the palate with plums, currants, cassis and blackberry to go with liquorice, spice and firm tannins.