Chile’s flagship grape at a bargain price. Dense purple in colour with a nose of blackcurrants and vanilla oak; loads of fruit expression here, full-bodied, ripe and juicy but firmly structured.
Laphroaig, named for the “hollow on the bay” where the seaside distillery sprawls, celebrates 200 years of whisky-making heritage this year. Brooding, medicinal, deeply earthy and saline with an immense smokiness that doesn’t obscure a sweet oaked core and bright citrus notes, this 10-year-old whisky is what Master Distiller John Campbell calls “a benchmark style” for the house.
65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon. Pale straw in colour with a smoky, struck flint (reductive) nose of cut grass and green plum; medium-bodied, dry, crisp, grapefruit and gooseberry flavours.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is an impressive backward wine that requires another 2 years in the bottle before being enjoyed. The nose is still a tad shy at this early stage, but cassis, black raspberries, menthol, plums, cherries, spice and cocoa are discernible. Medium- to full-bodied, the tannins are distinct and strong, so when the time arises, serve it with some medium-rare steak with a char on the outside. Drink it from 2014 to 2021.
A blend of 4 typical Nova Scotia white varieties showing green apple with hints of characteristic Muscat pungency on the nose. Initial impressions of apple and pear in the mouth shift to stone fruit flavours on mid-palate through the long, crisply fresh off-dry finish.
Sourced from the home estate, all stainless steel fermented. Orchard and tropical fruits on the nose before a well-textured and generous but structured palate of citrus and hints of pineapple through a juicy finish. Good value.
This simple entry-level Malbec carries warm black fruits, roasted coffee and a kiss of violet florals to a short finish. Tannins are a touch powdery but primed to meet your grilled root veg or ground beef dishes.