The Symphony grape is a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. Pale straw in colour with an aromatic, spicy Muscat-like nose; off-dry, grapey flavour of orange and cardamom; easy drinking, light on the palate with a faint spritz. Best with Asian dishes.
Always great value from the realm of CCR! Ripe cherry, tomato, plum, raspberry, tobacco and some oak spice are built on a medium to full body. Nice concentration, great length and some dry tannins make for a top partner with classic Italian fare. A blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot.
Ripe plum, leather and a puff of sweet pipe smoke open this stalwart silver label Monastrell, always a consistent Spanish bet. This captures Jumilla's massive heat and generosity well, highlighting the savoury, concentrated old vines (40+ years old) grown on chalky, limestone soils. Whole-cluster maceration for 25 days before a year in French oak builds in structure as well as power. Not shy, this is drinking very well now in its 4th year, as the grippy, ample tannins are wearing around the edges.
This offering from one of Ontario’s most ambitious new breweries is a lusciously malty red ale pouring a shiny, deep-blush hue with captivating notes of pine, tree sap and a touch of berry. These notes carry through to the flavour with a full and creamy body before grapefruit peel and pine notes kick in for a pleasant, lingering bitterness.
Alvaro Palacios has revolutionized Spain’s Priorat region. This beauty is a blend of Samsó, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and shows lush and alluring notes of red berries, plums, blueberry pie, earth and spice. All those delicious fruits are joined by tar, liquorice, bramble and plush tannins through a long, long finish. A lot to like here, especially the price.
Clear medium-deep garnet. Medium-intensity nose of raspberries, strawberries and lots of oak. Still fairly tannic, but the raspberry and cranberry fruit is fading. Drink up.
Dark ruby. Deep nose of pure fruit, lots of finesse from the well-dosed oak. Very elegant, tight and concentrated while remaining very supple. Deserves to wait 10 years at least.