Good old Château Canada — always a hit with Canucks. The Château has been making wine for 115 years from the rolling hills of Cubzac-les-Ponts. This is a blend of 70/30 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, averaging 30 years in age. Juicy and approachable, albeit with a worrying oxidative note weaving throughout. Dried cherry, earth, tobacco, Worcestershire sauce on an appropriately lean 12.5%. Tannins turn drying and squeezed on the finish, welcoming pairing with steak frites, now.
Loaded with aromas and flavours of honey, raisins and spice; great concentration of flavours and balance between sweetness and acidity possessing an incredibly fresh finish. Ideal with semi-aged pecorino drilled with honey and sprinkled with finely ground coffee.
Pale yellow. Wet wool, floral notes, ripe pear and apricot for a characteristic Chenin Blanc nose. Cutting acidity contrasting with the fat texture of the mid-palate. Seductive sweet fruit taste and a nice long finish.
Pale ruby, orange rim. Typical nose of tar and red flowers, only hints of oak. Rather full-bodied but not as much as Nebbiolo can sometimes be, with firm and tight but very finely grained tannins. Compact finish. It should become more expressive over time.
Aged in first-fill American oak, this unpeated Islay Scotch exudes a thousand characteristics without flirting with fragmentation. Smells like green bananas, ground almonds, honey-smothered toast, greens and grains. In the mouth it’s delicate, honeyed and spicy with just enough salinity to encourage serial sipping. Lofty but of the earth: a lovely conundrum.
Light golden in hue, this biodynamic Pinot Noir/Chardonnay from Bendigo, Central Otago spent 24 months on the lees, and it is integrated beautifully. That savoury lees is joined by red apple, delicate florals and cherry, all grounded by a subtle brioche nuttiness and lifted by crisp mineral and pink-grapefruit vibrancy. Fresh and complete, with a lingering pithiness on the very lengthy finish.
Shows characteristic cloudy blond wheat beer appearance with lightly yeasty, spicy and mild malty aromas. Appetizing, light fresh fruity flavours show sweet citrus and mild malty character with gentle effervescence and a touch of nutty malt on the finish. Well-balanced, delicious brew.