Classic Syrah aromas of black pepper, violets, herbs/mint, smoke and blackcurrant. Mid-weight with fine-grained tannins and great length. Serve alongside lamb gyros or pepper crusted pork tenderloin.
Red berries and floral notes on the nose precede a light- to medium-bodied palate of well-balanced fruit and oak, wild strawberry and cranberry hints. Supported by fresh acidity with a subtle savoury note through a juicy finish.
The blend is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pugnitello (a revived ancient local variety), with a smaller quantity of Petit Verdot. Aged for 20 months in French oak barriques and an additional 8–10 months in bottle prior to release. Complex, refined dark fruit, cinnamon, clove, a whiff of green herb and piquant blackcurrant on the nose give way to ripe, generously rounded fruit, a splash of milk chocolate, well-modulated tannins and a harmoniously integrated finish.
From a top producer comes this equally exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied and elegant, it doles out the cherry, plum, blackberries, cassis, vanilla, violets and earth. The palate shows sweet fruit and suave tannins, allowing for a decade of cellaring.
A colheita ("harvest" in Portuguese) is an unblended port wine from a single vintage (much like a vintage port) but aged in barrels like a tawny. Ready to be drunk when it is released, it can also be kept many more years. This one is over 50 years old and shows a beautiful fawn colour with golden/amber reflections. Very complex nose of mild tobacco, hazelnuts, toffee and dried fruits. Unctuous, caressing the palate, it is equally fresh, rich and fat. Extremely long, its taste lasts for minutes. A real treat.
From some of the oldest Pinot Gris vines on Vancouver Island. The nose is refreshing with lime, melon, citrus and honeysuckle notes. Nice and perky on the palate with juicy citrus notes, melon, peach and minerals in a vibrant, clean style.
Calamus continues to offer solid value. Here is a delicious Bordeaux blend that offers good concentration and a personality of cassis, raspberries, spice, flowers and smoke. Tannins are present, offering midterm aging. Drink it until 2014 in order to take advantage of the fruit.