The Cellar Door Issue 04. The Napa Valley. | Page 62

top picks

ANDREA EBY Innocent Bystander 2008 Pinot Noir Victoria, Australia $ 20.99 With a beautiful pale ruby colour, this wine may appear innocent, but look out— it packs a flavour punch! Juicy pomegranate and cherry fruit mingle with aromas of flowers, spice, and toasty oak. Pinot Noir is famous for its ability to pair well with a myriad of foods and this one is no exception. You’ ll be amazed how many different foods it can complement: poultry, pork, or even salmon.
JILL KWIATKOSKI John Howard Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling Niagara VQA, Canada $ 19.99 Talk about refreshing! This Riesling perfectly represents gorgeous Niagara fruit, with a fresh apple note, hint of citrus, and even a hint of juicy pear. Narcissist pairs wonderfully with Asian dishes, or stands on its own as a refreshing sipper. Keep it in your fridge at all times to bring the taste of summer feeling back on a crisp fall night. Proudly Canadian, proudly stocked in my fridge!
RICK WATKINS Majella 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra, Australia $ 49.99 This may be the best Majella Cabernet yet! Almost black in colour, this wine has a complex nose of black fruit with subtle hints of mint and violets. On the palate, the pure blackcurrant and black plum flavours caress your mouth with a velvety softness. The tannins are finegrained and the finish lingers. This wine just won“ Best Wine of Show” at the prestigious Limestone Coast wine show. With a Winefront Monthly score of 92 +, this is one for the cellar.
JOEL LAMOUREUX Mazzei 2007 Zisola 100 % Nero d’ Avola IGT Sicilia $ 33.99 This well-balanced wine shows fresh acidity with a kiss of oak. Mediumbodied with dark cherries and smoke, its cherry and licorice aromas jump out and the finish lingers on your palate. Try this wine with some wild boar or a spicy tomato ragout. Give your palate a dance lesson with a bottle of Zisola!
BETTY SETKA Barbera Autari 2005 Oltrepò Pavese Cantina di Casteggio, Lombardy, Italy $ 17.99 Autari is a fresh, aromatic red, with ripe cherry and juicy blackberry fruits. It is a well-structured wine with soft tannins and gentle acidity. Autari is the perfect complement to a wide variety of foods or enjoy it while sitting by the fire. This Northern Italian gem is a great alternative to your usual Chianti.
GARY HEWITT Grosset 2004 Gaia Clare Valley, Australia $ 57.99 Silky smooth tannins highlight this impeccable, balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon( 70 %), Cabernet Franc( 25 %), and Merlot( 5 %). Intensely pure black cherry aromas with notes of leaf tobacco and mint lead to bright, intense flavours and seamlessly integrated spicy oak. Lively acidity and moderate alcohol keep it fresh. Just now showing its potential, this beauty will evolve over 6 – 8 years.
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