top picks
ROB STANSEL Bouchard Finlayson 2008 Blanc de Mer W. O. Western Cape, South Africa $ 22.99 From cool-climate specialist Peter Finlayson, a self-styled wine poet who likens the harvest to a“ staminasapping” cricket match, comes this intriguing white blend of Riesling( 49 %), Viognier( 22 %), Chenin( 15 %), Sauvignon Blanc( 12 %), and a dash of Chardonnay. Clean, refreshing, and well-balanced, expect loads of kiwi fruit and peaches with a touch of sweetness. South Africa’ s answer to Conundrum.
TODD ANTONATION AVE 2007 Premium Malbec, Argentina $ 16.99 This wine is truly a seductress! If you can get your nose out of the glass after wafting in fresh violets and mountain herbs, be prepared for a taste explosion. Highly concentrated and oozing with black fruit( picture Saskatoon berry pie filling), the grippy mouth feel gives way to a long caressing finish. Just when you thought it couldn’ t get any better, try the Ave 2006 Gran Reserva($ 30.99). Rated 8 / 10 on the Toddometer.
DARREN RAESIDE Sandhill 2006 Small Lots Syrah, Phantom Creek Vineyard, VQA Okanagan, BC $ 39.99 The Small Lots Syrah won“ Best Red Wine” at the 2008 Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. The Phantom Creek vineyard is well-drained, with sandy soil and awesome sun exposure, producing fruit that is super-concentrated and ripe. The nose is spice shop-meets-Chambord. Complex flavours include rich black fruit, velvety tannins, and chocolate fruitcake finishes on the palate. Bring out your slow cooker to pair this Syrah with rich meat or lentil dishes.
KAREN NISSEN Torbreck 2006 Woodcutter’ s Shiraz Barossa Valley, Australia $ 32.99 There is nothing like a rich and meaty glass of Woodcutter’ s Shiraz after a day of chopping wood! You can experience the aromas of fresh-cut wood, wild blueberries, and a hint of clove from the Torbreck Forest of Scotland, where this wine gets its name. I’ ll be sure to pack my Woodcutter’ s this spring when we open up the cabin.
BROOKLYN HURST Carmin Brillant 2004 Le Clos de Caveau Vacqueyras Côtes du Rhône AC, $ 30.99 You know you’ ve got a winning wine when everyone at the party takes notice. Unique is the word for this Grenache-Syrah Rhône blend. Along with spice and fruit, I picked up a dose of sage on the nose that I’ ve never come across before. Fleshy tannins with medium-to-full body make this wine perfect for lamb, as well as a variety of cheeses.
SYLVIA JANSEN Terlan 2007 Gewürtztraminer DOC Alto Adige, Italy $ 26.99 With exotic fruit and floral aromas that take you to warm places, and a dry, full frame to stand up to warming winter dishes, the Terlan Gewürtztraminer is close to the perfect winter white. From the northern Italian region of Alto Adige, this Gewürtz( rhymes with“ flirts”) lifts from the glass and calls you out of the winter blues.
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