This release is multi-themed, British Columbia wines, cool climate wines, Irish Whiskey. Australia in particular has some good value reds. Here is my wish list from this release!
Fortified
Kopke 10-Year Old Tawny Port (Portugal)
473066 $31.95
This won Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2015. Vintage notes describe it as having ‘aromas of dried apricot, vanilla, toffe and nuts. Lithe, seamlesss and layered flavours weave their way through a structured, fresh palate which retains its delicate sweetness all the way through to a long finale that repeatedly reinvents itself. Very fine.’
Seems like good value for a special occasion.
White Wines
Pietro Marini Torrontes 2015 (Argentina)
408443 $13.95
Torrontes is a very specific grape. You will either love it or hate I expect. It is known for its over-riding floral qualities and then fruity, liveliness. (Think really floral!). This one is getting great reviews around the web. It is a bit more savoury than sweet. At this price you can afford to experiment.
Rockway Glen Fergie Jenkins Limited Edition Riesling 2014 (Ontario)
485326 $15.95
Vintage panel notes say this ‘shows juicy lime and tangy green apples with a twist of subtle sweetness.’ Other reviews call it ‘racy’ (think lively acids) , with mineral, petrol and fruit.
Bel Echo Terroir Broadbridge Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (New Zealand)
309609 Score 91 $22.95
This has been rated highly by several reviewers around the web. Vintage notes by John Saker of The Southland Times says it ‘is all harmony, with a core of still, settled grapefruit-infused fruit. A complex, classy rendition.’
Dashwood Pinot Gris 2015 (New Zealand)
465997 Score 93 $18.95
Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz describes this as ‘delightfully fragrant and inviting, the bouquet shows white nectarine, fresh pear, apple blossom and a hint of spice notes. The palate delivers lovely juicy mouthfeel and smooth texture, beautifully supported by refreshing acidity. This wine is immensely appealing with loads of tasty flavours.’
Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2014 (Chile)
390203 Score 92 $19.95
James Suckling of jamessuckling.com calls this ‘A chardonnay with lovely freshness yet shows light oiliness and richness. Full body, soft tannins and a rich and flavorful finish of cooked apples, cream and pie crust. Long and rich.
Red Wines
Diamandes Perlita Malbec/Syrah2014 (Argentina)
480749 Score 90 $17.95
Reviews describe this having good fruit -blueberry, plum, violet with a touch of mineral, mushroom and tar on the nose. Flavorful with good length. Sounds like a pleasant, reasonably priced sipper to me!
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Red Label Zinfandel 2014 (USA)
708289 $19.95
Vintage notes say this is styled as an easy-drinking Zinfandel brimming with rich fruit and spice.
Flametree Embers Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (Australia)
478719 Score 93 $22.95
Scores on this one varied from 89 to 93 but all agree it is good value. Campbell Mattinson of winecompanion.com.au says ‘Flavour, mouthfeel, shape and length are all covered admirably, Currants and bay leaves, wood spice and a touch of pepper. ‘
Kilikannon Prodigal Grenache 2013 (Australia)
927582 Score 93 $24.95
James Halliday of winedompanion.com.au says ‘Sweet red berried fruit, yes, but much more than that…elegant for the most part, start and finish, but when it’s time to go, it pours on the boysenberried, earthen, spice-shot spearmint flavours, ushering fine-grained, msaoky tannin along with them. Special Value.’
Cellar Suggestion
Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2012
395855 Score 90 $24.95
John Szabo of winealign.com says ‘This is showing well now, reaching a final stage of evolution betweeen fruit and more earthy/savoury/evolved character. The palate still offers some nice grip and a succulent range of dark fruit and spice flavours, and solid length. Decant and serve with salty protein, or cellar another half dozen years.’
