Chateau Des Charmes 2011 '1951' Cabernet Merlot (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: LCBO
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 8th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Created as a fundraiser to support the Missisauga Lakeshore Rotary association that was founded in 1951, hence the name. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with a flavour profile of red berries, sappy-garrigue, rosemary, brine-y cured meats and toasted oak. Pairs well with medium-hard cheeses like Swiss Emmental. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Bodegas Escorihuela 2013 '1884' Reservado Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: October 8th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A crowd-pleasing, sweet-smelling Malbec with a tasty combination of smoke-infused blue fruit and spicy-vanilla aromas and flavours. Zesty citrus notes keep the palate clean, tidy and food-friendly, though, some added tannins and body would be welcomed to better balance the acidity and lengthen the finish where mocha and spice linger, moderately. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Gold Hill Winery 2013 Cabernet Merlot (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: October 5th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This inky-ruby coloured blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an unexpected nose of dates, prunes, spicy black plum, black cherry and cinnamon aromas. Palate offers good continuity from the nose with flavours from the ripe, dried fruit theme and added berry fruit contrasting with a light blanket of acidity.
Some will be put-off by the prune-y character of the wine while others may embrace the uniqueness on offer - judge for yourself. Definitely a drink-now wine, as advertised, and consider exotic, spicy food pairings to match the exotic aroma and flavour profile. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2014
Three Thieves 2013 The Show Malbec (Luján de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 17,000 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A consistent performer with a boisterous nose of classic Argentina Malbec, berry'n'spice aromas and a fruity, mouth-watering palate that balances glycerol fullness from (some) residual sugar with tangy, wild berry acidity and smoky, mesquite tannins, allowing the wine to finish moderately long and spicy.
BBQ pork or beef dishes are a great bet for this wine (think Argentina cuisine). Enjoy it in its youth over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
On a side note: At the time of this review, the 2012 vintage is still selling at BCLDB stores. See our notes on that vintage here. Look for the (slightly) enhanced 2013 vintage to show up on the shelves when the 2012's sell through.
Chateau Des Charmes 2012 St. David's Bench Vineyard Merlot (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.95
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 553 cases
Date Tasted: October 2nd, 2014
Tasting Notes: Stands-out from its juicier Merlot peers with an Old World appeal of leather and oak characters, grippy tannins and earthy-brine-y goodness. Dark berry and spicy plum notes add a touch of sweetness and depth on the nose and balance the savoury elements on the palate nicely. Should hold well for 3-5 more years with some further development. Drink 2015-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
