2014 ‘Le Secret des Capitelles’ Saint Chinian DOC, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 13.5% $15.95 (156299)
A blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah, this is super value. This little number features notes of blueberry, underbrush, plum, pepper and sweet spices. Full bodied and generously textured with notes of cedar and brambly fruit on the finish. Released in Vintages August 19, 2017. (88)
 
2015 Chianti DOCG, Piazzano, Tuscany, Italy 13.5% $14.95 (393199)
Can’t go wrong for the price with this great Sangiovese. Sour cherry, plum, liquorice and vanilla notes on the nose. Medium bodied and fresh with a smooth texture and fruity finish. Go get yourself a bottle now and find a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese to go with it. Released in Vintages August 5, 2017. (87)

I was fortunate to sit down for a tasting recently with Austin Hope, winemaker at Hope Family wines along with Zach from Mark Anthony Group. Located in Paso Robles, California, Hope Family wines is family-owned and operated, producing five labels under the Hope Family banner: Liberty school, Treana, Candor, Troublemaker and Austin Hope. 

2014 Liberty School Chardonnay, Central Coast, California 13.5% $21.95 (960120)
Barrel fermented in neutral oak and aged sur lie for 6-8 months. Nose of baked apple, lemon curd, faint baking spices. Dry, full bodied with balanced, juicy acidity. Elegant and restrained with notable purity of fruit and subtle oak. Currently in LCBO Vintages. (89)

2014 Treana Chardonnay, Paso Robles, California $29.95 (481523) 
Released in Vintages 2 months ago. Half fermented in stainless steel, half French oak barrel fermented. Toasty, butterscotch, lemon meringue, honey, baked apple, pear, cinnamon, clove and sweet spices. Full and plush, with generous flavour mid palate and a long nutty finish. Rich and bold. Available through LCBO Vintages. (88) 

2014 Treana Blanc, Paso Robles, California 14% $29.95 (11247)
A very cool blend of 45% Viognier, 45% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne (all 3 Rhone white varieties). First vintage was released in 1996, and grapes come mostly from Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County. 80% barrel fermented in 25% new French oak. This wine was the wild card of the tasting, a very cool white blend with tons of character and style. Aromatic with attractive notes of honey, white flowers, apricot, candied lemon, smoke and toast. Full and lush with supple acidity and wonderful texture. Long peachy finish. A big, generous wine. Available through LCBO Vintages. (90) 

2014 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5% $21.95 (738823) 
Matured for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak, only 5% new barrels. Dark brooding fruit with blackberry, stewed plum, blueberry pie, pepper, spice, cedar and toast.  Full and plump with supple tannins and generous texture. A Vintages Essential product. (88) 

2014 Treana Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles $39.95
First vintage, new to Canada. Rave reviews from Wine Enthusiast. Dedicated to three driving forces in Austin’s life: his father, uncle and Chuck Wagner. Blackberry, black cherry, cassis, brambly fruit, pencil lead, leather, spices. Full, firm tannins with tons of density and extract. A meaty, rich Cab. Insane value at this price. Private order through Mark Anthony. (91) 
$25.95

NV Lot 7 Candor Zinfandel, Lodi, California 14.5% $18.25 (133389)
89% Zinfandel with 11% Merlot. Matured for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak, 15% new barrels. Strawberry jam, stewed cherry, raspberry, blueberries, vanilla notes. Medium bodied, juicy acidity, pliable tannins. Smoky, toasty finish. Available at LCBO Vintages and consignment. (88)

NV Troublemaker Blend 10, Central Coast, California 14.5% $24.95 (478636)
Multi-vintage blend of 50% Syrah, 17% Zinfandel, 15% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 8% Petit Sirah. Aged for a minimum of 14 months in combination of French and American oak, 30% new wood. Majority of fruit for this wine is sourced from Paso Robles. Intense and smoky with toasty, blueberry jam, brambly, black cherry/kirch, coffee and molasses notes. Full and flavourful. Available at LCBO Vintages and consignment through Mark Anthony. (88)

2013 Austin Hope Syrah, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, California 15.5% $59.95 
2000 was first vintage for this wine, and the label has a great story behind it. While on their honeymoon in Thailand, Austin and his wife Celeste encountered Asian Elephants with a knack for painting. One of the works created by the elephants now hangs in Austin’s office and was used as the label art for this unique bottling. The grapes for the Austin Hope Syrah are grown on the Hope Family Vineyard, in the Templeton Gap region of Paso Robles. A blend of four different Syrah clones, the wine is aged for 10 months in mostly new French oak barrels. Blueberry, plum, spice, smoke, pepper, tar and cigar notes. Full, crazy extract with palate-coating tannins and smoky finish. Private order only through Mark Anthony. (89)

2014 Treana Red, Paso Robles, California 15% $41.95 (11221)
Treana was created as a benchmark to showcase the Paso Robles region, with the first vintage created in 1996. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah, aged a total of 20 months in mostly French oak, 70% new wood. Lots of Cab character with juicy black fruit, blackberry, mulberry, black cherry, leather, spice, lead, with blueberry jam and black pepper notes. Full, firm, ripe tannins, meaty texture and generous finish. Bold and rich. Available at LCBO Vintages and consignment through Mark Anthony.  (90)
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For additional information on these wines and currently availability, please contact Mark Anthony Group http://markanthonywineandspirits.ca
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2014 Chianti DOCG, Giacomo Mori, Tuscany, Italy 13% $21.95 (68858) 
A classic, old-school Chianti with red cherry, earth, sweet spices, leather and liquorice. Medium bodied and juicy with plump tannins and meaty finish. Drinking well now and perfect to pair with a simple pasta bolognaise or your favourite pizza. July 22, 2017 Vintages release. (88)

2016 ‘La Natice’ Languedoc AOP, Château La Négly, Languedoc, France 13% $23.95 (492199)
A blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 15% Cinsault made by the saignée method. Attractive notes of red berries, pink grapefruit and sweet floral notes. Light and crisp with understated elegance. Perfect for antipasti – seafood salad, calamari, cured meats and marinated vegetables. (88)

2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Greywacke, Marlborough, New Zealand 13.5% $24.95 (164228)
Forget what you know about Sauvignon Blanc. This bottle will open you up to a seriously stylish, grown-up version, with vibrant passion fruit, lemon peel, lime leaf, gooseberry preserves and elderflower. Zesty with crunchy acidity, lean bodied and elegant structure. Full of energy and brilliance, with superb depth and interesting savour edge that provides notable complexity. Released in vintages Saturday, May 13, 2017. (89)

2013 'Cuvée Renaissance' Corbières AOP, Château de Fontenelles, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 14% $19.95 (148692)
A stunning blend of 55% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 20% old vines Carignan and Mourvèdre. Generous and juicy on the nose with sumptuous blackberry, black currant, stewed black cherry, raspberry preserves, liquorice and a sprinkling of sweet spices and vanilla bean. Full and smooth with a plush texture and substantial concentration. Flavourful and supple, this would work perfectly with anything off the bbq. Released in vintages Saturday, May 13, 2017 . (88) 

 
Dry White Table Wines:

2015 Duas Quintas, Ramos Pintos, Douro 13.5%
Floral, chamomile, almond, citrus, pear, melon on the nose. Dry and light bodied with fresh acidity and a clean, lemony finish. (87)
 
2014 Vertente, Niepoort, Douro DOC 12.5%
Medium ruby with notes of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, blueberry preserves, cedar, clove, nutmeg, vanilla. Dry, medium bodied with approachable tannins and fruit forward character. (87)
 
Sweet & Fortified Wines:
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Muscat
Very aromatic nose with peach, dried apricot, floral, honey, sultanas and marmalade. Sweet with high alcohol and soft acidity. Luscious and intense with candied ginger and dried apricot on the lengthy finish. (88)
 
Tawny 10 year old Grahams
Medium tawny colour with notes of strawberry jam, canned cherries, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, smoke and toast. Sweet, high alcohol with pleasant nutty notes on finish. (88)

2015 Dry by Tokaj Furmint, Tokaj Regional wine, Hungary $16.95
Apple, linden flower, blanched almond, lemon. Dry, steely. Light bodied, fresh, clean finish. Paired with poached pear and Fennel salad. Screw cap closure. (87)
 
2015 Mád Furmint, Mád, Hungary $23.95
Intense orchard fruit (yellow pear, white peach, apple, , white pepper, white flowers and hints of baking spice. Dry, high acid, lean and lithe with good persistence on the finish. Layered and elegant. Slight spritz. Under vinolok Served with Scallop, Brussel sprouts, sorrel and buttermilk cauliflower puree. (90)
 
2013 Szent Tamás Furmint $154.95
Oak aged in Hungarian oak 8 months. Intense nose with yellow peach, ripe apple, sweet spices, oak, candied quince, dried apricot, sweet floral, beeswax. Big and luscious with intense flavours, oily texture, impressive extract and balancing acidity. Oak provides firm structure, with cedary notes seaguing onto finish. (91)
 
2014 Mád Late Harvest $33.95
Blend of 3 grapes. Intense nose with dried apricot, sweet spices, toast, vanilla, marmalade, floral/lily. Beautifully balanced with tangy, focused acidity to counter intense sweetness. Generous texture with lengthy peachy finish. Served with crème fraiche panna cotta. (91)

For more info regarding these wines, please contact Southern Glazer's Wines & Spirits of Canada:  [email protected]
southernglazers.com
http://www.madabouttokaj.com/en
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Soave Classico DOC $11.95 (438952)
A refreshing light bodied white with fresh tree fruit and citrus notes. A perfect apératif wine that provides good value and appeals to a wide audience. (87)

2013 ‘Justo’ Leggero Appassimento IGT $14.95 (451732)
A blend of 60% Corvina and 40% Merlot, grapes are left to dry for approximately 20 days prior to fermentation (Leggero appassimento).
Candied black fruit nose with sweet spice and liquorice hints. Dry, medium bodied with very fresh acidity and smooth, supple tannins. Approachable, fruit forward and youthful in style. (88)
 
2014 ‘Mara’ Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore $18.95 (506519) 
A wonderfully flavourful ripasso with black cherry, blackberry, stewed red fruits and sweet spice notes. Dry and medium bodied with good concentration, bright acidity and moderate tannins. Well defined and great value, providing more complexity and stuffing compared to similarly priced ripassos. (88)
 
2012 ‘Bosan’ Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore $34.95
(available through Profile Wine Group consignment)
A single vineyard ripasso from the Bosan vineyard.
Complex nose with black cherry, kirsch, plum, roasted nuts, sweet spices. Very sensual mouthfeel with lovely balanced acidity and plush textured tannins. Velvety and generous with lengthy cedary finish. An excellent example of ripasso, showing great intensity and complexity. (89)
 
2012 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico $38.95 (426718)
Kirch, blackberry preserves, black cherry, cedar, sweet spice, tobacco, cigar and leather notes. Full bodied and lusciously textured with wonderful intensity and robust structure. Drinking gorgeously now but will continue to develop intriguing tertiary character over the next 6-8 years. (89)
 
2009 ‘Il Bosco’ Amarone della Valpolicella DOC Classico $74.95 
(available through Profile Wine Group consignment)
A single vineyard Amarone from the Il Bosco vineyard. Attractive cedary notes and savoury/meaty character on nose with dried black fruit, liquorice, vanilla bean and cigar box. Full bodied and firmly structured with fantastic intensity and extremely persistent finish. Concentrated and regal, with potential to continue developing over the next 10 years+. (90)
 
2007 ‘Bosan’ Amarone della Valpolicella DOC Classico Riserva $99.95
(available through Profile Wine Group consignment)
A single vineyard Amarone from the Bosan vineyard. Deep brick colour with a nose of exotic sandalwood, frankincense, black berries, black cherry, cassis, tobacco and leather. Full bodied and still surprisingly youthful, with firm tannins and teases of tertiary character. Still has a long life ahead and will continue to develop over the long-term. Beautifully crafted and layered, this is an intellectual wine that deserves to be savoured. (92)

2015 ‘Le Fils des Gras Moutons’ Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AC Sur Lie, Domaine La Haute Févrie, Loire, France 12% $14.95 (363150)
A fresh nose with lemon zest, grapefruit pith, delicious apple, fennel and hints of bread dough. Dry and lean with taut acidity and saline undertones. Use this wine like a spritz of lemon to complement seafood dishes; this would be heavenly with oven roasted halibut on a bed of grilled fennel and spring onion. (88)
 
2015 ‘Cuvée Genèse’ Sancerre AC, Jean-Max Roger, Loire, Franc 13% $27.95 (189126)
An elegant and punchy Sancerre with vibrant citrus, fresh cut flowers, yellow plum and quince. Dry and medium bodied with crunchy acidity and clean, minerally finish. Beautifully balanced, this works brilliantly as an apératif, or would be tasty with oysters or Italian seafood salad (calamari, shrimp, mussels, scallops with fresh herbs and fennel). (89)
 
2014 006 Riverside Estate Merlot, Bodega Aniello, Patagonia, Argentina 14.5% $17.95 (480731)
30% oak aged for 12 months. Full bodied and plush with jammy black fruit notes of blackberry, cassis, blueberry preserves, black cherry and sweet spice, cigar, vanilla and liquorice. Velvety tannin structure and well balanced acidity make this wine very approachable and instantly likeable. (87)
 
NV ‘Le Moulin’ Brut Méthode Traditionnelle, Blanquette de Limoux AC, Domaine J. Laurens Languedoc-Roussillon, France 12% $19.95 (180323)
A blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay. A great value sparkling that has plenty to offer, with delicious apple, nectarine, citrus zest, honeysuckle and bread dough/brioche notes. Dry and fresh with a creamy mousse and rounded texture. Try it with smoked salmon blinis with crème fraiche and capers. (89)

NV Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne $78.95 (384529 - released in Vintages March 18/17) 
Intense green apple nose with brioche, melba toast, sweet white flowers. Creamy mousse with racy acidity, broad palate with lengthy finish. (94)
 
NV Bollinger Brut Rosé Champagne 12.4% $103.95 (100503 - to be released in Vintages April 15/17) 
Fabulous pale salmon colour. Pretty nose of apple, red cherry, strawberry, sweet floral (freesia, tuberose). Mouthwatering acidity with lacy mousse, red fruit palate and lingering bready notes. (95)
 
2007 Bollinger ‘La Grande Année’ Brut Champagne $159.00 
Dried apple, hints of vanilla bean, toast, bready notes. Wonderful complexity on the palate with elegant layers of dried tree fruit, sweet spices, brioche and dough. (94)
 
2005 Bollinger 'La Grande Année' Brut Rosé Champagne $199.00 
Disgorged April 2016. New vintage will not be released until next year.
Pale salmon colour with evolving notes of dried tree fruit, apple, pear and red berries, hints of sweet spices and brioche. Crisp acidity, soft mousse and lingering toasty notes. (93)
 
2002 Bollinger RD Champagne $279.00 (released late fall in classics) 
13 years in bottle before disgorgement. 
Pale gold colour with bruised apple, vanilla bean, crème brulee notes. Super fresh acidity and tightly structured with medium body, creamy and persistent mousse and lingering doughy finish. (95)
 
2013 Bollinger ‘La Côte aux Enfants’, Coteaux Champenois AC 
An intriguing table wine made in very small quantities by Bollinger from 100% Pinot Noir, coming from a monopoly property 500m from estate. Pale ruby with lots of dusty red berry fruit – strawberry preserves, ripe cherry, raspberry, hints of sweet spice, sandalwood and vanilla bean. Light bodied with fresh acidity, polished tannins, and lingering black cherry finish. Very pretty and polished. (89)
 
1976 Bollinger R.D. Magnum Champagne 
Bottled in 77', disgorged 28 March, 2013.
This is possibly the highest score I've ever given to a wine, ever. What a treat to have the opportunity to try this beauty. Deep golden colour with persistent mousse. Layered and complex with notes of hazelnut, butter, bread dough, ripe apples, pear preserves, quince, baking spices, lilies and pleasant oxidative notes. Very lively mousse with racy acidity, full bodied and long finish with toast and nuttiness. This was absolute heaven with the Comté cheese served with it, a once in a lifetime experience that won't be forgotten. (97)

For details, please contact John Hanna & Sons http://winetrader.ca/contact/. Please note, some wines are not available for sale. 

2015 Organic Pinot Grigio, Veronese IGT, San Raffaele, Veneto, Italy 12% (204768) $13.95
An easy to enjoy PG with characteristic lemon, grapefruit, apple, pear and floral notes. Light bodied and fresh, this is a great choice for when you're trying to pick a wine that will please a party of people. Simple, unoaked and easy to pair with a variety of dishes, or pleasant on its own. 86 

2014 Estate Selection Malbec, Chakana, Mendoza, Argentina 14.5% (219261) $21.95
Aged 12 months in French oak. A big, ripe and juicy Malbec brimming with black fruit - blackberries, cassis, black cherry and hints of vanilla and cardamom. Lushly textured with soft tannins and full body. A hedonistic wine to enjoy with a bison steak and grilled veggies. 87
 
2014 Montebuena Cuvée KPF, Rioja DOc, Bodegas e Viñedos Labastida, Spain 13.5% (211029) $15.95
100% Tempranillo from the Montebuena vineyard. Aged four months in American oak. Blackberry, cassis, raspberry, black cherry, strawberry preserves, sweet spice, vanilla and toast. Medium bodied with fresh acidity, smooth tannins and approachable in style. 86
 
2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Wither Hills, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand 13% (919514) $19.95
A fresh and fruity nose with lime, honeydew melon, green apple, greengages, nettle, fennel and white pepper. Medium bodied with racy acidity and tangy finish. This would be great with a red snapper and shrimp ceviche - the acidity in the wine would be the perfect match the zestiness of the ceviche. 88
 
2014 Chateau Guillou, Montagne Saint-Émilion AC, Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils, Bordeaux, France 13% (140483) $19.95
A delicious blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Velvety black fruit; plum, black cherry preserves, brambly berries with sweet spice, cigar, leather, cedar and dried floral undertones. Full bodied, with ripe, firm tannins and a lengthy spicy finish. Amazing value for the price, a perfect wine to sip on as weather gets cooler. 90
 
2014 ‘Five Vineyards’ Chardonnay, Mission Hill, Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia 13.5% (281212) $15.95
The grapes come from five vineyards as the name would suggest: Oliver, Lakeshore, Osoyoos, Westbrook and Naramata. Ripe and luscious with white peach, candied lemon, baked apple, sweet spice, vanilla and hazelnut. Full bodied with balanced acidity and generous texture. Lengthy vanilla finish. This would be really delicious with baked salmon with a honey Dijon glaze and roasted baby potatoes. 88
 
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mission Hill, Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia 13% (553321) $29.95
A luscious sexy red with ripe berries, black cherry, blackberry, pie filling, wine gums, sweet spice, vanilla. Full, bold and flavourful with firm, ripe tannins and persistent spicy finish. A great example of the awesome quality coming out of BC. This is one not to miss... 88

2013 Gigondas AC, Lavau, Rhône, France 14% (234955) $29.95
A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Just under half the wine is aged in 450L previously used barrels for 12 months. Deep ruby with an exuberant nose of candied black fruit; blackberry, black cherry, raspberry preserves and hints of underbrush, sweet spice and graphite. Full bodied and sumptuously textured with firm, ripe tannins and linear acidity. Juicy with impressive intensity, this is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop in bottle over the midterm. Generous and flavourful, this is the perfect partner for rack of lamb or bison steaks. 88

2014 Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy AC, Domaine Hamelin, Burgundy, France 12.5% (391805) $32.95
This is what I always hope to get when I shell out for a decent Chablis. This is beautiful and poised with classic nose of melted butter, lemon meringue, floral and green apple notes. Impressive intensity that  seagues onto the palate, with focused acidity, lean bodied and persistent finish of cream and citrus. Pure, minerally and gorgeous. One heck of a catch in today's thin selection of Burgundies. 90

2013 Fitou AOP, Domaine Galaman, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 14% (395467) $14.95
A traditional blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. Deep ruby colour with brooding black fruit aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry preserves, hints of pepper, underbrush, sweet spice and savoury/meatiness. Generous, flavourful and wonderfully constructed with ripe, firm tannins and lingering sweet spice finish. Don’t miss out on this gem, especially as the weather starts turning cooler this is the perfect accompaniment to a good book and a cozy spot. 88

2014 ‘Estay’ Prieto Picudo, Castilla y Léon DO, Dominio Dos Tares, Castilla y Léon, Spain 13.5% (393140) $15.95
100% Prieto Picudo, aged for six months in a combination of French and American oak. Until I tried this, I had not heard of the Prieto Picudo grape. This producer, Dominio Dos Tares, produces product solely from this local grape.  Blackberry fruit, sweet spice. 89
 
2015 Cuvée ‘Les Caillottes’ Sancerre AC, Jean-Max Roger, Loire, France 13% $26.95 (65573) $26.95
Lemon zest, white flowers, gooseberry, melon. Medium bodied with a lovely texture and broad, crisp acidity. Impressive depth of flavour and lingering lemon finish. Try it with a Thai mango salad and spring rolls. 89

2014 Chablis AC, Domaine Millet, Burgundy, France 12.5% (447193) $22.25
MInerally and sleek with citrus, crunchy granny smith apple and notes of cream. Focused, tangy acidity with a clean finish. A classically elegant wine that would show well with seafood; oysters (obviously), crab, or sashimi/sushi. 88.
 
2013 Domaine de l’Alba ‘l’Ermite’ Corbières AC, Select Vins (Gros, Paux-Rosset) , Languedoc-Roussillon, France 14.5% (446138) $17.00
Made with old vine Carignan, Grenache and Syrah grapes. Ripe black fruit notes with plum, boysenberry and brambleberry. Hints of toast, vanilla and baked earth. Dry, full bodied, medium acidity, sandy medium tannins with lingering toasty finish. 87
 
2015 ‘La Cadièrenne Rosé Grande Tradition’ Bandol AC, Les Vignerons de la Cadièrenne, Provence, France 14% (119453) $20.95
A super svelte and pretty rosé with a pale blush colour. A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 40% Mourvèdre. Ethereal nose of pink grapefruit, peony and hints of berry, cherry and watermelon. Bone dry and light bodied with mouth-watering acidity and pleasant bitter finish. A beauty of a rosé, that will highlight a wide range of cuisine; superb with fresh oysters or would rock something with a healthy dose of garlic such as spaghetti alle vongole or gambas al pil pil. 89
 
2013 ‘Signargues Vieilles Vignes’ Côtes du Rhône Villages AC, Les Vignerons du Castelas, Rhône, France 14% (34116) $17.95
A blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Carignan. Produced by a co-op comprised of fifty different winegrowers. Nose of brambly black berries, dried flowers, herbs, spices and smoked meat. Full bodied with fresh acidity and smooth tannins. 88+
 
2012 Château Rigaud Faugères AC, Select Vins (Gros, Paux-Rosset), Languedoc-Roussillon, France 13.5% (393561) $16.95
A delicious blend of 55% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre and 19% Grenache made from organic grapes. Fruit forward and plummy nose with luscious dark fruit. Hints of sweet spice and dried floral. Medium bodied with bright acidity and plump medium tannins. An unpretentious wine that provides pure hedonistic pleasure. 87
 
2013 ‘Pizzano Blend 2’ Toscana IGT, Fattoria di Piazzano, Tuscany, Italy 14% (455493) $24.95
A blend of 34% Colorino, 33% Sangiovese and 33% Malvasia Nero. Dusty nose with black cherry, red currant, raspberry, vanilla, tobacco. Medium+ bodied with lively acidity, sandy, firm tannins. A rugged Tuscan blend that you should grab for dinner tonight; perfect pairing with pizza and netflix. 87

2014 Alentejo Vinho Regional, Tiago Cabaço, Alentejo, Portugal 13% $14.95 (429316)
I was lucky enough to visit this innovative region a few years back, and was extremely impressed by quality and diversity of the wines being produced. Here is a great example of a contemporary Alentejo white; a blend of Antao Vaz, Verdelho and Viognier. Dry and fresh with a discreetly perfumed nose of candied citrus peel, melon, apricot and almond blossom. A steal at this price point, and a great crowd pleaser to pick up for your next get-together. 87

2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Greywacke, Marlborough, New Zealand 13.5% $23.95 (164228)
This is not just another Marlborough Sauv Blanc. Kevin Judd makes a more sophisticated version of this classic style, with more elegance and poise. Aromatic nose of mandarin, grapefruit, orange blossom and green nettle, with flinty undertones. Zesty acidity provides a solid backbone for this wine, with tangy fruit seaguing onto the finish. Vibrant and stylish. 89

2011 Château Hauchat, Fronsac AC, Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils, Bordeaux, France 13.2% $15.95 (123489)
This is an interesting Bordeaux red, made with 100% Merlot. Ripe, soft and juicy with warm black fruit flavours - blackberry, plum and black cherry laced with sweet spice, vanilla and liquorice notes. An approachable style that gives you major bang for your buck. 88

2005 'Dromos' Maremma Toscana IGT, Tenuta Poggioverrano, Toscana, Italy 14% $39.95 (107383)
An eclectic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Alicante, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. A big, bold and serious red with major hedonistic appeal; Full bodied and richly texture with seductive black cherry, blackberry, cassis, tobacco and vanilla notes. Smooth and velvety with a lingering finish. Drinking gorgeously but will hold nicely in bottle for the next 3-5 years. 91

2014 'Cuvée G.C.' Sancerre AC, Jean-Max Roger, Loire, France 12.5% $28.95 (189126)
Stunning purity of fruit here, with juicy granny smith apple, lime blossom, gooseberry and fresh cut flowers. Dry with taut, tangy acidity and clean finish. Elegant, pretty and perfect to pair with ceviche or other seafood as a starter. 89

2012 Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy AC, Domaine Hamelin, Burgundy, France 12.5% $33.95 (391805)
Fresh and minerally with notes of lemon, melted butter, freesia and apple. Dry with tightly structured acidity and slightly creamy texture, with citrusy notes that linger onto the finish. This would be beautiful with Alaskan King crab and drawn butter. 89

2012 Chateau Guillou, Montagne Saint-Émilion AC, Vignobles Jean Bernard Saby & Fils, Bordeaux, France 13% $18.95 (140483)
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. A dark and plush full bodied red, with notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, boysenberry, sweet spice, vanilla and cigar box. Sumptuous and smooth with fruit forward character. Approachable and instantly likeable, with wonderful intensity and persistence. 90

2012 Vacqueyras AC, Lavau, Rhône, France 14% $24.95 (104927)
An ultra tasty blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, this wine is packed full of flavour. Dusty blackberry, garrigue, baked earth, vanilla and liquorice nose. Full bodied with velvety smooth texture and balanced acidity. Lots of blueberry preserves and sweet spice mid palate. Great value and drinking well now. 88

2013 Chianti DOCG, Fattoria di Piazzano, Tuscany, Italy 13.5% $14.95 (393199)
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo, Colorino and other indigenous red varieties. 
This is a wonderfully dirty, rustic, old school Sangiovese. Classic cherry, violet and earthy/savoury notes with bright acidity and approachable structure. This is good value for the price, and an awesome food wine that would pair well with almost anything - from antipasti to ziti. 88

2014 'Le Domaine' Muscadet Sèvre-&-Maine AC Sur Lie, Domaine La Haute Fevrie, Loire, France 12% $13.95 (390625)
Tangy and lean with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, saline notes and some faint bread dough notes in the background. Refreshing and clean, the only problem I have is that I need some oysters to go with it. 87

2012 'Galets Blonds' Chateauneuf-du-Pape AC, Patrick Lesec, Rhône, France 14.5% $56.95 (78089)
Hedonistic, concentrated and fruit forward with stewed plum, blackberry preserves, black cherry and exotic spice and wood notes (sandalwood). Full and broad on the palate with firm structure and lasting finish. Go big or go home with the food pairings - ribeye, roasted lamb or a bison steak would do the trick. 90

NV Tarlant Brut Reserve Champagne AC, France 12% $42.40 (325167)
I can’t say enough good things about this wine. It’s rare to find any Champagne at such an amazing price let alone one that is solidly made with class, elegance and complexity. Dry with racy acidity and a fine creamy mousse that draws the attractive flavours of brioche, ripe apple, baking spice and lemon custard onto the finish. This is now my favourite standby for any Champagne-worthy occasions. 90

2012 Villa Ponciago Beaujolais-Villages AC, Beaujolais, France 12.5% $6.80 (325134)
Loads of sweet strawberry jam, cherry, currant and vanilla. Lean and fresh with soft tannins. An unpretentious, versatile wine that would work well with a variety of dishes.  85

2011 Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais-Villages AC, Beaujolais, France 12.5% $13.95 (122077)
Bright and juicy red fruit – cherry, strawberry and raspberry abound on the nose with complementary floral notes. Soft and supple on the palate with bright acidity. Served a touch chilled and enjoy with burgers on the patio. 86

2013 Remy Pannier Rosé d’Anjou AC, Loire, France 10% $13.95 (12641)
Pale salmon colour with aromas of grapefruit, strawberry, cherry. Off-dry (18g/l residual sugar)  and light bodied with soft acidity and a low 10% alcohol. Very easy going and fun, a great wine for beginners that will compliment a variety of salads and lighter fare. 86

2011 The People’s Pinot Noir Central Otago, New Zealand 13% $8.95 (234526)
Bright cherry, strawberry jam, baked earth and sweet spice aromas with a little floral lift. Lean bodied but with generous ripe fruit mid-palate and supple tannins. A straightforward Pinot that is hard to beat at this pricepoint. 86