This week we have a mixed bag of values from five different places…
Ontario, Niagara – VQA Niagara Peninsula Flat Rock Unplugged Chardonnay 2015
Flat Rock has established a name for high-quality value wines with a distinct fruit-forward character across its portfolio. This is a tasty, bright, fresh and finely-balanced crowd-pleaser. It has apple, lemon and pear flavours, free from any oak influence – just bright fruit. The acid is crisp and there is just the right amount to give the wine life and make it a good sipper or a match for light fare. The alcohol is modest and the finish is clean and long. Brilliant!
Extra dry, white wine – $16.95 per bottle
France, Bordeaux – AOC Bordeaux Château Grand Mouëys 2015
This is a fine example of the delights of a Sauvignon Blanc blend from old Bordeaux with a small proportion of Semillon and Muscadelle added to complete the assemblage. The wine is medium in weight with assertive citrus and tropical fruit along with some spice on the nose and palate. The acid level is elevated which will make this a fine match for grilled chicken. The finish is crisp and clean.
Extra dry, white wine – $19.95 per bottle
Argentina, Mendoza – Trapiche Perfiles Calcareo Malbec 2015
Trapiche is a huge grower and negociant in Argentina with a diverse portfolio of wines ranging from everyday values to premium single-vineyard cuvées. This wine is an intense, well-balanced effort with stewed cherry and plum fruit, tangy acid, spice, flinty minerals and a modest amount of oak. The alcohol is high but does not distort the balance. This is a great wine for grilled red meat.
Extra dry, red wine – $18.95 per bottle
Australia, South Australia – Heartland Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Langhorne Creek is small region in the Fleurieu zone of south Australia, perhaps most notable for its dry growing conditions. The area has been under threat due to rising levels of salinity through the ongoing periods of drought in the south but the situation seems to be under control, for now. Cabernet Sauvignon prospers – and is the most planted variety – in Langhorne Creek. This wine is well-made and has fine balance: intense ripe black currant and blackberry fruit, medium weight, herb and spice notes, juicy acid and modest tannins. This is a fine value Cab from a fine value maker.
Extra dry, red wine – $18.95 per bottle
Portugal, Alentejo – DOC Alentejo Paulo Laureano Reserve Tinto 2014
The Alentejo region is in the hot southern reaches of Portugal, south of the Tagus River; this is place where fruit ripens easily. This wine is a full of dark ripe fruit and is a delight. The fruit is accompanied by spice and some light savoury notes, tangy acid, light tannins and some signs of early development. The structure is notable for a value-priced wine and the finish is long with some lingering fine-grained tannins. Buy a few bottles for the upcoming barbecue season.
Extra dry, red wine – $19.95 per bottle
à bientôt…
Copyright© W. John Switzer 2003 – 2017.
