Although the holidays have passed, the wines recommended in my column for Active Adult Magazine still serve us well through these chilly winter months. Let me know if you’ve discovered a favourite wine lately that you’d add to the list.
Silvano Piacentini Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2009
Veneto, Italy
Full-bodied and juicy with dark red fruit; great food wine. Food matches: cocoa-rubbed beef medallions, barbecued ribs, baked pasta dish. Drink: Now 289637 $16.95 Score: 88/100.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2010
Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Elegant, refined and balanced like Sue herself. Classic cassis and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied and smooth. Food matches: pepper steak and a side dish of mushrooms and sliced leeks fried in butter. Drink: 2012 – 2016 511600 $19.95 Score: 89/100.
Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
California
Classic California Cab at a great price! Balanced and tasty with lovely dark fruit and just enough oak. Food matches: barbecued chicken, spare ribs in a sweet-and smoky sauce. Drink: 2012 – 2015 537597 $17.95 Score: 88/100.
Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec 2009
Barrancas Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina
Lovely freshness on the nose with aromas of wild blackberry, toasty oak and cedar forest. Full-bodied and smooth. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012 2015 183897 $19.95 Score: 89/100.
Finca El Paraíso, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina
Tart cherry and cedar smoke with a satin smooth texture and a very attractive tart finish that’s refreshing. Food matches: grilled portobello mushrooms, lamb burgers. Drink: 2011 – 2014 143420 $17.95 Score: 88/100.
Mendoza, Argentina
Chewy with big black fruit and a pleasing tarry note. Full-bodied and layered. Incredible quality for the price. Drink: 2011 – 2015 93799 $14.95 Score: 88/100.
Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2011
Niagara, Ontario
Lovely Riesling with lime blossom, lemon zest and green apple goodness. Mouth-watering and juicy with laser focus. Medium-bodied. Great aperitif and food companion. Drink: 2011 – 2015 67587 $16.95 Score: 88/100.
Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Grassy, herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering acidity. Food matches: Thai green curry shrimp, grilled herbed chicken breast. Drink: 2012 – 2014 9167 $17.95 Score: 90/100.
Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy
A clean, crisp pinot grigio that works as an aperitif or companion to seafood and salads. Food matches: grilled salmon, bouillabaisse, crudité with an aioli dip. Drink: 2012 – 2014 289546 $15.95 Score: 87/100.
Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Louis M. Martini Winery Chardonnay 2010
Sonoma, Monterey, Napa Counties, California
Classic California chardonnay: butterscotch, toffee, apple and peach. Full-bodied and layered with a long finish. Drink: 2012 – 2015 136408 $19.95 Score: 90/100.
Sileni The Lodge Chardonnay 2010
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Pleasant, exotic and aromatic: white floral notes and some light spices. Medium-bodied and balanced. Drink: 2012 – 2015 278549 $18.95 Score: 88/100.
Union Squared Red Generations Wine Company 2010
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Lovely! Over-delivered just like it’s entry-level brethren. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied with attractive fleshy dark fruit and a nice smokiness. Food matches: barbecued rib-eye steaks, ribs, charcuterie platter. Drink: 2012 – 2015 292359 $17.95 Score: 89/100.
Posted with permission of Active Adult Magazine. See all wine reviews.
