Alain scored this wine: 89/100

Bon vin

Alain scored this wine: 87/100

Southbrook Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake produces wine from organic grapes since 2008. I’ve had a chance to visit the vineyard and it is pretty impressive to see sheep grazing on the grass between the vines and chickens pecking away at the insects. The 2008 Triomphe cab/merlot is a medium to full-bodied red with aromas of black pepper, red berries and a hint of ripe banana. The wine delivers a crisp fresh acidity in the mouth and much of the same flavors encountered on the nose. The tannins are well integrated. Pairing suggestions: pizza or steak on the BBQ

Alain scored this wine: 94/100

This excellent wine is produced by Azienda Agricola Paitin near the Alps in the Piémont region of Italy. Barbaresco Serra Paitin is a medium bodied dry red composed 100% of nebbiolo grapes. It delivers complex aromas of red berries, toasted bread and a hint of undergrowth. On the palate, the wine offers lawyers of flavors ranging from raspberries to a hint of oak and provides a very long finish. I had the chance to taste this wine alongside with as a much more expensive Barolo and the Barbaresco Serra Paitin came out first. The 2009 is ready to drink. Pairing suggestion: osso bucco

Alain scored this wine: 89/100

This wine, composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, is produced by Ca’Momi Napa Valley by three Italians inspired by Old World winemaking. This full-bodied dry red delivers pleasant aromas of bing cherries and a hint of oak. On the palate, the tannins are aggressive at first but, after 30 to 45 minutes of decanting, becomes well balanced with a long mouth-watering red fruit finish. This wine can be cellared for at least 5 years. Pairing suggestion: roast beef.

Alain scored this wine: 85/100

The Rio Madre is composed of 100% Graciano grapes hardly found outside the Rioja region of Spain. This full-bodied red delivers aromas of cranberries and a hint of clove. On the palate, the tannins are well integrated and, for a Rioja wine, is surprisingly unoaky. Mouth-watering acidity, red fruit and spices precede a long finish. This wine is a good value for the price. Pairing suggestions: steak with Montreal spices, turkey with cranberry sauce,