The Invisible Man 2011, Rioja, Spain
Castaño 2013 Monastrell, Yecla, Spain
Mas Neuf 2008 La Mourvache Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France
Another wine new to our market from the Wine Gurus, this rioja is the expected tempranillo with about 5% mazuelo. Crisp, prominent berry fruits, with aromas hinting of dried wood, and herb notes. Finely balanced between tannin and fruit with vanilla bean and a little spice, I’d enjoy this with a wide variety of dishes from meaty pastas to Mexican dishes. Around $22 CSPC +569783
Always a great buy, the folks from Castaño have done it again. The monastrell bursts with strawberry and cherry fruits with cracked pepper spice and a hint of liquorice. Spicy and tangy on the palate with good fruits and firm tannins, this should be a perfect match with pork loin or braised meats of almost any kind. $16 CSPC +711017
Rosemount Estate 2012 “Diamond Label” Shiraz, South Australia
Jacob’s Creek 2009 Reserve Shiraz Barossa, South Australia
Oxford Landing 2012 Shiraz South Australia
There is no denying the rich opulence that Australia can put in their wines. Bright, jammy fruits with spice box, pepper, and pencil tones on the nose that lead into big, juicy flavours with just the right amount of tannin and acidity. On the table, it’s going to shine with beef almost any way you can imagine it, but will also work perfectly on its own. Around $20 CSPC +302349
This could be a wine in danger of having “too much fruit” but you get your nose in there and exotic spices and dark chocolate characters start coming out to change your mind. There is still plenty of fruit but lively acids and a little tannic kick knocks everything into balance. Very tasty and perfect for the first barbecue of the season. Expect to pay about $20 CSPC +556696
A fresh, fruit-driven bottle of Aussie shiraz bursting with plums and cherries, with gingerbread spice and a little vanilla bean on the nose. Flavours are pretty consistent, with fruits a little less prominent than I was expecting, but overall, well balanced and finishing on sour cherry fruit. Drinking well on its own at any casual gathering. $14 CSPC +613430
Frescobaldi Castel Giocondo 2008 Brunello, Tuscany, Italy
Castello di Gabbiano 2011 Bellezza Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Castello di Gabbiano 2012 Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
There is never anything wrong with opening a bottle of Brunello - period. Open this one and you’ll fall in love with the earthy, black cherry and tobacco characters with hints of smoke and roasted meat, finishing on menthol and leather. Best for cellaring a few more years, or drink now with the thickest steak you can manage. $62 CSPC +744097
I’m a fan of the Bellezza from Gabbiano, the 2010 was a gem and the 2011 is even better. Plump, lush fruits, the right amount of wood, and a casual spiciness to balance the tannin. Happy to drink it now, but I’d feel no rush to pull the cork before 2018-2020. Food wise, spaghetti with meat sauce, or anything with sausage or Portobellos are coming to mind. About $44 CSPC +745669
An easy and tasty Chianti Classico showcasing clean cherry fruits with subtle tobacco leaf and the barest hint of raspberry jam. Style-wise, it should appeal to “new world” wine drinkers, but the flavours are perfect for Italian cuisine - especially rich tomato-based sauces. About $18 CSPC +728809
A grenache-mourvedre blend to savour any time of year, cherry and spice with charred wood and liquorice aromas bringing complexity and depth. Fruits are generous without being flashy, while spice and earthy flavours work well with the mid-weight tannins. Food wise, something with a little fat will be best such as New York steaks, or meaty lasagnas. $21 CSPC +744453
Tom Firth is the contributing drinks editor for Culinaire Magazine and the competition director for the Alberta Beverage Awards, follow him on twitter @cowtownwine. 37