WINE PICKS

Four fabulous port wines Dow’s Fine Ruby Port - 750 mL Douro, Portugal 06222Z $21.99

A light and fresh style of port. Cherry flavours with hints of pepper and cranberry. Pleasant cherry pit bitterness on the finish that provides a deft counterbalance to the fruit and sweetness. Would be great served slightly chilled as an aperitif or with baked brie cheese served with cranberry sauce.

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011 – 750 mL Douro, Portugal 06240Z $23.99

An LBV port showing the depth and structure of the great 2011 vintage. Subdued nose, but great blueberry and kirsch flavours with hints of cooking spice. A very nicely balanced offering for the LBV category. Would pair nicely with crispy pork or tempeh with five-spice hoisin sauce or duck confit with plum compote.

Quinta De La Rosa Vintage Port 2007 – 375 mL Douro, Portugal R0206A $34.60

An elegant rendition of the great 2007 vintage. Cherries, blueberries, dried herbs with hints of cedar and incense. The powerful yet finegrained and velvety tannins are a thing of beauty. Would pair nicely with dark chocolate but for something different, try it with chicken in mole sauce or braised short ribs served with a blueberryport glaze.

Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny – 500 mL Douro, Portugal R0249A $41.59

A great tawny port. Opens with hazelnuts and pecans with buttery notes of shortbreads and date squares and just a hint of maple syrup. Great balance and a very, very long finish that you can only appreciate in silent amazement. Inspired grapes indeed. Pair with maple-miso pork shoulder sliders or blue cheese and walnut shortbreads.