WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Codorníu Clásico Brut N/V, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Penedès, Spain
$14.49 | 86/100
UPC: 08410013381010
You don’t get a lot of sparkling wine for $15, but when it’s fresh and clean and has the scent of fruit you must consider it a bargain, especially if you are putting it in orange juice or other drinks. Citrus, nutty, green apple, ginger flavours with honey and toasted almonds add some weight to the finish. Fair value in a simpler style. Sterling Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay 2016, California, United States $14.49 | 87/100
UPC: 5010103913225
Nice to see a sensible introductory Chardonnay that isn’t oaked to death. Fresh notes of green apple with a touch of resin and creamy notes of apples with a touch of buttery lees. Soft, round, warm entry with a hint of sweetness. Ready to drink and fair value.
Sterling Vintner’s Collection Merlot 2014, California, United States $14.49 | 87/100
UPC: 5010103913249
Round soft, simple stuff here that mixes smoky red and black fruits with a lift of vanilla and spice in the back end. Pleasant, sipping California style with enough structure to handle grilled meat dishes. Ready to drink.
Escorihuela 1884 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Mendoza, Argentina $16.99 | 87/100
UPC: 7790415130241 Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon ripens most years, giving the wine a base of bright blueberry/cassis fruit with soft round tannins. The 1884 spends some eight months in 100 per cent French oak, adding a bit of toast and spice while softening the edges of what is a savoury red made for grilled meats. If you are a Cabernet Sauvignon fan, you must like the value here. Ready to drink.
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2014, Okanagan Valley
$18 | 87/100
UPC: 776545985507
One of the true value labels in B.C., the Cabernet-Merlot appears to be profiting from all the changes in the vineyards at Mission Hill. Certainly the tannins are a little less aggressive and the Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot fruit reasonably bright, with blackberry, black cherry, black plum that finish with light chalky, grippy tannins marked with bits of espresso and ground black pepper. A perfect hamburger wine that can do double duty with flank steak.