WEEKEND WINE PICKS
José Maria da Fonseca Albis 2019, Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal $9.99 I 87/100
UPC: 600470120002
Albis is produced and bottled in the Setúbal Peninsula, the source of the muscatel de Setúbal and Arinto varieties. Its barely off-dry floral notes, ripe pear and peach fruit entice, while the juicy, savoury minerality lights up a bright finish. Serve well chilled with raw seafood or vegetarian dishes and enjoy its simplicity.
Cedarcreek Pinot Gris 2019 $18.99 I 87/100
UPC: 778913023095
Look for a bright, fruity mix of grapes grown in the south and north Okanagan Valley. There is an evident touch of sweetness early on in the palate of ripe melon, pear and red apple with a full measure of acidity and spice to balance out the finish. Simple, clean and ready to drink and $2 off.
Front Row Shiraz/mourvedre/viognier 2018, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa $9.99 I 86/100
UPC: 6009804300402
Front Row is a mix of shiraz, mourvèdre and Viognier from Swartland. The fruit is purchased on long-term contracts to create a value-for-money blend. The style is light and fresh, with peppery, meaty mocha flavours and a touch of salt in the finish — a simple, straightforward red wine currently on sale at a great price.
Escorihuela 1884 Estate Grown Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina
$17.99 I 87/100
UPC: 722358070008 Yields were back to normal in 2018, a year described as a classic for Mendoza with juicy, dark fruit and slippery tannins. The 1884 is a much better proposition in 2018, offering up strong floral, savoury scents with ripe blackberry and smooth, chocolate, coffee, oaky notes that fit the bill at this price point. Serve up some sausages or burgers and crack a bottle or two and enjoy the evening.
Kaiken Selección Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Mendoza, Argentina $15.99 I 88/100
UPC: 715126555005
Kaiken has always been a good idea; having the Montes family of Chile working in Argentina is a very sustainable way to tell the land's story. After all these years, we finally see the results, especially as they filter down to the entry-level wines. The fruit is pure and highly expressive, pitching fresh blackberry and blackcurrants from front to back. Add some savoury spicing and for the price, it's hard to beat. Think grilled beef as the Argentines do, and you will have a solid experience. Ready to drink, and the price is terrific.