WINE COUNTRY
From the vineyard to your glass. Here, a few wine picks for armchair oenophiles
CCannonballbll Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Sonoma County, California Vintages #478859, $23 The winery’s motto is “dive in” – and this racy Sauvignon Blanc will make a splash on any patio or dockside table. Somewhat lush in texture, with complex notes of lime, preserved lemon and tropical fruits, this good sipper is nice with salads, grilled vegetables and white pizza.
Ravenswood Old Vine Napa Valley Zinfandel 2014 Vintages #963405, $23 For fans of robust but smooth-sipping reds, you can’t do much better – plus a little Petite Sirah added for extra power. With classic Zin flavours of cherry and blackberry jam, baking spice and vanilla and some juicy raspberry, too. Great with saucy barbecue and wings.
Mumm Cuvee Napa Brut Prestige LCBO #217273, $30 The venerable French Champagne house has been making traditional-method sparkling wines in Napa since 1983. Fine bubbles and crisp acidity give way to bright citrus, apple and pear flavours with a touch of toast. Great with oysters, ceviche and salty snacks.
Beringer Quantum 2013 Vintages #362400, $70 Go big and break out this Napa Valley red, a blend of 72 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cab Franc, Petite Syrah and Malbec. A perfume of pretty fruit is followed by flavours of blue and black berries, mocha and licorice. Spicy, robust and complex. Will improve over the next five years.
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay 2014 Vintages #608653, $28 Clean, elegant and supremely quaffable, this beauty is one of the most popular Cali Chards. Consistently excellent, with fresh apple and light citrus notes and a creamy delicate texture. A touch of vanilla, sweet spice and tangerine. Lovely with grilled salmon, white fish or roast chicken.