WINES OF THE WEEK

Top five values from the current Vintages release

BALLAST STONE 2009 SHIRAZ $18.95 (AUSTRALIA)

Tons going on! Minty black cherry, vanilla, cedar and cola aromas, with coconut, dark cherry and vanilla flavours and a full sandalwood accented blueberry finish. Gutsy stuff. LCBO #167064 Food suggestion: Lamb sausages.

Rating: 90

TORRE ROSAZZA 2010 FRIULANO $19.95 (ITALY)

A simply delicious Fruili white wine. The aromas show apricot, peach and melon with nice florals fluttering, and the flavours dish up crisp pear, apple and melon perfection. LCBO #289520 Food suggestion: Baked sea bass or snapper.

Rating: 90

RIVERA CAPPALLACCIO RISERVA 2006 AGLIANICO $17.95 (ITALY)

A very expressive red, with the aglianico grape creating dark licorice, black cherry, mocha and cedar aromas as well as flavours. A smoky layered red with gobs of youthful tannins. LCBO #305276 Food suggestion: Grilled rib-eye steaks.

Rating: 90

PASCUAL TOSO BARRACAS VINEYARDS 2009 CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 (ARGENTINA)

Tasted twice (first bottle was corked) this has big black cherry pulp, vanilla bean aromas and mellow cherry vanilla flavours leading to subdued mocha notes on the finish. LCBO #83337 Food suggestion: Oxtail

stew.

Rating: 89+

SANTA CAROLINA DRY FARMING 2009 CARIGNAN $15.95 (CHILE)

Solid value red, made from non-irrigated grapes. Plum, blackberry and vanilla aromas spill into big plum, cedar, black cherry and vanilla flavours. Quite dense. LCBO #213520 Food suggestion: Beef and cheese manicotti.

Rating: 89+