WEEKEND PICKS

Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay 2013, California

$17.29 | 88/100 UPC: 081584047674 The Avant fruit comes off of relatively cool Sonoma Lake and Mendocino County sites but still maintains its ripe California K-J styling. Look for a tropical lime cordial nose with floral (rose) notes. The attack is similar with more tropical fruit, lime rind and just enough acidity to keep it interesting. The wine sees no oak. Perfect for seafood.

The Entertainer Red Blend Grenache-Syrah 2014, South Australia Carmen Premier Reserva Merlot 2014, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Chile

$12.29 | 86/100 UPC: 7804335002646 This is warm Colchagua Valley Merlot that is aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels for some nine months. The textures are soft and round, the flavours a mix of cedar, resin, black fruits and black olives with a dollop of chocolate. Ready to drink; serve with barbecue ribs. Good value.

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2013, Tuscany, Italy

$30 | 89/100 UPC: 00877397000421 Le Volte is Bolgheri-based Ornellaia’s entry level red that is half Merlot mixed with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Savoury somewhat reduced nose that sits over mostly earthy/cassis fruit. The palate is fresh with meaty, black cherry, licorice flavours. This is a good, not great, bottle of Le Volte with a peppery, savoury acidic bent in the finish. Decant or cellar through 2020 for best results.

Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California

$35.00 | 90/100 UPC: 00752183290715 Ray Signorello has always had a European bent; he buys and drinks very fine wine and expects that his wines should ape as much as possible the linear, flavourful, complex style of Cabernet. The 2012 is barely a Cabernet at 75 per cent with an 11/5/5/4 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot. I’m not sure it needs the final two grapes in this blend. My guess is it’s a nod to millennials. Warm, rich, supple and spicy it hits all the right buttons and you can drink it now.